High Street favourite Marks & Spencer has launched its new Veggie range of products ahead of World Vegetarian Day on October 1. The veg-packed meals offer more choice for “overlooked” vegetarians, two thirds of whom say they are unhappy with current options on supermarket shelves.
The new range has been developed by the store's in-house chefs and experts to give more choice to vegetarians. In a survey by M&S it was found that 60 per cent of those polled were not happy with the number of vegetarian options in supermarkets and restaurants, while more than half felt there are too many vegan options in comparison to specifically vegetarian meals.
Importantly, some 85 per cent said that vegetables are the best part of vegetarian food for them, with nearly all respondents agreeing that veggies make meals more flavourful and colourful. However almost two thirds said that there aren’t enough vegetables in meals currently available in supermarkets and restaurants.
Sharry Cramond, lifelong vegetarian and director of marketing & hospitality at M&S, said: “Many vegetarians, myself included, know all too well how it feels to look at a restaurant menu or supermarket shelves and only see a handful of meat-free options, most of which are vegan, and rarely anything that celebrates vegetables. Our brand-new Veggie range more than meets that need and is the perfect solution for this overlooked group of foodies who want delicious, modern dishes packed with vegetables and with eggs, dairy and cheese too.
“From comforting mains for one to sharing centrepieces and all-important sides, this range is ideal for work lunches, midweek dinners, weekend entertaining and more."
Included in the Veggie range:
Veggie Tomato & Aubergine Bake, 600g - £6
Marinated and roasted aubergines with a creamy mature Cheddar sauce, topped with a mix of mature cheddar for a rich taste and mozzarella for a lovely oozy texture. Serves two
Veggie Mediterranean Style Pasta Bake, 600g - £6
An indulgent bake with Italian pasta, roasted peppers and courgette, topped with a generous helping of Mozzarella cheese. Serves two
Veggie Cherry Tomato Tart, 330g - £5
Butter-enriched puff pastry filled with a mixture of cherry tomatoes, onion, roasted aubergine, balsamic vinegar, ricotta, mature Cheddar and basil pesto, topped with basil-marinated semi-dried red & yellow cherry tomatoes
Veggie Cauliflower Panang Curry, 390g - £4
Fragrant Thai curry with turmeric-roasted cauliflower, sweet potato and edamame beans, and an authentic blend or aromatics including lemongrass, galangal, ginger, garlic and chilli. (2 of your 5 a day and Eat Well)
Veggie Vegetable Chilli, 400g - £3.25
Rich and smoky chilli made with a secret blend of spices and a hint of dark chocolate to give depth of flavour, then topped with roasted sweet potato and fresh coriander. (2 of your 5 a day and Eat Well)
Veggie Spiced Harissa Cauliflower, 285g - £4
Marinated cauliflower florets with a smoky, spicy harissa sauce, finished with a delightful creamy and tangy dressing made from yoghurt, buttermilk, tahini, honey and lemon juice. (Eat Well)
Veggie Spicy Sweetcorn Bites, 350g - £3.50
Corn cob chunks in a zingy lime, paprika, coriander & chilli marinade with a zesty lime butter for extra succulence
Veggie Cauliflower Bhaji Burgers, 240g - £3.50
Aromatic burgers made with masala-roasted cauliflower and coconut cream
Veggie Mushroom Sausages, 320g - £3.50
Succulent veg-based sausages made with roasted mushrooms and caramelised onions
Veggie Cheesy Rarebit Mushrooms, 250g - £4
Mushrooms filled with mature Cheddar and mozzarella rarebit, topped with toasted focaccia breadcrumbs, served with a pickled red onion dressing.
