It's getting much easier to eat meat-free on the British high street, as our lunch break favourites respond to the demand for vegetarian grub. And as more and more of us are tentatively trying out a plant-based diet (be it full-time vegan, flexitarian or veggie), it's only fair that we expect more than lacklustre salad or an unfulfilling soup.
Happily, the UK's top lunch hour spots are more than catering to today's meat-less demand. Whether you're a veggie or not, these grab-and-go dishes are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts - we dare even the most die-hard of carnivores to give them a try. There's wraps, hot pots, sushi (minus the seafood) and far-from-boring soups to add to your lunch list - who said being vegetarian had to be dull…
Avocado and herb salad wrap, Pret A Manger
We challenge you not to devour this creamy, herby tortilla-wrapped morsel, which is so full of flavour you would never miss the addition of grilled chicken. With spinach, basil, sliced avocado, tomato and a delicious Greek yoghurt dressing, it's really filling, too - a good job really, as it would be hard not to return for more.
Thai Butternut Squash Soup, Eat
Opt for a different kind of liquid lunch with one of Eat's flavourful soups - the Thai Butternut Squash option is vegan, too. Blended with creamy coconut milk and a little heat from the red chilli, it's comfortingly warming, especially with some chunky seeded bread for dipping.
Yasai Roll Set, Wasabi
Don't forget vegetarian sushi! It's full of flavour and great if you love Asian flavours - this box from Wasabi has two succulent inari (pockets of tofu filled with rice) as well as avocado, carrot and red pepper sushi rolls and an edamame bean salad. It's made with brown rice, too, so will keep you fuller for longer.
Courgetti, Broccoli & Halloumi Cous Cous, Starbucks
Starbucks has a variety of great lunch options that amount to more than a double-shot latte - try this delicious multi-grain box, which is served hot with halloumi, courgetti and tenderstem broccoli. Tossed in a smokey tomato sauce, it's super tasty, and filling with its mix of giant cous cous, quinoa and barley.
Sweet Potato Falafel Hot Box, Leon
If you're lucky enough to have a Leon nearby, their meat-free offers plenty to get hungry about. The falafel hot box, made with Middle Eastern ingredients like chickpeas and spices, is topped with roasted red peppers, garlic aioli and parsley, and served with rice. Yum.
Thai Coconut Veggie Rice, Itsu
New to the Itsu menu is this vegetarian hot pot, with silky tofu, seasonal greens and pumpkin seeds served in a spiced coconut broth with brown and red rice. It's vegan and gluten-free too, and just as full of Far East flavour as the Japanese restaurant chain's meat-based options.
