Virgin Trains Launch Vegan Meals Across All Routes

United Kingdom’s Virgin Trains recently launched a vegan menu across all its routes, becoming the first train operator in the UK to do so. In Virgin’s standard class, options include a Vegan Breakfast Pot with mushrooms, spinach, baked beans, and hash browns, as well as Vegan Chili with Rice. Passengers in first class are offered Vegan Potato Hash, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Mini Indian Bites, Sweet Potato Pakora Salad, and Spicy Bombay Potato with naan bread. “The clear message we’ve had from vegan customers is they need consistency so they have peace of mind when they board the train,” Julie Harper, Virgin’s food and beverage proposition manager, said. “We’ve worked really hard to ensure that our menus in first and standard [classes] deliver that consistency throughout the day and include some really delicious, appetizing options that we hope will tempt vegans and non-vegans alike.” The menu update is in response to a campaign by the UK’s Vegan Society. “We’ve been campaigning for decent vegan options on trains over the last few months and it’s great to see Virgin respond with a menu that anyone can enjoy,” Louise Davies, The Vegan Society’s head of campaigns, policy, and research, said. “Market trends are showing a rapid growth in plant-based eating. We hope that others will follow Virgin’s lead and take notice of the power of the vegan pound.”