Worcestershire entrepreneur comes up with vegan scotch egg

Worcestershire-based food sustainability start-up Veg Life, which was born out of the pandemic, is now producing a completely plant-based classic - the scotch egg.

Founder of the company Rhian Caffull came up with the vegan idea in her parents' kitchen and is now selling them up and down the country.

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Notably, the round treats, which come in four varieties, contain the same amount of protein as a traditional scotch egg, but a fifth fewer calories and 7 grams less fat.

Caffull, who has a background in conservation and travel, said the reason she began the business was "sustainability".

"I have a passion for sustainability and wanted to continue that. So, it's not just about selling plant-based food; the plant-based part of it is very sustainable. I am dedicated to creating delicious plant-based products but also committed to making a positive impact on the world," she said.

"What we consume, is the single biggest impact we as individuals can make," she added.
As such, Caffull has integrated the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) into her business practices. There are 17 of these goals, which were adopted by all UN member states in 2015.

Now, Caffull has been shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Veg Life has also been honoured as Highly Commended in Excellence in Innovation at this year's Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Caffull used to be an expedition leader, taking groups to rural locations in Kenya, Uganda, Galapagos, and Borneo and said she had seen 'first-hand' what sustainable projects can achieve.

After returning to Malvern from Dubai in 2020 due to redundancy, she set about changing people’s perceptions about plant-based food.

She has also pioneered plant-based pickled eggs, egg sandwich fillings and pastries.

The Veg Life scotch egg comes in four travel inspired flavours - original, pub grub (pickled onion and crisps), Jambo (East African curried spinach) and taste of the east (chilli, garlic, thai basil, mushroom oyster sauce and soy sauce.

They are available at Westmoreland services, Gloucester services, Infinity Foods in Brighton, and various independent shops across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Weston, Wales and Bristol as well as in an online shop.

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