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Decadent Vegan Cheesecake Recipe – No Dairy, No Fuss, All Delicious

If you’ve ever thought that going vegan meant giving up cheesecake, think again. 

This simple, indulgent vegan cheesecake recipe uses plant-based soft cheese, vegan margarine, and vegan biscuits to create a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s every bit as satisfying as the traditional version. 

Perfect for dinner parties, afternoon tea, or when you just fancy something a little sweet, this cheesecake proves that compassion can taste absolutely divine.

Ingredients

For the base:

250g vegan digestive biscuits (or your favourite vegan-friendly alternative)

100g vegan margarine, melted

For the filling:

400g vegan soft cheese (such as Violife, Nush, or Tesco Plant Chef)

100ml plant-based cream (oat or soya cream works beautifully)

100g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice (for that classic cheesecake tang)

Optional toppings:

Fresh berries

Fruit coulis

Grated vegan chocolate or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Method

Prepare the base:

Place the vegan biscuits in a food processor and blitz until finely crushed.

Stir in the melted vegan margarine until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the base of a springform tin (20cm / 8 inch is ideal).

Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Or bake at 200c for 30 minutes, then allow to cool.

Make the filling:

In a large bowl, beat together the vegan soft cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

Slowly mix in the plant-based cream until the texture is light and fluffy.

Assemble the cheesecake:

Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit base, spreading it evenly.

Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if possible) to set properly.

Add the finishing touches:

Before serving, top with fresh berries, drizzle with coulis, or sprinkle with grated vegan chocolate for a stunning finish.

Tips for Success

Flavour twist: Add a swirl of vegan lemon curd or a handful of crushed raspberries to the filling before chilling.

For a firmer set: Mix 1–2 tsp of agar-agar powder (a vegan setting agent) into the cream before blending.

Serving suggestion: Pair a slice with a hot cup of tea or a strong espresso for the perfect indulgent moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is proof that plant-based baking doesn’t have to mean compromise. It’s creamy, rich, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for anyone looking to impress guests or enjoy a guilt-free treat. Plus, it’s completely free from dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

This is the vegan version of our dairy cheesecake recipe. We firmly believe this will make a great addition to your Christmas spread, perhaps adding some Christmas spices to it?

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Is There a Vegan Conspiracy in the Cat Food Industry?

Right, I’m just going to come out and say it: I think there’s a conspiracy afoot. And not just any conspiracy — oh no! I’m talking about a feline-focused vegan infiltration of the cat food industry. 

Because honestly, how else can you explain the recent trend of peas, carrots, rice, and other suspiciously salad-like items appearing in pouches of cat food that are supposedly “meat in gravy”?

Have the cat food companies been infiltrated by extremist vegan activists determined to “convert” our cats to the green side? Because if they have, my cat is having none of it.

Picture this: I open a pouch of “Succulent Chicken Dinner.” It smells… vaguely like chicken. I spoon it into the bowl, and there they are, neon-orange cubes of diced carrot staring up at me like an unwanted intruder at a meat feast. 

My cat, bless him, takes one sniff, eats around it, and spits out a perfectly formed little carroty chunk with the precision of a sniper.

I mean really, who decided cats need carrots or peas? These are animals that, in the wild, would proudly take down a vole, a bird, or maybe an unguarded burger from a neighbour’s BBQ. Not a legume or a grain of rice in sight. Yet here we are, serving them dinner that looks like it was rejected from a school canteen.

And don’t even get me started on the rice. Since when did cats need rice? Did someone see a Bengal cat and assume they’re all from Asia and therefore partial to a bit of wild rice or basmati?

Then there’s soya and wheat gluten — the stuff of vegan dreams but feline nightmares. I’m convinced there’s a secret meeting somewhere, where a group of anti-meat zealots in hemp jumpers are cackling over how they’ve snuck tofu into “Beef Flavour Feast.”

“Ha ha!” they cry, “Soon, all the cats will be plant-based!”

Meanwhile, the nation’s moggies are plotting revolution, one regurgitated pea at a time.

Look, I get it — humans are eating more plant-based meals these days. Good for us. But cats are obligate carnivores. That means they literally have to eat meat to survive. Trying to turn a cat vegan is like trying to get a shark to go swear off eating fish. It’s just not happening.

So why, in the name of whiskers, are we still finding vegetables in cat food? Is it a cost-cutting exercise? A misguided attempt at “balanced nutrition”? A way to tempt Gen X cat owners with gimmicky 'neqw' recipes? Or is there, as I suspect, a stealthy vegan uprising happening in pet food factories up and down the country?

Either way, it needs to stop. My cat doesn’t want your diced carrots, your peas of persuasion, or your tofu tyranny. He wants meat. Preferably something that once had feathers, fur, or at the very least, a heartbeat.

Until the cat food world comes to its senses, I’ll be standing guard — spoon in hand, ready to fish out every last unwanted vegetable like a true carnivore’s ally.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go sweep a small pile of rejected peas off the kitchen floor. Again.

Discovering Miskets: A Sweet Adventure

If you love sweets that surprise you with texture, flavour and design, Miskets is a brand you’ll want to know. 

Hailing from Turkey, Miskets has carved a niche for itself by combining traditional ingredients with playful, creative confectionery. 

From dragees and cones to exotic bars and marshmallow treats, there’s a lot more here than your everyday chocolate.

Who Are Miskets?

Miskets is a snack and confectionery brand that began with humble roots, known originally for its chickpea serie, but has expanded into a wide range of sweet treats. 

 Some of their hallmarks:

They use natural coatings and dried fruit in many of their products. 

Their products include more than chocolate: think marshmallows, jelly beans, salty pretzels coated in chocolate, chocolate-filled cones, etc. 

Quality is important — Miskets emphasise using fresh and carefully selected ingredients. 

What Makes Miskets Special

There are a few things that set Miskets apart from many other confectionery brands:

Fusion of textures and flavours

You’ll find contrasts, crunchy, creamy, smooth, chewy, often in a single item. For example, the Dubai Style Chocolate Bar with Crispy Kadaifi & Hazelnut combines the flaky, shredded pastry (kadaifi) with rich hazelnut and milk chocolate.

Inspirations from regional treats

Some products are inspired by Middle Eastern desserts (kadaifi, nuts, etc.), which gives them a distinct character compared with typical Western chocolates. The “Dubai Style” line is a good example. 

Variety

Whether you prefer something light like white chocolate, or dark and nutty, or even juicier flavours in dragees (fruit flavours), there’s something to suit different tastes. 

Presentation and novelty

Some of their bars are eye-catching. They’re not just tasty but designed to be enjoyed visually too. People like new sensory experiences in sweets: multi-texture, multi-flavour, even Instagram-friendly packaging. Miskets taps into that. 

Some Stand-Out Products

Here are a few examples of what Miskets offers (so you know what to expect if you try them):

Dubai Style Chocolate Bar (Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut & Kadaifi) — a decadent combo of flaky pastry (kadaifi), crunchy hazelnuts, and smooth milk chocolate. 

Dubai Style Pistachio & White Chocolate Bar — swapping milk for white chocolate, highlighting nutty pistachio in a lighter chocolate base. 

Mini Cones (Pistachio & Kunafa with Chocolate) — crispy waffle cones filled with pistachio/kunafa and coated in chocolate. These little treats offer crunch plus a rich filling. 

Dragees & Jelly-Flavour Coated Treats — fruit flavours, chocolate coatings, chewy centres, etc. 

Where to Buy & What to Know

Miskets products are sold in various markets: Turkey, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly in places further afield. 

In the UK, some lines are available through retailers. For example, the “Dubai Style” chocolate bars appear in Home Bargains. 

Price-wise, they tend to be a premium over basic chocolate bars, reflecting the more complex ingredients and novelty. But many people find the extra cost worth it for the experience.

Who Miskets Is For

If I were to recommend to whom Miskets is most likely to appeal:

Adventurous sweet-tooth – people who like more than just chocolate; they enjoy combinations (nuts, pastry, fruit, crunchy textures).

Gift givers – bars with aesthetic appeal make good gifts, or small cone treats as novelty snacks.

Fans of Middle Eastern desserts – especially those who love pistachio, kunafa, kadayif etc., but want a chocolate twist.

People curious about premium confectionery – willing to pay a little more for quality, novelty and flavour variety.

A Few Considerations

As good as they sound, there are some things to keep in mind:

Allergens — many products contain nuts, wheat (gluten), milk, etc., so not suitable for those with allergies. Always check the label. 

Richness & sweetness — the combinations can be quite intense (very sweet, very rich); not everyone’s going to want that with every bite.

Availability — depending where you live, some lines may be hard to find, or only available in specific stores or import shops.

Final Thoughts

Miskets is a brand that stands out by offering more than just chocolate. It’s an exploration of textures, flavours and combinations rooted partially in regional sweets but reimagined in a way that feels modern and playful. If you’re after something beyond the ordinary — something that surprises you with every bite — Miskets is well worth trying.

I bought my Miskets' chocolates from Home Bargains. I think they'll make excellent stockingfillers.

https://home.bargains/

https://miskets.com/en/homepage/

Squeaky Bean Unveils NEW Plant-Based Pies, Packed with Bold Flavours and Delicious Vegetable Goodness

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food this autumn: Squeaky Bean’s new plant-based pies are here to take your tastebuds on a flavour-packed journey with a gut-friendly twist!

Pies are the perfect autumnal comfort food and Squeaky Bean’s new range of irresistibly delicious, naturally fermented vegetable pies are rich in flavours and packed with plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on taste. 

NEW Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie (209g) and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (209g) will be available in Tesco (RRP £3.75).

Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie:

Squeaky Bean is putting vegetables in the spotlight with their Braised Veggie Pie. The recipe features shortcrust pastry filled with a flavourful medley of fermented vegetables, in a rich ale gravy, topped with golden puff pastry. It’s the comforting dish your taste buds have been waiting for, with added gut-friendly goodness.

Squeaky Bean Spanish Chorizo Style Pie:

Squeaky Bean’s Spanish Chorizo Style Pie features a shortcrust pastry base packed with butter beans, courgettes, and a fermented vegetable filling, topped with golden puff pastry. The result? A bold, hearty flavour profile that packs a punch and leaves you craving more.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or need a centrepiece for your next plant-based roast, Squeaky Bean’s new pies are the perfect choice. They’re also very convenient – simply pop them in the oven to heat, then serve with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for the perfect comfort food experience.

Katie Atkin, Brand Manager at Squeaky Bean, told That's Food and Drink: “As shoppers seek healthier plant-based foods that don’t compromise on taste, our new range of pies are the first of their kind, put vegetables in the spotlight, and are packed with familiar meaty textures.

“The pies feature a flavourful medley of naturally fermented vegetables nestled in a flaky, golden pastry crust. The fermentation adds a rich umami depth and a subtle zing that perfectly balances the fillings. Ideal as a unique main course, these pies celebrate bold flavours and gut-friendly ingredients in every bite.” 

Squeaky Bean’s new range of Pies join an already  impressive line-up of products including ready-to-eat Cooking Chorizo Style Sausage, Tuna Style Flakes, Crispy Bacon Style Strips, Salmon Style Flakes, Chargrilled Steak Style Strips, Chicken Style Pieces, Chargrilled Mini Fillets and Sandwich Slices; NYC Deli Pastrami, Red Pepper & Tomato and Spinach & Basil Tofu Slices, Applewood Smoked Ham Style Slices, and Spanish Chorizo Style Slices. 

Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie (209g) and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (209g) should already be available in Tesco (RRP £3.75) but check with you nearest branch.

National Allotment Society Celebrates Britain’s Best Plots with GARDENA

The National Allotment Society (NAS) is proud to have partnered with GARDENA to sponsor and support the first-ever Top of the Plots competition, a nationwide celebration of the UK’s thriving grow-your-own community.

“Working alongside GARDENA to champion allotment holders and gardeners across the country has been a real privilege,” said Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society told That's Food and Drink.

“The standard of entries was truly inspiring — from long-established plots brimming with biodiversity to creative new growers transforming small spaces into productive, beautiful gardens.”

The NAS congratulates all the category winners, including overall winner Steve Mills from Barnet, North London, whose remarkable allotment, complete with a three-level fruit and flower tunnel, earned him the title of Plot of the Year 2025. 

Special recognition also goes to Roger Atkinson, Donna Harris, Victoria Holden, Rebecca Hale, and David Gallacher for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s gardening community.

“These winners reflect the very best of what allotments represent,” Farrell added. “They’re places of innovation, wellbeing, and togetherness. Through their hard work and creativity, they remind us why protecting and promoting allotments is more important than ever.”

Recent NAS research shows that:

91% of plot holders say their allotment has improved their mental health.

84% report eating more fresh produce since taking on their plot.

72% say their allotment has helped them feel more connected to their local community.

Despite rising costs and waiting lists, more than half of respondents described their allotment as their “happy place”.

These findings highlight the vital role allotments play in improving wellbeing, sustainability, and community resilience across the UK — values that the Top of the Plots competition proudly celebrates.

About the National Allotment Society

The National Allotment Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading voice for allotment holders. Founded in 1908, the NAS works to protect, promote, and support allotments nationwide. The Society provides advice, advocacy, and research to ensure that allotments remain accessible, sustainable, and beneficial for communities across the country.

https://thenas.org.uk

Nando’s Limits Coca-Cola Refills After New Government Sugar Rules Customers react as popular chain ends ‘bottomless’ Coke option under anti-obesity measures

Nando’s has introduced new restrictions limiting customers to one glass of Coca-Cola Classic per visit following government regulations aimed at reducing sugar consumption.

The restaurant chain, known for its refillable soft drinks, has replaced its unlimited Coca-Cola option with a one-glass policy. Zero-sugar alternatives such as Sprite Zero and Fanta Zero remain available for unlimited refills.

Updated notices on Nando’s drinks machines inform customers that the change follows new legal requirements.

The message reads: “Want Coca-Cola Classic? It’s one glass only. Based on new government laws, we’ve had to limit Coca-Cola Classic to one glass per customer. Still thirsty? Help yourself to one of our low-sugar fizzy bottomless soft drinks.”

The move has prompted complaints across social media, with some users criticising what they call “nanny state” restrictions. Others described the change as “a joke.”

However, there are some people who are now put at a disadvantage as they are allergic to sugar substitutes.

Similar policies are reported to have been introduced by other restaurant chains including Five Guys, Toby Carvery, Harvester, Pizza Hut and Burger King.

The change follows new anti-obesity rules banning free refills of sugary drinks and “buy one, get one free” promotions on foods high in fat, sugar or salt. These measures build on government efforts that began in 2021 under then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems and costs the NHS billions.”

Health experts have supported the new rules, arguing that limiting access to sugary drinks and foods can reduce over-consumption. Research from the University of Leeds found that supermarket restrictions on unhealthy items at checkouts and aisle ends cut sales of those products by around two million items a day.

Further measures are expected next year, including a ban on online promotions of unhealthy food and a pre-9pm watershed on junk food advertising.

Government data shows more than a quarter of adults and one in five Year Six pupils in England are classed as obese. Weight-related illnesses cost the UK economy around £74 billion annually, with obesity linked to conditions such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

The restrictions mirror earlier initiatives such as the 2018 Soft Drinks Industry Levy, which taxed beverages containing over 5g of sugar per 100ml. That policy encouraged many brands to reduce sugar content, though Coca-Cola maintained its original recipe and absorbed the cost of the levy.

Wales is set to adopt similar rules next year, with Scotland expected to follow.