The winner of the 6th Annual Vegan Sausage & Deli Meat Awards was Blissful’s Vegan Smoked Sausage in Sichuan Sauce, a product of the Whole Perfect Food brand, said to be made in Taiwan.
The judges said it was a fantastic specialty sausage.
“Great spices and beautiful presentation. Appealing texture and moistness. With Asian flavours in the background, it pairs well with stir-fried noodles or rice.”
“We’re excited to introduce several new categories that recognize the quality and care that goes into producing great plant-based alternatives to meat products.
“With the cost of living rising, eating plants is always a good thing, providing healthier food with lower emissions and helping to protect the planet,” media spokesperson Claire Inslee said.
Multi-award-winning Executive Chef and trainer Jasbir Kaur worked with globetrotting Executive Chef Volker Maraczek and fine cuisine expert Head Chef Zach Duxfield to test the plant-based meats. They were joined by expert judges from the food and drink industry, Aaron Pucci and sausage-loving comedian Tom Sainsbury, who put their taste buds to the test to arrive at the final results.
The complete result is:
Supreme Vegan Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce (Blissful, “Whole Perfect Food” brand)
Runner-up – Southern Fried Chicken (Plan*t)
Honorable Mention – Vegan Shrimp (Bliss – “Forever Healthy Food”)
Hot meat dishes
Winner: BBQ Steak (The Vegetarian Butcher)
Judges’ comments: The taste and texture of the marinade is excellent. Moist and well-cooked.
Runner-up: Chickenless Shredded Plant-Based Meat (The Vegan Shop)
Judges’ comment: “This is a versatile product. It can be combined with many things and makes a great base. I would consider entering this in the Innovative category.”
Hot dogs and sausage rolls
Winner: Plant-based hot dog (Vegie Delights)
Judges’ comments: An authentic hot dog with the perfect texture. The balance of taste and flavor makes it a true hot dog.
Runner-up Kaipai Sausage Roll
Judges’ comments: Absolutely amazing flavour. Delicious flaky pastry. A delicious snack.
Special sausage
Winner: Vegan Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce (Blissful, “Whole Perfect Food” brand)
Judges’ comments: Great specialty sausage. Beautifully presented and well-spiced. Moist texture. Asian flavor, perfect with stir-fried noodles or rice.
Runner-up: Delicious Sage and Onion (Plan*t)
Judges’ comments: Great texture and nice browning, this sausage is perfect for breakfast.
Breakfast sausage
Winner: Delicious Sage and Onion (Plan*t)
Judges’ comments: Very flavourful and well balanced. Perfect for breakfast. Great texture and presentation.
Runner-up: Vegan Black Pudding (Logan Maclean Café)
Judges’ comment: Real flavour and texture, with ingredients like barley. A great alternative to black pudding.
Cold Cuts
Winner: Pepperoni slices (grater)
Judges’ comments: True to its category: rich and spicy with a pleasant texture.
runner-up
Pastrami Style – Hot (Whitty-Twitty)
Judges’ comments: Great spice and flavour, true to the category. Best eaten thinly sliced.
Innovative
Winner: Southern Fried Chicken (Plan)
Judges’ comments: Very well cooked, extremely crispy, full of flavour and a melt in your mouth texture.
Runner-up: Carrot Rocks (Greater Goods)
Judges’ comments: Very innovative and creative!
bacon
Winner: Veggie Bacon Long Slices (Blissful, Whole Perfect Food brand)
Judges’ comment: Great texture and smoky flavor. Looks great and goes great with a BLT.
Runner-up: Striped Smoked Bacon (Wise Boys)
Judges’ comments: Very crunchy and tasty. Great flavour. If you like crispy bacon, this is a great addition to a burger or as a snack.
Hamburger Patty
Winner: Veggie Pork Steak with Black Pepper (Blissful, “Whole Perfect Food” brand)
Judges’ comments: Great texture, really good taste and the moisture content is perfect.
Runner-up: Spicy Chipotle Burger Patty (Wise Boys)
“It’s got great moisture and is very flavorful,” the judges said.
Pastrami
Winner: Pastrami (The Vegetarian Butcher)
Judges’ comments: Great flavor and texture. Well-balanced crust with good flavor. Great presentation. Very tender and flavorful. Perfect on a rye sandwich.
Runner-up: Pastrami (grater)
The judges commented: “Great shape and appearance, great flavour.”
Bangers
Spicy Italian (The Vegetarian Butcher)
Judges’ comments: Chewy, moist and flavoursome, with a well-balanced flavour.
Runner-up: Not a sausage (let them eat vegan food)
Judges’ comments: Great flavour and appearance. Good texture, crisp skin and a rich aftertaste.
seafood
winner
Vegan Shrimp (Blissful – “Forever Healthy Foods” Brand)
Judges’ comments: Looks amazing. Flavor is amazing when cooked. Perfect for vegan sushi or stir-fries.
No runner-up
Chorizo
Winner: Chorizo (The Vegetarian Butcher)
Judges’ comments: Just the right amount of spice, great colour and texture. Chewy and delicious.
Runner-up: Not Chorizo (let them eat vegan food)
Judges’ comments: Great texture and spiciness. Super spicy!
