Squeaky Bean vegan ham is made with apple-smoked pea protein
Ham is a very popular food in England. But of course, it comes from lovely pigs – and most of them factory-farmed at that (which even meat-eaters don’t want). We don’t have enough land in England for everyone to eat free-range. So why not try some plant-based ham alternatives?
These vegan hams look, smell and taste like the real thing. So keep them away from pets, as they smell enticing, but may contain unsafe ingredients like garlic, onion or spices. Read more on keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen.
Ham is a processed pork meat, from a pig’s leg, that has been cured. Plant-based alternatives have no cholesterol, and can be eaten by people of all faiths.
Where to Buy Good Vegan Ham
There are quite a few good brands these days, including some supermarket own versions. Recycle packaging at kerbside, or supermarket bag bins.
- Suma Organic Pea and Vegan Ham Soup is sold in health stores, Co-op and NISA supermarkets. Just open, heat and serve.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Make Your Own Vegan Ham
If you don’t want to use seitan, this Vegan Ham (School Night Vegan) uses the vegetable celeriac, if you can find it in stores. You can make this in four steps: just boil the ham, make the glaze, pour it over and bake. Serve with tangy vegan cheddar cheese, or as a Sunday roast with spuds, stuffing and vegan gravy. Also good in sandwiches with baby spinach, sauerkraut and vegan mayo.
This vegan ham (A Virtual Vegan) is made with seitan, a ‘wheat-meat’ that is popular in Buddhist cultures. When properly prepared and cooked with marinated ingredients, it looks, smells and tastes just like meat. This is quite a complicated recipe, but ideal for ambitious cooks, or chefs wishing to offer ham on the menu for vegan and vegetarian customers.
This Vegan Christmas Ham (Gaz Oakley) is a recipe by one of the world’s top chefs. Yet it’s very simple to make, after you get through the seitan bit, then covered in mustard maple glaze. Leftovers store well, ideal in sandwiches.
