Why is Everyone Going Vegan
There’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a fundamental change in many people’s diets.
Figures released by The Vegan Society earlier this year revealed that since the first lockdown in March 2020, 19.5% – almost one in five – people in the UK said they had reduced their meat consumption, while just over 12% – one in eight – said they were eating less dairy and fewer eggs.
And a Bloomberg report published in August 2021 said if the alternative meat and dairy markets grew as predicted, it could to lead to global sales of $162 billion in the next decade, up from $29.4 billion in 2020 (7.7% of the global market).
With an estimated seven million people in the UK now following a meat-free diet, vegan and vegetarian food has never been so popular and it’s great to see an ever-increasing choice in our supermarkets and shops.
Wanting to eat a meat-free diet is also why more people are choosing dishes from our range of frozen vegan meals.
What is a Vegan diet ?
So, what actually is veganism? – and how does it differ from vegetarian and pescatarianism?
Put simply: a vegan diet contains no animal products at all.
Unlike vegetarians, who will include dairy and eggs in their diet, and pesceterians, who eat fish, vegans do not eat dairy, eggs, honey, fish or meat.
It’s perfectly possible to enjoy a healthy lifestyle with all the nutrients the body needs from a vegan diet: calcium is found in leafy vegetables, dried fruits, tofu and bread, while vitamin D is added to some breakfast cereals and spreads.
Iron, which is essential for red blood cell production, can be absorbed from pulses and lentils, nuts, dark green vegetables and wholemeal bread, while vitamin B12 can be sourced from fortified cereals and yeast extract.
There are so many alternatives to dairy milk nowadays – including specially formulated barista-style milks for hot drinks – that there’s no excuse not to try some of them until you find your favourite one.
Are vegan diets boring?
Absolutely not! Have you ever been to a street food market, where vegan specialities are made? From giant, dirty burgers to mouth-watering curries, Mexican and Italian favourites, you’ll find a whole host of incredible healthy and tasty vegan foods. It’s also possible that some of your favourite snacks are already vegan (including some makes of crisps, biscuits and doughnuts …).
What if you are short of time to prep meals?
Most of us lead busy lives and we often want to reach for something quick, delicious and good for our health. Our range of vegan ready meals is ideal because each dish has been created with flavour in mind, while also being healthy and nutritionally balanced.
Delivered to your door, our high quality vegan meals are frozen quickly to lock in all the goodness and once they are in the oven (or microwave), they are ready to eat in just a few minutes.
Our chefs have developed dishes with flavours from all over the world: enjoy tasty Japanese cuisine with our mushroom ramen – packed with noodles in a mushroom infused broth with edamame beans, pak choy and wild mushrooms flavoured with tamari – that can be cooked in the oven or microwave.
Our mango and lemongrass vegetable laksa is a classic Malaysian-style dish made with noodles, mango, butternut squash, baby corn and pak choy, flavoured with citrusy lemongrass.
For Creole lovers, we’ve created a hearty, yet healthy, dish of black bean, okra and vegetable jambalaya, with rice, black beans, sweet potato, okra and baby corn.
Take a look at our budget-friendly vegan ready meal range, where you’ll find even more delicious options – all packed with the nutrients and vitamins you need to help towards a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
More choice
Cooking for more than one? Got a family to feed? Our frozen vegan dishes are available in different portion sizes: single size or enough for two or four people.
If you don’t want anything too spicy, you can also select meals based on their heat (from mild to punchy).
Do you need gluten-free meals? Can’t eat nuts? Or are you watching your calorie intake? We cater for special diets, too – take a look and see which dishes will soon grace your table. Freshly made and ready to be delivered to your door – what could be more convenient than that?
Vegan Cupboard Essentials
If you are thinking of embracing a vegan diet – or even just planning to reduce your intake of meat and dairy, invest in these store cupboard essentials so you’ll always have the basics for a nutritionally balanced meal:
- Pulses and lentils
- Herbs and spices
- Tinned or dried beans
- Tins of tomatoes
- Olives
- Oils and vinegars
- Cooking pastes, such as harissa (check the labels)
- Tinned coconut milk
- Pasta (check the label as some contain egg)
- Rice
- Nuts and seeds
- Tofu
- Vegan vegetable stock
- Dried fruit
- Yeast extract
- Porridge oats
- Flour
- Agave (to replace honey)
If you have any questions about our vegan range – or of our other ranges of ready frozen meals – here is where you can contact us.