Veggie pies that fool meat-eaters 

DATE

November 2, 2025

Autumn is here, which means it’s pie time! Squeaky Bean’s new plant-based pies are here – and you won’t believe they’re meat-free! 

If autumn had a flavour, it might just be pie. And this season, Squeaky Bean’s new plant-based range proves that comfort food can be both hearty and meat-free – without anyone even noticing. 

When I served these new pies for dinner (without mentioning the lack of meat), my boyfriend happily tucked in, declared it “really good”, and went back for seconds. Only after he’d cleared his plate did I reveal that both pies — the Braised Veggie Pie and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie — were completely plant-based. Cue a raised eyebrow and a very surprised, “Wait, really?” 

And honestly, I don’t blame him. These pies are rich, flaky, and deeply satisfying. The Braised Veggie Pie combines a medley of naturally fermented vegetables in a rich ale gravy, wrapped in shortcrust pastry and topped with golden puff. It’s hearty, savoury and full of that comforting “Sunday dinner” depth. 

The Spanish Chorizo Style Pie brings a bolder, punchier flavour. Packed with butter beans, courgettes, and smoky fermented vegetables, it has all the warmth of traditional chorizo – minus the meat. The fermentation adds a subtle tang and umami hit that keeps each bite interesting. 

Both pies are easy to heat and make an effortless centrepiece with mash and greens. They’re proof that Squeaky Bean’s knack for texture and taste extends beyond their successful chicken style pieces and Bacon Strips — these are proper, pull-up-your-chair comfort foods. 

At £3.75 each (available now at Tesco), they’re a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy a plant-based twist on an autumn classic. And if my dinner experiment is anything to go by, even the most devoted carnivores might not guess the difference. 

Whether it’s a midweek meal or the centrepiece of a plant-based roast, these pies are easy to prepare—just pop them in the oven and serve with mash and steamed veggies.  

Katie Atkin, brand manager at Oxfordshire business Squeaky Bean, says: “Our pies are packed with familiar meaty textures without compromising on taste, celebrating bold flavours and gut-friendly ingredients in every bite.” 

Squeaky Bean continues to show that plant-based food can be tasty, indulgent, and easy to enjoy. With these pies, you get all the comfort of a classic autumn dish without any compromise – and, in our testing, even meat-eaters won’t suspect a thing. 

Share

RELATED STORIES

MORE STORIES

thumbnail

Thatcham teenager launches £2 summer trail to help fund Ecuador and Galápagos expedition

A Thatcham teenager is raising money for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Uncover medieval mysteries at Greys Court when the archaeological dig returns this summer

Explore history in action this July at Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames, as archaeologists excavate the Oval Lawn.

READ MORE
thumbnail

The best picnic wines for summer: 11 brilliant bottles (and one beer) for every outdoor feast

From crisp whites and refreshing rosés to barbecue-friendly reds, convenient canned wines and a standout alcohol-free options.

thumbnail

Discover a peaceful wellbeing escape on Newbury’s doorstep

A hidden gem on the edge of Newbury, Treetops has been helping people reconnect with nature and themselves for more than 20 years.

thumbnail

Tori Bastien of Viking Mortgages explores the different types of mortgages available

From fixed-rate deals to offset mortgages, there are several mortgage options available to homebuyers.