Fast food chain Leon recently expanded its vegan offering with a whole host of new plant-based treats, but how did the new Jack Wings stack up in the Totally Vegan Buzz vegan taste test?

Leon upped its vegan game to coincide with the company’s 15th birthday, with a new menu which includes the Raspberry and Rose Donut and the Coco Whip – a plant-based version of a classic 99p Flake made from a dairy-free coconut soft serve which comes in four flavours. 

But the showpiece of the new offer is the pulled jackfruit nuggets, which are coated in a gluten-free crumb and set customers back £3.95 in TVB’s hometown of Brighton.

‘Delicious snack’

Co-founder Layla Brook said: “Delicious snack, a little on the expensive side but they’re high quality and presented really nicely.

“We all got a different ‘jack wings’ sticker on our takeaway box. I think they’re more like croquettes than wings and couldn’t really tell they contained jackfruit, but still liked them a lot and would buy them again. 

“Great accompanying dips, my fave was BBQ.”

• Taste: 4.5/5
• Value: 3/5
• Presentation: 5/5

‘Highly recommend’

Michelle von Mandel, social media, said: “Love them! Very tasty and I really appreciate that they don’t fall apart or crumble when you dip them – good, sturdy breading. 

“The sauces are also delicious, which is a crucial part of the experience. Highly recommend for a snack or side dish!

“They aren’t very wing-like though. Maybe they should rename them!”

• Taste: 4.5/5
• Value: 2/5
• Presentation: 5/5

‘Needs more jackfruit’

Oli Gross, Editor, said: “It’s a bit of a surprise when you first bite in, as I was expecting a meaty jackfruit texture but it’s very creamy.

“I wouldn’t know there was jackfruit in them at all if it wasn’t in the name, but having said that they taste pretty good and the sauce is delicious. I definitely recommend going for the chilli sauce.

“If they rebranded them as vegan croquettes so that you know what you’re getting, or add way more jackfruit, that would be better. I would get them again anyway though, they would be great as a pub snack!”

• Read: Vegan taste test: Subway’s new plant-based sub with vegan aioli

Have you tried Leon’s new vegan options? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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