THE CRUELTY-FREE PANTRY

These meat and dairy substitutes are versatile and delicious, suitable for entry-level vegetarians and staunch vegans. Nature’s Charm Bar-B-Que Jackfruit, $4.50 for 200g, from www.souleygreen.com The shredded Thai jackfruit has a meaty mouthfeel and looks a lot like pulled pork. Marinated in tangy barbecue sauce, it’s perfect pan-fried and served in a sandwich with vegan coleslaw. Also available in “Duck” Confit and Sriracha flavours. Nature’s Charm Banana Blossom in Brine, $4.90 for 260g, from www.souleygreen.com Banana blossom, or the edible part of a banana flower, has soft and flaky flesh, which is why it can be used in a vegan incarnation of fish and chips. Dredge it in batter and deep-fry. Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian Quarter Pound Burgers, $5.90 for two pieces, from www.redmart.com Created by the late wife of Paul McCartney and mother of Stella McCartney, both of whom are vegan, the Linda McCartney range has hearty Western classics like burger patties, sausages, pasties and pies made with rehydrated texture soya protein instead of meat. With well-balanced flavours and a good amount of bite, these pseudo-meats are for everyone. Suzy Spoon Sausages, $19.98 for 370g, from Little Farms These sausages are unique because they’re made from vegetable-based ingredients like kale and cauliflower, or polenta, sun-dried tomato and basil. Throw them on a grill and they char nicely but remain soft on the inside, just like the real thing. Little Farms’ outlets (one of which is at #01-20 Valley Point Shopping Centre) also carry other reputable meatless brands like Beyond Meat and Syndian. Cocofrio Choc Coconut, $14.50 for 500g, from www.redmart.com Dairy-free and gluten-free ice cream made with coconut milk and organic brown rice malt syrup. Since there’s no sugar added, it’s guilt-free too.