Best & Worst Supermarkets For Vegans In the UK

As the vegan movement continues to gain momentum across the UK, more supermarkets are stepping up to meet the needs of this growing demographic.

For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, the supermarket aisle can feel like a treasure trove or a daunting maze. With countless options and varying degrees of product availability, knowing where to shop for the best vegan finds is essential.

Supermarkets have had to up their game with so many people ditching animal products. But which ones are nailing it, and which are falling flat?

Let’s discover the best and worst supermarkets for vegans in the UK.

The 6 Best Supermarkets for Vegans in the UK

1. Tesco: A Vegan Paradise

Alright, let’s talk Tesco. These guys have seriously stepped up their vegan game. They’ve got so many plant-based options, you might forget what meat even looks like!

Their own-brand stuff, Plant Chef and Wicked Kitchen (first launched in the UK through Tesco but now also available in Asda) is where it’s at. We’re talking everything from your everyday basics to those naughty treats you can’t resist. And the best part? It won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

The Plant Chef range offers a wide variety of vegan-friendly products, including ready meals, plant-based alternatives to meat (such as burgers, sausages, and mince), and dairy-free products. This makes it easier for vegans to enjoy a range of meals without compromising on taste or convenience. It’s affordable too!

Now, the Wicked Kitchen range? It’s a game-changer. Imagine coming home after a long day, too tired to cook, and boom – you’ve got a tasty, plant-based meal ready to go. We’re talking things like vegan mac and cheese, BBQ jackfruit tacos or a chick’n fajita bowl. It’s like having a vegan chef in your fridge!

But here’s the thing – not all Tescos are created equal. The bigger stores usually have more vegan stuff, so if you’re after something specific, you might want to hit up a Tesco Extra.

2. Sainsbury’s: Consistency and Quality

Next up, we’ve got Sainsbury’s. These folks are like the reliable friends of the vegan world – always there when you need them.

Their Plant Pioneers range? It’s pretty darn good. Look out for favourites like the no-fish cakes, Cumberland shroomdogs, Ultimate plant burgers and no salmon fillets.

And the best part is, you can usually find at least some vegan options even in their smaller stores. So if you’re out and about and suddenly need a vegan snack fix, Sainsbury’s Local has got your back.

One thing that’s super handy about Sainsbury’s is their labelling. They slap a big “Vegan” logo on their own-brand stuff, so you don’t have to squint at the ingredients list every time. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, vegan friend, we see you!”

Some vegans reckon Sainsbury’s is the best overall for vegan options. But remember, everyone’s got their own favourites, so you might want to check it out yourself and see what you think.

3. Asda: Affordable Vegan Alternatives

Now, if you’re watching your pennies (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days?), Asda might be your new best friend. They’ve really upped their vegan game lately, and they’re not breaking the bank to do it.

Asda’s Plant Based and OMV ranges include a variety of frozen meals, chilled, on-the-go wraps, snacks, and pantry staples, ensuring that vegans never miss out on anything.

We can’t get enough of their no-chicken Caesar wrap, smoky tofu burrito and chocolate brownies!

Asda’s also killing it with their vegan meat alternatives. Want a burger that looks, feels, and almost tastes like the real deal? They’ve got you covered. Fancy some “chicken” nuggets for a movie night? No problem! A pizza? You got it!

The best part? Asda often runs deals on their vegan stuff. So keep your eyes peeled, and you might snag some plant-based bargains. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re finding discounted vegan sausages. Just as exciting, right?

4. Waitrose: Premium Vegan Options

Okay, now we’re getting fancy. If you’re feeling a bit posh and want to treat yourself, Waitrose is where it’s at. These guys have embraced the vegan lifestyle with open arms, and they’re doing it in style.

Their PlantLiving range? It’s like the Rolls Royce of vegan food. We’re talking gourmet ready meals (tikka masala or smoky chilli) that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Sure, it might cost a bit more, but sometimes you’ve gotta splurge, right?

They also stock the wonderful Deliciously Ella and Plants by Deliciously Ella ranges. Perfect all-natural plant-based foods when you want to channel your inner health queen. The creamy butternut squash and sage tortellini and pestos are chef’s kiss!

Some people think Waitrose is great for those unique vegan items you can’t find anywhere else. So if you’re after something special, it might be worth checking out. For instance, we recently found these cool tofu knots by Tofu Tasty in Waitrose and the texture is unreal!

Oh, and their online shopping? It’s a breeze. Perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered to leave the house but still want your fancy vegan fix.

5. Aldi: Budget-Friendly Vegan Basics

Alright, let’s talk Aldi. If you’re trying to go vegan without emptying your wallet, these guys might just be your saviour.

Their Plant Menu range covers all the basics. Tofu? Check. Veggie burgers? You bet. And the prices? They’ll make you do a double-take. It’s like they’re practically giving the stuff away!

Now, they might not always have the biggest selection, but what they do have is usually pretty good. And here’s a fun fact: Aldi often brings in new vegan products as special buys. So every shopping trip is like a surprise party for your taste buds!

Aldi really up their game for Veganuary and Christmas, so don’t miss out at these times!

Some people swear by Aldi’s 89p tofu (organic super firm, organic smoked and sweet chilli marinated) and their frozen plant-based items (battered no pork sausages, meat-free meatballs, sausage rolls etc.). So if you’re into meal prepping or just like having emergency vegan food in the freezer, Aldi’s got your back.

6. Ocado: The Online Vegan Haven

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Ocado. Now, these guys are online only, but boy, do they deliver (pun totally intended).

Ocado’s like the Amazon of vegan food. They’ve got everything. And I mean everything. All the popular brands like Alpro, Oatly, Cauldron, Violife, Beyond Meat, The Tofoo Co. etc. Brands you may not have ever heard of (Alara, Amisa, Bay’s Kitchen, Bonsan etc.), products you didn’t even know existed – it’s all there.

The best part? Their website makes it super easy to find vegan stuff. No more squinting at labels or accidentally buying something with sneaky milk powder in it. Just click the vegan filter, and boom – vegan shopping made easy.

Sure, it might be a bit pricier than popping to your local shop. But for the convenience and the range of products? Many vegans reckon it’s worth it.

The 4 Worst Supermarkets for Vegans in the UK

When it comes to vegan shopping in the UK, not all supermarkets are created equal. Here are the supermarkets that aren’t quite hitting the mark for vegans.

1. Lidl: Room for Improvement

Okay, real talk time. Lidl’s not exactly winning any vegan awards. Their plant-based game is a bit… meh.

But don’t write them off completely! Lidl’s in-house brand, Vemondo, offers a range of vegan products, including vegan burgers, sausages, and schnitzels. The Vemondo vegan ice cream is popular, especially flavours like salted caramel.

They do have some vegan stuff, especially in the bakery (pretzels, baguettes, rolls) and freezer sections. Their chilled vegan sushi selections are a convenient snack or lunch option, and while it’s no restaurant-quality sushi, it’s a solid on-the-go pick.

During Veganuary, they tend to up their game a bit. And they sometimes offer some themed vegan products like vegetable “boo” buns for Halloween. When they have meat-free weeks, there are more options but it’s annoying when the options disappear.

Shopping at Lidl as a vegan is kind of like going on a treasure hunt. You might have to dig around a bit, but you could find some hidden gems. And hey, it keeps things interesting, right?

However, there is hope for Lidl, as they recently announced plans to triple their vegan offerings with the launch of their Vemondo Plant! range, which is a promising development.

2. Iceland: A Chilly Reception

Iceland has carved out a niche for itself as a frozen food supermarket, but it’s not always the most vegan-friendly option compared to other major retailers.

While the chain has made progress in catering to plant-based consumers, its overall product range and store layout can still be limiting for vegans.

One of the main issues is that Iceland heavily focuses on frozen, ready-made meals, many of which tend to be meat-heavy or rely on dairy. The vegan options are often limited, leaving those with plant-based diets with less variety than they’d find at other supermarkets.

One thing they do have going for them is exclusive ranges like Greggs vegan products (sausage rolls, steak bakes) and The No Meat company products like no chick strips, burgers and meat-free mince.

Iceland’s vegan offerings mainly consist of frozen meals and snacks. While some of these products are convenient and tasty, the lack of good fresh produce and pantry staples can make it difficult for vegan shoppers to find everything they need in one place.

Many customers have expressed disappointment with the limited variety of vegan products available at Iceland. While some frozen meals receive praise, the overall selection does not meet the needs of all vegan shoppers.

3. Co-op: The Inconsistent Choices

Co-op has made efforts to provide vegan options, but many shoppers feel that the range is inconsistent and often overpriced. While they do offer some plant-based products, the selection pales in comparison to larger supermarkets.

Their GRO range is excellent when you can get your hands on it. GRO The Incredible Burger is well, incredible! Just like their Gro Katsu curry with breaded “chicken”. The chocolate brownie ice-cream is to die for too.

While some customers appreciate Co-op’s commitment to ethical sourcing, many feel that the vegan options do not meet their expectations in terms of variety and pricing.

The larger stores carry more variety for vegans, but the smaller stores, often located in residential areas or acting as convenience outlets, have a more limited range of vegan options.

4. Marks & Spencer (M&S): Quality But Inconvenient

M&S was up there with those who first started taking vegans seriously when they launched their Plant Kitchen range back in 2019.

You could make a beeline for their dedicated Plant Kitchen section, quickly grab what you need and go.

Now the range will be mixed in with all the non-vegan foods. Talk about a step backwards. No, we don’t need our vegan no-beef steak pie beside the steak pies, thanks.

To make matters worse, many of the products no longer have bold, blue packaging and there’s just a little Plant Kitchen stamp in the corner now, rather than the prominent branding it had before.

People don’t like that it’ll take longer to find their Plant Kitchen faves, or that they have to hunt around the meat aisles.

We’ll give them their due, they have nailed the whole “vegan convenience food” thing. Need a quick lunch? Sorted with the vegan salt-beef pretzel roll. Want to impress your mates with a fancy vegan dinner? The sweet and sour battered cauliflower with tofu fried rice has got you covered.

M&S is still pretty good for vegan party food too. No more feeling left out at Christmas parties or summer BBQs. You can show up with a platter of vegan goodies that’ll make even the meat-eaters jealous.

Some people are feeling frustrated at the M&S Christmas food to order online this year. It only has two vegan items, totalling £37 (a chocolate torte and no-turkey crown), yet the minimum spend is £50.

Some people don’t need 2 of these items (and you can’t combine them with non-Christmas food), so you have to add non-vegan items or you can’t reach the minimum spend. Pretty unfair if you ask us.

Tips for Vegan Supermarket Shopping

Alright, now that we’ve covered the supermarkets, let’s talk strategy. Here are some top tips to make your vegan shopping trips a breeze:

1. Get tech-savvy: Use apps like Trolley or HappyCow. They’re like your personal vegan shopping assistants.
2. Don’t just stick to the “free from” aisle: Some accidentally vegan treasures are hiding in the regular aisles. It’s like a fun scavenger hunt!
3. Always check the label: Even if you’ve bought it before. Sometimes they sneakily change the recipe. This happened to us with the Quorn sweet chilli mini fillets. Originally vegan, then they added egg white. Trust no one!
4. Give store-brand stuff a go: It’s often cheaper and just as good. Your wallet will thank you.
5. Keep an eye out for seasonal vegan goodies: Christmas, Easter, summer BBQ season and Veganuary – supermarkets often bring out special vegan treats.
6. Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to shop at different supermarkets. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

The Future of Vegan Options in UK Supermarkets

So, what’s next in the world of vegan supermarket shopping? Well, buckle up, because things are only going to get better!

More and more people are giving vegan food a go, even if they’re not fully vegan. This means supermarkets are going to keep upping their game. We’re talking more options, tastier products, and hopefully, lower prices.

And with online shopping getting bigger and bigger, who knows what exciting vegan products we’ll be able to get delivered to our doors?

The future’s looking bright, green, and delicious for vegan shoppers in the UK. So keep exploring, trying new things, and supporting those supermarkets that are doing vegan food right. Who knows? Your favourite vegan product might not even exist yet!

The Bottom Line

The vegan world is always changing. That supermarket you weren’t impressed with last year? They might have totally upped their game by now. So keep an open mind, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep enjoying all the amazing vegan food out there.

Happy shopping, vegan pals!