From supermarket shelves to restaurant menus, it seems the excitement around veganism is everywhere.
And with the sunshine due to make a return over the August Bank Holiday weekend, it looks like even one of Britain’s favourite summer pastimes – hosting a BBQ – has got the vegan bug.
A new survey released by The Vegan Society has revealed nearly one in four (23%) said they were looking forward to a completely vegan BBQ this summer.
Interestingly, 13% of respondents who said they have always offered vegan options when hosting a BBQ revealed their entire BBQ would be completely plant-based this year. Encouragingly, another 10%, who said they had not offered vegan options before, said they would be making the switch to a completely vegan BBQ this time.
Meanwhile, 29% said they have always offered vegan options and will continue to do so this summer and 21% said they had previously not offered vegan alternatives, but they would do this year.
Francine Jordan, spokesperson for The Vegan Society, said: “It’s a common misconception that going vegan means missing out on your favourite food. We know that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it’s never been easier to find a vegan version of those BBQ staples you love such as burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, or even creamy potato salad. It’s so encouraging to see that so many Brits are offering plant-based options for the first time or making the switch to a fully vegan BBQ that is so much kinder on the planet and for the animals.”
Finding vegan swaps for a delicious BBQ is easier than ever before. Taste and Glory’s entire rage is certified with the Vegan Trademark and includes several BBQ essentials, such as meat-free sausages, Chick’n Burgers and Quarter Pounders. Also, Aldi’s tasty and budget-friendly range Plant Menu features a BBQ Jackfruit Burger and Spicy No Chicken Burgers.
There’s good news for cheese lovers too as we know the perfect vegan burger isn’t complete without a slice (or several!) of vegan cheese. The UK’s vegan cheese market is expanding each year, but firm favourites to pair with a burger are Applewood Vegan Smoky Slices, Ilchester’s Melting Mature or Vitalite’s “cheese” slices.
For other BBQ staples, the Vegan Trademark makes filling your shopping list a breeze. The Vegilantes have a great range of products from Southern Fried W*ngs to Smoky R*bs in BBQ Sauce, a sure winner at any BBQ! For more inspiration for the perfect BBQ, head over to the vegan BBQ recipes page on our website.
No matter the weather this weekend, make sure you savour the last weeks of summer and enjoy some delicious vegan food. Looking for inspiration? Try some of our top BBQ recipes.
“Summer” survey, conducted 30th April – 5th May 2021, conducted through Attest. Audience was 500 people from the UK who said they were looking forward to hosting a BBQ this summer. Sample was working age nationally representative for age, gender and home region.