10 items you didn't know were vegan

From theargus.co.uk

WHETHER you're taking part in the annual Veganuary pledge or you're just looking to cut down on your meat consumption, finding some vegan alternatives can have huge health benefits.

Vegan foods aren't all cocoa balls and tofu - you'll be surprised to know that some of these everyday items actually contain no animal products. 

Here are 10 items you'll be surprised to know are vegan: 

1. Marmite

The entire Marmite range is vegan, and certified by the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), except for the 70g jar.

The 70g jar is currently only vegetarian – though Marmite are in the process of moving towards vegan approval from the EVU.

It is made primarily from yeast, and though this isn’t a plant, it isn’t an animal either. As such, with no other animal-derived ingredients added.

2. McVitie's Hobnobs

All Hobnobs are vegan, including most own-brand oat biscuits. 

However, the chocolate biscuits are usually not vegan - although the McVitie's Choc Chip are surprisingly vegan.

They use soya lecithin, cocoa mass and fat-reduced cocoa powder, but no milk or milk proteins.

3. Oreos

The makers of Oreos state on their website that they cannot categorise these popular cookies as vegan because of the possibility of cross contact with milk products.

However, Oreos do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and are safe to eat for vegans.

4. Guinness

Since 2015, Guinness has been 100 per-cent vegan.

The beer manufacturers, Diageo changes the filtration process so that it no longer includes isinglass (a kind of gelatin obtained from fish). 

5. Starburst

Many Starbursts across the globe contain gelatine, made from animal collagen, however UK manufactured Starbursts do not. 

Vegans should be careful to ensure they are eating Starbursts from the UK as many shops surprisingly sell important sweets from the UK that contain animal products. 

6. Crumpets

Although for some people this could seem obvious, many of us will be surprised to learn that most shop-bought crumpets are vegan.

The quintessentially British snack contains no dairy products, contrary to popular belief. 

7. Cream crackers

One of the most surprising revelations is that this buttery and creamy cracker actually contains no dairy. 

The word 'cream' is derived from the manufacturing process so the crackers are completely vegan friendly. 

8. Ice Cream

In recent years there have been lots of vegan ice cream brands appearing in the supermarket freezers, they are so good in fact that it's hard to tell the difference.

Including Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cookie Dough by Ben and Jerry's as well as Swedish Glace by Walls.

9. Lotus biscuit spread

Not only are Lotus Biscoff biscuits vegan, their Biscoff spread is also vegan and makes a delicious vegan cheesecake. 

10. Pasta

Most dry pasta is not made using eggs, instead it's made with durum wheat and semolina - making it fine for vegans.

Fresh pasta however usually contains eggs, so if you're not eating foods containing animal products you should be sure to check the packaging on fresh pasta. 

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19820026.10-items-didnt-know-vegan/ 

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for kiri hodi with butternut squash

From theguardian.com

A genius coconut milk curry for the flavour-loving but time-poor cook

Kiri hodi, or coconut milk curry, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular dishes, and it is a genius recipe. All you need to do to create this taste of paradise, made using a combination of spices, aromats, citrus and coconut milk, is to bung the ingredients into a pot (largely all at the same time) and pop it on the stove. What joy. It’s the perfect thing to cook for time-poor or weary cooks, and the perfect thing to eat to bring some big tropical energy into your life.

Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food assistant: Valeria Russo.

Kiri hodi with butternut squash

The roast butternut is untraditional, but it lends its sweetness to the creamy sourness of kiri hodi. If you don’t have any, you could use almost any other vegetable instead. It’s worth hunting down fresh curry leaves; freeze any leftover leaves for next time. 

Prep 15 min
Cook 50 min
Serves 4

1kg butternut squash, halved, deseeded and peeled, flesh cut into 1½cm cubes (about 900g net)
2 tsp mild curry powder
1½ tbsp rapeseed oil
Fine sea salt
1 brown onion, peeled and finely diced
5 green finger chillies, finely sliced
12-15 fresh curry leaves
¾ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 x 10cm-long cinnamon stick, snapped in two
2 x 400ml tins coconut milk
1½ tbsp lime juice (ie from 1 lime)
Rice, to serve

Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6 and line a baking tray (I have a reusable baking liner).

Put the squash cubes in a large bowl, add the curry powder, rapeseed oil and three-quarters of a teaspoon of fine sea salt, and toss to coat. Tip out on to the tray in an even layer, roast for 35 minutes, then take out of the oven and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion, chillies, curry leaves, turmeric, fenugreek, garlic, cherry tomatoes, cinnamon and one and a half teaspoons of salt in a medium saucepan, then add 200ml tap water. Over a medium to high heat, bring up to a boil and cook for 12 minutes, until the onions and tomatoes are completely soft and nearly all the liquid has evaporated.

Add the coconut milk and the roast squash, bring back to a gently bubbling simmer, then turn off the heat and add the lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt and lime as needed, and serve with steamed rice.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/jan/01/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-kiri-hodi-butternut-squash

An Expert’s Guide To Going Vegan This January

From vogue.co.uk

BY ÁINE CARLIN

So you want to go vegan, but don’t know where to start. You have a thousand questions (and doubts) and are unsure if it’s the right lifestyle for you – or if you can feasibly sustain it. It would be easy to think with the plethora of plant-based products now on the market that veganism has been fully immersed into the mainstream, but that’s not to say there aren’t still a few awkward hurdles to surmount. 

Why go vegan?

Whether it’s animal welfare or environmental concerns that are motivating your lifestyle shift, veganism has never been more popular. While it’s never claimed to be a cure-all, simply eliminating your meat and dairy intake can have a significant positive impact on your carbon footprint, as well as reducing the devastation already caused by intensive farming.  According to a 2018 study, meat and dairy consumption is responsible for 60 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. We’d also need 75 per cent less farmland globally if everyone went completely plant-based.

If an overnight diet change feels overwhelming, you can try eliminating certain foods gradually. Start with giving up something you’re least attached to, while still allowing yourself to graze from the occasional cheeseboard – which most new vegans find the most difficult to give up. Thankfully though, we’re seeing an ever-growing range of authentic dairy-free cheeses appear in almost every supermarket, from Marks & Spencer’s Plant Kitchen feta alternative through to Violife’s Epic Mature Cheddar and even the newly launched dairy-free Boursin. Nowadays, there’s something to curb every possible craving, making the move to veganism almost seamless.

Remember that food is emotive, so don’t worry if you slip up in those initial weeks and months. This is a journey, not a sprint to plant-based perfection.

Where do I begin? 

Change begins in your kitchen. Start by clearing out your pantry and fridge (donate, don’t dump!) and filling it with familiar plant-based alternatives like organic oat milk and Naturli’ butter. In those initial stages, you’ll want to ease your way into the lifestyle by having meals and snacks that aren’t too far from your comfort zone.

Rest assured you can still enjoy all your favourites including pasta, bread, chocolate (Rhythm 108 is a must) and wine – although be sure to check the label. Surprisingly, due to the filtering process, not all wines are vegan; however, almost every brand should now have it clearly marked on the back.

In addition, sign up to a vegetable-box delivery scheme such as Riverford or Abel & Cole, which will send you a weekly selection of seasonal vegetables (with minimal plastic), as well as some tips on how best to cook them. Not only will you be supporting local farmers but you’ll be getting your 5-a-day, too.

Invest in some vegan cookbooks

You might already be a keen cook, in which case you can likely adapt a ton of recipes from your existing library. However, there are so many fantastic plant-based cookbooks catering to every ability, making flavoursome, home-cooked vegan dishes accessible to everyone.

An ode to all things veggie, Sophie Gordon’s debut cookbook The Whole Vegetable offers a uniquely sustainable and delicious approach to modern plant-based cooking. Alternatively, anything by Bettina Campolucci Bordi or Rachel Ama is a sure-fire way to make the switch simple – and be sure to follow Max La Manna on Instagram for super quick dishes with his hallmark healthy twist.

But where will I get my protein?

The continued fixation with protein deficiency is one that relentlessly crops up in any conversation concerning veganism. Indeed, T Colin Campbell, plant-based pioneer and biochemist who specialises in the effect of nutrition on long-term health, believes the importance of protein “is exaggerated, to mythical proportions”. While many people link protein closely to meat, it can be found readily in plant-based foods, from peas to chickpeas, tofu to quinoa.

If you’re still hankering after a juicy burger, look to vegan alternatives such as Beyond Burger or Moving Mountains. Protein powders from brands such as Bulk, The Protein Works, My Vegan and Huel are also a great way to ensure you’re getting everything you need. 

Overhaul your wardrobe

Of course, veganism isn’t just about the food. If you’re serious about embarking on this newfound lifestyle, your general consumption habits will inevitably have to be tweaked. We’re talking clothes, beauty, interiors and everything in between. In some ways this could be the perfect excuse to completely overhaul your wardrobe. Better still, though, continue wearing (and enjoying) what you already own, opting instead to add carefully chosen pieces that straddle the delicate balance between being vegan, sustainable and, of course, stylish.

Man-made materials don’t tend to be environmentally friendly so seek out natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo and cork. My favourite brands include the likes of Stella McCartney, House of Sunny, Lucy & Yak, Patagonia and People Tree, as well as sites like Thrifted. You can still get your fashion fix, while staying true to your newly acquired vegan ethics.

Áine Carlin is a vegan chef and author of ‘Cook Share Eat Vegan’. 

https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/how-to-go-vegan 

Veganuary 2022: the most exciting new vegan products launching this January

From heart.co.uk

In January 2021, a whopping 580,000 people pledged to go vegan for the month - and this year looks set to be even bigger.

Veganuary sees a number of mainstream brands release a huge range of exciting products for both new and existing vegans, and it's now easier than ever to follow a plant-based diet.

While a few years ago you'd struggle to even find soy milk in the supermarket, you can now buy everything from vegan cheese to ice cream on the high street.

From Krispy Kreme to Costa Coffee, here are are some of the biggest launches for Veganuary 2022:

Krispy Kreme's new vegan doughnuts

Krispy Kreme have launched new vegan doughnuts for Veganuary. Picture: Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme launched their first ever vegan doughnuts last January, and they've this year gone one step further by adding a whopping three new flavours to their selection.

These are Fudge Brownie Bliss, Caramel Choc Delight, and Apple Crumble.

RRP: £2.35 each or £14.45 for a dozen

Aldi vegan cheese

Aldi have launched their own vegan cheese for Veganuary. Picture: Aldi

Aldi have expanded their ever-growing vegan range for Veganuary, and added their very vegan cheese to their Plant Menu line.

It's a plant-based alternative to cheddar, and will be available to buy from January 2.

RRP: £1.39

Costa Coffee's new vegan range

Costa have launched a Vegan Mac and Cheeze for Veganuary. Picture: Costa

This January, Costa is expending their vegan range to include an incredible new selection of plant-based goodies.

The range includes the likes of Vegan Macaroni Cheeze, Vegan BBQ Chick’n Panini, and BOSH! ™ Chocolate & Pecan Slice.

Subway's new vegan range

Subway have added two new subs to their vegan range. Picture: Subway

Subway sent us all into a frenzy with the launch of their Meatless Marinara last January, and they've now added two new subs to their ever-growing plant-based range.

The New T.L.C.® Tikka (Tastes. Like. Chicken. and T.L.S™ (Tastes. Like. Steak.) are in stores now, and you can also buy a vegan Double Choc Cookie

New LoveRaw chocolate bars

LoveRaw have added new flavours to their collection. Picture: LoveRaw

Beloved vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw is launching three new flavours to its delicious M:lk® Choc Bars range, which will not feature Smooth Choc, Caramel and Orange.

The new flavours will be hitting shelves in time for Veganuary, and will be available to buy from stockists including The Vegan Kind and SPAR.

RRP: £1.69 each

Ritter Sport vegan chocolate

New vegan chocolate from Ritter Sport. Picture: Ritter Sport

Ritter Sport, who are known for their square chocolate bars, are releasing a vegan version for Veganuary 2022.

The new Vegan smooth & creamy Without Moo chocolate is made from sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa from Nicaragua and almond paste, and bar will be available from January 1st via Ritter Sport’s online chocolate shop.

RRP £1.99 each

Holy Moly Tzatziki and Smoky Aioli Dips

Holy Moly have launched new vegan dips. Picture: Holy Moly

Holy Moly already stock a delicious plant-based guacamole, and they've now expanded their range to include vegan versions of Tzatziki and Smoky Aioli.

The dips come in fully recyclable wrapping, and are available to buy at Waitrose.

RRP: £2.50 for a pack

allplants Resolution Box

allPlants have launched a Resolution Box for Veganuary. Picture: allplants

allplants are known for their delicious range of vegan ready meals, and they have launched an incredible Resolution Box for January 2022.

To support those going vegan for the first time, the box comes complete with six delicious chef-made meals containing minimum two of your five a day, a side dish, two healthy breakfasts and one yummy dessert.

The box is £54.95 but allplants is offering 22% off, so customers can get it for £42.86.

Visit their website for more information.

New Gü vegan mousses

Gü have launched two new flavours of mousse. Picture: Gü

Gü have launched two delicious new flavours of mousses for Veganuary, Dark Chocolate Mousse with Ganache and a Dark Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel.

The mousses are sold as twin-packs in Gü’s fully recyclable glass ramekins, and can be found in all major supermarkets.

RRP: £3.50 a pack

Tideford's new soups

Tideford's superfood soups. Picture: Tideford's

Tideford's have launched a delicious new range of 'superfoods' soups, which are perfect winter-warmers.

The Superfoods range includes six fresh soups, which are available from Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Amazon & Abel & Cole.

RRP: £2.89

Plant-Based Chicken Breast

Meatless Farm Plant-Based Chicken Breast. Picture: Meatless Farm

Meatless Farm is launching the UK’s first whole Plant-Based Chicken Breast for Veganuary, which is soya-free and made from peas.

The chicken breast perfectly replicates the taste and texture of chicken, and can be served whole or shredded. It will be available to buy from Tesco and Asda on January 3.

RRP: £3.50

Lilk plant milks

Lilk plant milk. Picture: Lilk

Plant-based milks have skyrocketed over the last few years, with a number of options including oat, soya, coconut and almond available to buy.

Lilk have created two new delicious versions, which feature blending grains and seeds. These are The Common Blend (oat and rice) and The Lush Blend (oat, coconut and quinoa).

They will be available to buy from Ocado in January.

RRP: £2.00 (The Common Blend) and £2.25 (The Lush Blend)

Nutrigums - Immune Bears

Immune Bears from Nutrigums. Picture: Nutrigums

Nutrigums are a vegan-friendly vitamin gummy brand, and they've just launched a new product called Immune Bears, which contain Vitamins D3, B12, and C.

Heck Italia burgers

Heck Italia burgers. Picture: Heck

Heck's new vegan burgers are inspired by their best selling Italia recipe.

They are fava bean based and packed full of vegan cheese, tomato, basil and garlic.

RRP: £2.50 from Heck

Shore Seaweed chips

Shore seaweed chips. Picture: Shore

These deliciously crunchy seaweed & supergrain chips are 100% plant based and come in three delicious flavours.

Get your hands on Asian Peking, Lightly Salted or Sweet Sriracha for a light and crispy snack.

RRP: 99p from Holland and Barrett

https://www.heart.co.uk/lifestyle/veganuary-2022-new-launches/