January is the month that shops fill with delicious vegan options to help people on their Holy Grail of only eating plant-based food for an entire 31 days.
It’s a challenge that has become easier as each year passes, with every supermarket investing in its vegan offerings.
And while now most major shops provide a feast for plant-based dishes, M&S’ Plant Kitchen takes vegan alternatives to another level.
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For those who are wondering what food is most worthy of parting with your money for, I have rounded up my favourite options.
Wood Fired Hot & Spicy Pizza
I like to think of myself as something of a vegan pizza connoisseur having made it my personal mission to try every restaurant in Bristol serving up the plant-based treat. And while lots of supermarkets offer vegan pizzas, this meal is quite hard to get right. A common problem is them being too dry, with barely any cheese or hard bases. But M&S has avoided all of those pitfalls. This pizza comes with a soft sourdough base topped with vegan pepperoni, jalapeño and Roquito chillies - this dish was worth every calorie breaking my January diet, and was a clear winner from the entire range. Restaurant standard and bursting with flavour, this is going to become a staple in my weekly shop. (£5)
No pork streaky bacon
Like pig-based bacon, this one definitely tastes better fried than baked. These meat replicas were so realistic you even have to peel the rashes to separate them, and they look convincing too, with pink colouring and white edges. This product is packed with flavour and can be made crispy if cooked in the right way. I turned mine into a BLT, and enjoyed every mouthful. (£3).
No Beef Burger
There is a lot of competition when it comes to vegan burgers. Almost every supermarket sells them, and it's hard to find a restaurant in Bristol now without a plant-based option. As beef burgers go, this one has perfected the texture - chewy, but not tough and a very realistic flavour. It comes in packs of two for £3.15, so a similar price to its main rival, the Beyond Meat burger.
Chorizo Puppies
These were really delicious -juicy and filled with strong smokey flavours. I normally eat my sausages with some kind of condiment, but this option had so much flavour already it really didn't need it. These are definitely going to be a new favourite to bring along to BBQs. (£3.15).
No salt beef sandwich
This New York-style bread treat makes for the perfect lunch. Layered with sauerkraut, carrot and spring onion slaw, this sandwich is packed with delicious ingredients including coconut-based cheese, cucumbers and finished with a mustard sauce. Definitely worth a visit to your local M&S (£3.50).
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