Veganize your afternoon tea!

by Lucy Moore | 24 June 2016

As it's National Cream Tea Day we thought we would give you some ideas to make the best vegan afternoon tea so the veggie lovers among us don't miss out.

Vegan on Female First

Cream teas normally contain a lot of animal products so we did all the work for you and found a range of foods that are suitable for vegans, cream teas and lazy eaters (like me) so all your bases are covered.

The Tea

Bellevue, Ahmad and Pukka all have teas that sport the big V to whet your whistle before you tuck in. You can choose from the more traditional to something with a hint of fruit if you're not partial to normal cuppa.

The Bread

You can't have a cream tea without a butty now can you? Allinson, Kingsmill, Roberts Bakery and Hovis all make loaves that are suitable for vegans in a number of flavors and textures so you can enjoy white, seedy, brown, wholemeal- whatever takes your fancy really.

The Spread

Now you've got the basics you'll need to butter that bread- Vitalite Dairy Free, Pure Dairy Free and Flora Freedom all provide you with that bit of moisture on your slice so it's ready for its filling. And no- it doesn't smell like cow- hurrah!

Fillings

If you want to go back to basics- peanut butter and jam is simple and easy. Look for Sun Pat, Meridian a Whole Earth for your peanut butter with a dollop of Hartley's jam on top (there are many flavors to choose from and are all vegan friendly).

Hummus is always a creamy and satisfying layer between two slices so why not sweeten it up with some chutney. The English Provender does a lovely Red Onion Chutney that goes perfectly with a bit of mushed up chickpea. I'm not selling it- but trust me it's delicious!

And why not go for the old-fashioned cheese and pickle? Violife slices are up to the task if you want something to slap on in a matter of seconds or if you love to get out the grater- they also do a block. Again finish it off with some English Provender Chutney, but this time the Apple and Plum variety. You've got to mix it up.

Cucumber and cream cheese is another suggestion- it takes seconds to chop up your cucumber and slather your buttered bread with some Violife cream cheese. What could be easier?

Dessert

Ah, the most important part of an afternoon tea are the sweet treats at the end. Hale and Hearty do Date and Chocolate flapjacks or plain old oat if you're less adventurous.