M&S and Waitrose Vegan Christmas Food 2026

M&S vs Waitrose Vegan Christmas Food 2026. Who will be the winner?

Yes, it’s early to talk about Christmas, but it’s not too soon to start looking at options for Christmas dinner.

Christmas is the highlight of the year for many food lovers, and for vegans, the festive season has never offered more choice. From plant-based turkey alternatives and luxurious wellingtons to vegan desserts and party food, UK supermarkets are investing heavily in festive vegan ranges.

This year, both Marks & Spencer and Waitrose have unveiled impressive vegan Christmas line-ups. But which retailer deserves a place in your festive shopping trolley?

Here’s our detailed comparison of the vegan Christmas food available from both supermarkets in 2026.

Vegan Christmas Has Entered a New Era

There was a time when vegan Christmas dinner meant a homemade nut roast and hoping the roast potatoes weren’t cooked in goose fat.

Fast-forward to 2026, and supermarkets are offering restaurant-quality vegan mains, indulgent desserts, and party food that rivals traditional festive favourites.

Both M&S and Waitrose are competing at the premium end of the market, but they take very different approaches to festive dining.

M&S Vegan Christmas Range 2026

M&S continues to focus on familiar festive comfort food with a plant-based twist.

Christmas Mains

Plant Kitchen No Turkey Crown

One of the headline products in the range is the Plant Kitchen No Turkey Crown, a vegan alternative designed to mirror the traditional Christmas centrepiece.

Plant Kitchen No Turkey & Trimmings

Perfect for smaller gatherings or a quick festive meal, this ready-prepared option includes traditional Christmas flavours without the turkey.

Festive Sides

Plant Kitchen Cauliflower & Leek Bake

A rich and comforting seasonal side dish that pairs well with a vegan roast.

Bubble & Squeak Vegetable Stacks

A festive twist on a British classic that could work as either a side dish or vegetarian-style centrepiece.

Party Food

Plant Kitchen Vegan Pigs in Blankets

Perhaps the product most likely to excite traditional Christmas fans, M&S has introduced vegan pigs in blankets, allowing plant-based diners to enjoy one of Britain’s favourite festive foods.

Plant Kitchen Vegan No Pork Sausage Rolls

Ideal for Christmas buffets, Boxing Day gatherings, and festive snacking.

Desserts

M&S Collection Made Without Perfectly Matured Christmas Pudding

A vegan version of the traditional Christmas pudding, ensuring nobody misses out on this festive staple.

---

Waitrose Vegan Christmas Range 2026

Waitrose appears to be taking a more ambitious approach, with a broader range of mains, desserts and entertaining food.

Christmas Centrepieces

No.1 Mushroom, Malbec & Port Wellington

This premium Wellington combines rich mushroom flavours with Malbec and port, creating a sophisticated centrepiece suitable for Christmas Day.

THIS Plant-Based Turkey Roast with Trimmings

Waitrose’s answer to the traditional Christmas roast, complete with festive accompaniments.

THIS Chestnut, Mushroom & Caramelised Onion Nut Roast

A modern take on the classic nut roast featuring festive flavours and seasonal ingredients.

PlantLiving Mushroom Wellington with Seeded Stuffing

A more affordable centrepiece option that still delivers classic festive flavours.

No.1 Rainbow Vegetable Rösti Stack

A colourful and eye-catching alternative for those wanting something different from the usual roast-style centrepiece.

Party Food

Handmade Polar Bear Bao Buns

Potentially the most talked-about vegan Christmas party food of the year. These adorable bao buns filled with vegetables and hoisin sauce offer something genuinely unique.

Mini Tikka Naan Wraps

A festive buffet option bringing global flavours to the Christmas table.

Vegan Desserts

No.1 Chocolate Ganache Vegan Torte

A luxurious chocolate dessert created specifically for festive entertaining.

PlantLiving Tiramisu Dessert

A plant-based version of the Italian classic.

Vegan Chocolate Yule Log

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a festive yule log.

Free From Mince Pies

A must-have item for vegan Christmas snacking.

Free From Christmas Pudding

Another festive essential for plant-based households.

---

Head-to-Head Comparison

Best Centrepiece Range.

Winner: Waitrose:

Waitrose offers five different vegan centrepiece options, including a Wellington, a turkey roast, a nut roast and a vegetable stack. The variety is difficult to beat. (Although this is a little more expensive than other options available).

Best Traditional Christmas Experience

Winner: M&S

The No Turkey Crown and Vegan Pigs in Blankets recreate classic British Christmas favourites in vegan form.

Best Party Food

Winner: Waitrose

The Polar Bear Bao Buns alone make the Waitrose range stand out, offering something genuinely different from the usual festive buffet food.

Best Vegan Desserts

Winner: Waitrose

With a chocolate ganache torte, tiramisu, yule log, mince pies and Christmas pudding, Waitrose currently offers the broader dessert selection.

Best for Families

Winner: M&S

M&S focuses heavily on familiar festive comfort food, making it ideal for families looking for traditional Christmas flavours.

Best for Foodies

Winner: Waitrose

Products such as the Mushroom, Malbec & Port Wellington demonstrate a more gourmet approach to vegan Christmas dining. However,

---

Vegan Culture’s Verdict

Both supermarkets deserve credit for producing impressive vegan Christmas ranges.

If you’re looking for traditional festive favourites such as vegan pigs in blankets and turkey alternatives, M&S delivers exactly what many British Christmas shoppers want.]

Based on the products currently listed, Waitrose appears to offer the broader vegan Christmas range in 2026.

The wider selection of mains, more adventurous party food, and stronger dessert offering make Waitrose the most exciting destination for vegan Christmas shopping this year. We will be buying from both ranges and stocking our freezers up.

That said, the ultimate vegan Christmas feast may involve shopping at both retailers: pick up vegan pigs in blankets from M&S, add a Mushroom, Malbec & Port Wellington from Waitrose, and finish with a Chocolate Ganache Vegan Torte for dessert.

After all, Christmas only comes once a year.

Disclaimer: The picture is AI-generated. Please check product details before purchasing.

Use the button below to explore the exciting line-up Waitrose has to offer: