Waitrose has launched what it claims is the first seitan burger in the UK market as the demand for vegan food and dishes continues to rise.

Waitrose itself has experience a massive upsurge in consumer interest in vegan food, with the supermarket revealing searches on its ecommerce platform for vegan burgers has risen by 86%, with seitan searches up by 148%.

This comes consumers are search for vegan barbeque products – with searches up 175% compared to last year. Waitrose is hoping to capitalise on this trend with the launch of its latest meat-free burger.

The Seitan Pattie is made from a mix of protein-dense seitan and mushrooms combined to give an intense smoky flavour.

It joins the supermarket’s new vegan barbeque range, which also includes Mediterranean style sausage whirls.

“We are really excited to be launching the first seitan burger,” said Simona Cohen-Vida, Waitrose & Partners Vegetarian & Vegan Product Developer.

“The modern barbecue is an inclusive affair with delicious products catering to all tastes and demands and we are thrilled to be able to offer a fantastic selection of vegan options.”