URGENT UPDATE: As Christmas 2023 approaches, a shocking review of vegetarian and vegan festive mains from major UK supermarkets has revealed disappointing options. With just weeks to go until the holiday, many shoppers are left questioning the quality of plant-based alternatives.
New tests conducted at Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Morrisons have shown a stark decline in vegetarian selections, with only a handful of options available. As the traditional turkey takes center stage, vegetarians and vegans are finding their choices alarmingly limited, leading to a wave of frustration among shoppers.
In a recent taste test, three out of four plant-based dishes were deemed inedible, prompting concerns about the future of vegetarian offerings in supermarkets. The grim findings highlight a troubling trend: many consumers are abandoning their plant-based diets in light of ultra-processed ingredients and poor taste.
The review started with Lidl‘s frozen vegan turkey and cranberry wellingtons, priced at £4.99 for a pack of two. Despite a promising golden appearance after cooking, the product fell short due to its cranberry filling, which was deemed unpalatable by the reviewer. Although it was the least offensive choice, many may still hesitate to include it on their Christmas table.
Next was Aldi‘s tiny pies, costing £2.49 for two, which promised delightful flavors but delivered hard chunks of potato and overly rich brie. The underwhelming taste left the reviewer disappointed and unsure if anyone could actually recommend it.
Moving on to Morrisons, the only vegetarian option available was a frozen roast dish that resembled a berry crumble. Priced at £2.99, the reviewer described it as “slop,” made with brown rice, mushrooms, and chestnuts. The unappetizing texture and taste led to a swift trip to the bin after just one bite.
While the vegetarian offerings were previously seen as improving, this year’s selections were disheartening. Only two out of the four supermarkets provided more than one plant-based option, raising questions about future commitments to vegetarian and vegan diets.
As more consumers move away from veganism due to concerns about ultra-processed foods, these findings could signal a shift in supermarket strategies. Shoppers are urged to act quickly if they wish to find any suitable vegetarian options for their festive meals this year.
The taste test results are a wake-up call for retailers: significant improvements are needed to meet consumer expectations. With Christmas fast approaching, shoppers are encouraged to consider alternative local options or homemade solutions to ensure a festive meal that meets their dietary needs.
What to watch for: As the holiday season unfolds, stay tuned for updates on supermarket offerings and potential improvements in vegetarian selections. Shoppers may need to rethink their options if they hope to avoid disappointment at the dinner table this Christmas.
