Vegan Cornish pasties go on sale, sparking backlash from traditionalists

'It’s not traditional or Cornish, leave our food alone'

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A dispute has broken out among Cornish pasty traditionalists after a local bakery unveiled a vegan version.

Sam Grady, a Cornish local from St Agnes, started producing a meat-free alternative to the traditional pasty in response to the growing popularity of plant-based diets in the UK.

The baker, who owns the Cornish Vegan Pasty Company, has adapted the original to not include steak, or any dairy products. Instead, using seitan – a wheat-based protein used in meat-free foods – in place of steak, and a gravy that has been developed using ingredients like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

However, the move has angered many Cornish residents who are adamant the vegan pasty shouldn’t be allowed to carry the name.

“I started the company in 2016 when I realised there wasn’t much out there for vegans apart from a bland trio of veg,” Grady said.

“Most pasty companies have upped their game when it comes to a vegan offering since then but we’re the only one rivalling the traditional pasty for flavour.”

After news of the new pasties was shared online, many were quick to voice their distain.

”Eat whatever you like, but don't call it what it isn't,” one person wrote.

“If its vegan, it ain't steak. If its steak, it ain't vegan!“

Sam Grady says the Cornish Vegan Pasty Company's version is "the only one rivalling the traditional pasty for flavour" (SWNS) (Cornwalllive / SWNS.com)

Another added: ”They can keep it, it’s not traditional or Cornish, leave our food alone!“

A third person commented: ”It’s not traditional steak if there is no bloody steak in it.

“It’s minced potato peelings, fungus and quorn pasty. Our forefathers and mother’s spinning in their graves”

In 2002, Cornish pasties were granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status - a framework that gives legal protection to named regional food products against imitation across the European Union - meaning only a pasty made the traditional way in Cornwall could be called a Cornish Pasty.

PGI status was granted for the pasty following a campaign by the Cornish Pasty Association.

A spokesperson for the group said they had no comment to make on the row.

The dispute comes just weeks after high street bakery Greggs launched its first-ever vegan sausage roll.

Speaking about the launch, Roger Whiteside, chief executive at Greggs, said: “Like many food retailers we have seen increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan products. We have been trying to develop a vegan version of our famous sausage roll for some time now.

“It has not been easy but our taste panel customers all love this one, so we have decided to launch it as our contribution to Veganuary.”