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10 best vegan foods

Going meat- and dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to give up on flavour. There are plenty of vegan goodies on the market that ensure you get all your vitamins, without compromising on taste

Mathilde Ive

Saturday 24 May 2014 22:14 BST

There is now a huge range of foods out there for anyone who steers clear of animal products. We’ve munched our way through a variety of vegan-approved grub to see you through from breakfast to dinner, with a few snacks in between.

From Alara’s Organic Muesli to Pudology’s yummy desserts, we’re confident you will find something that takes your fancy.

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10 best vegan foods

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1/1010 best vegan foods

10 best vegan foods

Provamel Organic Almond Original

This almond drink is a milk alternative that works for your coffee, muesli or baking. Although it won’t froth up as well as the regular white stuff, it makes up for its textural shortcomings with a delicious nutty taste. £2.59, goodnessdirect.co.uk

10 best vegan foods

Marigold Engevita Nutritional Yeast Flakes

Going vegan means there are vitamins, especially B12, normally found in meat, that you’ll have to get from elsewhere. Put this in anything from stews to salads to add a cheesy, nutty flavour to your cooking. £2.80, ocado.com

10 best vegan foods

Bute Island Foods garlic & herb Creamy sheese

Bute Island Foods makes a range of dairy-free “sheeses”. Ignore the silly name, they are a good substitute for the real thing, particularly this spreadable alternative. With a creamy texture and a rich, garlicky flavour it goes very well on a piece of toast. £2.48, goodnessdirect.co.uk

10 best vegan foods

Clif Chocolate Almond Fudge Bar

Active types will like this rich, sweet treat made from oats, rice syrup, soybeans and almond purée, among other goodies. It tops up energy levels fast, making it ideal for runners, cyclists or hikers. A delicious chocolaty vegan-alternative to a brownie. £1.25, thehealthbay.com

10 best vegan foods

Macsween Vegetarian Haggis

Just because you’re meat- and dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to opt out of Sunday roasts. This family-run business, famous for its traditional haggis, also makes a vegan/vegetarian alternative. It’s surprisingly rich in flavour, with the mushrooms, lentils and oatmeal providing a good chunky texture. And it’s lighter than the meaty alternative. £3.55, waitrose.com

10 best vegan foods

Soulful Food OnePot Butternut, Lentil & Spinach hotpot

This low-fat, tasty hotpot is ideal if you need something quick and easy for dinner. With hints of Indian spices, and chunks of cauliflower and butternut squash, it’s good as it is, or you can beef it up with some extra veggies. £3.49, ocado.com

10 best vegan foods

Pudology Gluten- and Dairy-Free Chocolate Puds

It’s hard to believe this rich chocolate pudding is completely dairy-free. Made with coconut milk chocolate ganache and Madagascan vanilla, it is our favourite from the Pudology range, which also features banoffee and strawberry desserts if chocolate’s not your thing. £2.76 (2 x 85g), ocado.com

10 best vegan foods

Yu! Jus Fruit Blueberry Pieces

Sweet treats can be healthy. These bite-size blueberry pieces are free from added sugar, and with a similar texture to wine gums, kids will be fooled into thinking they’re the real deal. 67p, tesco.com

10 best vegan foods

Rude Health Spelt Oaty

This small company prides itself on using natural ingredients that aren’t over-processed. Its high-fibre biscuits made from Scottish oatmeal, spelt flour and extra-virgin olive oil are a tasty addition to a packed lunch. £1.99 (4 x 50g), waitrose.com

10 best vegan foods

Alara Into the Garden Organic active Muesli

This light, crisp breakfast offering made from a mix of amaranth, quinoa, finely chopped seeds and nuts and naturally sweetened with dried apple pieces, is just as tasty as your regular cereal. Try it with almond milk. £4.66, goodnessdirect.co.uk

Verdict:

For vegans who find they get cheese cravings, Bute Island Food’s vegan ‘sheese’; range is a winner. Another must is the Marigold Engevita Nutritional Yeast Flakes to make sure B12 levels are kept high. And if that all sounds too virtuous, Pudology’s chocolate puds will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Buy now

1. Alara Into the Garden Active Organic Muesli, £4.66

2. Provamel Organic Almond Original, £2.66

3. Bute Island Foods Creamy Sheese, Garlic and Herb, £2.48

4. Pudology Gluten and Dairy Free Chocolate Puds, £3.45 for two

5. Soulful Food OnePot, Butternut, Lentil & Spinach (350g), £3.49

6. Macsween Vegetarian Haggis (500g), £3.55

7. Marigold Engevita Nutritional Yeast Flakes, £2.95 (125g)

8. Rude Health The Spelt Oaty, £1.99

9. Yu! Jus Fruit Blueberry Pieces, £0.69

10. Clif Chocolate Almond Fudge Bar, £1.25