Traditionally, Yorkshire puddings are made with eggs, milk, and flour, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. However, the growing demand for plant-based alternatives has led to several companies perfecting vegan versions. These are generally not found in the frozen aisle of mainstream supermarkets like Aunt Bessie's, but rather from specialist vegan producers and independent retailers.
Ready-Made Vegan Yorkshire Pudding Brands
Mabel's Foods: The Online Pioneer
Mabel's Foods was one of the first UK companies to offer ready-made, frozen vegan Yorkshire puddings on a commercial scale. Founded by vegans, the company spent years perfecting an egg-free, dairy-free recipe to create a product that mimics the classic golden-brown crispiness and fluffy interior of its traditional counterpart. They provide both a standard wheat-based product and a gluten-free option, which are baked fresh and delivered nationwide throughout the UK. Their products can be purchased directly from their website or found in a growing number of independent vegan retailers and delis. The convenience of a frozen, bake-at-home option makes them a popular choice for hassle-free Sunday roasts.
Plantside: From Cafe to Retail
Plantside, a family-owned vegan cafe business in Somerset, launched its own line of handmade, frozen vegan Yorkshire puddings. After a period of recipe development, they achieved a product with a light and crispy top, perfect for holding gravy, and a slightly denser bottom. Their product is made with a soy base and pea protein to achieve the desired rise and texture without eggs or dairy. Plantside's frozen Yorkshires can be found in a number of stockists across the UK or ordered online through specific vegan retailers like Mighty Plants. This brand is a testament to the fact that small, independent businesses are leading the way in creating innovative and high-quality vegan alternatives.
Cherub Foods: Available in Select Stores
Another UK-based brand, Cherub Foods, produces vegan Yorkshire puddings that have appeared in selected supermarkets, including Waitrose. While their presence might not be as widespread as other brands, their availability in a major grocery store chain highlights the slow but steady progression of vegan products into the mainstream market. For consumers hoping to find a ready-made option during their weekly shop, checking the frozen section of premium retailers for Cherub Foods is a good strategy.
Vegan Yorkshire Pudding Mixes for Home Baking
Ella's Vegan Yorkshire Bakery
For those who enjoy a hands-on approach to cooking but want to simplify the process, Ella's Vegan Yorkshire Bakery offers a vegan Yorkshire pudding mix. The mix is free from palm oil and additives, and it comes in a variety of flavours, including Bacon, Cheese & Chives, Herby Mustard, and Rosemary & Thyme, alongside a classic option. Made with chickpea and yellow split pea flour, this mix allows home cooks to prepare a fresh batch of vegan Yorkshires with minimal fuss. Ella's mixes can be ordered directly from their website, providing a flexible option for people who prefer to bake their own.
Comparison of Ready-Made Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
| Brand | Product Type | Availability | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel's Foods | Ready-made, frozen | Direct website (UK delivery), independent retailers | Wheat and gluten-free options, nationwide delivery, home-baked feel. |
| Plantside | Ready-made, frozen | Online vegan retailers (e.g., Mighty Plants), select UK stockists | Made with soy base and pea protein, achieves a perfect crispness. |
| Cherub Foods | Ready-made, frozen | Selected supermarkets (e.g., Waitrose) | May be more accessible for some shoppers, but stock varies. |
| Ella's Vegan Yorkshire Bakery | Dry mix | Direct website, online retailers | Palm-oil-free, variety of flavours, chickpea flour base. |
What About Major Supermarket Yorkshire Puddings?
Unfortunately, a quick check of the ingredients list on most major supermarket own-brand or popular brand frozen Yorkshire puddings will confirm they are not vegan. Brands like Aunt Bessie's and Tesco Finest use eggs, milk, and sometimes animal fats like beef dripping in their recipes. These animal-derived ingredients are essential to their traditional manufacturing process. While supermarkets are expanding their vegan ranges, ready-made frozen vegan Yorkshire puddings have yet to become a consistent fixture in most large grocery stores. Shoppers should always check the label, but it's best to assume the standard frozen offerings are not plant-based.
The Rise of DIY: Making Your Own Vegan Yorkshires
For those who prefer a truly homemade option, or can't find a ready-made brand, making vegan Yorkshire puddings from scratch is very possible and rewarding. The key is replacing the eggs, which provide structure and leavening. Two popular substitutes are aquafaba (the brine from a can of chickpeas) and chickpea flour. A typical recipe involves creating a batter with a plant-based milk and a leavening agent like baking powder, using aquafaba as the binding and rising agent. It's crucial to get the oil in the baking tin piping hot in a preheated oven before adding the batter to achieve that classic puff and crispy texture.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
- Rest the batter: Allowing the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, can significantly improve the final texture.
- Use a high-quality, neutral oil: Sunflower or vegetable oil works well. The oil must be smoking hot before you add the batter.
- Don't open the oven door: This is a golden rule for all Yorkshire puddings. Opening the door releases heat and can cause them to collapse.
- Don't overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overworking the gluten can make the puddings tough.
How to Ensure Your Yorkshire Puddings are Vegan
Whether buying ready-made or a mix, always double-check the product information. Look for an official vegan society logo or other certifications. If shopping in a regular supermarket, a close reading of the ingredients list is necessary, as accidental contamination can occur in shared facilities. For fresh batches made by small businesses, ask about their preparation methods. Making your own from scratch is the only way to be 100% certain of every ingredient.
Conclusion: The Expanding Vegan Yorkshire Market
While traditionally a non-vegan item, the landscape for Yorkshire puddings has evolved significantly. Brands like Mabel's Foods, Plantside, and Cherub Foods have filled the gap, providing reliable and delicious ready-made options for a classic roast dinner staple. For those who enjoy baking, mixes like Ella's and numerous online recipes prove that plant-based Yorkshires can be just as impressive as their traditional counterparts. With more options becoming available, everyone can enjoy a plant-based Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings. For more inspiration on building a complete vegan roast, check out resources like Veganuary.
