Is It Time to Consider Going Vegan for Your Next Barbecue?

Summer in the UK brings the unmistakable scent of charcoal in the air, the sizzle of something delicious on the grill, and that all-important question: What’s cooking? 

Traditionally, the answer has been burgers, sausages, and chicken skewers—but as awareness grows around health, the environment, and animal welfare, more people are asking: Is it time to go vegan for your next barbecue?

Let’s explore why the vegan barbecue is on the rise—and whether it’s time you fired up the grill for plants, not pork.

The Rise of the Vegan Grill

Veganism is no longer a fringe movement. According to The Vegan Society, there are now over 600,000 vegans in the UK, and millions more are reducing their meat intake. Supermarkets and food brands have responded with a range of plant-based barbecue options, from vegan burgers that "bleed" to meat-free sausages that fool even the most ardent carnivore.

But it’s not just about imitation meats. Grilled vegetables, marinated tofu, jackfruit skewers, and even watermelon steaks are proving that vegan barbecues can be just as exciting—and often more colourful and creative—than the meat-heavy alternatives.

Why Go Vegan for Your BBQ?

Here are a few reasons to consider going plant-based for your next garden gathering:

1. Healthier Choices

Grilled vegetables, legumes, and plant-based proteins tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol than red and processed meats. With the right marinades and cooking techniques, you can serve up mouth-watering dishes that are good for your heart and waistline.

2. Better for the Planet

Barbecues aren’t just about indulgence—they’re also about enjoying the great outdoors. Choosing plant-based foods helps preserve that environment. Meat production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water consumption. Going vegan (even for one meal) is a small change that adds up.

3. Inclusivity

Offering vegan options ensures that all your guests feel welcomed and catered for, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle, have dietary restrictions, or are simply trying to eat more plant-based foods. You might be surprised at how quickly the vegan sausages disappear!

Vegan BBQ Ideas to Tempt Every Tastebud

Need some inspiration? Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas that will have guests coming back for seconds:

Charred Corn with Chilli-Lime Butter (using vegan butter)

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders

Grilled Aubergine with Miso Glaze

Vegan ‘Cheese’ Stuffed Peppers

Smoky Lentil and Black Bean Burgers

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar for a sweet finish

Pair these with a cold jug of homemade lemonade, a few refreshing salads, and you’ve got the makings of a plant-based feast that doesn’t compromise on flavour or fun.

Making the Transition

You don’t have to go fully vegan to start rethinking your barbecue habits. Even swapping out a few meat-based dishes for plant-powered ones makes a difference. Try starting with one fully vegan BBQ this season—your guests might not even notice the meat is missing.

So, is it time to go vegan for your next barbecue? Whether you're motivated by health, ethics, sustainability, or simply the desire to try something new, the answer might just be yes. With more delicious options than ever before, there’s never been a better time to bring the humble plant into the spotlight—and onto your grill.

Fire up the barbecue. The vegan revolution is officially hot and smoking.