I’ve just had my first pigs in blankets in decades and I’m a tad amazed.
There’s a selection of traditional foods that make their way onto many plates during the winter months – especially at Christmas – and one such item is the iconic classic pigs in blankets.
Traditionally, the salty snack is made up of a small sausage wrapped in bacon. They’re a mainstay during the festive season at many events and parties, not to mention the big day itself, and are, for many, one of the best bits about a Christmas dinner.
According to research, Brits will consume an impressive 668 million pigs in blankets this Christmas, averaging 11.2 per person. The sausages are usually chipolatas, which work perfectly with roast turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and gravy.
I must make a confession though… I’m a vegetarian. Not only that, but even before I became a vegetarian 14 years ago, I wouldn’t avoided bacon like the plague.
I tried it once or twice as a child and that was that. For years, I lied and told everyone and anyone I hated the stuff.
The truth? I just couldn’t get Babe the Pig’s precious face out of my head so swore blind I believed bacon was completely vile, afraid my no-nonsense Yorkshire parents would tell me to get a grip and tuck into a bacon butty. If I didn’t like it though, they’d surely accept that.
And that they did. This meant I swerved pigs in blankets long before I permanently cut meat and fish from my diet (which, unbeknownst to me, “was a long time coming” where my parents were concerned and they were nothing but lovely and supportive).
When Aldi unveiled its generously proportioned vegan footlong pig in blanket alongside its standard sized vegan offerings, I was eager to sample them all. My fiancé, a former bacon and pigs in blankets enthusiast before turning vegetarian, was equally excited about this treat.
As we cooked everything in the oven, the scent of bacon filled the kitchen, making my mouth water. The items turned out to be quite oily – our baking trays lined with greaseproof paper were dripping by the time they were done, but no one expects a pig-in-blanket to be healthy.
To my surprise, everything tasted great. The ‘bacon’ didn’t have the same colour or texture as regular pork bacon, but the flavours were definitely there.
There was a delightful smoky, salty taste which, while slightly artificial and reminiscent of Smoky Bacon crisps, was still thoroughly enjoyable. I preferred the smaller, standard sized PIBs over the footlong, finding them more moist and easier to eat.
The best part about these items is that now, I won’t feel like I’m “missing out” on one of the most iconic Christmas dishes. I’d certainly recommend giving them a go, whether you’re a meat eater or not.
The launch of Aldi’s vegan pigs in blankets has caused a sensation on social media, with Vegan Food News UK breaking the news on Facebook and sparking an enthusiastic response among shoppers. One content customer tagged a friend and commented: “need this year”, while another posted: “need to get that this year”.
A third informed a pal: “I’ll find it after work!” Some followers simply tagged friends to spread the news.
Moreover, Aldi is reintroducing its endless pigs in blankets dining experience with a twist – offering the world’s first foot-long vegan pig in blanket this festive season. With bookings for the Bottomless Pigs in Blankets Restaurant open now on Eventbrite, those interested can snag their spot or turn up for a walk-in.
The event runs from Friday, November 29 to Saturday, November 30, doors opening at 12.30 pm and closing at 8.30 pm.
Aldi’s Vegan FootLong Pig in a Blanket will hit the shelves on December 19, 2024.