Advertisement

Tesco's vegan haggis 'would make Robert Burns scoff'

Replacing the traditional ingredients of sheep's offal and suet encased in intestines, are various nuts and vegetables, catering for the rocketing number of Brits who are choosing to reduce their meat consumption - VisitBritain RM
Replacing the traditional ingredients of sheep's offal and suet encased in intestines, are various nuts and vegetables, catering for the rocketing number of Brits who are choosing to reduce their meat consumption - VisitBritain RM

Vegan haggis on sale at Tesco would make Robert Burns "scoff", the body representing Scottish butchers has said.

The supermarket has for the first time introduced a meat-free version of one of the famous Scottish dish to UK stores ahead of Burns night on Friday.

Replacing the traditional ingredients of sheep's offal and suet encased in intestines, are various nuts and vegetables, catering for the rocketing number of Brits who are choosing to reduce their meat consumption.

But Douglas Scott, chief executive at the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, has said that Robert Burns, the bard who the annual occasion was set up to celebrate, would not approve of Tesco's right-on offering.

He said: "Robert Burns enjoyed haggis so much that he stood up and competed a address to it. If you listen to this, he gives the impression that its going to give you power and strength. That is not the impression you get from the vegan haggis and, I think he would be scoffing at it.

haggis - Credit: Tesco
Vegan haggis on offer at Tesco ahead of Burns night Credit: Tesco

The passage, written by the bard who is also behind Auld Lang Syne, said: "But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, the trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his ample fist a blade, He'll make it whistle."

Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland on or around January 25. The day also celebrates Burns' contribution to Scottish culture.

Tesco Scottish food buyer, James Lamont, said: “We’ve never seen anything like the current demand – and it’s not just during Burns’ week, it’s all year round! “Veggie haggis is a delicious meal in its own right not too dissimilar to a nut roast and we think vegetarians and vegans are buying them as centrepieces for roast dinners.”

"The current clamour for vegan and vegetarian food has really helped send sales soaring for the non-meat version of the haggis."