As more and more Britons make the compassionate decision to go vegan (almost one in 10 people are dumping dairy products from their diets) and with UK sales of “meat free” and “free from” foods set to top £1 billion this year, PETA taste-tested all the delicious meat-, egg- and dairy-free foods on the market, picked the best of the best, and announced its first-ever Vegan Food Award winners in no fewer than 20 categories.
Retailers are noting the increase in people moving to a healthier, kinder diet
“Our winners – from restaurant and sandwich chains to artisan food companies to fine chocolatiers – are proof that astute food retailers are taking note that more and more people are ditching meat, eggs and dairy products and moving towards a healthier and kinder diet”, says PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi. “The best thing that people can do for animals, the environment and their health is to go vegan.”
Companies that have introduced animal-free products are reaping the rewards of what surveys have highlighted is an under-met demand for a wider range of animal-free convenience products, including lunchtime snacks, as more than half of all consumers are choosing these healthier options.
A new generation of consumers is aware that raising animals for food pollutes water and land and is a leading cause of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Also, vegans are less prone to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer and obesity than non-vegans. And going vegan saves the lives of many animals every year.
Nando’s Veggie Burger, Wagamama Yasai Itame, and Pret a Manger Naked Avocado Bloomer featured amongst the winners (see below).
To read about all the winners, click here or visit PETA.org.uk.
Best Vegan Burger: Nando’s Veggie Burger
A surprise entry from Nando’s steals the coveted veggie burger crown. Made from soya and tomato, this meat-free patty makes dining out a pleasure for compassionate eaters.
Best Vegan Noodles: Wagamama Yasai Itame
Rice noodles in a spicy coconut and lemongrass soup with tofu and oodles of fresh veggies — this generous dish will entrance your taste buds and go a long way towards your five-a-day.
Best Vegan Sandwich or Wrap: Pret a Manger Naked Avocado Bloomer
Packed full of fresh, delicious ingredients, this sandwich is a sure-fire pleaser. And with more than 240 branches of Pret up and down the country, vegans on the move need never go hungry again!