Navigating the Aisles: Best and Worst Supermarket Own Brand Free-From and Vegan Foods in Britain

In the ever-expanding landscape of dietary preferences, the availability of free-from and vegan foods has become a crucial consideration for many shoppers. 

With a plethora of options lining the shelves, it can be daunting to discern the diamonds from the rough. Fear not, discerning foodies, for we've taken the liberty of delving into the aisles of Britain's supermarkets to unearth the best and worst own-brand offerings in the free-from and vegan categories.

The Best:

Waitrose & Partners:

Free-From Coconut Yogurt: Creamy, indulgent, and packed with tropical flavour, Waitrose's coconut yogurt is a standout. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, it's a hit with vegans and dairy-free aficionados alike.

Vegan Margherita Pizza: Who says you can't enjoy a classic pizza without cheese? Waitrose's vegan margherita pizza defies expectations with its deliciously crispy crust and generous tomato sauce topping. Add your favourite veggies for an extra burst of flavour.

https://www.waitrose.com

Tesco:

Free-From Chocolate Chip Cookies: Craving something sweet? Tesco's free-from chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that just happens to be gluten-free. With a satisfying crunch and rich chocolatey taste, they're perfect for dunking in your favourite plant-based milk.

Vegan Sausage Rolls: A British classic reinvented for the vegan crowd, Tesco's vegan sausage rolls are flaky, savoury, and utterly delicious. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, they're sure to satisfy even the most discerning pastry lover.

www.tesco.com

Sainsbury's:

Free-From Garlic Baguette: No meal is complete without a side of garlic bread, and Sainsbury's free-from garlic baguette ticks all the boxes. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlicky goodness, it's the perfect accompaniment to any dinner.

Vegan Fishless Fingers: Crispy, golden, and surprisingly fish-like, Sainsbury's vegan fishless fingers are a game-changer for fish and chip cravings. Serve with mushy peas and tartar sauce for a truly authentic experience.

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk

The Worst:

Asda:

Free-From Blueberry Muffins: While the intention is commendable, Asda's free-from blueberry muffins fall short in terms of taste and texture. Dry and lacking in flavour, they leave much to be desired for those seeking a gluten-free indulgence.

Vegan Cheese: Asda's foray into the world of vegan cheese is met with mixed reviews. While commendable for its effort, the taste and texture fail to rival dairy cheese, leaving vegan cheese lovers longing for a more authentic alternative.

www.asda.com

Morrisons:

Free-From Bread: Morrisons' free-from bread receives criticism for its dense texture and bland flavour profile. While suitable for those with dietary restrictions, it lacks the fluffy texture and flavour punch of traditional bread.

Vegan Ready Meals: Morrisons' range of vegan ready meals leaves much to be desired in terms of taste and variety. With limited options and lacklustre flavours, they fail to excite the palate of discerning vegan consumers.

https://www.morrisons.com

Lidl:

Free-From Pasta: Lidl's free-from pasta is met with disappointment due to its mushy texture and lack of structural integrity. While a viable option for those with gluten sensitivities, it fails to deliver on the al dente perfection expected from quality pasta.

Vegan Ice Cream: Lidl's attempt at vegan ice cream falls short of the mark, with an icy texture and artificial aftertaste. While budget-friendly, it fails to capture the creamy decadence of traditional dairy ice cream.

https://www.lidl.co.uk

In conclusion, while Britain's supermarkets offer a wealth of options for those seeking free-from and vegan foods, not all own-brand offerings are created equal. From delectable delights to disappointing duds, navigating the aisles requires a discerning eye and adventurous palate.rmed with this guide, may you embark on your culinary journey with confidence, knowing the best and worst that Britain's supermarkets have to offer in the realm of free-from and vegan fare. Happy shopping and bon appétit!

The Unfair Burden: How UK Taxation Penalises Pubs Over Supermarkets

In the United Kingdom, the quintessential pub still holds a cherished place in the hearts of many. Pubs are a cornerstone of community life, a place where friends and family gather, stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened over pints of ale and glasses of wine. 

However, despite their cultural significance, pubs across the nation face a significant and, some might argue, unfair burden when it comes to taxation compared to their retail counterpart. Supermarkets.

The discrepancy in taxation between pubs and supermarkets stems from various factors, including the way each business is structured and the different tax rates they are subject to. Here, we delve into the intricacies of this issue, exploring why it's time for a fairer approach to taxation that supports the survival of these vital community hubs.

VAT Disparity:

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax which is levied on goods and services. Currently, pubs in the UK are subject to a 20% VAT rate on most items, including food and drink. In contrast, supermarkets benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 0% on many (essential) food items. This VAT discrepancy places pubs at a distinct disadvantage, as they are unable to compete with supermarkets on price due to the higher tax burden they face.

Business Rates:

Business rates are another significant expense for pubs and retailers alike. However, the way these rates are calculated can disproportionately impact pubs. Business rates for pubs are often calculated based on the property's rental value, which tends to be higher in prime locations. In contrast, supermarkets can benefit from economies of scale and lower rates per square foot due to their larger footprint and often out-of-town locations.

Alcohol Duty:

Pubs heavily rely on the sale of alcoholic beverages as a primary source of revenue. However, the duty on alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, places an additional financial strain on pubs. While supermarkets also pay alcohol duty, they can offset this cost through their diverse product offerings and higher sales volumes, whereas pubs are more reliant on alcohol sales and may struggle to absorb the increased costs.

Social Impact:

Beyond the financial implications, the disparity in taxation between pubs and supermarkets has broader social ramifications. Pubs play a vital role in fostering social connections, reducing loneliness, and providing a safe and inclusive environment for communities to come together. By penalizing pubs through unfair taxation, we risk undermining the very fabric of our society and eroding the communal spaces that are integral to our cultural identity.

Addressing the Disparity:

To address the imbalance in taxation between pubs and supermarkets, policymakers must take proactive measures to level the playing field and support the sustainability of pubs. This could include:

Reviewing VAT Rates: Consideration should be given to reducing the VAT rate for pubs or introducing tiered VAT rates based on business size or turnover to alleviate the tax burden on smaller establishments.

Reforming Business Rates: Reforming the business rates system to ensure a fairer and more equitable distribution of tax burdens, taking into account factors such as property size, location, and economic contribution to the community.

Fairer Alcohol Duty: Exploring options to reform alcohol duty to ensure a more equitable distribution of tax burdens across the hospitality sector, taking into account the different business models and revenue streams of pubs and supermarkets.

Recognising Social Value: Acknowledging the social value of pubs and the important role they play in communities by considering alternative metrics beyond purely economic factors when formulating tax policies.

Pubs are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of our communities, providing a space for social interaction, cultural exchange, and collective belonging. However, the unfair burden of taxation placed on pubs compared to supermarkets threatens their viability and jeopardises the unique social fabric they contribute to. 

It's time for our policymakers to recognise the vital role pubs play in our society and implement fairer taxation policies that support their sustainability and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.