Cutting back on our meat consumption is one of the best food choices we can make for the environment, as intensive meat and dairy production is one of the leading causes of climate breakdown and nature loss around the world.
Plant-based and meat-free sausages have grown in popularity over the last few years, and with such a variety to choose from, we thought we’d help you out by sharing a selection of our staff favourites…
1. Traditional treat: Glamorgan sausage
We tend to think of meat-free options as new inventions, but the Welsh Glamorgan sausage has been around for over a century! Combining a simple mix of cheese, leek and breadcrumbs with a sprinkling of spice, this mouth-watering dish can be prepared easily at home and enjoyed by the whole family.
How to enjoy: serve with a chilli jam for that extra kick. Warm and hearty, Glamorgan sausages are the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a rainy evening.
Why we love them: with easy-to-source ingredients and a simple recipe, we love how convenient these sausages are.
2. Ethical eating: Sosage Mix
There’s a common misconception that all meat-free alternatives are ethical. This certainly isn’t the case. Some options contain ingredients like palm oil, which, when sourced poorly, are linked to environmental harm and deforestation. This can also apply to soy from South America, although the vast majority of soy we eat doesn’t come from there.
Greener alternatives exist. Claiming the title for the UK’s most ethical sausage mix, Sosage Mixes are as simple to prepare as they are tasty. Just add water, wait, fry and enjoy! An irresistible, guilt-free dining experience.
How to enjoy: try mixing in some of your favourite spices.
Why we love them: the (tasty) blank canvas means you can adapt the mix to suit your taste.
3. Lunch lovin’: Quorn Cocktail Sausages
We can attest to Quorn’s claim: these cocktail sausages truly are mini mouthfuls of deliciousness. Perfect to throw in your bag and enjoy as an on-the-go lunch snack, Quorn Cocktail Sausages are packed with protein and have a lovely herby flavour to them. A firm favourite from Quorn, giants of the alternative meat market!
How to enjoy: serve with some tabasco or hummus for an elevated taste.
Why we love them: easy to find, east to eat, easy to enjoy!
4. Al fresco dining: Cauldron Vegetarian Cumberland Sausages
A BBQ isn't the same without a sizzling sausage. Seasoned with black pepper and rosemary, Cauldron’s Vegetarian Cumberland Sausages are an absolute hit at parties, with one of our meat-loving reviewers describing them as "like a pig got in the onion patch". A perfect introduction to those nervous about dabbling in meat alternatives.
How to enjoy: crispened on a BBQ, drenched in mustard, and served with a bun and greens.
Why we love them: for their deceptively authentic taste.
5. Plant-based goodness: Waitrose PlantLiving Mushroom & Leek Sausages
Waitrose's sausage brings an edge to the competition by including a variety of veg in the recipe. You can expect to enjoy a mix of mushrooms, porcini, leeks and onions in this vegetable medley. Mixed with mustard for extra flavour, these yummy sausages are great for those with their 5 a day in mind.
How to enjoy: Waitrose recommends pairing with cabbage and potato mash for a plate full of plant-based goodness.
Why we love them: this offering is perfect for those who are wary of unfamiliar ingredients and want an extra dose of veg on their plate.
