Steak and kidney? No, thank you! Eating the innards of animals is no way to celebrate traditional British food, which is why, for National Pie Week, we’re going crazy for vegan pastry fare. Although the world’s first pies were filled with meat and called “coffins”, cookery has fortunately evolved since then. Thanks to companies such as all-vegan Fry’s Distribution, which has just launched its brand-new curry pie, your pastry shell doesn’t need to contain a corpse-based filling.
We just had a sneak preview of Fry’s new pie and can assure you that it’s delicious! Watch out for it in Holland & Barrett and other health-food stores. Other widely available animal-free delights include Linda McCartney’s Ale and Mushroom Pie, Amy’s Mexican Tamale Pot Pie and Clive’s Chestnut Cassoulet.
Alternatively, get creative in the kitchen and whip up your own pie. Popular pastry brands such asJus-Rollsell animal-free filo and puff, or if you’re feeling ambitious, use vegan margarine to make the perfect pastry from scratch. Why not cook up a comfort-food feast for your friends and show them that a diet that’s truly ethical, healthy, tasty and green is no pie in the sky? Vegan is the way to go!
A nacho pie has just taken out New Zealand’s top vegan pie honour and honestly, could anything scream 2025 more? Richoux Patisserie’s Supreme-winning “Nacho Pie” blended Mexican spice, crunch, and creamy plant-based comfort into a mash-up that feels perfectly tuned to the times: bold, global, and comfort-driven. Judges called it “flavour-packed” and “innovative”, which is code for this one actually made us smile.
This isn’t just about vegan food tasting good anymore, it’s about food that’s fun, expressive and culturally fluent. The rise of crossover flavours like nacho, Thai and butter “chicken” in this year’s NZ Vegan Society Pie Awards proves the Kiwi bakery scene has stopped apologising for going plant-based. It’s embracing it, remixing it, and serving it hot.
Vegan Society spokesperson Claire Insley noted the influx of new bakeries entering the competition as proof that “vegan food is tasty, and more customers are asking for vegan options across the board”. That shift in demand and the businesses responding to it, makes this year’s awards not just a celebration of pies, but a marker of where plant-based food in New Zealand is headed. Full list of winners HERE.
So yes, the humble pie just got global. And in a year when tastebuds crave joy, spice, and a bit of escapism, a nacho-stuffed pastry might just be the most accurate reflection of how we’re really eating now, less tradition, more fiesta.
Who would believe that the Vegan Pie Awards have been running for a decade now! There have been some impressive entries in that time, from all over the country. The Vegan Pie Awards continue to attract great entries and Award recipients continue to benefit from their Award titles. Award winning vegan pies are sold all over the country thanks to the showcasing of both commercial and individual bakeries. Every plant-based pie eaten is great news for the planet and the health of the pie-eater!
As always, the competition will be fierce, especially with Richoux Patisserie back in the awards. Master Baker Hay will not be kept out! He loves his pies so much and that passion flows into each one. Every pie that enters is filled with the creative juices of the baker behind it and this year the Society is expecting bumper entries! Sustainable and healthier options are becoming increasingly popular and can be eaten by everyone.
Pie Judging (Photo/Supplied)
“We can’t believe the Vegan Pie Awards have been running for 10 years now!” exclaimed Media Spokesperson for the Society, Claire Insley, “We are delighted that each year brings more entrants and interest in all our Food Awards, not just the Pies. Far from veganism being over, it is just beginning, with more people just quietly swapping ingredients and eating less meat and dairy. We are always happy to see new plant-based options for all people to enjoy”
A panel of six esteemed and experienced judges will be munching their way through piles of pies on 7th November at Khu Khu Eatery in Ponsonby. New to the judging panel is Vice President of Baking NZ Bernie Sugrue, a Timaru baker for over 30 years, who has also worked with the MPI in his time. Also new is Kylie Alla, who brings a decade of recipe writing and developing to the team of expert judges. Welcoming back business owners Brad Jacobs of The Coffee Club and Rodney Gomes of Sudima Hotels and the award stalwarts, Jasbir Kaur and Aaron Pucci, whose expertise speaks volumes.
Squeaky Bean has unveiled two brand-new plant-based pies, serving up comfort food with a gut-friendly twist just in time for autumn
Squeaky Bean/Vegan Food & Living
Plant-based brand Squeaky Bean is expanding its popular meat-free range with two tasty new additions that are loaded with flavour and gut-health benefits.
The new Braised Veggie Pie and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (both 209g with an RRP of £3.75) will be landing in Tesco stores nationwide from 6th October, expanding the brand’s growing range of vegan convenience foods.
Gut health has become one of the biggest talking points in food this year, and Squeaky Bean is leaning into the trend by adding naturally fermented vegetables to the filling that not only enhance flavour but also deliver a boost for the digestive system.
The Braised Veggie Pie puts vegetables centre stage, with a shortcrust pastry base filled with a medley of naturally fermented vegetables in a rich ale gravy, all topped with golden puff pastry. The fermentation process not only boosts flavour but also delivers gut-friendly benefits.
For those seeking a bolder bite, the Spanish Chorizo Style Pie combines butter beans, courgettes and fermented vegetables inside crisp shortcrust pastry, finished with a puff pastry lid. The result is a hearty, smoky flavour inspired by classic Spanish chorizo, but completely plant-based.
The new vegan pies from Squeaky Bean join the company's extensive range of ready-to-eat, protein-packed vegan products such as Smoked Salmon Style Slices, snackable bites, and a variety of sandwich slices
Gut-friendly option
Brand Manager Katie Atkin explained that the new pies were created to answer growing demand for plant-based foods that don’t compromise on taste.
She said the range is designed to put vegetables in the spotlight while still delivering the hearty textures consumers often associate with meat. Fermentation, she added, brings “a rich umami depth and subtle zing” that makes the pies stand out as a flavourful, gut-friendly option.
Perfect as a quick and easy midweek dinner or as the centrepiece of a vegan roast dinner, both pies can be baked straight from the packet and paired with mashed potatoes and vegetables for the ultimate comfort food.
The new additions join Squeaky Bean’s extensive vegan range, which includes ready-to-eat, protein-packed products such as Cooking Chorizo Style Sausage, Tuna Style Flakes, Crispy Bacon Style Strips, Salmon Style Flakes, Chargrilled Steak Style Strips and a variety of sandwich slices.
The Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie (209g) and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (209g) will be available in Tesco from 6th October (RRP £3.75).
These 10 vegan sweet pies are definitely worth the baking time
These sweet vegan pie recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy classic desserts made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or casual dinner with friends, a sweet pie always feels like a celebration. These recipes offer familiar favourites in vegan form – no eggs or dairy required.
Sweet pies are easy to customize. You can play with crusts, fillings, and toppings to match the season or your taste. From rich chocolate to fruity cherry, creamy key lime to comforting sweet potato, there’s a flavour for everyone. They work well with fresh fruit, nuts, or even plant-based cream for serving.
These desserts are family-friendly and kid-approved. They’re great for sharing at potlucks, parties, or cosy nights at home. Because they’re made without animal products, they’re also suitable for many people with allergies or special diets.
If you’re craving a slice of something sweet and kind, these 10 sweet vegan pie recipes are a great place to start.
Refined sugar-free vegan banoffee pie
Natlicious FoodThis vegan banoffee pie is free from refined sugar
The first recipe on this list of sweet vegan pies is a refined sugar-free banoffee pie by Natlicious Food. The dessert combines toffee, bananas, and cream. Assembly is straightforward: make a digestive biscuit base, add a date caramel, sliced bananas, and finish with vegan whipped cream.
Joanne Lee MolinaroThis pecan paht pie will make for a great dessert centrepiece
Next make this Korean-inspired pecan paht pie by Joanne Lee Molinaro. In this traditionally festive and autumnal pie, sweet red bean paste is added for a rich texture and earthy flavour. Sugary, crunchy pecans and a buttery crust make this pie enjoyable in texture and flavour.
Tanya PilgramIf you’re into creamy, cinnamon-y treats you’ll love this vegan twist on the classic sugar cream pie
Next try an old-fashioned sugar cream pie by Sam Turnbull. This vegan dessert is a twist on the mid-western classic. It contains coconut milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Use a store-bought vegan pie crust, add your filling, bake, and enjoy.
Give Me Plant FoodChocolate pies don’t need to contain dairy
A vegan chocolate pie is a must, and this one from Stine Andersen has a rich and gooey filling on top of vegan puff pastry. The ingredients for the filling are simple, like a vegan brownie batter that is then baked on a puff pastry crust. Finish with vegan whipped cream of your choice.
Janis NicolayThis festive favourite tastes as good as it looks!
This vegan maple pecan pie from Ed Tatton blends North American and British flavours for a rich, festive dessert. Made with maple syrup, golden syrup, and molasses, it skips corn syrup and eggs but keeps the gooey texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cosy nights in.
World of VeganThis egg-free and dairy-free sweet potato pie recipe is completely vegan
This sweet potato pie might traditionally be a festive dessert but you can have it anytime you want. The recipe from World of Vegan makes a plant-based version with coconut cream and sweet potato puree. Then either buy or prepare a vegan pie crust, bake, and finish with vegan whipped cream or ice cream.
Paleo Gluten-FreeThis vegan recipe is also gluten-free
This vegan key-lime pie by Paleo Gluten Free is no bake and uses avocado for creaminess over classic condensed milk from the original recipe. Get a taste of veganized Key West Florida with zesty, creamy, and sweet flavours. Make a walnut and Medjool date crust, add your filling, chill, and eat.
Chef Day RadleyThis recipe only uses a few ingredients and is gluten-free
These mini vegan cherry pies from The Vegan Chef School uses gluten-free puff pastry and a super simple filling of frozen cherries, sugar, corn flour, and cinnamon that then goes on to bake. Once you’re done baking the crust, add your filling and a pastry lattice, bake, cool, and enjoy.
Find the recipe here.
Best vegan chocolate pie
ElaVeganTry the ‘best’ vegan chocolate pie with its wonderful contrasting textures of smooth chocolate and a crunchy crust
The next pie is dubbed the ‘best’ vegan chocolate pie and it comes from ElaVegan. The crust is made from dates, oats, and nuts with salt and vanilla. The chocolate cream is made with sweet potato and avocado that is mixed with cocoa and dairy-free chocolate chips. After filling and chilling you can also add a chocolate drizzle for the top of the pie.
Zoe LonerganThis cherry pie is an excellent plant-based dessert
Last on the list of sweet vegan pie recipes is this showstopping vegan cherry pie with dairy-free whipped cream by Reece Hignell. This pie has a flaky puff pastry crust and a sour cherry filling. You can make the pastry by hand from the recipe and finish with a topping of your preferred vegan whipped cream.
