ASDA has announced it will be introducing new aisles dedicated to vegan foods at hundreds of stores across the UK.
This decision will see the chain become the first UK supermarket to devote two bays to plant-based products.
Reportedly having already started being introduced from 21st September, the new vegan aisles are aimed at making ASDA the top-choice destination store for those who follow a plant-based diet.
Currently, food items suitable for vegans and plant-based eaters are spread around different locations in stores, which tends to make it difficult for shoppers to find the products they are looking for, but with ASDA’s new set-up, one side of the vegan aisle will be stocked with savoury products – including proteins, cooking sauces and condiments – and the other will contain snacks and sweet lines.
A total of 359 stores are set to see new vegan aisles introduced in due course.
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ASDA has also confirmed that the vegan-only aisles will be introducing 104 new products including ASDA’s own brand vegan range, as well as items from brands such as Bosh, Galaxy, Mrs Crimbles, and Vego.
ASDA
Speaking on the launch of the new aisles, Sarah Thornewill – Buying Manager at ASDA – said: “We understand that customers want a quick and simple shopping experience, and this shouldn’t be restricted by dietary requirements.
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“By merchandising all our vegan items together, we hope to save customers time and offer inspiration, whether for those following a plant-based diet, or those looking to reduce their meat consumption.”
This announcement has already garnered high praise from plant-based eaters on social media this week.
Many have said it will make for “a simpler shopping experience”.
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ASDA has made the decision to introduce a vegan-only aisle after revealing that searches for vegan lines on its website increased by 275% since 2019, and research carried out in January found that 17% of households were reducing their meat intake or following a plant-based diet.
ASDA
At present, it’s believed that 23 ASDA stores spread across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from new vegan aisles.
Other locations in the region will potentially see them introduced at a later date.
ASDA Stores with Vegan Aisles in Greater Manchester
Altrincham
Ashton-under-Lyne
Bolton (Astley Bridge, Burden Park, Farnworth & Horwich)
Bury (Marketside & Pilsworth)
Eastlands
Hulme
Hyde
Leigh
Longsight
Radcliffe
Rochdale
Shaw
Stockport (Warren Street, Hazel Grove & Reddish)
Swinton
Trafford Park
Wigan
Wythenshawe
You can find more information via the ASDA website here.
Trending
Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
Trending
Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
30th September 2020 
