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If you’re exploring plant-based proteins, seitan is one of those ingredients that surprises almost everyone who tries it. Made from wheat gluten, it has a meaty texture that holds up in grills, roasts, stir-fries, and sandwiches, so it’s a favourite for people who want a hearty, savory substitute for chicken, beef or pork. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to buy seitan across the UK, how to compare prices, and which types suit different recipes — all in plain English so you can shop smart and cook confidently.
Large supermarket chains are often the easiest place to start when hunting seitan. They tend to carry a range of options: pre-seasoned slices, plain chunks, and ready meals. If convenience is your priority, look at these familiar names when you want to pick up seitan on a weekly shop.
Tesco tends to carry mainstream vegan and vegetarian ranges, including seitan-style products in their chilled and frozen aisles. You’ll often find both own-brand and third-party options, making Tesco a good stop if you want variety without visiting specialist shops.
Sainsbury’s stocks several plant-based ranges, and their larger stores commonly have seitan or seitan-style products in the chilled section. They balance budget-friendly own-brand lines and branded premium choices, which is handy if you’re experimenting with different textures.
Asda is another supermarket that sometimes lists seitan products, especially in bigger branches and their online shop. Prices can be competitive, so it’s worth checking Asda if you’re watching your grocery bill.
Morrisons offers a selection of meat-free alternatives and has been expanding its plant-based roster. Their chilled aisles often include seitan-style items suitable for quick dinners or BBQs.
If you’re looking for premium or artisan seitan, Waitrose is a strong bet. They frequently carry higher-end options and specialty brands that focus on texture and flavour, ideal for hosting or special recipes.
Don’t overlook Lidl and Aldi — both have seasonal and regular vegan ranges that occasionally include seitan or seitan-style products. These stores are great for scoring value buys, but availability can be hit-and-miss, so it pays to check weekly flyers or local shelves.
If you want a broader range, specialty vegan shops and online supermarkets usually offer the best selection of seitan formats and brands. These retailers are also the places to go if you’re looking for organic, artisanal or bulk options.
Ocado’s online platform typically lists a wide variety of plant-based products, including seitan from multiple brands. The advantage here is searchable filters and delivery slots that let you compare unit prices in ounces without leaving the sofa.
Health-food stores like Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic often stock seitan-based products and seitan-friendly ready meals. These shops are good for finding gluten-focused items or seitan products with cleaner ingredient lists.
Specialist vegan stores and marketplaces are the go-to if you want small-batch, artisanal seitan or unusual flavour profiles. They also tend to offer bulk packs, which help lower the price per ounce if you cook seitan frequently.
Amazon and other marketplaces can be convenient for buying seitan by the case or discovering brands not stocked in supermarkets. Keep an eye on seller ratings and ingredient listings, and compare unit prices in ounces before buying in bulk.
Seitan products come in many styles — think of them like cuts of meat. Some are sliced and pre-seasoned for sandwiches, others are chunked for stews, and some are firm loaves that you can roast. Choosing the right style makes a huge difference to the end result.
These are excellent for quick lunches and sandwiches. They save on prep time and are usually thinly sliced so they grill or fry in a minute or two per side. Perfect when you want a fast, meaty texture without fuss.
Chunks and strips are versatile: great for skewers, stir-fries, and curries. They absorb marinades well, making them ideal if you want to experiment with bold sauces or smoky BBQ flavours.
Roast-style seitan is firmer and slices like a roast, so it’s ideal for Sunday roasts, sandwiches or platters. It takes a bit more time to heat through but rewards you with a substantial, chewy texture that stands up to slicing.
There are several established brands and local producers that specialise in seitan. Some focus on traditional, simple ingredients while others add herbs and spices for ready-to-eat convenience. Look for labels that list wheat gluten as the primary ingredient and check the flavourings if you prefer mild or bold profiles.
Local vegan delis and artisan producers often craft seitan with unique spice blends, smoke, or marination techniques. These options can be pricier per ounce but offer distinctive flavours you won’t find in mass-market lines.
Mainstream plant-based brands aim for accessibility, offering consistent textures and predictable cooking behaviour. They’re reliable for everyday cooking and typically priced mid-range.
Price comparison isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential if you want to keep plant-based eating affordable. The trick is to compare on a unit basis: price per ounce or price per pound. That way you’re comparing apples with apples, not a tiny flavoured pack versus a larger plain pack.
Always check the price per ounce displayed on supermarket shelves or calculate it yourself: divide the total price by the number of ounces. Bulk packs often look expensive but usually reduce the cost per ounce, which is great if you freeze portions.
Loyalty cards, club vouchers, and seasonal promotions are your friends. If you find a brand you like, buying during a sale or using a points discount can drop the price significantly per ounce, especially for premium products.
Seitan adapts to lots of global flavours. Here are a few simple ideas that show how flexible it is. These recipes use imperial units so they’re easy to follow without converting from metric.
Slice 8 ounces of seitan into strips. Stir-fry in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 cups of mixed vegetables and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and cook for another 3 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.
Mash 12 ounces of crumbled seitan with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg or flax egg, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Form into patties and pan-fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until heated through. Serve on a bun with your favourite toppings.
Tuck a 1-pound seitan loaf into a baking dish, brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, and roast at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning once. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve as the star of a roast dinner.
Storage is straightforward but important if you want seitan to last. Fresh seitan from the fridge should be used within a few days, while frozen seitan keeps for months. Always rely on sight and smell, and label portions before freezing to avoid mystery meals.
Chilled seitan usually stays good for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator once opened. Keep it sealed in an airtight container and consume promptly to keep the texture intact.
For longer storage, freeze seitan in portioned bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer without major quality loss. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Seitan is almost pure wheat gluten, so it’s not suitable for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. On the plus side, it’s high in protein and relatively low in fat compared to some meat substitutes. When it comes to sustainability, plant-based proteins generally score better than meat, though wheat cultivation has its own environmental footprint. Choosing local or low-packaging options can help reduce the impact.
A typical serving of seitan provides a significant protein boost compared to many vegetable proteins. It’s a smart option if you’re aiming to increase protein without relying on animal sources, but pair it with legumes or vegetables to round out amino acids when needed.
If you have gluten intolerance, seitan is not suitable. Always read labels; some products blend wheat with soy or other allergens, so check ingredient lists if you have multiple dietary needs.
Not sure which store to visit first? If you want convenience and variety, try a major supermarket like Tesco or Sainsbury’s. If you want premium or artisan flavours, head to Waitrose or a specialist vegan shop. And if you prefer shopping online, Ocado and The Vegan Kind offer wide selections with easy price comparisons per ounce.
Buy a small pack or try a single flavour before committing to a large loaf or bulk case. Seitan textures vary a lot between brands, and a small trial keeps you from wasting money on a product that doesn’t match your cooking style.
Plan your seitan purchases around recipes and sales, freeze extras in usable portions, and always compare prices per ounce. Use loyalty programmes selectively, and don’t be shy about trying different stores — sometimes discounts at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can net surprising bargains.
If you enjoy experimenting with sauces and rubs, buy plain seitan and control the seasoning yourself. It’s often cheaper per ounce and allows you to adapt the flavour profile to multiple dishes.
If you value speed and ease, pre-seasoned seitan takes the guesswork out of flavour and cooks quickly for lunches, salads, and sandwiches.
Seitan is now mainstream enough that you’ll find it at many of the same places you shop for groceries, but speciality stores and online retailers will give you the depth of choice that transforms seitan from a novelty into a staple. Keep an eye on weekly deals and don’t be afraid to try different textures — that’s how you’ll find what works best for the recipes you love.
Whether you’re brand-new to plant-based cooking or you’ve been swapping meat for plants for years, seitan offers a delicious and versatile option. A little experimentation with brands, textures and cooking methods will reward you with meals that feel satisfyingly substantial — and that’s half the fun.
| Seitan | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Vantastic Foods Seitan Fix 250 G. - Meat Substitutes | kr. 39,- | |
| Seitan Ready Meal Økologisk- 350 Gr - Romer | kr. 57,- | |
| Seitan Økologisk - 700 Ml | kr. 78,- |
