Supermarkets have introduced a raft of new vegan products in response to the growing consumer demand for plant-based foods.
This week, Tesco launched an 18-strong Wicked Kitchen vegan range developed in partnership with high-profile plant-based chef, Derek Sarno.
Products including a carrot pastrami-spiced wrap and a caponata sourdough pizza are now available in 600 Tesco stores nationwide. The range also features curries, noodles and salads.
Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Ocado and the Co-op have also launched new vegan products to coincide with Veganuary, the campaign that inspires people to go vegan for the month of January.
Plant-based eating has been identified as a key food industry trend as more people adopt a vegan or flexitarian diet for ethical, environmental and health reasons. However, research suggests this demand is still not being fully catered for with a recent survey from the Vegan Society finding that nine out of ten vegans want more ‘grab-and-go’ vegan options.
There are signs that foodservice companies are beginning to take the vegan market more seriously. Restaurants such as Zizzi and Wagamama have introduced dedicated vegan menus, while coffee shops like Pret a Manger, Starbucks and Caffe Nero are extending their range of vegan products.
