Spring is on its way – why not celebrate with a vegan barbecue?

The sun is shining, nature is reborn and everyone wants to get outdoors – it's spring! What better way to celebrate than with a barbecue? A guilt-free barbecue, of course, with delicious vegan burgers and sausages. Numerous brands offer vegan alternatives to make your BBQ perfect.

So, what is there to choose from?

Made of tofu, black beans, corn, quinoa, buckwheat or mushrooms – vegan burgers are not only delicious but also nutritious. Biona, Gosh! or Viana are just a few brands that sell tasty meat-free burgers. They offer a range of products sure to satisfy varying vegan palates: paprika burgers for those who like a little spice, millet bugers for an African vibe and even ultra-realistic burgers that will have meat-eaters fooled!

Vegan sausages also come in many forms. Plant Based Foods, Taifun, Tofurky or VegiDeli sausages offer a wide variety to choose from: hot dogs, cocktail sausages, classic frankfurters, Lincolnshire-style sausages, and even Scottish square sausages made right here in Scotland! Some are smoked, some are spicy. Some are made from fermented kombucha cultured tofu, wheat and soy protein, or even microbrewed Full Sail Ale from Oregon.

For perfectly grilled sausages, brush them with oil before and during cooking. Turn the sausages regularly until a crust forms and keep them at the edge of the coals, so they don’t burn. Serve with ketchup and grilled onions, or perhaps some mustard and sauerkraut from Laurie’s Foods, and enjoy!

Why should I choose vegan meat-alternatives?

A traditional barbecues includes beef burgers and pork sausages. Vegan alternatives are made from natural ingredients like grains, veggies and beans. Common ingredients are soy, black beans, corn and quinoa – which are rich in protein, vitamins and nutrients necessary for a healthy and active life. Another perk of vegan meat alternatives is that they don’t contain high levels of fat or cholesterol.

Vegan burgers and sausages are great served alongside veggies! Tomatoes, onions, courgettes, aubergines, corn on the cob and even pulled jackfruit are fantastic on the grill and make great additions to an already tasty BBQ. Add some potato salad on the side, and you’re good to go! For a great chargrilled flavour, choose coal over gas: it takes a bit longer, but is totally worth the smoky taste.

Remember: always check ingredients before making a purchase. Many meat-alternatives are not vegan, with sneaky ingredients like egg or whey-protein.