The festive season centres around eating and drinking, from a steaming glass of spiced mulled wine to the full shabang of Christmas dinner.
Each year without fail, the turkeys are bronzed, the pigs are blanketed and the cheese boards are curated to perfection. That's if you’re not vegan.
Those following a plant-based diet have it rough on Christmas day. Bar the roast veggies, there’s not a huge amount vegans can eat when it comes to Yuletide feasting. Many wines are not vegan, and dairy is often whipped into dishes such as cauliflower cheese, Christmas pudding and the beloved Yule log.
The ever-growing interest in veganism, be it because of animal rights or the environment, has spurred the supermarket chains to get creative in their Christmas offerings. Brands such as Waitrose, M&S and Tesco have upped their game, providing meatless dishes and nut roasts for vegans and free-from diners to enjoy.
The same goes for pudding. Arguably the best party of the edible Christmas extravaganza, desserts no longer have to exclude those who don’t eat dairy or eggs. Take M&S’ delectable vegan chocolate torte for example, or perhaps Fortnum & Mason’s mint chocolate treats. Being plant-based doesn’t always have to be healthy, you know.
According to Strategic Market Research, by the end of 2023, there will be about 88 million vegans globally, which is equal to 1 per cent of the world's population. So the chances you’ll be catering for a vegan guest are fairly slim, but certainly not impossible.
Whether you’re serving up your very own plant-based spread, catering for others or experimenting with veganism, discover the best vegan Christmas dinner options below.
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No 1 Ultimate Plant-Based Festive Sharing Wellington
A hearty centrepiece for all to tuck into, Waitrose’s plant-based ‘Beef’ Wellington marries mushrooms with tasty garlic and thyme notes. The filling plant-based beef is made from textured wheat and pea protein strips. Dress the dish up with carrots and parsnips for a true winter wonder of a meal.
Buy now £12.00, Waitrose
Plantliving Chestnut & Thyme Plant Based Turkey Roast, Gravy and Festive Sides
Ensure your vegan guests are covered with a full-on turkey roast. The main event - a plant-based crown - comes complete with all the side dishes and trimmings, including a particularly notable thyme-infused chestnut stuffing. Dole yours out with dollops of gravy, plant-based pigs in blankets and fruity apricot and cranberry Christmas trees.
Buy now £16.00, Waitrose
PlantLiving Frozen Mushroom Wellington with Seeded Stuffing
Broaden your plant-based palette and add a mushroom Wellington to your Christmas dinner menu. One to keep in the freezer until the big day arrives, this dish consists of rich mushroom duxelles topped off with brown rice and sunflower and pumpkin seeds which are wrapped in puff pastry and topped with oats and thyme.
Buy now £5.25, Waitrose
Chocolate Torte
Nothing beats a chocolate hit. This vegan chocolate torte is the ultimate palette cleanser after a deliciously salty roast. The dessert combines a crunchy biscuit base with a rich, silky-smooth dark Belgian chocolate ganache and is hand-decorated with shards of dark chocolate. Sugar rush pending.
Buy now £15.00, M&S
Plant Kitchen Butternut, Almond & Pecan Nut Roast
We can always rely on M&S for the goods. The nut roast is always a plant-based pleaser, thanks to its combination of butternut squash, mixed nuts, beans, bulgar wheat and cranberries. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the whole mixture is doused in red wine and thyme gravy, adding richness to the entire dish.
Buy now £10.00, M&S
Plant Kitchen No Turkey Joint
Dive into a plate of pea protein with this No Turkey joint. Sweet notes courtesy of cranberry and savoury tinges of chestnut stuffing come together in this festive meatless dish. Serve with a myriad of crunchy veg for the most textural munch.
Buy now £10.00, M&S
Fortnum & Mason The Yuletide Hamper, Vegan
Dine in luxury thanks to Fortnum & Mason’s Yuletide Hamper. The lavish gift set spans rich coffee blends to vegan nibbles for all to try. Share the fruity Christmas pudding, sugar-laced sweets or mushroom and bean pate with loved ones who are yet to experience the perks of vegan dining.
Buy now £160.00, Fortnum & Mason
Abel & Cole The Vegan Christmas Feast Recipe Box
Rather than trekking around your local supermarket picking up various different components of your upcoming vegan meal, why not order it in one bulk? Abel & Cole’s Vegan Christmas Feast Recipe Box offers an organic selection of ingredients for a spellbinding feast. Two ready-made winter root veg and cranberry Wellingtons from Lodge Farm Kitchen, ginger and cardamom carrots and garlic and rosemary roasties are just a few of the tempting dishes included.
Buy now £105.00, Abel & Cole
