La Vie (plant-based ham from France?!)
Most vegans get the boring accusation of ‘why do you eat ham?’ Well, because it tastes good, and there’s no reason to kill animals to make one of England’s popular foods. Most ham sold in England is from factory-farmed pigs, and there is not enough land for everyone to eat free-range.
Recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins, if kerbside does not collect. Do not give these brands to pets, due to salt and other unsafe ingredients (read more on food safety for people & pets).
La Vie Plant-Based Ham is a French company, known for its vegan bacon (that flies off the shelves worldwide). Made with pea protein and radish extract, this is great in a vegan cheese and ham toastie.
Other Good Brands of Vegan Ham
Heura is a young fresh Spanish company, based in beautiful Barcelona. Its plant-based ‘cold cuts’ are sold in sustainable packaging, and sold across Europe. Free from additives, these are great in a sandwich or spaghetti carbonara.
Vegusto Sandwich Slices are found in good health shops This award-winning Swiss company (which also makes amazing nut cheeses) produces the plant-based equivalent of ‘luncheon meat’ slices. Sold in plain, herbed or smoky versions.
Suma Organic Pea and Vegan Ham Soup is sold in health stores, Co-op and NISA supermarkets. Just open, heat and serve.
Just pop the ring-pulls over the hole before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.
How to Make Your Own Vegan Ham
This vegan ham (A Virtual Vegan) is made with seitan, a ‘wheat-meat’ popular in Buddhist cultures. When properly prepared and cooked with marinated ingredients, it looks, smells and tastes just like meat. This is a complicated recipe, but ideal for ambitious cooks, or chefs wishing to offer ham on the menu for veggie diners.
If you don’t want to use seitan, this Vegan Ham (School Night Vegan) uses the vegetable celeriac. Just boil the ‘ham’, make the glaze and pour it over, before baking. Serve with tangy vegan cheddar cheese or as a Sunday roast with spuds, stuffing and gravy. Also good in sandwiches with baby spinach, sauerkraut and vegan mayo.
This Vegan Christmas Ham (Gaz Oakley) is a recipe by one of the world’s top chefs. Yet it’s simple to make, after you get through the seitan bit. Then cover with mustard maple glaze. Leftovers store well, ideal in sandwiches.
