Vegan sandwiches are being launched by Marks & Spencer as more Britons turn their backs on meat, dairy and eggs.

Just as chains like Pret a Manger, Leon, Zizzi have added vegan options to their menu, so M&S is tapping into the trend.

It is launching the 'Super Green' sandwich, which includes an edamame and minted pea filling wrapped up in a chia and linseed bread.

Vegan sandwiches are being launched by Marks & Spencer as more Britons turn their backs on meat, dairy and eggs

There is also a 'Rainbow Veg' sandwich, with roasted vegetables and avocado with pumpkin seeds in a red pepper bread.

The retailer sells over 1.5 million sandwiches every week, with over 30 fillings, however this is the first time it has sold sandwiches suitable for vegans.

Many celebrities have recently claimed to have converted to veganism including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Brad Pitt.

M&S sandwich expert, Helen Brennan, said: 'We've seen a huge increase in interest from our customers in vegan eating and we noticed there was a gap in the market for food that vegans can eat on the go for lunch.

'We decided to create two new sandwiches that vegans can enjoy – they are so tasty and nutritious I'm sure non vegans will enjoy eating them too.'

Vegan products are one of the biggest requests M&S receives from its customers and it now sells over 1,800 food and drink items that are suitable for this group.

Just as chains like Pret a Manger, Leon, Zizzi have added vegan options to their menu, so M&S is tapping into the trend

For vegans who want to avoid bread, M&S has also launched 'Veggie Pots' – two out of the three are suitable for vegans – the Nutty Cauliflower Trio Veggie Pot, and the Glorious Greens & Seeds Veggie Pot.

It also recently launched the 'Nourish Bowls', two of which are suitable for vegans.

The retailer had its biggest ever Christmas for sales of vegan foods and developed a range of products suitable for vegans. For example, sales of its Parsnip and Mulled Red Onion Roast were up almost 30per cent on 2015.

Miss Brenan said: 'Veganism is very popular in California and the trend has now spread to the UK. We did a research trip to San Francisco searching for inspiration for our range – we found some delicious ingredients and very clever recipes that we've used to inspire our products so our customers can enjoy them here in the UK.'