Is Quorn Vegan? The Important Difference UK Shoppers Need to Know

This is one of the most common mistakes new vegans make in the UK: assuming Quorn is vegan. Most Quorn products are vegetarian but NOT vegan because they contain egg white as a binding agent.

However, Quorn does have a dedicated vegan range. Here is how to tell the difference.

Why most Quorn is not vegan

Quorn is made from mycoprotein, which is a type of protein grown from a fungus called Fusarium venenatum. The mycoprotein itself is vegan. However, in most Quorn products, egg white (albumen) is used as a binder to hold the mycoprotein together and give it a meat-like texture. This makes the product vegetarian but not vegan.

Quorn Vegan range

Quorn’s vegan products use potato starch and pea fibre instead of egg white as binders. They are clearly labelled with a green “Vegan” banner on the packaging. The vegan range includes:

• Quorn Vegan Pieces — for stir-fries, curries, and sandwiches.
• Quorn Vegan Mince — for bolognese, chilli, and shepherd’s pie.
• Quorn Vegan Nuggets — crispy coating, no egg.
• Quorn Vegan Fillets — the chicken fillet equivalent.
• Quorn Vegan Hot & Spicy Burger — a spiced plant-based burger.
• Quorn Vegan Fishless Fingers — fish finger alternative.

Quorn products that are NOT vegan

• Quorn Fillets (standard) — contain egg white.
• Quorn Mince (standard) — contains egg white.
• Quorn Nuggets (standard) — contain egg white.
• Quorn Sausages (standard) — contain egg white and often milk.
• Quorn Scotch Eggs — contain real egg.
• Quorn Cocktail Sausages — contain egg white.

How to tell the difference in the supermarket

Look at the front of the packaging. Quorn’s vegan products have a green “Vegan” banner clearly visible. The vegetarian (non-vegan) products have an orange or red label. If you are ever unsure, flip the packet over and look for “egg white” or “albumen” in the ingredients list — or scan the barcode with Is It Vegan?.

Alternatives to Quorn

If you want meat-free products that are always vegan (no egg white concerns), consider these UK brands:

• THIS! — all products are vegan. Excellent chicken and bacon alternatives.
• Richmond Meat Free — their sausages are vegan and widely available.
• Birds Eye Green Cuisine — vegan range including burgers and nuggets.
• Linda McCartney — most products are vegan (some older ones contain dairy, so check).
• Beyond Meat — all products are vegan. Premium-priced but excellent quality.

Try THIS! Chicken Pieces on Amazon →

The verdict

Quorn is fine for vegans but only if you buy from their clearly labelled vegan range. The standard Quorn products contain egg white and are not suitable. When shopping, look for the green vegan banner and always check the ingredients if you are unsure.