GREGGS HAS launched a new vegan-friendly sausage roll in news that has left meat-lovers and vegetarians alike divided.
The new addition to the bakery giant’s menu came after animal rights group PETA launched a campaign urging Greggs to introduce it.
It’s been launched to coincide with ‘Veganuary’, a month-long online campaign encouraging more people to enjoy a meat-free diet.
The vegan-friendly sausage roll boasts a Quorn filling and a pastry casing made using vegetable oil.
The wait is over… 3.1.19 #vegansausageroll 🌱😍 pic.twitter.com/UWcXFCtxdE
— Greggs (@GreggsOfficial) January 2, 2019
Most importantly of all, the new vegan sausage roll will be made available across 950 Greggs outlets.
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."
Greggs took to Twitter to announce the news, but it immediately proved divisive among pastry fans.
Plenty of vegans and vegetarians welcomed the news. "FINALLY, THANK YOU," one wrote, evidently so happy they forgot to take the caps lock off.
FINALLY, THANK YOU 🙌🏻
— DeadlyNightshadeⓋ (@231Tally) January 2, 2019
More choice. More options when out and about. Well done @GreggsOfficial 👏🏼💚 https://t.co/30g6XkHI5x
— Jonathan (@jbjon) January 2, 2019
I love you so much for this @GreggsOfficial
— austin williams (@austinwilliamsw) January 2, 2019
Thank you very much. Can’t wait to try it.
— Chris Thorpe-Tracey (@christt) January 2, 2019
Amazing news! 👏
— Andrew Miles (@memanmevegan) January 2, 2019
"More choice. More options when out and about. Well done," another added.
"Amazin news!" one more added, while another simply said "I love this."
Emotions were running high on both sides of this debate though.
Some meat-lovers thought it was an early April's fools.
"April 1st isn't for another few months," one follower quipped. "Try again."
April 1st isn't for another few months. Try again!
— Gaz | ガレス | 🏴 🍀 (@GazTheKitman) January 2, 2019
Bit early for April Fools isn't it?
— Lynz (@lynz_is_me) January 2, 2019
Plenty were very, very unhappy.
One fan lamented: "You've changed Greggs, you've changed".
You’ve changed Greggs, you’ve changed.
— Andrew Morris (@AndiMorris85) January 2, 2019
While the gags came thick and fast.
Wonder if it's made from real vegans?
— Pie!☣☢ (@thepieman84) January 2, 2019
A few felt that a vegan-friendly sausage roll went against the very definition of a sausage roll.
Can you call it a sausage roll if there's no sausage meat in it?
— Craig.Fleming (@craigfleming88) January 2, 2019
And one man saw it as sacrilege.
There were a couple of people weren't having any of it.
Wow. I cannot express in words alone how little I care. I’ll stick to proper meat sausage rolls, thanks 🍖🥩
— Craig McMartin (@SirCraigius) January 2, 2019
i'd rather eat my own ear wax
— john parkinson (@19stan67) January 2, 2019
Including one bloke who declared that he would "rather eat" his "own ear wax".
There were plenty of admirers though.
Some of whom wanted even bigger vegan-friendly sausage rolls.
Could we double the size of them though? I always feel greedy having to eat two...!
— Andrew Morris (@AndiMorris85) January 2, 2019
Then there were the dreams, suggesting even more vegan options for the future.
WHEN ARE YOU DOING A SAUSAGE-LESS CHEESE AND BEAN MELT?!?!?! i'm sorry but WHEN
— jesus christ fenton (@chlofett) January 2, 2019
The whole online debate made some people seriously amused.
"Lol people getting so worked up about this. Will definitely try it," they joked. "Great move Greggs."
The vegan-friendly sausage roll will be available from January 3rd.
