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Almond milk, plant-based meatballs and dairy-free soft cheese for the olive vegan supermarket awards

olive plant-based supermarket awards 2024

Published: July 5, 2024 at 10:34 AM

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The must-buy winners of our first plant-based supermarket awards, including dairy- and meat-alternatives and sweet treats

Welcome to olive’s plant-based supermarket awards 2024. Our team of experts blind-tested plant-based supermarket foods across 11 popular categories to bring you our favourites vegan staples. Make your life easier when shopping vegan by looking out for the winners and runners-up in our awards, from milk alternatives to sweet treats.

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For more in-depth taste tests check out olive's guide to the best oat milk, the best almond milk, the best vegan mayonnaise and the best supermarket vegan wine. If you're looking for your favourite foods made vegan, browse our guide to the best vegan chocolate, vegan comfort food recipes and the best vegan pizza.

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

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)

Waitrose Plantliving no chicken kyiv

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)

Plant pioneers - no meat mince

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)

Waitrose plant living southern fried no chicken

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)

Plant pioneers - no beef meatballs

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)

Free-from garlic herb soft cheese alternative

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)

Tesco coconut drink sweetened

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)

Asda oat barista

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)

Acti leaf almond unsweetened

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)

PK Vegan Mayonnaise

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

Sainsbury's taste the difference vegan block

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.

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This review was last updated in July 2024.

Authors

Emily Burg

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