The results of the 4th annual Vegan Sausage Awards with vegan celebrity judge Mike McRoberts are in. This year’s Supreme Winner was Plan*t Sage and Onion, which McRoberts noted “had an edge, a level of sophistication. It can be eaten in many different ways: Breakfast, BBQ etc. The sage flavour and the sweetness of onion makes it a joy!”
It’s no wonder that New Zealand is 4th in the world for Google search results about vegan, when there are so many great vegan products to be found in the supermarket. This year’s sausage winners are no exception to the rule, with many of the winners to be found in the local shops in the chiller sections. There could be a winner hiding in there! Supermarkets continue to report increased sales of plant-based food products.
The need for humanity to move towards a plant-based diet is being shown in report after report. One has to question what is the resistance towards doing something as simple as changing what a person eats in order to ensure the survival of the species? Sausages are a great start to doing exactly that, often quoted as “the gateway to plant-based”.
This year’s judges were Aaron Pucci, Food and Beverage Industry award judge, Jasbir Kaur, President of NZ Chef Association, Auckland, Augustine Kopa, Pasifika Cookalong Chef and TV news anchor Mike McRoberts. They were delighted with the array of offerings for the Awards and after evaluating the 40 entries the following winners were revealed.
Breakfast
Plan*t – Sage and Onion
Judges said: “Good flavour of sage and texture for breakfast.”
Runner up: Plan*t – Spicy Chorizo
Judges said, “Good colour but could be stronger. Good looking with caramelisation of casing gives a wow factor. Paprika flavours well with baked beans. Good level of spice for breakfast.”
Banger
Plan*t – Sage and Onion
Judges said: “Captures sage flavour and sweetness. Onion coming through great in places. Good caramelisation of skin when cooked. Good texture when uncooked.”
Runner up: Plan*t – Spicy Chorizo
Judges said: “Good casing, texture, consistency, flavour of paprika. Could have more red colour.”
Hotdog
Bean Supreme – Classic Hot Dog
Judges said: “Good flavour and colour. It outdid the traditional hot dog. Had an edge.”
Runner up: Howler Hot Dogs – Mini Hot Dogs
Judges said, “Great for a kids’ party. Good size! Meat eaters would never know!”
Sausage Roll
First equal
Richoux Patisserie – Vegan Sausage Roll
Goodtime Pie – Chorizo Sausage Roll
Judges said: “Both did an amazing job and were a very close comparison. Great texture and flavour to both. Pastry was good, brilliant appearance.”
Speciality
Grater Goods – Pepperoni
Judges said: “Good fennel flavour, good pepperoni, chilli and texture.”
Runner up: Vegetarian Butcher – Spicy Italian
Judges said “Good intensity, not chewy, not too salty. Balanced seasoning. Enough chilli to keep it interesting.”
Chorizo
Plan*t – Chorizo
Judges said, “A good level of spice, attractive colour, nice level of paprika. A level of sophistication. Good oilyness.”
Runner up: The Vegetarian Butcher- Chorizo
Judges said: “Hearty chorizo, with good bite. Great flavours- punch. Flavour changes with cooking.”
