IN my continuing quest to find tasty new vegan foods, I’ve come across a US company called Tofurky, which sells a whole range of interesting-looking products.

It’s an odd name. Tofurky. Tofu turkey? The company’s vibe and back-story have a vaguely Ben & Jerry feel, as, according to the Tofurky website, it all began in 1980 when after making from-scratch tempeh to share with friends and family, 30-year-old teacher/naturalist/hippie Seth Tibbott opened his own company in Forest Grove, Oregon.

He expanded operations to a vacant elementary school in 1983, and decades ahead of the tiny house trend, built a 300-square-foot treehouse to live in. Fast forward to 1995, Tofurky debuted their very first Holiday Roast, and today has all sorts of new products, and new countries - including the UK.

It’s still a family business, with an agenda to protect the environment, support employees and make the world a better place - which is all admirable of course. But how good is this stuff to eat?

Their foods are made of organic soy products like tofu and whole soybeans, all sourced from organic, non-GMO growers in the USA. They have a wide range of animal-free products, including slow roasted chick’n, veggie burgers, deli slices, hot dogs, sausages, tempeh and roasts.

For my first taste, I picked up some Treehouse Tempeh Smoky Maple Bacon and some Hickery Smoked Turkey Style Deli Slices (£2.50 for 156g from Sainsbury’s).

I tried the Smoky Maple Bacon first - no pigs involved, of course, only soybeans, molasses, maple syrup and some other ingredients. You fry the tempeh strips for a minute or two on each side before eating - and it tastes absolutely revolting. Yuck.

Then again, I have never been a big fan of bacon, and a slightly baconish taste with the sweetness of molasses? No, no and no. Interestingly, my carnivore husband quite liked it so if you like bacon don’t let my reaction put you off giving it a try. It’s just not one for me.

The deli slices, however, were an entirely different kettle of fish - or in this case, kettle of wheat gluten and tofu. Although slightly salty for my taste, they had a pleasing texture and savoury taste and would be perfect in sandwiches with tomato and lettuce. This is definitely one I will try again.

Check out the website for more Tofurky goodies and recipes: tofurky.com.