Want to know which UK supermarket has the cheapest vegan Christmas dinner? Adventrum has the answer for you

The festive season is very much upon us, and the most prepared Brits out there will have already started planning for the big day and everything that comes with it, from the presents to the parties, and most importantly, the Christmas dinner.

With so many components to put together, it can be hard to know where the best one-stop shop is to get all your Christmas dinner ingredients. Particularly, if you are vegetarian, or are catering for a vegetarian.

While cutting expensive meat items such as pigs and blankets and a turkey crown can certainly help to cut costs, there remains a need to plan a budget, and sometimes it's less obvious how much veggie-friendly supplements will cost.

Thankfully, Adventrum has crunched the numbers and costed up the price of a veggie-friendly Christmas dinner at six of the UK’s top supermarkets. 

1. Aldi - £28.20

2. Tesco - £32.84

3. Asda - £33.22

4. Morrisons - £33.71

5. Sainsbury’s - £34.60

6. Waitrose - £53.24

There’s probably no surprise that Aldi comes in as the cheapest supermarket for a vegetarian Christmas dinner, with the total cost of the full meal being a mere £28.20. The cheapest vegetarian Christmas dinner component at Aldi is the 15-pack of Yorkshire Puddings priced at only £0.46.

In second place is Tesco, where a full vegetarian Christmas dinner came in at £32.84. For chocolate lovers, Tesco is the cheapest supermarket to pick up a Cadbury’s selection box, as they cost £1.50 with a Clubcard membership.

Not far behind in third place is Asda, where a full vegetarian Christmas dinner costs approximately £33.22. However, the Quorn Vegetarian Roast was cheaper at Asda than any other supermarket at just £3.00.

Morrisons placed fourth with a full cost of £33.71. However, this supermarket had one of the most expensive turkey crowns (£31.47), meaning the biggest savings are on offer for meat-eaters switching to the vegetarian option this Christmas.

Sainsbury’s placed fifth, as a vegetarian Christmas dinner from this supermarket was found to cost an estimated £34.60. 

Finally, Waitrose was the most expensive supermarket by some distance at £53.24. A big factor in Waitrose being so much more expensive was the vegetarian turkey supplement costing a massive £16.00. But it must be said that one surprise bargain to be found is that Maris Piper potatoes are 5p cheaper at Waitrose (£1.65) than they are at Aldi (£1.70).

The study used a Quorn Vegetarian Roast as the turkey supplement at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. For Aldi and Waitrose, the home-brand products that most closely resembled the Quorn Vegetarian Roast were used, as the Quorn product was unavailable. 

That's Christmas would like to thank Adventrum for sharing their research data with us. You can check out Adventrum at https://adventrum.com. 

(Image courtesy of MM from Pixabay)

 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... Kebab? Yes! With I am Doner!

Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout we’re telling you why! The Christmas Dinner Doner is coming to town. That’s right, a Christmas dinner... but in a kebab!

Better kebab brand, I am Doner, are encouraging everyone to don your ugly Christmas jumpers and brave the cold for a visit to one of their stores as they bring back this legendary Christmas special.

Packed full of honey and sage roast turkey doner with roast potatoes, shredded sprout, crispy parsnips, red cabbage, root vegetable and cranberries, smothered in turkey gravy, all in a wrap or in a bowl. And those who don't eat meat needn't feel left out, because a vegan option is also available.

The special will run right through to the end of December in all its UK stores.

Founder, Paul Baron said: "After the incredible success of the Christmas Kebab in recent years we’ve brought back and expect it to be bigger than ever before as we introduce it to our new customers at our London, Liverpool and Datchet stores! With each kebab featuring at least ten items of veg we are providing 2 of the five a day, making it much more than a guilty pleasure, or you could even say ‘elfy!”

https://www.iamdoner.co.uk.

Vegan Society has launched first Vegan Trademarked Christmas Hamper

The Vegan Society has announced the launch of their first Vegan Trademarked hamper, full of festive vegan treats. 

In partnership with The Goodness Project, The Vegan Society has launched a Christmas Hamper featuring a selection of festive treats, all registered with the society’s Vegan Trademark. 

The hamper showcases a thoughtfully abd carefully curated selection of vegan goodies, including Italian sparkling wine, vegan fudge, cookies, and more. This exciting collaboration brings together two organizations committed to ethical living and quality products. 

A sustainable and ethical Christmas treat 

With each product in the hamper proudly bearing The Vegan Society’s internationally recognised Vegan Trademark, consumers can purchase with absolute confidence, knowing the entire hamper includes no animal ingredients and that there was no animal testing.  

Also committed to high ethical standards and preserving the planet, The Goodness Project’s values align with The Vegan Society’s. Not only have The Goodness Project packaged the festive hamper in recyclable materials, but they have also committed to planting a tree for every Vegan Society Christmas Hamper that you purchase, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for our planet. 

A brilliant gift for all 

Expressing the society’s excitement about the launch of their hamper, Client Relations Manager at The Vegan Society, Gabriela Chalkia, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled and really excited to be launching our first hamper, which is chock full of fabulous Vegan Trademarked treats. This hamper absolutely perfect for the festive season; featuring a wide selection of goodies, there's literally something for everyone and we believe this will make a brilliant gift for vegans and also non-vegans alike!  

"It’s been really fantastic to work with The Goodness Project and a joy to see so many of our Trademarked clients featured in this beautiful Christmas Hamper. There will be some familiar brands, but also some perhaps lesser-known brands which is a great opportunity for people to try something new and different and it really showcases the variety in vegan options we now have." 

What’s inside? 

The hamper includes a delightful assortment of vegan treats and goodies that have been carefully chosen for their taste and quality. Featuring:  

Prodolce Italian Sparkling Wine 750ml: A delightful and elegant choice for your holiday celebrations. 

Whitakers Orange Cream 150g: Indulge in the creamy goodness of this exquisite vegan treat. 

Mrs Tilly’s Vegan Fudge 150g: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delectable vegan fudge. 

Brown Bag Crisp Lightly Salted 40g: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness and flavour in every bite. 

Nibble Cheeky Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 36g: Experience the joy of cookie dough in a convenient, vegan-friendly package. 

LoveRaw Nutty Choc Balls 28g: A burst of nutty and chocolatey goodness that's perfect for snacking. 

Brave Cookies and Cream Chickpeas 35g: An innovative sweet and savoury treat that will tantalize your taste buds. 

Mr Organic Grissini Breadsticks 150g: A crunchy and flavourful accompaniment to your holiday meals. 

The Vegan Society Christmas Hamper is available to purchase now through The Goodness Project.

And there's good news for members of The Vegan Society, because you will receive a 10% discount on your first order from The Goodness Project as part of your membership benefits. If you are a vegan and you aren't already a member, join up today! Or who not gift a membership to a vegan family member or friend?

vegansociety.com

thegoodnessproject.co.uk  

 FACTFILE:

The Vegan Society is the world’s oldest vegan society whose co-founder Donald Watson defined the term ‘vegan’ in 1944. They are a registered educational charity that provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism, including to existing and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and the media. Their product registration scheme, the Vegan Trademark, is widely recognised as the global standard for vegan products, ensuring that products are free from animal ingredients and animal testing. 

The Goodness Project is dedicated to offering a curated selection of ethical, sustainable and vegan products. With a commitment to quality and compassion, The Goodness Project is a trusted partner in bringing you The Vegan Society Christmas Hamper. 

Impress Your Christmas Guests: Dinner Designed for you by Masterchef Winner Steven Wallis

With the Christmas countdown well underway, why not impress your friends and family with a Christmas dinner designed by Masterchef winner Steven Wallis in partnership with recipe box company Chefs For Foodies. 

With all the ingredients you will need to create a standout centrepiece with all the trimmings, the Ultimate Turkey Christmas Dinner recipe kit is £139 for six people, which works out at only £23.16 per head.

With zero waste and an easy-to-follow and fun cook-a-long video presented by Steven, the kit includes quality ingredients sourced from British suppliers and family-run butchers including a turkey breast joint with rosemary and Parma ham and pigs in blankets. 

The delicious side dishes feature roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt, Brussel sprouts with lemon pangritata and, of course, delicious turkey gravy.

Masterchef winner and judge Steven Wallis commented: “There can be a lot of pressure on preparing the perfect Christmas dinner, but just imagine how easy and impressive it would be to have everything measured out and pre-prepared?

"With the recipe box I've created with Chefs For Foodies you're guaranteed to have a less stressful experience cooking the meal of the year, so you can spend more time entertaining your guests whilst wowing them with your skills at the same time.”

To ensure quality, fresh ingredients, the food boxes are delivered a few days before Christmas. Chefs For Foodies ensures minimum waste by supplying pre-portioned ingredients and recyclable packaging.

If turkey isn't your thing, don't despair, because Chefs For Foodies has some great alternative recipe boxes available, all of which are also designed by Steven. 

The Ultimate Festive Beef Wellington recipe kit is priced at £130 for four people. It includes a delectable chateaubriand fillet, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, braised red cabbage with cranberries, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt and rich beef gravy.

If you have any vegan guests, they're in for a treat too. The Portobello Mushroom Wellington recipe kit is £55 for two people and features a vegan alternative to the traditional Wellington, roast potatoes, butternut squash with vegan blue cheese and cranberries, Brussel sprouts with roasted grapes and pine nuts, plus, of course, lashings of delectable vegan gravy.

If you're looking for a delicious way to end your festive meal, or some great snacks and starters, Chefs Foodies also has you covered.

Priced at £35 and serving four to six people, the Festive Cheeseboard includes British Farmhouse Cheddar, Burts Blue Cheese, Brie de Meaux with salt and virgin olive oil crackers, as well as Tracklements caramelised onion chutney. You can also upgrade this box to include a beautiful bottle of 2019 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.

Perfect for a pre or post Christmas soiree, the Indian Feast platter created by celebrity chef and James Martin show regular, Dipna Anand, is £68 and serves six. It features turkey malai tikka with cranberry sauce, lamb tikki pittas, onion, spinach and potato bhajis and prawn pakoras, all served with mint and mango chutney.

All of these recipe boxes are available to pre-order now and if ordering for Christmas Day, they will be delivered on December 22. You can also use the discount code Autumn10 to get 10% off for a limited time.

To place your order and to obtain your 10% discount please visit Chefs for Foodies at https://chefsforfoodies.com/pages/christmas

Festive Feasts: Catering for Vegan Guests at Christmas

The Christmas season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. While traditional Christmas feasts often centre around meat and dairy-heavy dishes, there's a growing trend towards accommodating diverse dietary preferences and needs, including veganism. 

Whether you have vegan guests joining your festivities or are simply looking to introduce more plant-based options to your holiday table, catering for vegans at Christmas can be a delightful and compassionate endeavour. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of vegan holiday cooking, offering tips and mouth-watering recipe ideas that will ensure everyone has a jolly time around the Christmas dinner table.

Communication is Key

Before you start planning your Christmas menu, it's important to communicate with your vegan guests. Find out their specific preferences and dietary restrictions. Some vegans may not consume any animal products, while others may be more flexible. This information will help you tailor your menu to their needs and preferences, making the holiday experience enjoyable for all.

Embrace Plant-Based Staples

To cater to your vegan guests, it's essential to incorporate plant-based staples into your dishes. Here are some vegan alternatives to traditional ingredients:

Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk in place of cow's milk for creamy sauces, mashed potatoes, and desserts.

Substitute vegan butter or margarine for dairy butter in recipes.

Replace eggs with flax or chia seed "eggs" or commercial egg replacers in baking.

Utilise plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, or legumes like chickpeas and lentils for main courses.

Vegan Appetisers

Begin your festive feast with delightful vegan appetizers that everyone will enjoy:

Roasted Vegetable Platter: Roast a variety of colourful vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and spices. Serve with a vegan dip like hummus or a tahini sauce.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a savoury mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and vegan cheese.

Vegan Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter featuring vegan cheeses made from nuts or soy, paired with fruits, nuts, and crackers.

The Main Event

For the centrepiece of your vegan Christmas dinner, consider these options:

Nut Roast: A well-seasoned mixture of nuts, grains, and vegetables, baked to perfection, and served with vegan gravy.

Stuffed Squash: Hollowed-out acorn or butternut squash filled with a delicious mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and herbs.

Vegan Wellington: Layers of roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and a savoury filling wrapped in flaky pastry.

Sides and Salads

Vegan side dishes and salads can be just as vibrant and flavourful as their non-vegan counterparts. Consider adding these to your Christmas spread:

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet and savoury twist.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole: A creamy mushroom and green bean dish topped with crispy onions.

Winter Quinoa Salad: A hearty salad featuring quinoa, roasted winter vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette.

Decadent Desserts

Don't forget the sweet treats! Vegan desserts are delicious and a wonderful way to end your Christmas meal:

Vegan Pumpkin Pie: A classic dessert with a vegan twist using coconut milk or cashew cream.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: A rich and creamy dessert made with ripe avocados and cocoa powder.

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Adorable and flavourful cookies, perfect for decorating.

Catering for vegan guests at Christmas can be a delightful culinary adventure. By embracing plant-based staples, communicating with your vegan guests, and trying out creative vegan recipes, you can create a Christmas feast that delights everyone at the table. Remember, Christmas is about sharing and togetherness, so why not share the joy of delicious vegan dishes with your loved ones this year? Merry Christmas!

(Image courtesy of -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay)

A Delicious Twist: Vegan Alternatives to the Traditional Christmas Dinner

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and feasting with our loved ones. For many, this often includes a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with succulent roast meats and rich, creamy sides. But what if you or your guests follow a vegan lifestyle, or you simply want to try something new this Christmas season? 

Fear not! There's a world of scrumptious vegan alternatives waiting to delight your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll explore some delectable options for a plant-based Christmas feast that can easily rival, if not surpass, the traditional spread.

Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the perfect candidate for a vegan main course. Roast it to perfection, then fill it with a flavourful stuffing made from quinoa, nuts, cranberries, and herbs. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and watch your guests' eyes light up at this hearty, visually stunning dish.

Portobello Mushroom Wellington

Mushrooms are a vegan's best friend when it comes to crafting a rich, meaty flavour. Try a Portobello mushroom Wellington as the centrepiece of your holiday meal. Wrap the savoury mushrooms in puff pastry, along with spinach, caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic. Bake until golden brown, and voila – you have an impressive, satisfying entrée.

Lentil and Nut Roast

A lentil and nut roast is a classic vegan choice for Christmas dinner. Packed with protein, this dish combines lentils, nuts, breadcrumbs, and an array of seasonings. The result is a mouth-watering roast that can easily replace meat. Serve it with a generous helping of vegan gravy and all the traditional trimmings.

Vegan Nut Roast

Alternatively, consider a vegan nut roast. This delightful dish features a mixture of chopped nuts, seeds, and vegetables, held together with flax or chia seeds. The nut roast can be personalised with various herbs and spices, creating a festive, flavourful centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table.

Stuffed Peppers

For a light yet satisfying main course, stuffed peppers are an excellent option. Fill colourful bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Roast until tender, and serve with a zesty tomato sauce. The vibrant presentation adds a splash of Christmas cheer to your meal.

Vegan Gravy

No Christmas dinner is complete without a tasty and hearty gravy. Swap the traditional meat-based gravy for a rich, flavoursome vegan version. You can make a delicious gravy using ingredients like vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, and various seasonings. Pour it generously over your vegan roast for a burst of flavour.

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Christmas dinner essential. To create a vegan-friendly version, simply replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or soy milk. Add roasted garlic for a flavourful twist, and you'll have creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes that will please everyone at the table.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for any holiday meal. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup, then roast until crispy and caramelised. Their unique, robust flavour is a delightful addition to your vegan Christmas feast. (As a fan of Brussel sprouts, I approve of this idea!)

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a Christmas dinner classic that's already vegan! Homemade cranberry sauce, sweetened with sugar or maple syrup, is a vibrant, tangy condiment that pairs wonderfully with your main dishes.

Vegan Desserts

For a sweet ending to your vegan Christmas dinner, indulge in vegan desserts like pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream, vegan chocolate yule log, or gingerbread cookies. These treats are just as decadent and delicious as their non-vegan counterparts.

This Christmas, embrace the spirit of inclusivity and try something new by exploring these delectable vegan alternatives to the traditional Christmas dinner. From savoury main courses to mouth-watering sides and scrumptious desserts, there are plenty of options to satisfy the palate and share a compassionate, eco-friendly meal with your loved ones. Make this Christmas season one to remember with a vegan feast that celebrates delicious food and the spirit of togetherness.

Supermarkets such as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, the Co-Op, etc are offering an increasing range of vegetarian and vegan food so are well worth checking out.

(Image courtesy of Jana from Pixabay)

Wow! The perfect Christmas gift! Milky Plant

Milky Plant is a stunning and utterly brand new kitchen gadget. What does it do? It allows people to make plant based milk at home from nuts, seeds, cereals and just some water.

 It's an absolutely ideal gift for anyone who follows a plant based diet for allergy, health or lifestyle based reasons. And who wants a bit more out of life than mere shop-bought dairy alternatives.

The Milky Plant machine costs £290 (RRP) and it takes something like 180 uses to recoup the costs of the machine, depending which ingredients are used to make the milk. Making plant based milk at home saves approximately 30-90% per serving compared to buying it ready as made.

You can buy it at https://milkyplant.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/MilkyPlant/page/E09A263C-9DF6-4D3E-AD63-1C33C041AA6B?ref_=ast_bln

Selfridges London: https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/smartech-plant-milk-maker_R04161140/#colour=WHITE%20%26%20GREY

Users just add their chosen ingredients to the blender, fill the water tank and within three minutes a litre of plant based milk will be produced. 

It works by automatically grinding the raw ingredients super fine and then automatically blended with water. The mixture is then passed through a special filtration system which strains the milk and keeps the pulp in a separate compartment. 

But there's more! Because the pulp is nearly dry and the pulp can be used in recipes to make homemade granola or smoothie bowls, or even for composting.

As a result the lucky recipient of this machine has no more messy blenders or squeezing cheese cloths or nut bags, thus making it far simpler and easier to make your own plant based milk at home.

It's a fantastic and highly sustainable Christmas gift as making plant based milk at home also reduces the volume of Tetra Pak containers ending up in landfill (as these can't, as yet, be recyclable) nearly a300k per year. If placed end -to-end the line would stretch all the way from central London to Milton Keynes!

And what's even better, for every Milky Plant purchased, five tree are planted and 61kg of C02 is removed from the atmosphere annually.

Milky Plant milk is an even healthier alternative to supermarket bought non-dairy milks which contain preservatives, emulsifiers, seed oils and gums.

The machine achieves the exact right texture and consistency by automatically adjusting the water level by employing special in-built sensors. 

But the recipients can experiment with a thicker texture or different flavours by adding a teaspoon of coconut flakes, dates or rose water for a delicately sweet milk.