Meat-free sausages have become so popular, even the traditional sausage and burger companies now stock their own ranges.
As of spring, 2020, there were 6.7 million Brits following meat-free diets. And that figure is forecast to rise to 12 million by the end of the year.
So it’s no wonder that companies are introducing new meat-free sausages to their ranges.
We asked a family of volunteers to try two products made by traditional companies and give us their opinions.
The sausages
As it says on their label, Richmond have been going since 1889. Moving away from its signature Irish recipe, the company launched its vegan range in summer, 2020.
Heck is a more modern family business. Set up in 2013, the company gained fame for selling old fashioned meat sausages in a market that seemed pitted against them. They offer a choice of three meat-free sausages.
Meet the taste testers
Andy has been vegan for four years. At that time, he and his wife gave their kids a choice. All three decided to become vegan too, and not one of them has considered reverting to meat eating. Annie, 11, and Fraser, 7, joined the meat-free taste test.
Richmond meat-free sausages
Andy and the kids grilled the Richmond sausages. They said they stayed together well and cooked quickly.
What were the taste and texture like?
All: They had a meaty, peppery flavour.
How did they compare to meat?
Andy: They tasted a bit like meat but this is neither good or bad in my mind.
Annie: They were a bit like meat. But because they weren’t meat, they were much better.
Fraser: They tasted similar to meat. I don’t mind that as long as they are not meat.
One a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to ever try these sausages again?
Andy: 9/10
Annie: 8/10
Fraser: 8/10
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to recommend these sausages to your meat-eating friends?
Andy: 9/10
Annie: 8/10
Fraser: 9/10
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to recommend these sausages to your vegetarian or vegan friends?
Andy: 9/10
Annie: 8/10
Fraser: 7/10
Heck meat-free magic
Andy and the kids grilled the Heck sausages. They stayed together and cooked quickly.
What were the taste and texture like?
All: they were meaty tasting with a slight barbecue flavour.
How did they compare to meat?
Andy: They obviously aren’t meat but in my mind, that’s okay.
Annie: They were a bit rubbery. But much better than eating meat.
Fraser: They were a bit meaty. I don’t mind that.
One a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to ever try these sausages again?
Andy: 3/10
Annie: 7/10
Fraser: 8/10
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to recommend these sausages to your meat-eating friends?
Andy: 4/10
Annie: 7/10
Fraser: 9/10
On a scale of one to ten, how likely are you to recommend these sausages to your vegetarian or vegan friends?
Andy: 9/10
Annie: 7/10
Fraser: 6/10
The score
Richmond meat-free sausages scored a grand total of 75/90 while Heck sausages scored 60/90. According to this family, Richmond sausages win the taste test. But what do you think? Log in and leave your comments below.