The rise of vegetarianism and veganism on the Maltese Islands is rapidly growing. Some individuals are going for a complete lifestyle change, to others are going plant-based meals few days a week. Whatever the reason, Quorn is the leading Maltese meat-free provider, and a fully vegan line is on the horizon.
Whilst all of Quorn’s products are vegetarian, not all of them are vegan. This is one of the company’s ongoing goals. It will take some time until Quorn is 100%, because their range is so massive.
Whilst it may be overwhelming looking for the vegan products in the midst of all their vegetarian items. However, no worries, because Quorn label their the vegan products clearly. Quorn vegan products either have a green band that says, ‘Totally Vegan’, or else on the front of the packet, it would say ‘Vegan’ in the title or as a key point.
What even is Quorn?
From the name, you would assume that it hints to what their products are made from, corn right? Yet, you and I would both be wrong because Quorn largely consists of mycoprotein, sourced from a very specific fungus, not mushroom! One thing to note is that these fungi are not your typical mushrooms that you can eat by themselves, like chestnut or portobello mushrooms. Quorn’s fungi are Fusarium Venenatum. Fusarium Venenatum is like any other vegetable and has its own harvest cycle. However, one interesting fact is that they require large fermentation tanks to grow in. In this tank, Quorn also adds other substances. This is where texture, seasoning and egg whites (or potato starch for vegans) for binding or milk proteins are added to the final product.
These products largely consist of mycoprotein, valuing at around 88%. However, some other ‘basic’ ingredients found in these products are:
- Potato protein
- Pea fibre
- Firming agents, like calcium chloride, calcium acetate
- Water
- Natural flavouring
- Wheat gluten
- Stabilisers such as carrageenan, sodium alginate
The Takeaway Range
Whilst eating vegan naturally veers to a healthier, cleaner lifestyle, it doesn’t have to mean that you can’t have fun and enjoy takeaway favourites. As a result, Quorn have created this new range is here to create epic, restaurant quality meals in the comfort of your own homes. Takeaway? More like fakeaway!
Traditional takeaway treats are now available with a vegan version thanks to Quorn. And we’re here to provide just the meals with the Takeaway’s Sticky BBQ Wings, the Crunchy Fillet Burgers and Crunchy Strips.
Quorn – Cruelty Free?
In 2023, it is safe to say that none of the current range of Quorn has been tested on animals. However, for full transparency and disclosure, animal trials did take place in 1995 to determine whether the mycoprotein is safe for human consumption. Whilst the trials did span over a long period of time, it has also been a while since their end. And since determining the safety of the mycoprotein, Quorn has committed themselves to banning any further animal testing.
