The Finest (Veggie & Vegan) Pies Money Can Buy

What’s more British than a good old pie? They’re one of our favourite foods – suitable for Lunch or Dinner, sweet or savoury. Yet, for vegetarians and vegans, getting a proper pie that fits their diet can prove a difficulty. When you think of pies, your mind often goes immediately to the classics – all  meat based. But worry not – we’re here to help all vegans and vegetarians find the perfect pie for them, without compromising their principles.

What Might be an Issue in Pies for a Vegetarian or Vegan?

It isn’t just the obvious issues that make many pies unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Of course many traditional fillings – steak and ale, chicken and bacon etc are all unsuitable for meat-free diets. However, the pie crust itself can often represent an impediment. Many traditional forms of British pie crust contain lard or suet – both unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Even more modern recipes that don’t contain animal fats like these might include butter, eggs or milk – all unsuitable for vegans.

Vegetarian and vegan pies might contain substitutes for traditional meat fillings – often using soya or other alternate meats. Some meat-free pies are entirely vegetable based, or might focus on cheese. Their pastry is usually made with plant-based fats, sometimes including coconut or vegetable oils.

Pukka

Plant Based Minced No Steak & Onion Pie

Pukka Pies aren’t just for meat eaters. These favourites are now also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This meat-free take on the classic combines tender minced soya with onions and rich onion gravy, in a light puff pastry case.

Hollands

Mature Cheddar Cheese & Onion Family pie

A veggie pie, suitable for all the family! This family sized pie contains rich & creamy mature cheddar & red Leicester cheeses blended with onions, baked in crumbly shortcrust pastry.

Linda McCartney

Vegan Country Pies

Showcasing the range of pastries that are now possible in vegan cuisine, this vegan Pie is made from a Shortcrust Pastry Base, filled with Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein in a rich onion and beef-style gravy; topped with a puff pastry lid.

British Pie Week

These are just a selection of the wonderful range of pies available to vegetarians and vegans these days. We are one of the judges of this year’s British Pie Awards – where each year the industry decides the best pies of the year in a range of categories. The Pie Awards are the 4^th of March, with full details to follow. Let us know what your favourite pie is – or check out which pies win after the 4^th of March.