We're a week into Veganuary - a non-profit campaign that sees hundreds of thousands of people pledge to eat a plant-based diet for the month of January. The campaign is now in it's 10th year, and in 2022, saw 620,000 people take part, with celebs like Brian May, TV presenter Jasmine Harman, wildlife presenter Chris Packham, actor Peter Egan, ‘dragon’ Deborah Meaden and Eastender’s Kellie Bright having pledged a plant-based diet in the past.
Over the years, more and more brands have got involved, launching new menu items like the Greggs sausage roll and McDonald's McPlant, with supermarkets expanding their plant-based offering to cater to those going meat-free.
Seasoned vegans may know exactly what they're looking for when they head to do the weekly food shop, now. But those giving it a go for the first time might feel a little overwhelmed about where to look, what to buy, and which range to go for.
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Veganuary’s Head of Communications, Dr Toni Vernelli, commented: “Having been vegan myself for more than 30 years, it’s amazing how the conversation around veganism has changed in recent years and I know Veganuary’s friendly, non-judgemental, just-give-it-a-go-for-a-month-and-see-what-you-think approach has played an instrumental role in this shift.”
Manchester Evening News have taken a look at the vegan ranges at all of the major supermarkets, from M&S' Plant Kitchen range we've previously reviewed, to Morrisons' Plant Revolution collection. Below, you'll find everything you need to know to get started on your plant-based challenge, if you're taking part in the Veganuary campaign, or just want to incorporate some more meat free meals into your diet.
Morrisons - Plant Revolution
In January 2022, Morrisons launched their Plant Revolution range, which saw around 50 brand new vegan products hit the shelves in time for Veganuary.
Prices in the range start at 79p for a plant based Korma cooking sauce, while Morrisons’ vegan beefless wellingtons come in at £3.50. Shoppers can also indulge in some chickenless kyivs, mushroom bolognaise and fake bacon as part of the collection.
Speaking on the launch at the time, a spokesperson for the brand said: “We want our customers to enjoy eating well, no matter what diet they choose to follow. For part-time plant-eaters, fully-fledged flexitarians and the purely plant-based, our Plant Revolution range delivers the bold and exciting flavours we know they’re looking for, and we’re excited to hear what people think of it.”
M&S - Plant Kitchen
Last year, Marks and Spencer expanded their Plant Kitchen range to include 175 products for vegans to enjoy, including the highly popular vegan chocolate cake jar, following the success of their non-vegan counterparts.
The range is exclusively available online at Ocado, or at your nearest M&S store. At Ocado, the cheapest item is £1.30 for a litre of soya milk, while two Plant Kitchen steak burgers cost £5.25 each.
Marks and Spencer said: “Whether you’re going vegan, taking part in Meat Free Monday, avoiding meat and dairy or simply enjoy incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, our Plant Kitchen range means you’ll never have to compromise on taste. Expertly developed by our chefs, every product is rigorously benchmarked so it tastes just as good or even better than its meat or dairy counterpart.”
Sainsbury’s - Plant Pioneers
Sainsbury’s launched their dedicated Plant Pioneers range in January 2020, with an initial line of 31 products. There are currently 46 now available to shop on their website, including jackfruit and banana blossom.
The most affordable item on the plant based menu is the Plant Pioneers brioche style burger buns, costing £1.10 for two. At the other end of the scale, two no-salmon fillets will set you back £4.
At the time of the launch, Sainsbury’s said: “With more than seven million vegetarians in Britain and the meteoric rise of the flexitarian lifestyle, Britain has certainly got the taste for meat alternatives at mealtimes.
“Our range of plant-based products provide innovative and truly delicious options to take the hassle out of cooking flexitarian.”
Asda - OMV! And Plant based
Asda has revealed two brand new vegan ranges for 2023, with 112 new free-from and plant based options to choose from. The new OMV! range offers ‘indulgent meat-free meals and delicious snacks’, whilst the Plant Based range provides healthy, nutritionist-approved meat alternatives.
Meat-loving Married at First Sight star Zoe Clifton has been announced as the unlikely ambassador for the brand’s new meat-free ranges. Renowned vegan-sceptic Zoe is vowing to go vegan for the month of January, eating products from the new lines and sharing her verdict on vegan cuisine, supported by her plant-based partner Jenna.
In the OMV! Range, the most affordable vegan option is two vegan croissants for £1, or, you can get a chocolate dip selection for £4.50.
The full range is available to buy in-store throughout 2023, with select products also available to buy online from the 4th of January. Throughout the month, customers who spend £5 on vegan own-brand products can also earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app.
Aldi - Plant Menu
Last month, budget supermarket Aldi announced its largest vegan range to date, offering an ‘affordable and delicious range’ of new products to fulfil the nation's hunger for vegan food.
Prices start at 79p for the Plant Menu Perinaise Dip, ranging to £3.99 for a no beef roasting joint.
And, due to huge demand, the retailer has also launched its biggest ever vegan ‘cheese’ range – starting from just £1.49, including plant-based soft cheese and cheddar, to mozzarella and fake feta.
In addition shoppers can pick up the brand-new Plant Menu Organic Tofu for 99p. Which is 56 per cent cheaper than the branded The Tofoo Co. Naked Tofu. This vegan diet staple can be added to a range of dishes and is packed with protein, making it a great option for vegan connoisseurs, Veganuary partakers or simply those who are looking for a delicious dinner idea.
Tesco - Plant Based and Wicked Kitchen
Tesco launched their Wicked Kitchen range in 2018, and recently expanded with an additional 34 products including Twisted Thai Green Curry, Spicy Pepper-No-Ni Pizza, and No Steak and Ale Pies, while the dessert range now features Millionaire's Sundaes and Caramel Biscuit Dream Pots.
Shoppers can snap up plant based Jazzy Jam Filled biscuits for 75p, with the Wicked Wellington coming in at a fiver.
In 2019, the supermarket launched the budget friendly line, Plant Chef, allowing for a more affordable option for those wanting to eat more plant based foods.
Speaking on the launches, a Tesco spokesperson said they were “Incredibly proud and grateful for the amazing plant-focused team we have in Tesco”.
They added: “Thank you for helping push plants and innovations to make delicious offerings without the use of animals.”
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