A number of takeaway outlets have started expanding their vegan offering in a bid to cash in on the new meat-free food craze gripping the nation.
But are these plant-based alternatives now available much cop? Can you taste the difference or will you be left begging for beef and pining for poultry?
Gedling Eye took Netherfield resident Neil Slack, a committed vegan, across to nearby Victoria Retail Park to sample the new meat-free treats on the menu at KFC, Subway, Costa and Greggs.
The Winner – Vegan Steak Bake, Greggs, £1.55
(5/5)
Neil said: “Superb. You wouldn’t know it doesn’t contain meat; it tastes the same. It’s spot on.
“I would say this though, the bake is definitely better served warm than cold so get it hot if you can.
“At this price, the vegan steak bake is a right bargain.”
KFC’s vegan burger, £4.49
(4/5)
Neil said: “It looks like it tastes – superb.
“It’s a bit like the Greggs bake I tried in a way because you wouldn’t suspect this is meat free as it tastes the same. It’s a bit pricey, though.”
“This should have won but I don’t think you should be paying almost a fiver for a burger.”
Vegan Sausage Roll, Greggs, £1.00
(4/5)
Neil said: “Really nice. The taste of sage in the fake sausage was spot on. Again, tastes like the proper sausage roll. I’m not surprised it’s so popular.
He added: “I think Greggs are way ahead of the competition when it comes to their vegan offering.”
Meatless Meatball Marinara – Subway, 6″ £5.50 12″ £5.49
(3/5)
Neil said: “It wasn’t the best. I couldn’t taste the vegan cheese at all. The meatballs were ok, but quite bland. The tomato sauce was nice, though.
“The vegan sub was average in my opinion.
“It’s not something I’d high-tail back down to Subway for but would eat one if I was close by to one of their places.”
Vegan smokey ham and cheese, Costa, £2.95
(2/5)
Neil said:”I’m not impressed with the fake ham at all. It doesn’t even look very appetising. The vegan cheese was ok.
“If I’m honest, they should stop bothering with the fake meat bit and just do a cheese and onion toastie instead. That would be better.
“This toastie tasted like something a vegetarian would have been offered a decade ago.”
“They are just trying to get something vegan on the menu without putting much thought into it. I wouldn’t bother with it if I were you.”
