Leon to launch vegan jackfruit nuggets and a plant-based ‘Mr Whippy’ The high street sandwich chain follows Pret in appealing to an increasingly meat-free Britain

Leon, perhaps scrabbling to keep up with Pret, has announced a number of new vegan dishes, sauces, and snacks.

In April, Pret launched its biggest ever menu overhaul. Of the high street chain’s 20 new products, eight were vegan. Britain’s plant-based shift is evident. Leon hasn’t gone quite so far, but it has been canny in its use of jackfruit, one of the more successful vegan alternatives to meat. PizzaExpress and Starbucks have followed independent restaurants in using the soft, versatile fruit in lieu of chicken, pork and other meats.

Leon has called its jack fruit dish “Jack Wings”, though they have nothing in common with traditional chicken wings. Rather, Jack Wings (£3.95) appear to be a vegan version of Leon’s gluten-free nuggets, a plant-based version full of jackfruit and vegan cheese. You might dip them in a pot of Leon’s new vegan aioli.

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Vegan sales rising

“[They’re] so moreish they will appeal to committed vegans, anyone who wants to introduce a few more plants into their diet, and even the most committed carnivores,” Leon said.

There’s also a new vegan soft-serve ice cream called a “Coco Whip” which is coconut-based, vegan and £2.65 a go. The “Vegan 99” will be joined by a bunch of plant-based milkshakes made from oat milk, new plant-based dipping sauces, a vegan doughnut flavoured with raspberries and rose, and a dairy-free birthday cupcake, as Leon turns 15 this year.

15 years

CEO and co-founder John Vincent said: “Since we opened our doors 15 years ago, we have continued to innovate, providing new and exciting ways for everyone to eat fresh, natural and seasonal food. Over that time, we have constantly evolved and this latest menu shake up marks an important step for us – we know plant-based eating is better for body and planet, but we want to make plant-based options the tastiest choice too.”

Leon said its customers are increasingly choosing meat-free food. In the year up to January 2018, 46 per cent of sales were vegetarian and 34 per cent vegan. A year on, sales were 64 per cent vegetarian and 55 per cent vegan.

The new dishes launch on 13 June.