Cape Town, 10 September – As Heritage Day approaches on 24 September, a day synonymous with gathering around a braai, FOUR PAWS wants to encourage South Africans to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable way of celebrating by opting for plant-based alternatives. National Braai Day has become a beloved tradition, but for those who are reducing their meat consumption for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, it might seem like a challenge. The good news is that there is now an array of delicious and satisfying plant-based meat alternatives available, making it easier than ever to enjoy a braai without compromising on taste or tradition.

With meat production being a significant contributor to climate change and the factory farming crisis, consumers have the power to make a difference. By choosing plant-based options, South Africans can take a stand for billions of farmed animals, protect their health, and contribute to the well-being of our planet. In a kinder world, our food choices would have no negative impact on animals, human health, or the environment. This kinder world can start at the braai grill. Why not use this National Braai Day as an opportunity to embark on a journey toward a more compassionate lifestyle by keeping animal welfare in mind.

“We believe that every small step toward a plant-based lifestyle contributes to a kinder world for all living beings. This National Braai Day, make your braai a celebration of compassion,” said Fiona Miles Director at FOUR PAWS.

Plant-Based Braai Ideas
With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a plant-based braai with no animal products required:

• Starters: Potato salad and coleslaw can simply be made with egg-free mayo and a Greek salad just needs you to switch out the feta for a vegan feta alternative, like the dairy free white salad cheese. Options like bean salads (or just plain old baked beans) and pickled beetroot sliced in vinegar are almost always vegan to start with other ready-made options like lentil and bulgur wheat, Smokey four bean salad, crunchy Asian style slaw.
• Braai Broodjies: Swap out cheese for vegan cheese or dairy free cheddar flavoured cheese and use a plant-based butter or margarine. A vegan garlic loaf is easy to prepare.
• Mains:
  • Chicken: A variety of plant-based chicken alternatives like kebabs or tender flame grilled fillets are available to swap out.
  • Beef: A variety of plant-based ribs, chops, fillets or steaks are available to swap out.
  • Sausages: A variety of plant-based boerewors, chicken sausage, or chorizo are available to swap out.
• Desserts: Try the ready-made vegan cheesecake, vegan gelato or vegan sorbet or coconut milk ice-cream. For a quick and easy option to make at home try gelatine free jelly or instant pudding, but if you are going all out, there are some great recipes to veganise family favourites like malva pudding on the Braai, vegan milk tart and peppermint crisp tart. What’s a braai without some roasted marshmallows? Try vegan marshmallows.

Braai Hint: If you are not hosting a fully plant-based braai, it’s considerate to check with guests about cooking their food options alongside meat. Some people are comfortable with this, while others prefer their food separate