- Heck Vegan Mince and Vegan Italia Burgers
Yorkshire food company Heck has just added Vegan Mince (£3 for 400g) and some Vegan Italia Burgers (£2 for 2 burgers) to its plant-based range.
The pea-based Vegan Mince is lightly seasoned with tomato, salt, pepper and a touch of paprika and can be used as a base for a wide range of recipes, from pasta bakes and spag bol, to chilli and lasagne.
The fava bean-based Vegan Italia Burgers are brilliant for the BBQ and packed with tomato, basil, garlic and vegan cheese. Simply grill or lightly pan fry and load up in a bun with your favourite toppings and sauces.
Both products are soya-free, gluten-free, high protein, high fibre and low fat.
Compared to other meat substitutes on the market, Heck meat-free products do not try to imitate meat which is perfect for anyone who is grossed out by meat (let’s face it some meat substitutes on the markets are so much like the real thing that they can be a turn off form some vegans or vegetarians).
Verdict: ★★★★✰
Price: from £2
Get it from: Tesco and Heck
2. Fabalous
Looking for a delicious chocolate spread without the guilt?
Fabalous makes a tasty range of hazelnut and cocoa spreads that are free of palm oil, soy and dairy. They are not only organic but also contains less sugar and less fat than similar spreads.
The primary ingredient is chickpeas, which are high in plant-based proteins and vitamins. In line with the brand’s ethos, the packaging is also 100% plastic-free.
Rich and indulgent, Fabalous vegan spreads can be used on pancakes, toast, waffles or porridge (for an early morning treat).
Verdict: ★★★★✰
Price: from £4.99
Get it from: Check Fabalous website for details
3. Chunk of Devon
Based in Devon, Chunk of Devon offer a tasty range of pies and pasties made from locally sourced ingredients with no additives.
I got to try their vegan and vegetarian selection which included Chunk Roast Veg Pasties (vegan), Ploughman’s Pasties (vegan), Cheatin’ Cheeze pasties (vegan), Squash Rolls (vegetarian) and Homity Pies (vegetarian). Many bear the Vegetarian Society’s seal of approval.
Overall I was really impressed. They were all as tasty as one another and provided the perfect grab and go lunch.
Available directly from Chunk of Devon’s website, the pies and pasties are sold in boxes of 8 and are suitable for home freezing
Verdict: ★★★★✰
Price: from £28 for a box of 8
Get it from: Chunk of Devon
4. Happi Free From
Over the past few months, I have had a chance to try different oat milk chocolate brands and I am impressed!
Happi Free From Oat Milk & Vegan chocolate is made using single-origin 47% Colombian cacao and oat milk. Happi are proud of their farm-to-bar sourcing as they know who grows their chocolate and can guarantee that they are paying a fair price for it.
The range which is vegan, dairy-free and gluten free, includes a selection of chocolate bars (Plain M!lk Chocolate, Cacao Nibs Crunch, Orange, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate and White Chocolate & Raspberry) and chocolate nibbles (Oat M!lk Chocolate covered Almonds, Vegan Honeycomb or Jumbo Raisins).
While we did not get to try the white chocolate bars, the rest of the range received great reviews from everyone in the family. The chocolate is velvety and rich and each flavour is really delicious. The bright and colourful packaging was also a real winner with my kids.
With sustainability in mind, the inner film of the packaging is suitable for home composting and the outer cardboard can be recycled.
Verdict: ★★★★✰
Price: from £1.79
Get them from: visit Happi Free From for retailer list
5. St Lawrence Gold
Verdict: ★★★★★
I was delighted when St Lawrence Gold sent us a selection of their Canadian organic honey and Limited-Edition maple syrup to try.
Honey and maple syrup are staples in our house. We not only use them on porridge, pancakes, yoghurt etc.. but I also cook with both to sweeten savoury dishes, cakes and dressings.
St. Lawrence Gold honey is harvested from Manitoba where bees collect pollen from undisturbed grassland prairies. St. Lawrence Gold’s two new flavours, Blueberry Blossom Honey and Prairie Wildflower are a pure unadulterated delight. The first one has a subtle fruity kick while the latter is full-bodied and bold and perfectly complements Middle Eastern recipes.
St. Lawrence Gold Limited-Edition maple syrup is one of the world’s purest maple syrups. With one maple tree making only one litre of syrup, this golden nectar is incredibly special. Light and sweet it is ever so delicious. To be savoured sparingly and enjoyed to its last drop until the next season’s harvest.
Price: Honey £5.99 | Limited-Edition maple syrup £6.99
Get it from: Waitrose
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