Christmas is a time when cheese’s popularity becomes glaringly apparent, but many of us have either eliminated or reduced our dairy intake for various reasons. Whether it’s due to an allergy, personal preference, or a full transition to veganism, there’s a significant demand for cheese-like products among the plant-based community.
Honestly Tasty takes pride in filling this void, producing plant-based cheeses for those who prefer to avoid dairy. While some may fear that opting for plant-based alternatives means compromising on texture and flavour, Honestly Tasty has earned four ‘Great Taste’ stars, suggesting otherwise. They claim their offerings are so delectable that ‘everyone will be fighting over’ the vegan cheeseboard – a claim we find quite believable.
As of 2023, it’s estimated that there are 1.4 million vegans in the UK, a figure that may have increased over the past yearThe 2022 UK Free-From Foods Market Report indicates that about 26% of UK households avoid dairy products for various reasons – wouldn’t it be wonderful to offer everyone something they can enjoy?
This year, Honestly Tasty’s cheeseboards are themed around nostalgia. You’ll find Pretenslydale, filled with juicy cranberries and modelled after the classic Wensleydale, reports the Manchester Evening News. If you’re a Gouda fan, the Smoked Good-a is for you. There’s even a spread based on cheddar: Ched Spread and Chilli Ched Spread.
Expect to see best-sellers and award-winners like Blue, Shamembert, Breeand Garlic and Herb, which have drawn comparisons to Boursin from satisfied customers. This year, there’s even a new Christmas special cheddar-style block with caramelised red onions for a sweet and savoury balance.
Three hampers are on offer, with prices ranging from £45 to £69. The larger options include plant-based meat alternatives and crackers for a complete board. One shopper left a review reading: “An amazing selection of delicious cheeses, faux meat, chocolates and condiments! It was a highlight of our Christmas!”
Another customer enjoyed the cheeses but wasn’t a fan of the faux meat selections, writing: “Nice selection of cheeses but the faux meat wasn’t what I was expecting (I received ‘chicken’ slices, not the ones on the photograph).”
Other brands, such as Fortnum and Mason, also offer vegan hampers like The Vegan Yuletide Hamper, but it costs £165. For a cheaper alternative, head over to Amazon, where you can pick up this Plant-Based Vegan Cheese Hamper for £30.