olive plant-based supermarket awards 2024

Wanting some guidance on Veganuary? Look at our list of easy vegan meal ideas for a gentle introduction or, alternatively, treat yourself to a great variety of vegan snacks from our pick of the best vegan hampers. To find out more about meat alternatives, listen to our olive podcast on the 10 things you need to know about meat alternatives. For more supermarket awards, check out the olive summer supermarket awards 2024.

Best supermarket vegan foods at a glance:

• Best chicken alternative: Waitrose PlantLiving: No Chicken Kyiv, £3.40
• Best vegan mince: Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers Meat Free Mince, £1.86
• Best nuggets and goujons: Waitrose PlantLiving: Southern Fried No Chicken, £3
• Best vegan meatballs: Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers Vegan Meatballs, £1.42
• Best cheese alternative: Asda Free From Garlic & Herb Soft Cheese Alternative, £2.25
• Best alternative milk - Coconut: Tesco Coconut Drink Sweetened, £1.25
• Best alternative milk - Oat: Asda Oat Barista, £1.45
• Best alternative milk - Almond: Aldi Acti Leaf Almond Unsweetened, £0.99
• Best vegan mayonnaise: M&S Plant Based Vegan Mayonnaise, £1.80
• Best vegan eating chocolate: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vegan Block, £1.85
• Best vegan ice cream: Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan 3 Peanut Crunch Ice Cream, £1.75

Best chicken alternative

Winner: Waitrose PlantLiving: No Chicken Kyiv (250g), £3.40

These ‘no chicken’ Kyivs were celebrated for their rich, buttery filling bursting with herbiness and garlicky flavours. A bit more crispiness to the breadcrumb would have elevated these Kyivs further, but they are a great plant-based chicken alternative.

Available from Waitrose (£3.40)

Best vegan mince

Winner: Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers Meat Free Mince (500g), £1.86

This vegan mince features a remarkably meaty texture and a rich, umami flavour, subtly enhanced with hints of mushroom. Its taste is well-balanced, making it perfect for a variety of culinary creations, particularly traditional bolognese.

Available from Sainsbury's (£1.86)

Best vegan nuggets and goujons

Winner: Waitrose PlantLiving: Southern Fried No Chicken (227g), £3

These vegan chicken nuggets offer an impressively authentic texture and taste, closely mimicking the qualities of traditional chicken with a delightful bite and well-balanced seasoning.

Available from Waitrose (£3)

Best vegan meatballs

Winner: Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers Vegan Meatballs (380g), £1.42

Discover the versatility of these vegan meatballs, an excellent all-rounder for any meal! They offer a satisfying bite, are visually appealing, and have a texture that resembles traditional meatballs. While the flavour is neutral and plain, making them perfect for various dishes, their subtle seasoning complements any sauce or seasoning you choose.

Available from Sainsbury's (£1.42)

Best cheese alternative

Winner: Asda Free From Garlic & Herb Soft Cheese Alternative, (170g) £2.25

This garlic and herb soft cheese alternative is perfect for bagels, crackers, and more. The subtle hint of chives adds an extra layer of flavour, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.

Available from Asda (£2.25)

Best alternative milk - coconut

Winner: Tesco Coconut Drink Sweetened, (1 litre) £1.25

This light and refreshing alternative milk is perfect for those who love coconut. Delicious on its own, or a great addition to iced lattes and flavoured coffees.

Available from Tesco (£1.25)

Best alternative milk - oat

Winner: Asda Oat Barista, (1 litre) £1.45

This oat milk is perfect for those seeking a versatile dairy alternative. It's a delightful addition to your daily routine with a subtle oaty flavour and a smooth texture. Its neutral taste makes it a great choice for drinking alone or adding to your favourite recipes.

Available from Asda (£1.45)

Best alternative milk - almond

Winner: Aldi Acti Leaf Almond Unsweetened, (1 litre) £0.99

This almond milk is perfect for nut lovers as it has a distinct nutty flavour. Its slightly salty taste will make a great addition to sweet drinks as a contrasting flavour, like in smoothies.

Available from Aldi (£0.99)

Best vegan mayonnaise

Winner: M&S Plant Based Vegan Mayonnaise, 250g ( £1.80)

For an exquisite and velvety vegan mayo, your search ends here. It boasts a luxuriant, smooth texture and a flavour profile reminiscent of classic mayonnaise, enhanced with a delicate tartness and a subtle hint of sweetness.

Available from Ocado (£1.80)

Best vegan eating chocolate

Winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vegan Block, (100g) £1.85

With rich cocoa notes and subtle fruity aromas, this balanced dark chocolate offers a strong and authentic chocolate flavour. Its excellent shine and satisfying snap reflect its high quality and provide a premium experience with every bite.

Available from Sainsbury's

Best vegan ice cream

Winner: Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan 3 Peanut Crunch Ice Cream, (3 x 90ml) £1.75

These delicious vegan peanut crunch ice cream sticks offer a great, affordable alternative to a magnum. Incredibly moreish, they’re perfect for enjoying at the end of a barbecue to cool off.

Available from Asda

How we tested

We invited six supermarkets to submit their best summer products across 10 categories. Packaging was completely removed and judges tasted all items blind. Comments and a score out of 10 were submitted for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms. The entire judging process was overseen by an independent adjudicator. This year, the team tested over 100 products.

This review was last updated in July 2024.