Can you find vegan products in Co-op?

We know that finding vegan food conveniently can be a challenge, so to celebrate Veganuary we’ve pulled together some pointers on the options you can find in your local Co-op. It’s not just hummous and carrot sticks – you can also find vegan wines, new ready meals, doughnuts and dairy-free milk.

On Co-op own brand products, look out for the “V” symbol which simply indicates vegan and vegetarian products.

If you’re on the go at lunch time why not try our falafel salad or wrap? Or how about our new raw rainbow salad which contains cauliflower cous cous with butternut squash, courgette, kale and radicchio, chopped dates and pomegranate with a beetroot dressing.

To satisfy a sweet tooth with a treat, our jam doughnuts are delicious and vegan. Perfect with a cuppa.

We’ve also expanded our ready meal options to include convenient vegan options too.

There’s a new balanced mushroom risotto, mixed mushrooms with risotto rice, quinoa and brown rice served with butternut squash, spinach and pumpkin seeds. Or why not try our balanced sweet potato falafel (Sweet potato falafel with cooked mixed rice, kale, chickpeas and tomato and chilli dressing). As well as being vegan, these balanced ready meals will also contribute to your 5 a day and provide great sources of fibre and protein.

We also stock a number of branded products which carry the Vegan Society logo – including some tempting little chocolate pots.  And of course we have all your cupboard staples, from kidney beans to tinned tomatoes, spices and fresh veg to rustle up some hearty stews.

Staying healthy

If you are following a vegan diet, make sure you are keeping a balanced intake of all your key food groups– the Government’s Eat Well guide shows you what your breakdown should be and encourages us to eat more beans and pulses – there are some great ways to get protein through beans, pulses and nuts.

Inspiration

Looking for some tasty vegan meal ideas? You can find a whole host at coop.co.uk/recipes or check out our Co-op Food magazine which always features meat free recipes.

Why try Vegan?

Moving towards a more plant based diet can have benefits for your personal health and the health of the planet. The lower the meat, fish and dairy content, the lower the environmental impact – and the more important it is that reduced meat intakes are replaced with increases in the quantity and diversity of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and pulses.

If you want to find out more about some of the environmental and health benefits of reducing meat intake check out the Eating Better Coalition website.

You can also calculate your carbon footprint and see how you match up against the UK average.