Top 13 Vegan Substitutes

Going vegan can be a great way to improve your health, reduce your environmental impact, and even save animals' lives if that's your bag. However, making the switch to a plant-based diet can also be daunting, especially if you're used to eating a lot of meat, dairy, and eggs. One way to make the transition into a vegan diet easier is to find substitutes for these animal-based foods that you can use in your cooking and baking. You might be more of a butter chicken lover than an aubergine tikka masala kind of person but we’ve got some vegan curries that’ll blow your mind. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 13 vegan substitutes that can help you create delicious, healthy, and ethical meals like our quick vegan recipes and vegan pasta recipes.

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from soybeans and is a great source of protein. Tofu has a subtle flavour and comes in a range of textures that makes it incredibly versatile. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads. Tofu is also a popular replacement for meat in sandwiches and burgers.

Try our Crispy Miso Tofu Ramen

Similar to tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but it has a firmer texture and a nuttier flavour. It can be sliced, diced, or crumbled and added to stews, soups, and casseroles.

Also known as wheat gluten, seitan is made by removing the starch from wheat flour, leaving behind a protein-rich dough. It has a chewy texture and can be used as a meat substitute in dishes such as stews, stir-fries, and sandwiches. Hail seitan.

Chickpeas are an incredibly versatile legume that can be used to make a wide range of dishes, including hummus, curries, and falafel. They're also a great source of protein and can be used as a replacement for meat in salads and sandwiches. Aquafaba (which is the water you get in a can of chickpeas) is an essential ingredient in vegan baking, but more on that later.

Try Sophie’s Pasta With Chickpeas

Nutritional yeast is a yellow, flaky food that is high in B vitamins and has a nutty, cheesy flavour profile. It can be used to make vegan cheese sauce and sprinkled on top of pasta or popcorn for a nice and cheese-ish hit.

There are many types of non-dairy milk available, including soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. These can be used in place of cow's milk in coffee, tea, and baking as well as in savoury recipes.

Try our Porcini Mushroom Spaghetti

Vegan butter or margarine made from plant oils such as soy, coconut or canola. It's likely that your parents went mad for margarine back in the '90s. These can be used in baking, cooking, and as a spread for toast.

Try our Plant-Based Pommes Anna

Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. Flavour-wise, it's fairly coconutty so make sure to take that into account when you're adding it to a dish. It can be whipped like heavy cream and used in desserts such as pies and ice cream.

Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, it can be whipped like egg whites to make meringues, macarons and mayonnaise.

Try our Vegan Roast Garlic Aioli

Flax seeds are high in fibre, packed with nutrients, and can even be used as an egg substitute in baking. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water for each egg needed in the recipe.

Chia seeds can be used to make a gel that can substitute for eggs in baking. Mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water for each egg needed in the recipe.

There are many meat alternatives available that are made from soy, wheat, and various other plant-based ingredients. These include vegan burgers, sausages, and deli slices that can be used in place of animal-based meats. The plant-based meat market is incredibly competitive and – as a result of that crowded scene – there's some serious innovation going on.

Try our Creamy Mushroom No-Chicken Pasta

Vegan cheeses are made from a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, soy, and potatoes. They're not the same as cheese but they can make a nice alternative if you want to reduce your dairy intake.

Try our Vegan Herby Puff Pastry Twist