It’s that time again – with registration now open for the fourth annual Vegan Sausage Awards, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s herbivorous, plant-based and non-animal-product bangers.
“Once again New Zealand leads the way in plant-based innovations being the only country to have Vegan Sausage Awards,” says Claire Insley, Media Spokesperson for the Vegan Society. The awards are planned to take place on 17th June, at the plant-based restaurant, The Butcher’s Son.
This year’s judges include renowned Pasifika Chef, Augustine Kopa, President of the NZ Chef Association, Auckland, Jasbir Kaur as well as Food and Beverage Industry judge, Aaron Pucci.
“Kiwis are putting their money where their mouths are, backing the massive rise in meat alternatives and plant based options now available in New Zealand,” says Insley. “All Black TJ Perenana is one such Kiwi, backing the vegan sausage with investment in Pl*nt’s parent company Sustainable Foods.”
Last year’s Vegan Sausage Awards Supreme Winner was The Vegetarian Butcher’s Breakfast Sausage, which the judges said was “A very authentic sausage. Great texture, appearance and flavour.”
“Imagine eating a sausage that is so tasty, yet so healthy. Using far less resources and better for the human body than their fat and meat filled equivalents, vegan sausages are here to stay,” says Insley. “Loved by kids and adults alike, sausages are a fun part of Kiwi culture and traditions like barbies, but increasingly Kiwis are turning their back on animal agriculture out of concern for the environment and their health – with the industry now stepping up in quality and variety to meet their needs.”
According to the 2019 Colmar Brunton poll, one third of New Zealanders are reducing or cutting out meat from their diets and products like veggie sausages are jumping in to take their place.
Supermarkets are reporting a massive 36% growth in the plant based sector
- 31% of Kiwis eat sausages at least once a week, despite the WHO placing processed meats in the group 1 carcinogen category in 2015, meaning they are a known carcinogen, just like cigarettes.
- Vegan sausages have no cholesterol and contain no nitrates
- An Oxford study showed that by adopting a vegan diet you could reduce your carbon footprint by up to 73%.
- The simplest most effective way an individual can mitigate climate change is through diet change.
Many of the sausages have well known ingredients such as soy, wheat, tapioca, rice flour and are flavoured with onions, garlic, herbs and spices. Some try to mimic the taste and texture of meat sausages, but others offer their own flavours. The Society recommends everyone experiment to find out which is the favourite, or just try out the award winners.
About the Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Te Rōpū Whēkana o Aotearoa
The Vegan Society supports and facilitates a vegan lifestyle and plant-based eating by creating a vibrant, visible and influential community, and by providing resources and information.
See www.vegansociety.org.nz for more, or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
