After the Greggs vegan sausage roll stormed social media - due to a savvy and somewhat criticised marketing campaign - we felt it was right to review the controversial snack at the SNJ.

To pursue that local angle our readers are so passionate about, we decided to compare the offerings from the charming Sunshine Health Shop with the practical and slightly cheaper Greggs.

The reviewers consisted of fellow reporters Sarah Phaedre Watson, Huw Mabe, Miranda Airey and of course myself.

Both were judged on appearance, taste and ethics - they were subsequently given a score out of 20.

First and foremost, we debated the taste of the Greggs vegan sausage roll and what I will say is that Piers Morgan throwing up live on air was almost certainly faked.

As an avid and self-confessed meat eater, I did not have high hopes for Greggs new product but I was surprised by the taste. I was expecting a far more soulless sausage roll to say the least.

In fact, all three reviewers said the taste was better than they had expected, and I can honestly say the experience has opened my mind to vegan food - a little bit.

Huw even said: “Really nice, more flavour than a meat sausage roll. I think it’s pretty nice but I’m used to vegan food as my sister is one - that said I don’t usually order the vegan option.”

Following this, we moved on to the much healthier looking Sunshine Health vegan sausage rolls.

Spoiler alert, it is with reluctance that I must admit Greggs edged it on taste.

Although, Miranda was a huge fan of the sunshine sausage roll and said she ‘loved it’ even though she does not eat vegan food.

Yet, the overall consensus was that Sunshine Health’s product has a more distinct and unique taste, which made for a more niche vegan sausage roll.

However, in terms of the appearance the Sunshine sausage roll was the clear winner.

Quite frankly, Greggs vegan sausage roll looks anaemic, very pasty and factory made.

In contrast, the other sausage roll looked homemade, naturally flaky and very inviting - maybe also a bit of a mess!

To put the contest to bed, we discussed the ethics and background of the two businesses.

Now the winner here is obvious although there was a surprise - our Greggs goods came in a paper bag while our Sunshine sausage roll came in a plastic bag. Evidently this was a point to Greggs.

Nevertheless, concern was raised over the palm oil used in the production of Greggs sausage roll, and I’m a big fan of orangutans so maybe I’m a bit bias here.

On balance it’s great that our town offers an option for both meat eaters and vegans, but we would recommend that you try them yourself before concluding.

Scores:

Greggs (price: £1)

Taste - 18

Appearance - 9

Ethics - 11.5

Sunshine (price: £1.20)

Taste - 14.5

Appearance - 15

Ethics - 17