A prominent champion of the vegan lifestyle has stated that they “completely disagree” with recent detractions of the movement.

A-Level Student at East Sussex College Lewes, Robert Stevens, 20, and the owner of the business ‘Sussex Vegan,’ has defended against the notion that veganism has become a marketplace that is too expensive for many, as well as merely a replacement for healthy eating.

His comments have been made ahead of the ‘Brighton Vegan Festival’ on Sunday 18th November, which is being held at the Grand Hotel Brighton. As a previous attendee of the event, Stevens has claimed that the event will be “very packed” with the turnout being “over a thousand at least.”

The support for veganism has dramatically increased worldwide in recent years, and according to the Independent, a 2018 study by ‘comparethemarket.com’ has found that ‘there has been a significant spike in the number of people going vegan in the UK since 2016, with more than 3.5 million people now identifying as such’ within the United Kingdom.

The expansion of the movement has not been without its detractors, however, with many arguing that veganism is a market more accessible for the wealthy due to perceived rising costs of healthier foods. The lifestyle has also come under fire from those who suggest that the diet is simply healthy eating that has been rebranded.

An article earlier this year in ‘VICE’ conveyed these criticisms:

 ‘A fair criticism of the recent vegan boom is that it is mostly catered to the middle classes.’

Whilst Stevens acknowledging the reality of initial price increases, he wholeheartedly refutes these claims:

“I completely disagree with that.”

“I mean on the one hand you can clearly see that it’s a trend within the markets… for instance, the new vegan Quorn, which is obviously at a high expense, they are going to have to cover their costs and is obviously lower demand at the moment in a minority, that makes the product more inelastic in price. So, they are going to have to charge higher for a USP.

 “At the same time, a healthy plant-based diet is no different in costs to having a meat diet. As long as you’re fortifying it with the right nutrients, there’s no reason for it to be more expensive.”

Stevens also believes that events such as the one on Sunday are contributing to the global expansions of veganism:

“The awareness is raising around the globe… I do think that the cause is reaching people, just from awareness within their own supermarkets and stores.

“We’ve (Sussex Vegan) got online resources that people can find.”

The Brighton Vegan Festival is one of the many vegan events across the UK that is being used as platforms to expand veganism and provide growth to the cause.

Groups like ‘Sussex Vegan’ and their members, such as Stevens, will be hoping for a vast turnout, from which veganism can spread its influence.

If you would like to learn more about ‘Sussex Vegan,’ visit their site at https://sussexvegan.com

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The post Vegan Fudge: Perfect Stocking Filler & A Delicious Treat appeared first on Sussex Vegan.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Get organised. Place your coconut flour in the blow and add to it the blended cashews, stevia and pumpkin spice.

2. Add in

Mix in dates and nut butter. Add half the pumpkin puree. You’re looking for a dough consistency. Continue adding the rest of the pumpkin puree if needed. If it gets too wet, slowly add a little more coconut flour. 

3. Shape the Dough

Once you have your dough, place it onto a lightly floured board. Break of small balls and shape. Set them aside to be rolled. You should make around 10.

4. Roll

Roll the balls in the mix of pumpkin spice and flaked almonds to decorate and give instant flavour!

5. Enjoy

These are best kept in the fridge! Enjoy these little gems within 4 days. Oh, and send us a picture of your Pumpkin Spice Vegan Protein Balls on Facebook or Instagram! 

Want a shortcut to Vegan Protein Balls?

Haven’t got time to try out our Pumpkin Spice Vegan Protein Ball Recipe, why not try these? We were lucky enough to be able to sample The Protein Ball Co.’s Vegan Protein Balls that are made in the heart of Worthing and come in four flavours: Peanut Butter + Jam, Lemon + Pistachio, Coconut + Goji & Raspberry Brownie.

Vegan Protein Balls –  The Protein Ball Co.

Found in leading stores and local gyms, it’s clear these little treats are more than just a sweet snack. Packing a protein punch they are certainly a great grab and go option post-workout. Despite being seemingly small, they are very filling. We highly recommend the Raspberry Brownie. Not only does it have an addictive chewiness but the contrast of the chocolate to the slight sharpness of the freeze-dried raspberries was something quite special. Within a single bag, you get treated to six. The Raspberry Brownie surprisingly had the lowest calorie count of the 4 flavours, but still contained 12% protein. Impressive! 

Product Images: Aimee Sharman

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How a New Retro Shop in Arundel is offering locals Fantastic Vegan footwear, with matching bags to boot! All cruelty-free!

When making the choice to go Vegan, a person can quite quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the life change. Not only does it mean a diet change, but beauty products, hygiene products, even clothes, can need a drastic reboot! But as Bob Dylan said, the times they are a changin’, and traditionally non-vegan companies are introducing more and more vegan-friendly options. ‘Hurrah’ say we!

Where can you find cruelty free products?

Because of the amazing blogs and forums out there, this is a great time to be vegan. A quick search on your phone or a post to your favourite vegan group can give you answers in seconds, and the PETA website also has a great directory of vegan and cruelty-free companies. Superdrug and the Co-operative are favourites among those looking for cruelty-free and vegan shampoos & conditioners, body wash and dental care, as well as the UK brand ‘Astonish‘, that offer an extensive range of vegan and cruelty-free cleaning products.

 

In the wardrobe department, however, it can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle to find vegan-friendly options, and that is why it is really exciting that Retroesque in Arundel, West Sussex now stock vegan shoes! Previously from Horsham, this retro clothing and accessories boutique has moved to Arundel and stocks all you need to look retro-ready! The fact that small, local shops like Retroesque are stocking vegan-friendly options just goes to show that we really can shop till we drop locally, without any animals needing to suffer for our fashion choices.

So, what do you need to know about Vegan shoes?

The Vegan Society website explains “Finding synthetic alternatives to leather shoes is a breeze, as most large retailers stock their shelves with leather-free alternatives.” They explain, however, that it is not just the leather symbol you need to be aware of. “…some large retailers still use animal-derived glue in their products…so even if you purchase leather-free shoes they still may not be vegan-friendly.”

However, the great news is synthetic alternatives are available and many retailers use them. And this includes the entire Zaxy range available in Retroesque, and many Ruby Shoo Styles. The shop has a range of vegan products and is also dog-friendly (as much of Arundel is!). The Ruby Shoo website reads, “Step out in classic Ruby Shoo style knowing you are doing something good and looking great at the same time with our vegan range.” You can view their full collection here.

‘Sussex Vegan’ recently had the opportunity to chat with the owner of Retroesque to get the low down on their latest order!

The owner, Victoria Clifford, opened her shop in Arundel in the summer of 2018 and says, “Arundel seemed like a good fit for my business. being slightly quirky, and a good middle ground from Worthing and Chichester, and even Horsham where I started originally.”

When asked if she’s enjoying it so far, Victoria replies, “I’m really happy I chose to make the move so far, everyone has been so welcoming and friendly…I seem to be getting great comments from people.”

 When asked what her favourite thing about the Ruby Shoo vegan shoes is, Victoria says, “It appears it’s not that difficult to achieve a vegan-friendly shoe that has style and class and can be pretty!”

 

The edgy retro style in these shoes is clear, and the adorable matching vegan handbags compliment them so well.

 When asked about the Zaxy brand, Victoria knows her stuff, claiming “…they are ridiculously comfy, and they smell awesome (they are infused with a scent during the making process), and…they are made from 100% recycled materials, are 100% recyclable, and vegan-friendly!” Find out what Zaxy has to offer here.

Don’t worry if they don’t have your size, Victoria is “…happy to stock more vegan shoes and garments in the future, if they fit with the business model I’m trying to achieve then for sure, I don’t see why not.”

That’s the shoes covered. And a matching handbag seals the deal. What about glamming it up even more…

As well as some truly stunning footwear, Retroesque offers a revolutionary piece of kit for your retro make-up bag. Vegan and cruelty-free, ‘The Quick Flick’ allows a simple and easy ‘stamp’ on the edge of your eye to create an amazing effect. This Australian winged liner is available in Retroesque, Arundel and comes in 3 different sizes, Petite (8mm), Modest (10mm) or Grande (12mm). This simple, yet innovative, product lets even the most amateur retro-lover look the part in seconds with this easy ‘hack’.

Victoria says, “The most popular size is 10mm (Modest)”. She says they are “super easy to use, waterproof, smudge proof, I have customers that use it daily, and ones that use it when they have an event or occasion” She goes on to admit, “I use mine on a weekly basis to create the fabulous flicks… LOVE IT!” she adds, “Dawn Gracie loves it!” too. Dawn reviewed the quick Flick on her Facebook page LIVE and she told me “I didn’t want to like it and didn’t expect to, but this product proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks… and flicks!”

Dawn Gracie is a local 50’s and 60’s entertainer and says, “My entertainment style and event vision is always centred on the customer experience and how to create immersive interaction so that it really feels as if you have been transported back to the 50’s & 60’s”.

 

Retroesque will be attending Dawn’s Vintage Weekender on the 7^th October, find out more about it Here.

 

 Find your ‘wings’ by heading to the Old Print Works Shopping Arcade on Tarrant Street, Arundel today! Victoria says, “Just walking through Arundel is always a nice experience, I love the feel of it, the architecture and history, I can’t wait to get involved with the events that are hosted here. I will have to find time to explore now that I’m here.”

We’d love to hear of your favourite vegan fashion finds in Sussex- comment below your favourite places in Sussex to shop vegan! Not sure if your favourite shop offers vegan options…I humbly present my favourite quote from The Vegan Society website….”The more we demonstrate demand, the more likely it is companies will provide us with increased vegan options.”- this is very true and goes with the sentiment of ‘You don’t ask, you don’t get’. 

Retroesque social media and website links!

Find Retroesque on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetroesqueUK

Find Retroesque on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retroesqueuk

Find Retroesque on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Retroesqueuk

Visit their Website: https://www.retroesqueuk.com/

The post How a Local Retro Shop is Helping Vegans Glamourise Bag to Boot | Retroesque in Arundel appeared first on Sussex Vegan.

5 Brighton Vegan Quick Bites You’ll Love

My body is a temple and I am filling it with vegan junk food. Plant-based junk food sounds somewhat paradoxical, but being vegan doesn’t mean ditching the good stuff, and by that, I mean anything deep-fried, covered in mayonnaise or if it comes in those little plastic diner baskets. This is by no means a comprehensive guide. If anything, this is a slapdash list of 5 Brighton vegan quick bites you’ll love to get really tasty plant-based, beige goodness in Brighton. Oh and click anyone to get more details!

BEELZEBAB @ QUEENS STREET

Beelzebab is my holy grail of vegan junk food in Brighton. Their focus is hotdogs, doner kebabs and loaded fries and let me tell you, they are wicked! I am a mega tofu enthusiast so tofu-based hotdogs are always going to be a winner, but the mad toppings are what I’m really here for. Each new Dog O’ The Month has my mouth watering, and their menu is littered with genuinely great, inventive flavours. We’ve had the Pizza Dog (homemade pizza sauce, a mass of cheese and seitan pepperoni), the Chip Shop Dog (battered and deep-fried tofu dog, mushy peas and curry sauce) and the Dhal Dog (spicy dhal, the most refreshing cucumber and shallot raita, and of course – poppadoms and mango chutney!), just to introduce you to a couple of the weird and wonderful creations Beelzebab are turning out. It’s a real treat for the vegan Brighton scene.

The fries are otherworldly, and if I’m craving a chip there is nowhere else in Brighton that beats these. They are crispy, fluffy, salty sticks of heaven, and that’s before the curry ketchup, the heapings of sauerkraut, the chilli, the cheese! Oh, and if you don’t try the deep-fried pickles you are making a horrible mistake.

(Images in Slideshow https://www.instagram.com/beelzebab666/)

BEELZEBURGER @ EAST STREET TAP

Essentially everything you have just read, but instead of hotdogs it’s burgers and instead of the lovely people at Hope and Ruin, this time you’ll be hanging at East St Tap. You’ll probably have a few questions – what is a “baked bean omelette patty” and why is it so delicious? Is this onion ring bigger than my face? And can I realistically eat a deep-fried mac & cheeseburger for every meal? The answer to that last one is yes, just in case you were wondering.

If you are looking for some real dirty vegan junk food, the kind you might need a good hose-down after, then Beelzeburger is the one. Nothing feels quite like cramming a massive cheesy, saucy burger straight into your face. It is definitely good for the soul, even more so if you wash it down with some of the great local beer and surround yourself with wonderful company.

GLAZED @ DITCHLING ROAD

This one is going to be short and sweet.

I didn’t realise quite how much I love doughnuts until I went to Glazed for the first time and each trip back makes me a happier, fuller-tummed person. Vegans love Biscoff, it’s like the dessert version of houmous, and the Biscoff doughnuts here are life-altering. It’s always going to be a sickly, sticky mess – a battle between you and icing – but in the end, you are always the real winner.

The staff are friendly and quirky, and the tiny shop feels like home covered in local artwork, prints, tees and stickers. You will be drawn in and if you fancy staying put and admiring the space around you then there’s some really good coffee to sip on. Glazed is a lovely place to soak up vibes that feel very quintessentially Brighton.

POMPOKO @ CHURCH STREET

A relaxed mix between restaurant, café and takeout – Pompoko are serving super affordable, warming Japanese food in record timing. There may be a queue leading out the door, and the tiny, cutesy space Pompoko occupies means you may get more than cosy with customers around you, but you’ll be in and out in minutes. Efficient. It is a haven for those of you who enjoy tofu – specifically that squishy, chewy, crispy-on-the-outside type of tofu. If not just grab your weight in spring rolls, especially the huge, garlicky edamame rolls, and you’ll be set.

My friend originally introduced me to the sesame tofu don and it’s my ultimate comfort food. Deep-fried tofu, rich sesame-infused BBQ sauce and sticky rice is my idea of a good time. There’s a chilli version too, along with a slightly sweet tofu curry. If you ever fancy recreating this one at home, S&B sell a really great Golden Curry sauce mix, which just so happens to make a mean Katsu.

Top tip: ask for extra BBQ sauce on your tofu don because you will always want more.

WE  FALAFEL @ SYDNEY STREET

I know we are all probably sick to death of falafel at this point, but hear me out because this one is worth it. We  Falafel make the best wrap I have ever tasted. I’m not sure whether it’s because my body lives for that rare hit of bright-coloured veg, the incredible smoked tofu you can have alongside your falafel, or the fact that there are sweet, tangy pickles in every bite. There are daily specials such as Thai green parsnip with peanut sauce, smoky chipotle, and masala curry with mango chutney and refreshing yoghurt sauce. Everything We  Falafel creates is a friendly (and delicious) reminder that falafel isn’t boring and I am grateful for that.

It’s definitely more fast food than it is junk food, but it’s still deep-fried and goes well with a packet of crisps. Grab your tin-foil wrapped, warm falafel baby and cradle them until you find a nice sunny spot in Pavilion Gardens to enjoy/scoff/weep over how satisfying they are.

CONCLUSION

Like I said – a slapdash list of a select few delicious, very “Vegan Brighton” places to get your grub. I would like to take this moment to thank each and every one of these establishments for keeping me stuffed, and now a little bit chunkier, through the art of damn delicious junk food!

Enjoy 

The post 5 Brighton Vegan Quick Bites You’ll Love appeared first on Sussex Vegan.

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be invited to Smashburger Brighton in North Street to try their new Vegan Alternative Burger. Since buying out the UK franchise, Smashburger is putting it’s money where its mouth is, or burger in this case, and has launched a whole alternative menu with their same promise of “Delicious Taste”. Time would only tell whether this was just an attempt to tick some boxes or a serious contender to be one of the best vegan fast food burgers in the UK.

Smashburger promises: “Delicious Taste Guaranteed”

Quite the bold statement. On the Vegan scene, the market has been revolutionised with more choice and flavour than ever before, but many of us have had to dine with dry unimaginative vegan burgers previously. Just to mention, I’ve not been paid to speak on behalf of Smashburger and this is a completely honest review. In fact, after the invite, I was sceptical as I’ve visited Smashburger Brighton before noticing not even their Veggie burger was vegan and waited the longest ten minutes to receive some mediocre fries. So the prospect of “a juicy” burger was hugely enticing, certainly grabbing my attention and I’m glad it did. After experiencing it… I confess, Smashburger definitely has made leaps and bounds. As for the burger? Maybe the best vegan fast food burger I’ve tried. Let me explain.

Recipe for Success

The Not Beef Burger Co Ltd, a company owned by the Managing Director of Smashburger UK is the supplier for this patty. A smart move, as it’s unlikely they are going to want competition swooping on this recipe for success. It’s juicy. What I mean by that is the burger has a real succulent flavour of fried onions and seasoning on the textured soy patty. Before you ask, I personally don’t think it tastes much of beef (although as a vegan for three years it’s hard to be accurate on that one), but it certainly has something particularly meaty about it.

It’s mixed with a combination of mushrooms, beetroot, kidney beans, chickpeas, golden beet, bulgur wheat & soybeans. Smashburger’s alternative burger does not only has the flavour and appearance. It has a chewy texture that even a hardened carnivore would have trouble distinguishing. This likeness to meat might be off-putting to some, but any juxtaposition of meat and plant (life and death) in a retail, especially fast food, is a really progressive stance in my opinion.



What is true, is the branding of ‘alternative’ is a perfect description of what this is representing. On a planet where the production of beef is not only hideously cruel but environmentally illogical the positioning of the burger to the increasing number Britons reducing meat consumption (28% according to MINTEL 2017) is genius in the movement towards a more ethical, sustainable and inclusive society. There is no doubt about it, this burger is more than delicious, it’s a recipe for success. I really love what Smashburger has achieved.

The Burger

In the context of trying the burger, I thought I couldn’t have it any other way than a Classic. This consisted of a slightly sweet, artisan-style bun. Taking the top off revealed a layer of creamy vegan mayonnaise, with a fresh crisp slice of tomato and red onion. Beyond that was some vegan cheddar style cheese. The cheese if tried alone, I would say straight away to give it a miss. It’s got a very plastic-like texture and tastes like a mellow stilton. However in the combination of the Classic SMASH works very well in balancing out the peppery onion seasoning in the burger and melts too a gooey molten on top. So to answer the statement in my introduction, this isn’t a tick box approach. If anything, this goes very much above and beyond my expectations. They say a picture says a thousand words, just take a look…

What Is A Burger Without Fries!

You may have noted I touched on the mediocre fries before. It’s not to say they were disappointing, although I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend them. This time I clocked a sweet potato version to try. I think I have to backtrack a little as these were special. Crisp is really the only way I think I can best describe them. The outer layer was so superbly crisp, with an amazing crunch to the soft, subtle sweetness of the potato inside. With a little salt, I have to pre-warn you these are incredibly moreish. So if you do let your curiosity lead you to try Smashburger out, I totally recommend you put these on your order. I mean, what is a burger without fries?

The Best Vegan Fast Food Burger

With veganism becoming ever more popular, it’s still important not to jump the gun. I know myself, many of my friends share similar beliefs and some do not in regards to being vegan. It might feel uncomfortable as a vegan paying to a business that literally has built itself the contrary. Please bear in mind, is this really much different from purchasing from supermarkets?

Smashburger really has made a statement to show that veganism can be mainstream, if not on an ethical basis, but for the environment too. It shows also that vegan food doesn’t have to be dull and boring, but indifferent just derived from plants. The alternative menu was a great experience for me. The menu even features vegan milkshakes that I must go back and try. And I will be going back. The burger was epic and the sweet potato fries truly special. If you are looking for what might be the best vegan fast food burger in the UK, this might just be the answer.

To find out more about Smashburger and where there is a store near you, please go to, https://smashburger.co.uk

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Did someone say cheese? That’s vegan cheese of course! Mmmm, “cheeeeseee!” Just like Monterey Jack, a.k.a. Monty from Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, would growl. Okay, I might have just revealed my age. I question, surely I am not the only vegan who secretly misses the gooey, creamy and salty goodness of this addictive dairy product? So, I’m on a mission to find the best supermarket vegan cheese that will pass the test and trick my boyfriend, oh and satisfy my cheese cravings!

A little Dive Into My Cheese Devotion Journey: From Dairy To Non-Diary

I am new to Sussex, United Kingdom and have only just started exploring the vegan surprises it has in store. Before commencing my UK adventure, I resided in New Zealand for 12 years. Not so spoilt for the options over there as generally, only the high-priced supermarkets would provide a choice of dairy and egg-free products. Vegan cheeses are heartbreakingly scarce and can noticeably dent your food budget. To put things into perspective: you can pay up to £6.50 for a 300g block of vegan Cheddar. That is easily double what we are paying at Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Feels like I have hit a #CheddarJackpot over here!

The day I made the decision to stop supporting the animal industry I started examining all the food packaging rather closely. It’s at times like this where I’m grateful for the four blissful years I devoted to studying Food Science… Let’s just say it increased my persistence and determination tenfold. Well, and now the ability to recognise and decipher often complex or disguised chemical names is an absolute bonus. Can I proudly call myself a Foodie Scientist then?

How Did I Decide The Best Supermarket Vegan Cheese?

In the UK I’m spoiled for choice and am gradually eating my way through the; Free From, “Daiya” and “Sheese” ranges to find the best supermarket vegan cheese. I’m proud to say I’ve narrowed my top pick down to Brute Island Foods:

• Sheese’s Vegan Cheddar Style with Jalapeno & Chilli 
• Sheese’s Mozzarella Shreds – This brand caught my eye, as I haven’t heard about it before, so wanted to see for myself how it compares with the other brands.

In my opinion, Sheese has done a great job in balancing out flavours and mimicking the sharpness of Cheddar and the creaminess of Mozzarella quite accurately. The reason why I have picked these particular types and the point I am trying to make is that not all vegan cheeses are made the same, nor they taste the same. They have different mouthfeel, texture and aftertaste.

The Secret To Make Vegan Cheese Smooth

Mozzarella has a reputation of being buttery and smooth, which in our vegan case is achieved by a higher coconut oil content (25% vs 20% in the Cheddar). Therefore, if you are watching your fat intake closely, then opt for the Cheddar. Its fat content per 100g is slightly lower than in Mozzarella Shreds, which also means less saturated fat – the ‘bad’ guy. Unlike the Mozzarella, Cheddar has a pronounced sourness that comes through quite intensely after a bite. Spirit vinegar was most likely used to add the acidity to mirror the flavour of the good old dairy cheese.

Avid Salt Lovers Alert

In my search to find the best vegan supermarket cheese, salt is an essential element to consider. If you are craving the saltiness of the dairy cheese, you might not be fully satisfied with the vegan options as surprisingly the salt in these is not overpowering. When I say that something isn’t quite salty, I mean it is really NOT salty. I am guilty of notoriously undersalting every, single, dish. Well, some of us prefer living risk-free, okay?! Let’s not call it boring – I just like to think that I’ve trained my taste buds to enjoy the real taste of food with the need of only subtle enhancing.

Don’t get me wrong – these cheeses are not sodium-free, but the salt does not strike your taste palate as sharply if this makes any sense? The whole cheese experience is rather smooth. Well, at least now if someone complains about the lack of salt in my cooking, I can point fingers at vegan cheese. That was probably the reason I enjoyed the nice spiciness of Jalapeno & Chilli Cheddar. The taste was not obstructed by the extreme saltiness and melted like a dream in my pasta adding a subtle heat to the dish.

Concerned About Protein and Vitamin Deficiencies?

I also often spike my food with a heaping spoonful of Engevita nutritional yeast. The B12 enriched version is my go-to – another product I struggled to find in New Zealand, and yes I cannot get enough of it. It also gives me a

n extra argument to support my point on B12 ‘deficiency’ in vegans. Don’t we all know that one person who is concerned about our protein and vitamin deficiencies? These cheeses contain calcium too and specifically state the amount below the nutritional panel.

The Selling Point of the Best Vegan Supermarket Cheese…

The selling point for me personally is that they melt beautifully, vital when trying to determine the best vegan supermarket cheese. I’ve done the taste experiment, to please that inner scientist of mine. I slipped the Mozzarella Shreds on a pizza to feed it to my vegetarian boyfriend. The results… None the wiser! And this is how the trust issues develop… Nevertheless, I found both kinds of cheese easy and versatile to implement into my dishes and sauces. The Sheese Mozzarella and Cheddar could easily make my pick for the best supermarket vegan cheese. They keep well in a fridge, as packaging is resealable. In all honesty, no one likes the stink of some aged Cheddar in their fridge.

So to conclude my journey in searching shops for the best supermarket vegan cheese, I can confidently say I will most definitely be supporting the Sheese brand in the future and will try their other creations. Everyone needs cheese in their lives. Cheese is life. Only vegan cheese of course. I’ve done a lot of searching for vegan cheeses, what would you recommend I try? 



This article has not been sponsored or in anyway endorsed by Sheese and is of the complete, honest opinion of the author. 

The post Find the Best Supermarket Vegan Cheese That Will Fool Anyone appeared first on Sussex Vegan.

It’s nearly summer! That perfect time of year to head to the seaside and indulge in some seaside treats! But what is ‘traditional’ seaside fare? Ice-cream? Fish and Chips? Doughnuts? All not very vegan-friendly. I’ve put together the Hastings Vegan Guide to the Seaside, so you can enjoy what the seaside has to offer.

I’m very lucky in that I’m a Hastings Vegan, so have access to the wonderful sea, beach, pier, penny arcades and wonderful independent shops all year round, plus a fab array of vegan food options! So if you are planning on heading to the coast this summer, let me give you all the insider knowledge to having the best seaside day out!

I can’t stress more, Hastings really is the perfect place to go this summer. It’s a hidden gem for all things seaside and vegan. We have got vegan ice cream options, easily available tofish and chips AND amazing doughnuts.

Best Vegan Fish & Chips in Hastings

So let’s start, you’ve arrived and it’s nearly lunchtime. You can head onto Hastings (award winning!) pier for amazing tofish and chips. The tofu is firm and wrapped in Nori, with a light crispy batter! It’s not on the menu but they are more than happy to whip up a kids portion! Which they’ve done on many an occasion for my daughter, she’s 3 and a half (apparently that’s very important) and if I talk about going on the pier she says “For (to)fish and chips? Mmm, with the yummy peas? And yummy tofu?” Alternatively, you could stroll slightly further along the seafront to St Leonards, to the newly opened Goat Ledge, who are offering a Tofu bap with pencil thin chips! Also, most places (not all so please please check) fry the chips separately, so wherever you are you should be able to enjoy at least chips.

Does Hastings Have Vegan Ice-cream?

YES! Afterwards, for pudding, it’s got to be ice cream. At Goat Ledge, I’m pretty sure they always have one sorbet option BUT if you venture to the old town you can go to Di Polas and have at least 4 different sorbet options (often on the weekend there are more!) Recently we’ve treated ourselves to blackberry, green apple, pomegranate and strawberry and banana. This can be in a cup or waffle cone. They are so creamy and so delicious.

Hastings Vegan Seaside Treat

Once you’ve been paddling, playing crazy golf or maybe even sea kayaking you’ll have room for that final seaside treat, doughnuts! Tucked away in the old town, inside the Clockwork Crow you’ll find Sham City Roasters and Deadbeat Doughnuts. These are slightly more indulgent than your usual seaside doughnut but hey you’ve earned it! Also if you are gluten free they offer a baked GF one on weekends.

So…

Having explored all Hastings vegan scene and what it has to offer, though that might take a few trips, you can head home safe in the knowledge you’ve had the perfect vegan seaside day out!

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If you’re not already a massive fan of chia seeds, this vegan chocolate chia pudding recipe will certainly change your mind. This is the perfect summer pudding. It’s quick and easy to make, and you’ll be surprised to hear it’s nutritionally brilliant!

Interesting nutritional facts about this pudding:

• This combination of fat (from avocado and milk/ yoghurt), protein and fibre means that the seeds are digested relatively slowly, providing a long slow release of energy to keep blood-sugar levels stable. Equally, Chia seeds are rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium and trace elements such as manganese, which helps make enzymes.
• A 25g portion of chia contains 157mg of calcium, which is a significant source of calcium, more than that in 100ml of milk. The seeds in this vegan chocolate pudding contain fibre, protein and unsaturated fats – all of which are known to support a healthy heart and stable blood-sugar levels.
• Avocado is virtually the only fruit that contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat – good fat!
• Avocados are a good source of Vitamin K, an essential vitamin the body needs to stay healthy and that plays an important role in blood clotting. It is known as the clotting vitamin because without it blood would not clot. If you don’t have enough vitamin K, you may bleed too much. Some studies suggest that vitamin K helps maintain strong bones in the elderly.

How to make the Vegan Chocolate Chia Pudding?

Easy.

Make the chocolate base first:

Mash up the avocado in a ceramic/glass pot, then add the protein powder, and pour 1/2 the almond milk until you create a pudding consistency.  Once everything is well mixed together, incorporate the almond butter, and mix it up.

Spoon it out from the bowl and place it at the bottom of a glass jar and refrigerate overnight.  

To read the full & ingredients recipe, head over to the amazing Elena Edwards Healthy Living Blog. 

http://elenaedwards.com/vegan-and-gf-chocolate-chia-pudding-with-fresh-berries/

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