Vegan Coronation Chickpea Sandwiches Launch at Spar Supermarket

Updated October 17, 2019. Spar supermarkets offer a range of vegan-friendly grab-and-go sandwiches and wraps across the UK.

The range includes the Beet It wrap, which consists of hummus and char-grilled vegetables with sweet chili sauce and rocket in a beetroot and chia seed wrap. The Royal Spice sandwich features coronation chickpeas made with vegan mayonnaise, Bombay potatoes, mango chutney, and spinach.

The Jala-Bean-O wrap was also recently spotted, it contains mixed beans, sweetcorn, and guacamole, jalapenos, and salsa. The range also features a vegan Chickpea Salad wrap and an Onion Bhaji and Bombay Potato wrap.

The products were developed by James Hall & Co., distributor and wholesaler for Spar. Sales and marketing director, Peter Dodding, said in a statement earlier this year, “These sandwiches and wraps have been developed to meet the ever-growing demand for plant-based, food-to-go dining options.”

Hall said the new vegan sandwiches were specially designed to include popular flavors from across the globe to appeal to today’s customers. Each product can be purchased as part of Spar’s meal deal which includes a main, snack and drink for £3.50.

James Hall has also extended its vegan-friendly range by offering Japanese wholesaler Tanpopo’s selection of vegan dishes including Vege Gyoza Dippers, Edamame Pots and Bamboo & Mushroom Ramen.

The Rise of Veganism in the UK

Spar, the world’s largest food retailer, is not alone in making plant-based options more readily available. The UK is now a world leader in vegan product launches, according to data from Mintel. Last year, one in six new product launches were plant-based. 

The Mintel report also revealed that 34 percent of Brits are taking a flexitarian approach to meat consumption, many of whom are concerned about factory farming’s environmental impact. Earlier this year, it was revealed that a record-breaking 250,000 individuals signed on to Veganuary.

Much of the increase was attributed to own-brand supermarket launches in major chains such as Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Asda.

In addition to increasing vegan options, many supermarkets have adopted clear vegan labeling through animal rights charity Animal Aid’s #MarkItVegan campaign. The initiative, which aims to make shopping for plant-based products easier for consumers, has been adopted by chains throughout the UK, including Iceland, Aldi, Tesco, Waitrose, and Morrisons.