plant-based bacon has beaten every other vegan deli product in the country, taking out the Supreme Award at the 2026 Vegan Sausage & Deli Awards last week. That’s before it even hits the shelves.
The umami-rich vegan bacon, created by Otautahi-based Harmless Food Co, was the judges’ favourite at the New Zealand Vegan Society’s annual awards. The innovative product will be launching in supermarkets nationwide in late July, alongside vegan fish fillets and steak. Judges praised the bacon's flavour, texture and crispness, describing it as "innovative" with a "wow factor".
The win reflects the continued innovation taking place in the plant-based sector, with manufacturers producing increasingly realistic and delicious alternatives to conventional meat.
Now in its eighth year, the awards were launched during the rapid growth of the plant-based sector and continue to celebrate innovation as the market matures and evolves. Eleven categories included a variety of plant-based meats, such as Bratwurst-style sausages, ‘Chicken’ breasts, ‘Squid’ rings, and salami.
The judges included Michael Khuwattanasenee, founder of Auckland’s popular fully vegan Thai restaurant Khu Khu; Sonya Prabha of Mudita; award-winning baker Jason Hay from Richoux Patisserie; and Luke Burrows of Wise Boys.
The processed meat & cancer link.
The variety of delicious plant-based sausages and deli meats on offer are reassuring for Kiwis concerned about the health risks associated with processed meat.
Unlike conventional processed meats, vegan sausages and deli meats are not associated with the same increased risk of colorectal cancer that the World Health Organization (WHO) has linked to processed meat consumption.
Processed meat – including bacon, ham, salami and many sausages – has been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the WHO since 2015 because of evidence linking regular consumption to colorectal cancer.
As rates of early-onset colorectal cancer continue to rise in Aotearoa and American physicians call for warning labels on processed meat and poultry products, the NZ Vegan Society believes renewed attention should be given to the cancer risks associated with processed meat.
The case for cruelty-free meat.
Aside from the health risks associated with processed meats, plant-based meat also offers a cruelty-free choice. More than 160 million land animals are slaughtered in Aotearoa for food every year, treated as nothing more than a commodity.
“Every time we choose a plant-based sausage over a meat sausage, it reduces the number of animals farmed and slaughtered, lessens our environmental impact, and gives more people the opportunity to see how tasty plant-based eating can be,” says Amanda Sorrenson, National Coordinator for the NZ Vegan Society.
The 2026 Vegan Sausage & Deli Awards results
Supreme Winner
Harmless, Plant Based Bacon
Judges comment: Really good flavour and texture. Innovative and has a wow factor. A premium product.
Special Mention
Harmless, Plant Based Steak
Breakfast Sausage
Gold
Plan*t, Tasty Sage and Onion
Judges comment: Great texture and appearance.
Silver
Blissful, Vegetarian Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce
Bronze
Let Them Eat Vegan, Not Chorizo
Bangers and BBQ Sausage
Gold
Blissful, Vegetarian Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce
Judges comment: A unique and boldly flavoured sausage, Char siu style
Silver
Let Them Eat Vegan, Not Chorizo
Judges comment: Bold and spicy! Good bite and spice, with nice flakes of chilli.
Bronze
Let Them Eat Vegan, Not Bratwurst
Speciality Sausage
Gold
Blissful, Vegetarian Sausage with Mushroom Fungus
Judges comment: Unique texture and a distinct mushroom flavour.
Silver
Blissful, Vegetarian Harbin Red Sausage
Bronze
Plan*t, Jalapeno and Corn Sausage
Chorizo Sausage
Gold
Plan*t, Spicy Chorizo
Judges comment: Bold flavour and good fatty texture.
No other awards
Cold Cuts
Gold
Blissful, Chick’n Breast
Judges comment: Good chicken flavour and colour, true to category and juicy.
Silver
Let Them Eat Vegan, Not Salami
Bronze
Blissful Whole Perfect Food, Traditional Style Vegetarian Ham
Bacon Style
Gold
Harmless, Plant Based Bacon
Judges comment: Flavour, texture, presentation and mouth feel are excellent. Nice and crispy.
Silver
Let Them Eat Vegan, Not Bacon
No bronze awarded
Burger Patties
Gold
Plan*t, Grill House Burger Patties
Judges comment: Thick and juicy with good colour and mouth feel.
Well balanced elements.
Silver
Blissful, Veg Crispy Chicken Patties
Bronze
Plan*t, Chipotle Burger Patties
Hot Meat
Gold
Harmless, Plant Based Steak
Judges comment: Very realistic thickness, flavour and juiciness. Would lend itself well to sauces, and is versatile with an incredible texture.
Silver
Plan*t, Hemp Chick*n
Bronze
Plan*t, Beef Steak Style
Seafood Style
Gold
Harmless, Fish Fillet
Judges comment: Texture is good. Nice and crispy. Well-balanced natural flavour.
Silver
Blissful CK Food, Vegan Fried Squid Rings
Bronze
Blissful CK Food, Vegan Bite Fried Shrimp
Sausage Roll
Gold
Goodtime Pies Hub Cafe Vegan Sausage Roll
Judges comment: Classic sausage roll. Great flavour and pastry.
Silver
Kai Pai Bakery, Sausage Roll Mushroom Flavour
No bronze awarded
Innovation
Gold
Tonzu, Marinated Tempeh Strips
Judges comment: Great use of an ingredient that’s hard to coat. It's well-coated and has a good texture.
Silver
Plan*t, Beef Steak Style Pieces
Bronze
Plan*t, Hemp Chicken
Awards criteria & disclosures
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The 2026 Vegan Sausage & Deli Awards were open to both international and New Zealand companies, so long as the product is commercially available in New Zealand.
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The Vegan trademark, along with these Awards, accepts vegan sausages and deli meats that are processed on a factory line shared with animal-based products, in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. All vegan sausages and deli meats entered in our awards are commercially available.
