The Full Vegan English Breakfast: A UK Guide

A proper fry-up is a weekend ritual, and going vegan doesn’t mean giving it up. Here’s how to build the full vegan English using UK supermarket products — every component covered.

The components

Sausages

Richmond Meat Free sausages are widely available and vegan (not just vegetarian). THIS! Isn’t Pork Sausages are excellent if you can find them. Most supermarket own-brand “plant-based” sausages are vegan — but check for egg white. Quorn sausages are NOT vegan (contain egg) unless from their specific vegan range.

Bacon

THIS! Isn’t Bacon is the best vegan bacon in the UK. Alternatively, slice firm smoked tofu thinly and fry in oil until crispy — surprisingly good.

Eggs

Scrambled tofu is the standard vegan egg replacement. Crumble firm tofu into a pan with a splash of oil, add turmeric for colour, black salt (kala namak) for the eggy flavour, and nutritional yeast for richness. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. JUST Egg is available in some UK shops if you prefer a pourable scramble.

Beans

Heinz Baked Beans are vegan. So are most supermarket own-brand baked beans. This is the easiest component. Scan yours to be sure.

Toast

Most sliced bread (Warburtons, Hovis, Kingsmill) is vegan. Spread with vegan butter like Flora Plant or Naturli. See our bread guide for details.

Mushrooms

Slice and fry in a little oil with salt and pepper. Mushrooms are always vegan.

Tomatoes

Halve and grill or fry. Always vegan.

Hash browns

Most frozen hash browns are vegan (including supermarket own brand). McDonald’s hash browns are vegan too.

Black pudding

Traditional black pudding is made with blood and is obviously not vegan. However, The Bury Black Pudding Company makes a vegan version available in some Asda and Morrisons stores.

The method

The key to a good fry-up is timing. Start the sausages first (they take longest), then add hash browns. Mushrooms and tomatoes go next. Beans in a separate pan. Toast and scrambled tofu go last so they’re hot when you plate up. Everything should arrive at once.