The Complete Guide to a Vegan BBQ

Now that summer has arrived, BBQ season is back! However, going to a BBQ as a vegan can be tough... What can you eat? Will there be awkward conversations? Are you comfortable cooking your food on the grill with meat?

Fear not! We have compiled a list of incredible foods to buy and make, for all tastes. We’ve also written a handy list of tips on how to navigate being a vegan at a BBQ where others might be eating meat.

What plant-based BBQ alternatives are there?

When it comes to vegan and plant-based BBQ food, you don’t have to miss out. While once upon a time we may have been the people sitting in the corner munching on a plain salad (which is great if you like salad, but not when others are chowing down on burgers and sausages), this is no longer necessary.

There are so many incredible plant-based options nowadays; we are spoilt for choice! Who knows, you could even inspire some non-vegans to try your delicious food.

What are the best vegan meat alternatives for a BBQ?

Plant-based meat has come a long way. You can still make vegan burgers from beans, lentils or vegetables, but you can easily get a variety of plant-based meat options from supermarkets.

Here are some of our favourites:

Burgers

The world of vegan burgers has never been so exciting. From well-established brands like Linda McCartney, to newer brands such as No Bull Burgers, you have plenty of options. Some of our other favourites are Beyond Burgers, Future Farm, Miami Burgers, and Vivera.

Sausages

Like burgers, there are now numerous vegan sausages available to buy. You can go for the reliable Linda McCartney, the vegan version of Richmond, or some of our favourites like Meatless Farm and Moving Mountains hotdogs. You can even buy plant-based chorizo from Plant Kitchen.

Other meat alternatives

• No Lamb koftas
• Plant-based sausage patties

Vegetable/Pulse-based Options

Of course, there’s no need to eat meat alternatives. There are lots of other options available at The Vegan Kind Supermarket, from tofu and bean burgers and jackfruit burgers, to organic tempeh burgers and even tofu weiners.

Mushrooms are also a great alternative - check out these No Bull mushroom steaks. Or, make your own with this chickpea burger mix from Bosh.

Which burger sauces are vegan?

Sauces for burgers and sausages are often another area of confusion. See the list below for a few sauces you can easily pick up at a supermarket, or make at home.

• Ketchup
• BBQ Sauce (some contain honey so make sure you check the ingredients)
• Sriracha (for some spice!)
• Guacamole (if buying in store check the ingredients - it sometimes contains milk or cream)
• Vegan mayonnaise
• Vegan garlic butter
• Satay sauce

What vegan sides can I serve at a BBQ?

One easy way to serve vegan or plant-based food at a BBQ is as side dishes. There are so many options that everyone can enjoy. You can buy and cook some options simply like corn on the cob (with vegan butter) or sweet potato fries.

Or there's some really easy recipes out there for you to get creative with. Check out our suggestions:

• Vegetable skewers
• Pasta salad
• Walnut and vegan feta sausage rolls
• Vegan spinach cobb
• Potato salad

Snack food

BBQs aren’t all about the burgers and hot dogs. It’s great to serve up some snacks alongside, so here’s some vegan and ‘accidentally vegan’ food that everyone can share.

• Hummus with chips and veggies
• Flatbreads are really versatile - you can roast them on the BBQ and drizzle with olive oil for something extra. Make sure to check the ingredients though - some flatbreads can contain dairy
• Crisps (a lot of flavours from supermarkets are vegan - make sure to read the labels)
• Olives
• Popcorn (most sweet or salted flavours are vegan but beware of butter or toffee flavours)

Check out our video for even more plant-based inspiration

Serving vegan-friendly drinks

Some wines and beers aren’t vegan due to processing procedures. If this would bother you, or if you’re catering to vegan friends who might be concerned, make sure to read the labels on the drinks you buy. You can also check out Barnivore; a great online resource for vegan alcohol.

Most spirits and liqueurs are vegan, as well as soft drinks (with the exception of milk and milk products). So drinks are easy to share between vegans and non-vegans.

Cooking vegan food at a BBQ

If you don’t want your vegan food touching the non-vegan food on the BBQ, here are a few solutions:

• Ask to cook your food first. This removes the possibility of contamination, but you won’t be able to eat with everyone else.
• Bring your own mini/disposable BBQ, and cook your food next to the main BBQ.
• Wrap things like corn on the cob and vegetable skewers in foil before placing them on the BBQ.
• Use a grill mat. This way you get to share the BBQ and it could be an interesting topic of conversation. These are also reusable, so a great, environmentally friendly option.

More tips to enjoy a vegan BBQ

• Take extra vegan food with you. This ensures that you have plenty of food (and varied food) and also gives others the option to try it.
• Want to avoid the discussion of ‘if you’re going to eat a meat substitute, why not just eat meat?’ There are plenty of vegetable/bean/lentil-based burgers and sausages (above) and so many delicious sides.
• Be prepared. If you have a plan of how to cook your food then it should be a more comfortable experience for you, rather than worrying at the last minute.
• While the number of people ditching meat and dairy is growing, people can sometimes still be a little confused or defensive when they don't understand your choices. If you are worried about this, you can notify friends and family beforehand that you don’t want to talk about veganism or differences in diet. You have the right to avoid topics that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Know that just showing up with vegan food is a form of activism. You don’t have to talk about it, or convert anyone. It’s alright if you’re the only vegan there. Just by representing the vegan community, you’re an advocate for animals. If no one wants to try your food or is interested in learning more about veganism, that’s alright. Everyone is on a different path!
• Use ‘I’ statements when responding to questions about your plant-based views. This avoids appearing to ‘attack’ people who feel and act differently whilst remaining honest and explaining your beliefs.
• If you’re a meat eater hosting a vegan at a BBQ, try supplying them with some of the above food options. Even though they can (and will probably) bring some food, this will help them feel included.

Want more?

With all the incredible plant-based options these days, and the thousands of recipes available, vegan and plant-based food has never been better or more exciting.

You might find that attending a BBQ as a vegan is a great experience for you and others. You can introduce people to plant-based alternatives, but don’t feel the need to convert everyone (or anyone). Take your vegan burgers/hotdogs/sausage rolls/hummus (of course) and have a good time!

Find more plant-based inspiration here or sign up to recieve our emails. We'll share plant-based recipes, as well as our latest campaign news and information on your favourite farmed animals.

What can I do to have an impact?

Want to impact the lives of animals raised for food? Take action now by signing our petition.