L360’s resident vegetarian Evelyn Richards has scoured the shelves to find the best festive food items to serve up to veggies and vegans.
After six years as a vegetarian, I’ve had my fair share of festive food experiments — some wonderful, some… less so. From nut roasts that could double as doorstops to gravies that tasted mysteriously sweet, finding Christmas dishes that truly deliver hasn’t always been easy.
But this year feels different. The 2025 festive food line-up is the most exciting I’ve seen yet — packed with inventive, flavourful vegetarian and vegan options that are as indulgent and satisfying as anything you’ll find on a traditional Christmas table. Supermarkets have clearly been listening, creating mains with rich, complex flavours, sides that steal the spotlight and desserts that make it impossible to miss dairy.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious flexitarian or hosting a mix of eaters this year, these are the dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipes). I’ve taste-tested and handpicked the best festive finds of 2025 to make sure your plant-based Christmas feels every bit as special.
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Meat replacements and mains
Quorn Vegetarian Roast
Best for: vegetarians who want that traditional roast experience — without the turkey.
One of my all-time favourites, this is a vegetarian classic that remains a festive staple. High in protein with a juicy, meaty texture, it’s perfect for pairing with all your favourite sides.
Try smothering it in cranberry sauce and wrapping it in puff pastry for a festive twist.
Buy for £3.95 from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado.
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Sainsbury’s Maple Chilli Butternut Squash Galette
Best for: vegetarians wanting something a little more adventurous.
A show-stopping vegetarian main or side, this galette pairs maple-sweet butternut squash with a gentle chilli kick, encased in flaky pastry. Beautiful on the table and full of flavour.
Linda McCartney’s 2 Frozen Deep Dish Country Pies
Best for: vegans craving deep, comforting winter flavours.
Comfort food at its finest — these mini pies feature a rich, beefy gravy (minus the beef) and the golden vegan pastry makes them ideal for an individual main or hearty side dish.
THIS Chestnut, Mushroom and Thyme Nut Roast
Best for: vegetarians and flexitarians who want a rich, crowd-pleasing main that feels like a celebration.
This is a gorgeously festive centrepiece made with chestnuts, mushrooms, parsnips, seeds and caramelised red onion chutney.
The earthy depth of mushrooms and thyme balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of chestnuts, giving this roast a hearty bite that feels special enough for the big day.
Buy from Tesco for £4.50, available from 8 December.
Sides and savouries
Plant Pioneers Pups in Blankets
Best for: vegans who don’t want to miss out on the ultimate Christmas side.
Finally, a plant-based version of this festive staple.
These vegan mushroom sausages wrapped in smoky wheat gluten, pea protein and coconut milk rashers deliver all the salty-sweet satisfaction of the classic — and they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Buy from Sainsbury’s for £4.50.
M&S Chestnut & Cranberry Stuffing
Best for: vegetarians and vegans looking to upgrade their stuffing game.
Bursting with festive flavours, this stuffing mixes nutty chestnuts and tart cranberries for a rich, textured accompaniment that’s perfect with any main.
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M&S Plant Kitchen Vegetable Gravy
Best for: anyone looking for a vegan gravy that tastes as good as the traditional kind.
Gravy makes or breaks a Christmas dinner, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint. Rich, savoury and silky-smooth, it’s everything you need to pull your plant-based feast together.
M&S Plant Kitchen Cauliflower & Leek Bake
Best for: vegans wanting an indulgent yet wholesome addition to their spread.
A cosy, creamy side that brings comfort food energy to your festive table. Perfectly balanced between rich and fresh, this dish could easily steal the spotlight from the main.
Tesco Finest Chef’s Collection Feta and Spinach Spanakopita with Hot Honey Drizzle
Best for: hosts catering for both veggies and meat-eaters who love bold flavours.
A flaky, golden pastry filled with creamy feta and spinach, elevated with a drizzle of spiced honey. A delicious addition to a vegetarian or mixed-diet table.
Desserts and sweet treats
Sainsbury’s Dark Chocolate Torte
Best for: vegans looking for a decadent dessert finale.
A luxurious, glossy torte that delivers intense chocolate flavour with every bite. Rich, dense and beautifully presented — it’s an elegant alternative to Christmas pudding.
Tesco Finest Chocolate Orange Nut Selection
Best for: anyone (vegetarian or not) who loves a citrusy crunch with their festive chocolate fix.
Zesty Belgian chocolate orange cubes mixed with spiced, caramelised nuts — this is the perfect after-dinner nibble or stocking-filler snack.
Tesco Plant Chef Mince Pies
Best for: vegans craving that nostalgic Christmas flavour.
No Christmas is complete without mince pies, and Tesco’s vegan version nails this classic festive treat. Sweet, spiced and buttery, they’re perfect served warm with vegan cream or custard.
M&S The Christmas Vegan Treats Hamper
Best for: vegan foodies who want to snack in style all season long.
This hamper is packed with chocolates and biscuits, as well as a bottle of prosecco — all vegan and all delicious. This is a thoughtful gift for friends who follow a plant-based diet or a treat for your own festive grazing table.
Festive drinks
Dirty Cow Plant-Based Loaded Chocolate Cré*m Liqueur
Best for: vegan hosts and chocoholics who want a luxe festive tipple.
Creamy, rich and entirely dairy-free, this vegan chocolate liqueur is the perfect nightcap. Serve over ice or mix into cocktails for a boozy dessert vibe.
Elmhurst OatNog
Best for: dairy-free or vegan guests who still want to toast with something festive.
This is the ultimate plant-based alternative to traditional eggnog. Made with oat milk and warming spices, it’s a comforting seasonal drink that feels every bit as indulgent as the classic.
Feature image: Brands
