Have you tried Wheaty?

In an ever-increasing market of vegan meats, there are a few definite standouts that always manage to find their way into my FGV basket. Redwood produce stunning rashers, roasts and sausages. Fry’s Vegetarian sell fabulous schnitzels, nuggets and strips. Rest assured, there are plenty of proteins out there and they keep on coming.

Now, I know I said there are plenty out there but plenty doesn’t mean enough. A range of vegan meats that has recently come to my attention is known as Wheaty and I couldn’t be happier that it is in my life. These succulent, plant-based deli meats are chunky, carve-able and oh-so-tasty. Produced in Germany, the seitan delicacies are among the world’s best.

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Beer is for winners

Cider has been creeping up my list of loved libations lately, but it is true my heart belongs to beer.

I am often searching high and low to feed my desire for new, vegan beer that has yet to pass my lips. If you see a frenzied, chubby guy frantically picking up beer bottles and putting them down again, don’t be startled. It is probably just your friendly, neighbourhood FGV looking for a vegan certification symbol. It was during one of these recent expeditions at As Nature Intended in Ealing that I discovered two new beers to add to my drinking repertoire.

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Not so amazing

I’m not usually one for disrespecting meat-free establishments, but neither will I pretend they are all fabulous havens of delectable and mouth-watering food.

Roots and Fruits - could be improved

If you find yourself stranded in Leeds for the day, places to eat vegan food are not easy to come by. If curry is your thing, make haste to Hansa’s and you should be satisfied with most things on offer. Feel like a quick snack or a tummy filler? Out Of This World stocks delicious vegan sandwiches, pizza slices and fudge to meet your needs. But if you are craving uninspired and uncreative dishes that are slightly overpriced, head on down to Roots and Fruits.

I know it would appear to some as slightly counter-productive for a FGV to ctiticise a vegetarian restaurant, but Roots and Fruits doesn’t make the grade in my book.

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Simply cider

Forget about same-sex marriage. I’m on a one person mission to legalise unions between fat, gay vegans and Samuel Smith cider.

Old Rosie vegan scrumpy cider

As I traverse the length and skinny breadth of this land, I am doing all I can to convince people that cider is my favourite beverage. If I don’t have a pint of the golden drop in my hand, I surely must be carrying a few bottles home from the supermarket. It is a one-sided affair in which cider keeps giving and I take in abundance.

This week saw my obsession intensify with two new-for-me cider varieties arriving in my life. First up was the student classic and low-budget scrumpy called Old Rosie. Rosie is

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I’m out of this world and I’m never comin’ back

Have you got a favourite retail outlet when it comes to vegan groceries? Somewhere that never lets you down and always ensures your basket is well-stocked? Me too.

Out Of This World health foods in Leeds

Out Of This World is a small, comprehensive grocery store located in Leeds city centre. This ethically-minded outlet dedicates shelf upon shelf to products free of non-human animals as well as vegetarian specialties and organic, fair trade goods. If you want a few slices of pig-free bacon or a couple of vegan cupcakes to see you through a chilly northern afternoon, Out Of This World is the place to shop. You can snap up vitamins, shampoo, vegan fudge, cider, organic wine and so much more.

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Vegan ice cream wars: brief update

A short and sweet entry for sugar junkies.

Swedish Glace Neapolitan

My love affair with Swedish Glace has been mentioned previously and my recent purchase has only strengthened my emotional connection to the non-dairy dessert. These ice cream connoisseurs have done it again with their Neapolitan variety.  The strawberry, vanilla and chocolate delight is housed in a FGV-pleasing 1.3 litre tub and satisfies on every level. It is creamy, sweet and fluffy, with each of the flavours deserving of their place in the line up.

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