Inspired by a Korean film masterpiece, a comforting noodle bowl for curling up with on the sofa
Dinner and film night is my jam. It’s how we as a family end the working week on a Friday night, and it’s absolutely how I’m going to finish 2023. This year we’re going to rewatch Parasite, the Oscar-winning Korean film from which I’ve borrowed inspiration for today’s recipe. In the film, ram-don is a combination of two sets of Korean instant noodles, chapagetti and neoguri, part ramen and part udon. The end result tastes, much like my hope for the new year, sweet, spicy and exciting.
Ram-don with black garlic, leek and Tenderstem
Meera Sodha’s ram-don with black garlic, leek and Tenderstem. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food Styling Assistant: Eden Owen-Jones. Photo Assistant & Retouching: Sophie Bronze.
You’ll need some black garlic paste, which is widely available in larger supermarkets. If you like, prep all the elements in advance – noodles, tofu, sauce, broccoli – and cook them together just before serving.
Prep 10 min Cook 40 min Serves 4
225g smoked tofu, drained 4 tbsp cornflour 15 dried shiitake mushrooms (15g) 4 tsp dark brown sugar 4 tbsp light soy sauce 1½ tbsp black garlic paste 3 tbsp gochujang 2 tsp rice vinegar Rapeseed oil 1 large leek (200g), finely sliced into coins ¼ tsp fine salt 250g ramen noodles 300g Tenderstem, trimmed and halved on an angle
Press the tofu with kitchen paper to remove any excess water, then cut into 2½cm cubes and put in a bowl. Add the cornflour, stir to coat, then set aside.
Put the mushrooms in a heatproof bowl, pour over 400ml just-boiled water and leave to soak.
To make the sauce, put the sugar, soy sauce, black garlic paste, gochujang and rice vinegar in a medium bowl, stir to combine and set aside.
Put two tablespoons of oil in a wide, non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. When the oil is really hot, add the sliced leek and cook without stirring for five minutes, so that some strands blacken and caramelise. Turn down the heat to medium-low, add a quarter-teaspoon of fine salt, cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally, then transfer to a plate.
While the leeks are cooking, get on with the mushrooms and noodles. Scoop out the soaked mushrooms, squeezing them to get rid of any excess water, then pour the soaking liquid into the sauce bowl. Finely slice the rehydrated mushrooms and add them to the bowl, too.
Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, moving them around with a fork or tongs to stop them sticking together. Drain, rinse under cold water until cooled, drizzle over a couple of tablespoons of oil and stir to coat.
Heat another tablespoon of oil in the leek pan, add the broccoli and a couple of tablespoons of water, pop on the lid and cook, stirring once halfway, for four minutes. Transfer to a second plate.
Put the pan on a high heat and add three more tablespoons of oil. Shake any excess cornflour off the tofu, put the cubes in the pan in a single layer (you might need to fry them in two batches), fry for about six minutes, turning every other minute, until golden, then transfer to a third plate (keep the pan on the heat).
Add the noodles to the hot pan, followed by the sauce, broccoli, tofu and half the leeks, toss (use a spaghetti fork or similar) until well mixed, then leave to heat through for a couple of minutes. Distribute between four plates or bowls, spoon some of the remaining leeks over each portion and serve.
From the return of Burger King’s meatless Bean Burger to a special Chicken Run edition of Alpha Foods’ plant-based nuggets, we’re serving up the best in vegan news of the week
It seems that every week in the world of vegan news is more exciting than the last, and this week is no exception.
Exploring some heady themes about factory farming, Chicken Run: The Rise of the Nugget is sure to make some viewers into vegans—and Alpha Foods will release plant-based nuggets to help them make the transition.
Plus, Veganuary will get a great boost this year with new options at Burger King and Papa John’s.
As the end of the year approaches, we’ve got health on the mind and it looks like science continues to point to plant-based diets as the best for health. And on January 1, a new Netflix doc, You Are What You Eat, will delve deeper into this topic. Read on for more.
Vegan food and tech news
Food-technology company The Every Co. has caught the eye of Molly Baz, food influencer and former senior food editor at Bon Appétit. Made using precision fermentation, the company’s Every Egg has a wide range of applications from omelettes to crème brûlée.
Baz was impressed with dishes made with this animal-free egg at New York City’s famed Michelin-starred restaurant Eleven Madison Park, which went plant-based under the direction of chef-owner Daniel Humm back in 2021.
Steakholder Foods
In more food-tech news, alternative protein start-up Steakholder Foods just unveiled a world-first: 3D-printed plant-based eel.
This development, utilising the company’s proprietary 3D-printing technology, aims to address the sustainability challenges faced by the global eel market, valued at $4.3 billion. Consumed most prominently in Japan, wild eel is facing overexploitation and extinction while farming eel is problematic for myriad reasons, including the animal’s complex life cycle.
“The launch of our printed eel marks a pivotal moment in the seafood industry, showcasing the vast potential of our DropJet technology,” Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods, said in a statement.
The company’s unique printing process reduces ingredient use compared to typical plant-based alternatives, positioning it as a potential industry leader. Steakholder Foods is exploring partnerships for commercialisation, offering proprietary 3D printers and ink to produce 3D-printed eel at competitive prices.
“This technology is designed to enable partners to generate products on a potential industrial scale of hundreds of tons monthly, not only at lower costs compared to wild eel, but also with the flexibility to create a variety of printed products using the same production line,” Kaufman said.
“Such versatility could significantly boost profitability for food companies and lead the way to a shift towards more efficient and sustainable practices in the industry,” Kaufman said.
Currently made with plant ingredients, the product is expected to include cultivated eel cells in the future.
Animated film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nuggetis already set to be a vegan-maker and now, Alpha Foods is jumping on board with new plant-based nuggets to help you quit the bird for good.
Alpha Foods has teamed up with Aardman Animations for the release of this sequel to the beloved 2000s classic, offering a limited-edition version of its plant-based nuggets. These special nuggets come in packaging featuring characters from the film, along with the message: “Choose plants—No Fowl Play!”
Available in stores nationwide from March, this initiative aligns with Alpha’s mission to provide meatless, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly options.
Alpha Foods
“We think this partnership with a studio like Aardman is a tasty intersection of food and film,” Shingly Lee, Alpha Foods Marketing Director, said in a statement. “We are excited to be a part of this iconic movie franchise and we look forward to more high-profile collaborations in 2024.”
“Alpha is committed to pushing boundaries and bringing quality and innovation to the category, and this exciting partnership is just the beginning,” she said.
Vegan restaurant news
To start Veganuary off right, several fast-food chains are offering new plant-based options. At Papa John’s in the United Kingdom, a new plant-based barbecue chicken pizza has hit the menu.
This new offering, available from January 2, features vegan “Sheese,” plant-based chicken slices, mushrooms, onions, and a barbecue drizzle. Building on previous successes like the Ve-Du-Ya and Hot Pepper pizza, this addition is part of Papa John’s commitment to expanding its vegan menu.
Papa John’s
“We know our customers will be exploring meat-free alternatives this January, so we’re delighted to start the new year with an extended vegan menu,” Senior Marketing Director Rebecca Rose said in a statement, adding that the vegan chicken can be ordered on all Papa John’s pizzas.
Alongside the pizza, Papa John’s offers vegan sides and a promotional deal of 60-percent off pizzas to encourage more customers to try its plant-based options.
Burger King is also getting into the Veganuary groove with the return of its black bean burger in the UK. The chain is responding to extensive customer demand with the new and improved Ultimate Bean Burger, which officially hits the UK menu on January 3. This revival, driven by fans’ petitions and social media appeals, is part of Burger King’s effort to cater to vegetarians and flexitarians, especially during Veganuary.
The Ultimate Bean Burger, packed with vegetables like black beans, mushrooms, sweet red pepper, and green chili, can be made vegan-friendly by removing the cheese.
“It’s been amazing to see so much love for our Bean Burger, so we’re beyond excited to finally be bringing it back to menus.” Katie Evans, Marketing Director at Burger King UK, said in a statement.
This reintroduction aligns with Burger King’s goal to achieve a 50-percent meat-free menu by 2030.
While McDonald’s sorts out its plant-based plans, a new vegan contender is coming to the fast-food market. Dr. Seed is a virtual hybrid restaurant that just began operations in France and Belgium.
Dr. Seed
This innovative brand operates with its own web app, bypassing conventional aggregator platforms and offers a unique dining experience through a QR code system for mobile ordering and payment.
The brand’s strategy includes the concept of a “restaurant within a restaurant,” that serves vegan takes on familiar fast-food items such as the Big Mac (called “Big Seed” here) along with plant-based Filet-O-’Dish (“Seed Fish”), meatless Whopper (“King Seed”) and more.
Vegan health news
Many people refocus on their health come January, and the good news is that science keeps pointing to plants as the key to optimal health.
The latest example? A new study found that 75 percent of type 2 diabetes instances can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle with a plant-based diet at the centre.
The research, involving more than 113,000 participants, shows that a 24-percent reduction in diabetes risk is achievable with a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, even when accounting for factors like genetic predisposition and obesity.
“Our study is the first to identify biomarkers of central metabolic processes and organ functions as mediators of the health effects of a plant-based diet,” lead study author Tilman Kühn from MedUni Vienna’s Center for Public Health, said in a statement.
Additionally, the study highlights the importance of reducing the intake of not just animal-based, but also industrially processed and sugary foods, underlining the role of improved liver and kidney functions in diabetes prevention.
Silk
Younger generations are drinking more plant-based milk these days—and researchers are looking to make them even more nutritious. In a study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, researchers revealed that they have enhanced the nutritional value and taste of plant-based milks using simple pre-treatment methods.
By pre-freezing and applying ultrasound treatment to raw materials such as soy, rice, oats, and peas, the study achieved up to a 100 percent increase in the extraction of microelements such as iron, potassium, and zinc, and a 15 to 20 percent increase in polyphenol content, which are key to protecting against various diseases.
Did you catch the study about how 21 sets of identical twins followed an omnivore vs vegan diet to determine which one’s best for health? If not, the research was made into a binge-worthy documentary series, You Are What You Eat, which you can watch on Netflix.
Veganuary 2024 is sure to have something for everyone with these incredible food launches
Veganuary 2024 is finally here! Following the UK’s most vegan Christmas, Veganuary 2024 looks set to be another huge year for the vegan food challenge. After Veganuary 2023 saw more people sign up to a month of plant-based eating than ever before, this year could see more records fall. In its tenth year, Veganuary has become a household name and a global event.
For Veganuary first-timers and seasoned vegans alike, there are a huge number of products released specially this time of year to cater to sky-high demand for plant-based food. This article rounds up our picks of the best Veganuary launches in 2024. We will keep updating this throughout the month with new releases, so keep checking back for the latest launches.
What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a month-long vegan eating challenge started in 2014 by Jane Land and Matthew Glover.
A recent film told the story of Veganuary’s first decade from a kitchen table in Yorkshire to a worldwide phenomenon inspiring millions to make positive choices with their diets. “It’s given veganism a positive brand makeover,” Evanna Lynch says in the film.
As well as encouraging people to try new foods in its one-month challenge, Veganuary has achieved sustained dietary changes for many. In 2023, a half-year survey found that more than a quarter of new signups had kept up a plant-based diet six months after taking part in Veganuary.
Product launches for Veganuary 2024
Over the years, more and more brands have been getting involved with Veganuary. Memorable vegan food launches have included the Greggs sausage roll in 2019 and Subway’s vegan chicken sub in 2022. Most major chains and brands now have several vegan products and dedicated vegan menus.
Veganism has never been more accessible. In 2024, big names from Pizza Hut to Magnum, are releasing new products as Veganuary specials. Whether you’re looking for milk, honey, pizza, ice cream, pies, drinks, or fish, there is something for everyone this Veganuary. Here are a selection of vegan food launches to try in Veganuary 2024.
M!LK by The Coconut Collab
The Coconut CollabDairy drinkers can try cruelty-free M!LK in Veganuary 2024
Known for its yogurts and desserts, vegan brand The Coconut Collab is launching a plant-based M!LK™ for Veganuary 2024. The barista-style milk looks, tastes, and behaves like its dairy counterparts – without the cow. For new vegans, try M!LK™ in your hot drinks, cereals, and everything else that you like to use dairy milk in. Available from Ocado now, RRP £2.35.
Pukka’s Vegan No Steak Pie and Slice
PukkaThe Vegan No Steak Pie is one of Pukka’s two new launches for Veganuary 2024
Pie-maker Pukka is going big for Veganuary 2024 with two new launches. The No Steak Pie features vegan “steak” pieces, gravy, and diced onion encased in puff pastry. No Steak Pie (RRP £1.99) and No Steak Slice (RRP. £1.95) available at Sainsbury’s from December 29 and Asda from January 1. The No Steak Pie will also be available at Tesco from the January 1.
Beyond Meat Pepperoni at Pizza Hut
Pizza HutPizza Hut has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch a Veganuary pizza in 2024
For Veganuary 2024, official sponsor Beyond Meat is bringing its Beyond Pepperoni to Pizza Hut. Pizza lovers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s new plant-based pepperoni topping on the Big New Yorker Pizza, Beyond Pepperoni Feast Pizza, and Beyond Pepperoni Melt. Available at Pizza Hut Delivery and arriving at Pizza Hut restaurants from January 8.
Tesco’s Plant Chef range
TescoThe Plant Chef range is new and expanded for Veganuary 2024
Tesco’s Plant Chef range is expanding for Veganuary 2024. In stores and online from January 1, the range features dishes inspired by food from the USA, India, Asia, and Mexico. Chilled items include Sweet Potato Katsu Style Curry and Mexican Inspired Bean Burgers. Frozen items include No-Beef Meatballs and No-Chicken Strips.
Moo Free Bubble Bars
Moo FreeMoo Free has released two new chocolate bars for Veganuary 2024
Free-from chocolatiers Moo Free have launched a new range of Bubble Bars just in time for Veganuary. With two flavours to keep both milk and white chocolate lovers happy, you can choose from Moofreesas or Cookie Crunch. Like the rest of the Moo Free range, these are made in the UK using Moo Free’s chocolate using Rainforest Alliance cocoa from certified farmers. Both bars are 35g, £1.20 available from Sainsburys or online from Moo Free.
HAPPIEE!™ Seafood range
HAPPIEE!™Vegan seafood brand HAPPIEE!™ has released new products for Veganuary 2024
Plant-based brand HAPPIEE!™ has launched a range of plant-based seafood for Veganuary 2024. HAPPIEE!™ is debuting Shrimpiee, Squidiee, and Calamariee plant-based prawn and squid. Sustainable seafood can only mean vegan seafood. HAPPIEE!™’s plant-based seafood is now available at Ocado and Tesco and is launching in Asda stores on January 3 at RSP £3.50.
Higgidy Spinach, Red Pepper and Basil Mini Muffins
HiggidyTwo new vegan products from Veganuary 2024’s official co-sponsor
Higgidy has a wide range of plant-based options and has expanded further for Veganuary 2024. Its new Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Vegan Muffins are made using oat milk, basil oil, and butternut squash puree to create a moist muffin texture. Also contains pine nuts and basil. RRP £3.85, available from Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose and Abel & Cole.
Higgidy Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Lattices
HiggidyLittle Lattices for a big Veganuary 2024
It’s not one but two Veganuary launches from official Veganuary 2024 sponsor Higgidy. These little lattice bites are butternut squash puff pastry parcels filled with sweet potato and cauliflower. RRP £3.85, available at Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco.
Better Foodie’s Vegan H*ney
Better FoodieHoney lovers won’t have to miss out in Veganuary
Organic food producer Better Foodie is launching a plant-based honey in the UK for Veganuary 2024. In partnership with California-based start-up MeliBio, will be rolling out the award-winning Vegan H*ney across approximately 200 retailers in the UK. Identical to honey on a molecular level, Vegan H*ney is created using a proprietary plant extract blend, emulating the wildflowers required for real bees to create honey.
Sweet Freedom Barista Coffee Syrups
Sweet FreedomSweeten your plant-based coffees with all-natural syrups from Sweet Freedom
Sweet Freedom’s barista syrups are completely natural, with the sweetness coming from apple and grapes. With no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, Sweet Freedom’s products are popular amongst health conscious consumers. Available in three flavours – vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut – these barista syrups have won a Great Taste Award. Available online from Sweet Freedom from £3.75.
Crosstown Vegan Doughnuts
CrosstownCrosstown is bringing out three new Veganuary products for 2024
Doughnut lovers are in luck: Crosstown is stepping things up this year with three brand new Veganuary treats. The Pistachio & Rose Doughnut (left) features rose icing over Crosstown’s signature vegan sourdough. It has a pistachio and rose custard filling, and comes topped with pistachio crumble. The Coffee, Cardamom & Coconut Doughnut (top, middle) adds a coffee and cardamom custard to a cocoa dough. It is then dipped in coconut glaze and coated in coconut angel flakes. Finally, the Matcha & Rhubarb Dough Bite (right) – Crosstown’s first vegan matcha flavour – is a mini vegan doughnut with rhubarb and strawberry compote filling. It is topped with a matcha and green tea glaze and strawberry crumble. All three will be available in all Crosstown stores from January 1. Available individually or in special Veganuary boxes of six, 12 or 15 mini.
Papa Johns Vegan BBQ “Chicken” Pizza
Papa JohnsPapa Johns has launched a new pizza for Veganuary 2024
For Veganuary 2024, Papa John’s is launching a new limited-edition Vegan BBQ “Chicken”pizza and vegan “chicken” topping to its menu from January 2. The new pizza is topped with vegan “Sheese,” slices of the newly launched plant-based “Chicken” pieces, mushrooms, onions, and a sweet and tangy BBQ drizzle. The vegan “chicken” topping will be available across the Papa Johns menu.
Aldi Plant Menu Ice Creams
AldiIce cream cones from Aldi for Veganuary 2024
Budget supermarket Aldi has launched two new vegan ice cream cones for Veganuary 2024. Available in two flavours – Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate & Hazelnut – the Cornetto-style ice creams cost £1.99 for a box of four.
Oato’s Oat Milk
OatoKeep the tradition of the milk round alive without the dairy
Oato’s oat milk is delivered around the UK in reusable glass bottles on milk rounds. Made in the UK with 100 percent British Oats and water from the Lake District, they offer Barista Whole and Chocoloato, a chocolate oat milk. Find your local delivery.
Kallø Veggie Thins
KalløKallø Veggie Thins use chickpea flour
Crunchy vegan snacking flatbreads made from chickpea flour. These gluten-free crackers have no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. High in fibre and a good source of protein, Kallø’s Veggie Thins are baked not fried and available in three flavours: mixed seeds, beetroot, and rosemary and sea salt. Available from Waitrose, £1.50 RRP.
The Flower Farm Spread
The Flower FarmSpread without palm oil for Veganuary 2024
The Flower Farm is a palm oil free, plant-based spread. Unlike traditional margarines, which can contain up to 50 per cent palm oil, The Flower Farm swaps palm oil for shea butter. This sustainable alternative is extracted from the nuts of the Karité tree, 2 billion of which grow naturally in the African Savannah. Available in Sainsbury’s for £2.95 per 450g tub.
Empie Vegan Chocolate & Vanilla Milk
GoE WellnessA hemp-based vegan milk drink with no artificial additives
Health brand GoE Wellness has launched two new vegan milk drinks for Veganuary 2024. A curated blend of water, hemp seeds (6 percent), rice syrup, and sugar cane, these plant-based milk drinks have no artificial additives.
For Veganuary 2024, Wetherspoons has launched a Beyond BBQ stack meal. The burger build consists of an award-winning Beyond Burger, BBQ sauce, onion rings, iceberg lettuce, red onion, and tomato in a plant-based brioche bun. Served with chips and a drink for £7.50 (soft drink) and £8.97 (alcoholic drink).
Magnum Chill Blueberry Cookie
Launching for Veganuary 2024, the newest addition to Magnum’s vegan range features vanilla-biscuit flavoured ice cream, blueberry sorbet, and cookie pieces.
Plant Protein Superblend from Myvegan
MyveganEach serving contains 20 grams of plant protein
Vegan nutrition specialist Myvegan has launched a new Plant Protein Superblend in time for Veganuary 2024. Using upcycled barley and rice protein powder extracted from the otherwise-wasted by-product of the beer industry, this protein superblend contains 20g of plant-based protein per serving. It is available in three flavours – iced coffee, chocolate, and caramel – from Myvegan. Prices start at £2.49 RRP.
Bio&Me Porridge Pots
Bio&MeVegan and gluten-free porridge pots for cold January mornings
Vegan and gluten-free porridge pots, high in fibre and with no added sugar. With ingredient chosen for your gut biome, Bio&Me porridge pots come in two flavours: Spiced Apple and Nice & Nutty. Available in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, RSP £1.15.
Remedy Energy
RemedyA gut-health drink for Veganuary 2024
The UK’s leading kombucha maker has launched a brand new Energy drink. It has the same level of caffeine as other energy drinks on the market but is powered by natural ingredients green tea, raw green coffee bean extract, and ginseng. Sugar free and with artificial additives, it also contains live cultures, antioxidants, and organic acids to support gut health. Available in WHSmith, RRP £2, and online from Remedy.
Chocomel Plant-Based
ChocomelChocomel lovers taking part in Veganuary can easily swap in the plant-based version
Made from a blend of cocoa, cashew nut, and pea, Chocomel Plant-Based is a sweet vegan drink that can enjoyed hot or cold. Available from Tesco and Morrisons stores nationwide, RRP £3.20.
Protein Ball Co’s vegan balls
Protein Ball Co.Plant-based protein balls from the Protein Ball Co.
The Protein Ball Co is launching two brand new vegan flavours for Veganuary 2024. The Choc Chip Muffin and Salted Caramel protein + vitamin balls are an on-the-go treat for health-conscious consumers. Available online, RRP £18.99 for a box of 10.
