Sausages are arguably one of England’s favourite foods, and there’s no point pretending we’re a nation that feasts on mungbean salads! However, most sausage meat is from factory farms and even if free-range, we’re moving towards a plant-based world for animal welfare, environmental and health reasons. So whether you’re a fully-fledged vegan or trying to eat less meat, here are some good alternatives. Many of the supermarket own-brand sausages taste nothing like food should taste like. Up your standards!
Keep sausages away from children (choking hazard). Keep recipes away from pets due to onion, mushrooms, faux meats (and fresh dough, if making pastry for sausage rolls. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
LikeMeat is a German brand founded by the vegan son of a meat company executive. He asked his dad for funding and his start-up was so successful that now they sell more plants than meat. Still mostly sold in mainland Europe, they are gradually making their way to our shores. And Germans know how to make sausages!
Moving Mountains make good ones, sold wholesale to restaurants and hotels etc. Sold in plastic-free packaging (they also make hot dogs), the brand was founded by a vegetarian with high cholesterol, who was told he had to cut out dairy to get better. He did, and now runs England’s top vegan food brand.
Irish food company Richmond make very good vegan sausages. Some people prefer not to buy from companies that also sell meat, but others say bring them on board. These have a ‘real skin’ and are quick to bake in 20 minutes, and you would not know the difference.
THIS isn’t Pork Sausage is one for the meat-lovers, as it’s very pork-like and good in sandwiches. They are high in protein and pretty affordable, but do come packed in a lot of plastic (recycle at kerbside or at supermarket bag bins).
