A festive spread of plant-based food across a table

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas: handy hacks for an animal-friendly holiday meal.

Considering leaving animals off the dinner table this Christmas? Check out some of our favourite festive staples that will keep your bellies full and your family happy!
Animals Australia

Animals Australia team

Last updated November 26, 2020

The festive season is upon us, which for many people, means one very important thing – food! (Togetherness was a given.) If you’re one of the millions of Aussies who are eating less animal products, or even cutting them out altogether, there are countless options for delicious plant-based dishes to enjoy this Christmas.

Choosing to eat more kindly is one of the key ways you can spare animals from cruelty. And filling your plate with more plants isn’t just great for the animals – it can also do wonders for your personal health, have a lighter footprint on the planet, and liven up your festive spread with a twist on the old holiday classics.

Here are some of our favourite festive plant-based goodies in Australia:

Roasts

If you’re keen on a roast for the Christmas meal centrepiece, there are plenty of delicious animal-friendly options available that fit the bill! Try one of these:

  • Made with Plants Plant-based Meatloaf with Glaze
  • Vegie Delights Vegie Roast
  • Gardein Holiday Roast with Cranberry & Wild Rice Stuffing (before purchasing online, check your local health food shop for this one!)
  • Field Roast Whole Celebration Roast with Bread Stuffing & Mushroom Gravy
  • Field Roast Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute
  • Field Roast Half Celebration Roast
  • AVS Meatless Roast stuffed with Leek, Mushroom, and Cranberry (gluten-free)
  • AVS Festive Chick’n Roast (gluten-free)
  • Fry’s Soy & Quinoa Country Roast

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Field Roast Hazelnut Cranberry Roast on table surrounded by roast vegetables and a pot of gravy
Image credit: Field Roast

Gravy

Need some extra gravy for your roast, stuffing, or those potatoes that might’ve hung around in the oven a tad too long? Keep one of these on hand to drizzle over anything. Or better yet, everything.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Baked stuffed sweet potatoes with chickpea filling and gravy drizzled over them with a pot of gravy beside the tray
Image credit: Celebrate Health

‘Seafood’

Fancy a sea-inspired dish for your holiday menu? No animals required! Check out one of these deliciously easy ingredients:

This image contains content which some may find confronting

A snack board wtht dip and plant-based 'salmon' and cucumber on crackers
Image credit: Sophie's Kitchen

Cheese

If you’re a cheese board kind of family — we’ve got you covered. Gather ’round to sample a few of these incredible cracker-toppers and cast votes for your favourites.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

A cheese board with a selection of plant-based cheeses and crackers
Image credit: Vegan Grocery Store (formerly the Cruelty Free Shop)

Dessert

If you’re only here for the sweets, you’d better come prepared in your comfiest trackies. The only trouble you’ll have this Christmas is choosing just one!

Puddings & Pies

 

Chocolate

 

Extra Festive

 

Finishing Touches

As Christmas approaches, be sure to check your local Coles and Woolies for their seasonal treats – their festive plant-based range grows every year!

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Icing being poured over cute Christmas cakes
Image credit: Vegan Grocery Store (formerly the Cruelty Free Shop)

Dips, sides and extras

But wait, there’s more! These products could be just what you need to bring your Christmas spread to life:

  • Praise Vegan Aioli
  • Coles Vegan Garlic Aioli
  • Chris’ Plant Based Spicy Capsicum Dip
  • Chris’ Sweet Potato & Cashew Dip
  • Obela Roasted Pine Nut Hommus
  • Obela Zesty Jalapeno Hommus
  • Obela Caramelised Onion Hommus
  • Woolworths Free from Gluten Bake at Home Rolls
  • Massel Stock Powders (pro tip: even the chicken & beef flavours are animal-free!)

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Pastry parcels with a dollop of plant-based creamy sauce on top
Image credit: Follow Your Heart

Recipes

Finally, if you’re keen to bring a little extra Christmas magic into the kitchen, here are a few of our favourite holiday recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.

This image contains content which some may find confronting

Walnuts on a baking tray with a ramekin of spice.

Keep it up!

If all this talk about animal-friendly feasts has you feeling inspired to eat more plant-based foods in the new year, check out VegKit.com for even more ideas!

You’ll find over 100 delicious recipes, plus all the support you need: the latest products, best places for eating out, nutrition tips, lifestyle advice and more. And while you’re at it, grab a copy of our FREE Veg Starter Kit – a handy resource no matter where you are in your journey with plant-based food.

GET YOUR FREE VEG STARTER KIT NOW

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Close-up of beautiful sheep looking direct to camera with overlay of Christmas stars.