Vegetarian Express

Vegetarian Express The UK's foremost supplier of vegetarian and vegan ingredients for chefs... Our ordering line is open until 16:00 Monday to Friday

Founded in 1987, we are now the UK’s premier specialist distributor of vegetarian and vegan products within the foodservice sector. Our expertise of specialist vegetarian and vegan products enables us to offer expert advice on nutrition, menu planning and not least how to maximise profit potential whilst exceeding your client’s demands for exciting, innovative and healthy menus.

17/04/2026

We loved welcoming into the Vegetarian Express Test Kitchen recently! 👨‍🍳🌱

Together with our chefs, we explored just how many exciting plant-based dishes can be created using beans, including Carlin peas, available exclusively from VegEx!

A great day of tasting, learning and celebrating a partnership we’re really proud of. More bean-powered inspiration coming soon! ✨

01/04/2026

The Veg Express Crew whipped up some amazing Thai dishes today! 🧑‍🍳

Which one takes your fancy?

1 - [MOCK] Lamb Massaman Curry & Cucumber Relish
2 - “Chicken” Khao Soi
3 - Tempeh Pad Thai & Baby Aubergines
4 - Thai “Chicken” Curry, Holy Basil & Peanuts

Let us know in the comments!

Find all recipes at seed-bank.co.uk 🌱

Looking for a San Francisco Super Bowl? We’ve got one that’s fresh, colourful, and packed with flavour 🥗🏆 This Californi...
06/02/2026

Looking for a San Francisco Super Bowl? We’ve got one that’s fresh, colourful, and packed with flavour 🥗🏆 This Californian Cobb Salad Bowl is a total winner.

Get the recipe at seed-bank.co.uk

We know December can get hectic, so here’s a quick heads-up on our Christmas opening hours to help with your planning.Ge...
11/12/2025

We know December can get hectic, so here’s a quick heads-up on our Christmas opening hours to help with your planning.

Get those orders in, enjoy the festive buzz, and we’ll make sure your ingredients arrive when you need them.

Thanks for cooking up another great year with us – we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.

Cold weather = comfort food season 🍲Building depth without meat? That’s where umami comes in – the fifth taste that deli...
03/12/2025

Cold weather = comfort food season 🍲

Building depth without meat? That’s where umami comes in – the fifth taste that delivers richness, savoury warmth and pure satisfaction.

Here’s how to bring those bold brown flavours to your winter menus 👇
🍄 Mushrooms – fresh or dried, perfect for building stew bases and sauces
🧂 Soy & Marmite – quick ways to deepen soups and gravies
🌾 Miso & Fava Bean Paste – fermented, rich and full of balance
🧀 Nutritional Yeast – that subtle cheesy warmth every dish needs

Layer slowly. Season boldly. Let umami lead the way.

“My go-to winter combo? Roasted celeriac, miso glaze and a dash of soy in the stock – earthy, rich and perfect alongside anything with truffle.” – Innovation Chef, Dan Blucert

What’s your favourite ingredient for building umami? Comment below 👇

Christmas dinner is where tradition meets creativity – and small tweaks can make a big difference. 🎄Here are a few chef-...
26/11/2025

Christmas dinner is where tradition meets creativity – and small tweaks can make a big difference. 🎄

Here are a few chef-approved ways to elevate your festive menus 👇

🥔 Roast Potatoes – Steam instead of boil for extra crispiness, add dried rosemary and smoky oils for depth, and finish with both fine and coarse salts for balance and texture.

🥕 Root Veg – Glaze with maple or honey and a touch of mulled spice for warmth. Finish with a drizzle of orange oil to brighten the sweetness.

🌱 Sprouts – Mix in toasted seeds or chestnuts and toss with vegan ‘bacon’ lardons or chilli oil for a modern twist.

🥄 Stuffing – Use panko breadcrumbs with plant-based sausage patties or ‘pork’ block, and add dried fruits and herbs for richness.

🧀 Cauliflower Cheese – Keep it indulgent but plant-based with Maïzly milk, plant-based Camembert, and Sheese.

🍷 Gravy – Deepen flavour with red wine, miso, or dried mushrooms for rich umami depth.

Small changes, big difference – better flavour, better sustainability, same festive magic. ✨

What’s your secret to an unforgettable Christmas dinner? Comment below 👇

We’d like to introduce you to the fantastic Karla Keaney, Business Development Controller UK & Ireland, who is a key mem...
20/11/2025

We’d like to introduce you to the fantastic Karla Keaney, Business Development Controller UK & Ireland, who is a key member of our sales team. Here’s what she had to say about her role:

What's your role and what does it mean?

I’m the Business Development Controller, which means I wear a few hats! I project manage key initiatives, lead our business in Ireland, and drive new business opportunities.

What does your day to day look like?

No two days ever look the same! One day I might be presenting to a new business, the next I’m running demos across Ireland, and then I could be diving into development days. It keeps me on my toes, always busy, and never boring 🤣

What’s your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is connecting with people. Whether it’s networking, helping create the perfect menu, or providing support. I love making a real difference and seeing the impact of what we do.

How did you get into the industry?

I got into the industry thanks to a friend who was working at Funnybones, they mentioned a sales opportunity, and I thought, why not? And here I am, 23 years later, still loving life in Foodservice!

What are your sources for inspiration in your role?

My sources of inspiration come from a mix of people and experiences. Colleagues who are passionate and creative, clients who challenge us to think differently, and the ever-evolving trends in Foodservice.

If you were an ingredient, what would you be (and why)?

I’d be a tomato, partly because I love them (and the colour red!), but also because they’re fresh, versatile, and always part of everyone’s favourite dishes. Whether it’s pizza, pasta, or salsa, I know how to keep things exciting and bring people together!

We thought we’d introduce another face you’re sure to recognise -  James Welch, our Innovation Chef here at Vegetarian E...
05/11/2025

We thought we’d introduce another face you’re sure to recognise - James Welch, our Innovation Chef here at Vegetarian Express 👨‍🍳

Although you may know him for his iconic finger guns, he brings a wealth of experience from fine dining, neighbourhood restaurants, and large-scale catering. His focus? Helping chefs make plant-based food that’s bold, practical, and rooted in real kitchen know-how.

From Brasserie Roux to Cin Cin Fitzrovia, James has spent his career mastering the craft of flavour – proving that vegetables deserve the same precision, creativity, and respect as any main ingredient. At Vegetarian Express, he’s turning that experience into recipes, training, and inspiration for chefs across foodservice.

As James puts it: “I’m not about reinventing the wheel – just good, honest cooking and sharing joy with food.”

His top tip for anyone exploring plant-based?
“Focus on flavour and give yourself room for error. Confidence with new ingredients only comes through trying, tasting, and learning.”

03/11/2025

📣NEW IN📣 Need a centre of plate option that ticked all the boxes?

✅Allergen Friendly

✅Gluten Free

✅Plant-based

✅All without compromising on flavour.

After demand from our customers for allergen-free options we have carefully developed a ready-to-serve Nut Free Roast.

Topped with a generous layer of crunchy pumpkin and sunflower seeds, giving every bite a satisfying texture and depth. Subtle sweetness comes through from roasted root veg, apricots, and cranberries, making it a real crowd pleaser for Sunday roasts, Christmas dinners, or any winter warmer menu.

Shout out to the team for their hand work on this one which we are truly excited to launch.

Address

Unit 7a Odhams Trading Estate
Watford
WD247RY

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+441923249714

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