Summertime in the UK is all about relaxed meals, picnics and sharing plates. “Picky bits” – small, ready-to-eat foods – are perfect for grazing, socialising and keeping things simple on days when it’s too hot to cook.
Whether you’re a fan of classic hummus and salads or want to try the latest plant-based products, here are some of our favourite vegan picky bits ideas to inspire your next summer spread.
What are picky bits?
If you’re not familiar with this phenomenon, “picky bits” is a popular UK term for a meal made up of light snack foods such as dips, salads and breads, and traditionally includes cold meats, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and cheese. However, it’s easy to veganise this concept with plant-based alternatives. These meals are designed for sharing and grazing, especially at casual gatherings or picnics.
Classic pairings
The key to creating the perfect picky bits plate is to combine different flavours and textures. Sweet, savoury, soft, chewy and crunchy – it all works and you can’t really go wrong. Here are a few vegan favourites to start with:
- Hummus, baba ganoush or other dips
- Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and carrot sticks
- Olives, pickles and gherkins
- Crusty bread, pitta or crackers
- Vegan cheese cubes or slices
- Simple salads (potato, pasta, couscous)
10 Vegan Picky Bits Products
1. Vivera TexMex Protein Bites
Packed with veggies, pulses and grains, these spicy bites are a summer snack staple. Enjoy them straight from the pack with guacamole or salsa or tossed into a fresh salad.
Available at Asda.
2. THIS™ Deli Slices
THIS™️ is bringing two mouthwatering deli slices to the table just in time for summer: THIS™️ Isn’t Roast Chicken Slices and Butter Bean, Garlic & Paprika Slices. Both are full of flavour, with a satisfying, meat-like texture, perfect for sandwiches, salads or adding straight to your platter.
Available at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.
3. Tiba Tempeh Protein Bites
Tempeh is a protein powerhouse and Tiba Tempeh’s bites come in Roasted and Southern-Style flavours. Delicious hot or cold, they pair well with dips or crunchy veggies.
Available at Ocado and Sainsbury’s.
4. Squeaky Bean Range
When it comes to ready-to-eat snacks for your summer meals, Squeaky Bean has you covered. From chicken-style pieces to Spanish-style chorizo and pastrami slices, Squeaky Bean’s products are ideal for mixing and matching on a sharing board.
Available at Ocado, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda.
5. Gosh! Falafel
Falafel is always a hit and any version will do. To add more colour to your spread, try the Gosh! Moroccan Spiced or Beetroot Falafel.
Available at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Tesco.
6. Quorn Deli Slices
Quorn’s Vegan Smoky Ham and Vegan Chicken-Free Slices are a must-have for any summer platter. Layer them into sandwiches, add to salads or simply serve alongside your favourite dips and veggies.
Available at Asda, Ocado and Tesco.
7. Beyond Steak Pieces
These juicy pieces are made from plants but deliver on the rich, meaty flavour and texture you’d expect from steak. They’re quick to prepare and you can enjoy them hot or cold, tossed into salads, tucked into wraps or served as a centrepiece alongside other picky bits.
Available at Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
8. Vegan Sausage Rolls
No spread is complete without a hearty sausage roll. Look out for these options in your local supermarkets:
- Tesco Plant Chef Meat-Free Sausage Rolls
- M&S Plant Kitchen No Pork Sausage Rolls
- Asda OMV! No Pork Sausage Rolls
- Wall’s Vegan Jumbo Sausage Roll
- Pukka Vegan Sausage Roll
- Higgidy Hoisin Pulled Mushroom & Spring Onion Rolls
9. Higgidy Marinated Tomato, Broccoli & Spinach Quiche
This quiche features a seeded spelt shortcrust base, filled with broccoli, spinach and basil in a creamy oat mixture, topped with roasted sweet tomatoes and a tangy tomato crumb. It’s a showstopper for any summer table.
Available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco and Ocado.
10. Pork Farms Porkless Pies
Enjoy a vegan version of this traditional British staple. These porkless pies are made with a blend of wheat and pea proteins and giant couscous, as well as plant-based bacon wrapped in delicious crust pastry.
Available at Tesco and Asda.
Feeling inspired? Check out our vegan BBQ guide too.
