Is Britain going Vegetarian? New report says we are

It’s official, roast beef loving Brits are starting to shun Sunday roasts, the British banger and milk on their cereal for plant-based swaps, a survey from Alpro reveals.

The power of plant-based eating is a fast-growing trend. In fact, four out of 10 of us are eating more vegetables, fruits and plant-based foods than we were a year ago. And six out of 10 of us are eating more of these types of foods than we were five years ago.

People of all age groups are fuelling this trend, although it is younger consumers – those aged between 18 and 30 – who are looking to change their diets and turn to alternative eating regimes in the greatest numbers.

In fact, the independent survey commissioned by Alpro revealed that more than half of 18 to 30 year olds surveyed have added more vegetables, fruits and plant-based foods into their diets in the last year alone, pointing to a major change in the UK’s dietary habits for generations. Meanwhile, of all those surveyed, one in five admitted they ate meat and dairy-based foods merely ‘out of habit’.

Plant-based eating conjures up images of a strict vegan diet, but enjoying the benefits of more plant-based choices doesn’t mean becoming a full-time vegan or vegetarian. It’s about reshaping what’s on the plate by making a few simple swaps, while still treating yourself to your favourite meat or dairy products every now or then.

While many of us are already eating more vegetables, fruits and plant-based foods for health reasons, a growing section of society is also becoming concerned over the affects that the production of meat and diary-based foods has on the environment. For example, it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat, while it takes 2,000 gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk.

In contrast, plant-based crops and foods, meanwhile, are much more water efficient, with an average of 25 gallons of water needed to produce one pound of food.

Despite more and more people becoming more commonly aware of such facts, it appears there is still a lack of knowledge in some quarters about the effect that the production of meat and dairy products has on the world around us.

Six out of 10 people are still unaware that plant-based foods offer the most environmentally sustainable option for food production. Even so, four out of 10 of us are already determined to cut down on the amount of meat and dairy currently in our diets.

Alpro has a range of delicious and healthy plant-based products that help you feel uplifted and enlightened. That’s because, all of Alpro’s milks, drinks, yogurts, desserts and creams are made from soya beans, almonds or hazelnuts

New Alpro Almond milk and new Alpro Hazelnut drink do not contain soya and are created using a simple blend of nuts and spring water.

www.alpro.com/uk

Worried About Eating Processed Meat? Try Redwood's Vegideli Sausages And 'Bacon' Instead.

Worried about eating processed meat? Concerned about suggested links between eating sausages and bacon and pancreatic cancer?

There is an alternative.

Award-winning ethical food firm The Redwood Wholefood Company produces tasty meat-free sausages and meat-free ‘bacon’ from 100% natural, plant-based ingredients.

Redwood sausages and ‘bacon’ are free too from egg, dairy, lactose, cholesterol, hydrogenated fats, artificial colours/preservatives and GMOs.

You’ll find them in good health food stores nationwide.

To find out more about Redwood, the UK’s most ethical vegetarian foods company according to consumer handbook The Good Shopping Guide, or to shop online, go to www.redwoodfoods.co.uk.

Fry's Vegetarian to be distributed by 3663

"We Are Delighted To Announce That From January World Leading Meat Replacement Experts Fry's Vegetarian Will Be Available From Leading Food Distributors 3663," said a spokeswoman for Fry's.

She went on to say: "This is a  ground-breaking feat that until now has never been achieved by a frozen food company that ticks so many boxes.

FRY'S are fully approved by the both The Vegan Society AND The Vegetarian Society as well as a BEST BUY in the Ethical Consumer.

FRY'S products are Kosher (Parev Mehadrin - a very high form of Kosher approval for Jews), Shuddha (suitable for Hindus) and Halaal (suitable for Muslims).

Several of the products are also free of onions and garlic and as such, they can be eaten by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists, certain practitioners of Hinduism and followers of Hare Krishna - as well as people with onion and garlic allergies.

The diverse range of 16 products are all pre cooked making them fast and easy for cooks to use. Taste is not compromised either with Fry's winning 5 awards over the past 5 years.

Angela May Marketing Manager 3663 is excited to partner with Fry's in their food service launch in connection with their enviable brand ownership of the health food sector:

"Having Fry's on board is brilliant. We are passionate foodies here at 3663 and we know how important it is to offer our customers a fantastic choice of products. Now we can offer even more with Fry's. Never before has a range been suitable for so many types of people and taste so good too."

With so many people not being catered for properly Fry's is able to ensure that whether you are a meat reducer, vegetarian, Kosher or simply want a lower fat or cholesterol food item now there is something that tastes amazing for you and your customers.

www.frysdistribution.co.uk

Winners of the Cook Vegetarian Veggie Awards Announced!

Cook Vegetarian magazine is delighted to announce the winners of The Veggie Awards 2012, celebrating flavour, versatility and innovation in the world of meat-free foods.

Editor Rachel Callen said: “If you needed any sort of proof that vegetarian food is thriving in the mainstream, this is it. Over 350 products were entered in this year's awards, and nearly 1,700 readers voted on their favourites at www.cookveg.co.uk. There's no doubt that Britain's vegetarians and meat reducers are a shopping force to be reckoned with... and they know what they like, too!”


The Cook Vegetarian team invited entries from the biggest supermarket to the smallest producer, and 16 outstanding products were shortlisted in each category. After reader voting, the top three products received a Gold, Silver and Bronze Veggie Award respectively, while three runners up in each category were awarded a Highly Commended accolade.


This year's winners of a ‘Veggie’ are as follows:

Best Meat Replacement

Gold

Quorn Fillets

Silver

Linda McCartney Vegemince

Bronze

Cauldron Marinated Tofu Pieces

Highly Commended

Asda Meat Free Meat Balls

Fry's Chicken Style Strips

Redwood Vegetarian Streaky Rashers

Best Ready Meal

Gold

Linda McCartney Deep Country Pies

Silver

M&S Roasted Butternut Squash and Chargrilled Halloumi

Bronze

Innocent Piri Piri Veg Pot

Highly Commended

Aunt Bessie's Vegetarian Toad in the Hole

The Co-operative Moroccan Tagine

Asda Extra Special Four Cheese Macaroni

Best Burger, Banger or Grill

Gold

Cauldron Cumberland Sausages

Silver

Dalepak Cauliflower Cheese Grill

Bronze

Goodlife Spicy Bean Quarterpounders

Highly Commended

Linda McCartney Cheese and Red Onion Escalopes

Quorn Breaded Goujons

Waitrose Mushroom and Chestnut Grills

Best Cheese

Gold

Aldi Specially Selected Farmhouse Red Leicester

Silver

Delamere Dairy Honey Goat's Cheese Log

Bronze

Ilchester Applewood Smoke Flavoured Cheddar

Highly Commended

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses Blacksticks Blue

Godminster Vintage Organic Cheddar

Calon Wen Organic Extra Mature Cheddar

Best Dairy Substitute

Gold

Alpro Soya Custard

Silver

Swedish Glace Smooth Vanilla

Bronze

Pure Spread Soya

Highly Commended

Rice Dream Original

Booja Booja Hunky Punky Chocolate Ice Cream

Provamel Vanilla Soya Yoghurt

Best Vegan

Gold

Jus-Rol Shortcrust Pastry

Silver

Granose Falafel Mix

Bronze

Goodlife Spinach & Lentil Grills

Highly Commended

Tesco Meat Free 2 Curry Bakes

WeightWatchers Moroccan Tagine

Plamil Organic Mayonnaise

Best Veggie Snack

Gold

Tyrrells Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper

Silver

Quorn Mini Savoury Eggs

Bronze

Dorset Cereals Chocolate & Macadamia Bars

Highly Commended

Crips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Nakd Berry Delight Bar

Crazy Jack Ready-to-eat Apricots

Best Sweet

Gold

Ben & Jerry's Phish Food

Silver

Gü After Dark Hot Chocolate Soufflés

Bronze

Booja Booja Organic Raspberry Truffles

Highly Commended

Tesco Finest Passion Fruit, Mango & Scottish Raspberry Cheesecake

Waitrose Key Lime Pie

McVities Lyle's Golden Syrup Cake

Best Veggie Wine

Gold

M&S Chablis 2008

Silver

Tesco Finest Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon

Bronze

The Co-op Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Highly Commended

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Pouilly Fumé

Asda Louis Bernard Champagne Brut Rosé

Laurent Perrier Vintage 2002

Reader Choice Award

Gold

Sainsbury's Cheese & Spring Onion Crispbakes

Silver

Munchy Seeds Omega Mix

Bronze

Cockburns Vintage Port

Highly Commended

Cropwell Bishop Classic Blue Stilton

Waitrose Nut Roast Wellingtons

M&S Veggie Percy

FACTFILE:
Cook Vegetarian is the UK’s leading monthly vegetarian cookery magazine, available nationwide in supermarkets, WHSmith stores and independents.

The Cook Vegetarian website is: www.cookveg.co.uk Follow Cook Veg on twitter at www.twitter.com/cookveg or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/cookvegetarian

Redwood Food voted 'most ethical'

The Redwood Wholefood Company is the most ethical vegetarian food firm in the UK, says The Good Shopping Guide.

Every year, the consumer handbook reveals ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of the country’s companies and brands, giving each an ethical score out of 100 based on factors such as animal welfare, the environment and workers’ rights.

This year Corby-based Redwood, which produces over 50 different cruelty-free foods under the Cheatin’, Cheezly and Vegideli brand name, scores 96%, the highest rating of any vegetarian food company included.

Others brands featured are Linda McCartney which scores 75%, Realeat (75%), Cauldron (71%), Quorn (71%), Fry’s (67%), Wicken Fen (67%), Dalepak (63%) and Tivall (54%).

“While some are undoubtedly cashing in on a well-meaning but time-poor veggie community, others are producing genuinely innovative vegetarian and vegan products,” reports the guide. “One such company is Redwood Wholefoods.”

Commenting on the rating, Nigel Phillips, Redwood’s managing director, said: “I am delighted to be heading up such an ethical company. Although we are at the top of the class we are not going to sit back but continue to move forward with the aim of getting that 100% spot.”

All Redwood foods are made from 100% natural plant-based ingredients and free from animal products/derivatives, cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs. They are also kosher certified.

You’ll find them in good health food stores including Holland and Barrett, selected supermarkets and online at
www.redwoodfoods.co.uk.

FACTFILE:
(www.redwoodfoods.co.uk)

Owned by charity campaigner Heather Mills, Redwood is the leading supplier of vegan foods to the health trade and 100% British. Rated the UK’s most ethical vegetarian foods supplier by The Ethical Company Organisation, Redwood produces more than 50 different foods under the Vegideli, Cheatin’ and Cheezly brand names at its animal-free factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Everything in its range is made from 100% natural plant-based ingredients so free from animal products and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those looking for healthier and more ethical lifestyles. Widely recognised as one of the most innovative and inspirational vegetarian food companies in the UK, Redwood is renowned for being at the cutting edge of food manufacturing and exports to 18 countries worldwide.

Brighten Up The Barbecue With Redwood's Delicious Meat Free Treats for Veggies And Vegans

Make certain veggies and vegans don't get a raw deal this year! Just take a look at the host of tasty meat-free treats now on offer from ethical food firm Redwood.

From mouthwatering burgers and sausages to succulent chicken-style pieces and spicy Cheatin' Chorizo (EDITOR: My favourite!) multi award-winning Redwood produces a host of delicious meat-free foods that are great for barbecues.

Sure to prove a firm favourite this summer are Redwood's Vegideli gourmet meat-free quarter pounders - amazingly realistic 'burgers' naturally flavoured with traditional onion & seasonings.

Look out too for Redwood's award-winning Lincolnshire Style Sausages and tasty Vegideli Hotdogs, which have all the authentic taste and texture of a genuine pork Frankfurter yet are totally meat-free.

Perfect for kebabs are Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and also Cheatin' Chorizo, its spicy, meat-free version of the highly flavoured Spanish cured sausage.

"Vegetarians and vegans often get a raw deal when it comes to barbecues, so we've put together some quick and easy BBQ ideas that not only taste delicious but are ethical too," said Lee Rockingham of Redwood, which produces all its animal-free foods from 100% natural plant-based ingredients.

Here are a few tips:

• Redwood products are ready to eat so only need heating through
• Keep away from direct flame and very hot areas
• Use BBQ trays to protect the food

Recipe suggestions

'Chicken' & 'Chorizo' Parcel with Shallots, Asparagus and Baby Plum Tomatoes

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic. Chop two shallots and four baby plum tomatoes and add to the parcel. Add a handful of asparagus tips with one pack of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and one pack of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Fold the parcel over & cook for 5-6 minutes each side and season to taste.

'Chicken' Parcel with Baby Peppers, Onion, Chestnut Mushrooms and Sugar Snap Peas

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Add one chopped green pepper, one chopped onion, slice 3/4 mushrooms and a handful of sugar snap peas. Add Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and mix together with vegetables. Add a tablespoon of mango chutney over the top of the parcel before folding. Cook for 5/6 minutes each side and season to taste.

Sweet Potato and 'Chorizo' Parcel with Red Chillies and Green Peppers

Chop one sweet potato in half and slice thinly. Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of the parcel, sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic and one chopped green pepper. Add the sweet potato slices and a packet of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Add chopped red chillies to taste. Drizzle with plenty of oil again before folding. Cook for 10-12 minutes each side turning once half way through cooking. Season to taste.

Veggie Kebabs

Add a selection of your favourite vegetables as well as some of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces or Lincolnshire Style Sausages to a kebab skewer. Brush with oil before applying a marinade or apple juice. Place the kebabs over a BBQ tray to keep them off direct heat. Whilst cooking frequently apply oil or marinade or spray with apple juice and turn to avoid burning. Delicious served with coriander chutney.

For more inspirational ideas for the summer barbecue season, including pepper & 'feta' parcels and hot & spicy sweet potatoes, visit www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. You'll find Redwood foods in good health food stores, including Holland and Barrett, selected supermarkets and at Redwood's online shop www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. Everything in the range is free from animal ingredients and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, casein, hydrogenated fats and GMOs.

(www.redwoodfoods.co.uk)

FACTFILE:
Owned by charity campaigner Heather Mills, Redwood is the leading supplier of vegan foods to the health trade and 100% British. Rated the UK's most ethical vegetarian foods supplier by The Ethical Company Organisation, Redwood produces more than 50 different foods under the Vegideli, Cheatin' and Cheezly brand names at its animal-free factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Everything in its range is made from 100% natural plant-based ingredients so free from animal products and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those looking for healthier and more ethical lifestyles.

Widely recognised as one of the most innovative and inspirational vegetarian food companies in the UK, Redwood is renowned for being at the cutting edge of food manufacturing and exports to 18 countries worldwide.