‘Tis the season for slap-up meals, party food, and the occasional festive treat as a lunchtime pick-me-up. And during the holidays we all love to turn to nostalgic family favourites from our childhood.
For many of us, especially those of us raised with Western traditions, that means turkey. Whether it be enjoying a big roast dinner or picking a festive sandwich in our meal deal.
But eating turkey isn’t as wholesome an activity as Christmas tradition would have us believe.
Like many other farmed animals, turkeys are actually highly social, intelligent animals, undeserving of the lives they are forced to live. And at this time of year, turkey farms slaughter these beautiful birds in their millions to meet demand for the holiday season.
So what can we eat instead? Luckily there are plenty of vegan turkey alternatives, meaning we can all enjoy vegan Christmas roasts or vegan Thanksgiving feasts without harming turkeys.
From comforting vegan recipes you can make at home to easy store-bought alternatives, we’ve rounded up everything you need for a turkey-free Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Vegan turkey recipes
1. Vegan Stuffed Seitan Roast
This stuffed seitan is the perfect replacement for a stuffed turkey joint this Christmas. Not only does it look fantastic as a centrepiece, but it tastes brilliant with all the trimmings.
It has a juicy, meaty texture, just like real turkey, and is stuffed with a classic sage and onion stuffing and studded with cranberries to give it a pop of sweetness.
Finally, it’s finished off with a sweet and sticky marmite and mustard glaze that’s loaded with umami flavour. In fact, it’s so delicious we think it’s the best ‘turkey’ you’ll ever eat!
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2. Vegan Turkey Wellington With Walnut Gravy
This impressive Wellington combines tofu with jackfruit for a succulent, satisfying filling that provides a perfect alternative to roast turkey.
With a golden pastry crust and a smooth and creamy walnut gravy, this stunning centrepiece will be a delicious addition to your seasonal spread.
If you’re cooking for one, why not portion your ‘turkey’ into individual pastry parcels and freeze the extras for later?
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3. Vegan Herb-Crumbed Whole Roasted Cauliflower
If you prefer a more veg-led alternative on your festive plate, this whole roasted cauliflower head may be the recipe for you.
It’s roasted until tender with rosemary and thyme, then coated in a rich herb crumb for a stunning texture and flavour.
This roast makes a great alternative to turkey for those who avoid ‘fake’ meats, but can also be served as a veggie side with a vegan meat alternative if you want a little more protein in your meal.
4. Leftover Vegetable Christmas Pie
This comforting pie is a great way to use up your Christmas leftovers, and it’s really easy to make with pre-rolled puff pastry.
Miso paste adds a super savoury note to the flavour of this pie filling, making it really satisfying.
You won’t miss the turkey in this veg-packed festive pie, but if you do want more of a ‘meaty’ texture you can always add cubed tofu or leftover vegan turkey – it’s all about using up what you have!
5. Festive Vegan ‘Turkey’ Sandwich
It wouldn’t be Boxing Day without a leftovers sandwich with all the trimmings, but some vegan Christmas dinners are too good to leave extras for the next day.
That’s where this turkey-style sandwich comes in. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and canned jackfruit, this seasonal sandwich is ready when you are.
We recommend adding a dollop of cranberry sauce for extra festive flavour.
6. Vegan Seitan Twizzlers
No ‘turkey’ recipe list would be complete without Turkey Twizzlers. Sure, they’re not a conventionally ‘festive’ food, but they are a nostalgic turkey-style treat.
You can serve these dunked in ketchup with a side of fries, as ‘nature’ intended, or try something a bit different to make them more festive.
We like ours served up in a hot dog bun with cranberry sauce, braised red cabbage, and chopped Brussels sprouts for a cheeky ‘Christmas dog’!
The best vegan turkey you can buy from supermarkets
7. Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan Whole No Turkey
Available December 14th | £3.50/515g
This Christmas, Asda is releasing the most realistic vegan turkey we’ve ever seen with its new OMV! Deliciously Vegan Whole No Turkey.
Your guests won’t believe their eyes when you serve up this striking plant-based roast, which even comes complete with crispy ‘skin’ and ‘legs’ to gnaw on.
Made from a blend of wheat, soya, and pea proteins to give it its meaty texture, Asda has designed it so the meaty part inside is white in colour, just like a real turkey.
Meanwhile, the legs are darker in colour with a richer flavour and juicier texture, just like the real thing.
8. Tesco Plant Chef No-Turkey Crown with Herb Stuffing
Available in stores now | £5.00/390g
Photo © Tesco
This bean and pea protein-based No-Turkey Crown is a tender and juicy option for your Christmas table.
With a savoury herb and onion stuffing, this roast is full of festive flavour and makes a great alternative to a traditional turkey roast.
At £5.00 for a large enough joint to serve three to four people, it’s an affordable option, too.
The Plant Chef No-Turkey Crown with Herb & Onion Stuffing will be available from 11th September in Tesco.
9. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference No Turkey Stuffed Crown with Sage and Onion Stuffing
Available for collection on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December | £7.25/540g
Photo © Sainsbury’s
This vegan turkey roast, designed for 4 servings, is prepared using soya protein infused with natural vegan flavours to achieve a rich, meaty succulence.
It faithfully replicates the taste of a classic roast, complete with a delectable stuffing of sage and onion, and a topping of flavourful vegan bacon strips.
The No Turkey Stuffed Crown also features a star-shaped herb melt to baste and season the roast as it cooks.
The roast can be pre-ordered through Sainsbury’s Food to Order website for collection on December 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.
10. Morrisons Plant Revolution Roast No Turkey Crown
Available 18th December | £6.00/497g
Photo © Morrisons
The Plant Revolution Roast No Turkey Crown is made from wheat, soy, and pea protein to replicate an authentic taste and texture and serves 3-4.
This golden vegan turkey crown, features a vegan butter melt infused with parsley and sage, topped off with a delightful horseradish and herb crumb.
Look out for its debut in Morrisons stores on December 18th.
11. M&S Plant Kitchen No Turkey Joint
Available 18th December | £10/600g
Photo © M&S
M&S’s popular No Turkey Turkey Joint is made from a juicy pea protein that makes a delicious substitute for turkey.
With a mushroom, cranberry, and sage stuffing this family-sized roast is a perfect centrepiece for the big day.
This vegan turkey alternative is available from Ocado now, and will be available in store and online with M&S from 18th December.
12. Barleys Faux-Turkey Crown
Available now | £24/700g or £13/300g
This succulent turkey-style roast was a sell-out success when it first launched in 2021, and it’s easy to see why. The flavourful joint comes fully cooked and ready to eat so it can be warmed up and added to your festive roast dinner with minimal effort.
This vegan turkey crown is available in two sizes so you’re sorted whether you want to serve a large family, or one to two individuals (with leftovers, of course.)
The Faux-Turkey crown is available to purchase through Barley’s store in Hull or online on the Barleys website.
Ready to prepare a festive feast? Try some of our favourite vegan Christmas recipes
Featured photo © bhofack2 via Getty Images
