Like most in Scotland, I've become all too familiar with the yearly ritual of tucking into a traditional plate of haggis, neeps and tatties in honour of Scotland's national poet Robbie Burns.

However as someone who lives in a largely vegetarian household, the dish always seems to exclude those who choose not to eat meat.

Comprising of sheep liver, heart and lung encased in the animal's stomach, haggis is perhaps the most meat-centric dish one can eat.

Luckily, Aldi and Macaulay's have released a vegetarian haggis that is available in stores across Scotland.

Ayrshire Today: Macaulay's vegetarian haggis is available in Aldi stores across Scotland.Macaulay's vegetarian haggis is available in Aldi stores across Scotland. (Image: NQ)

With Burns Night and Veganuary taking place this month, I thought I'd give the haggis a try to see if it stands up to the real deal.

Making Aldi's vegetarian haggis

There were two cooking options listed with customers being able to choose between the microwave and oven.

I opted for the latter as this seemed like the most authentic out of the options available.

Ayrshire Today: I placed the vegetarian haggis in the oven for an hour and 15 minutes.I placed the vegetarian haggis in the oven for an hour and 15 minutes. (Image: NQ)

With all the prep done, I took the opportunity to pour myself a dram of Irn-Bru (I avoided whisky as it was still afternoon) and put my feet up.

Ayrshire Today: After placing the vegetarian haggis in the middle shelf of the oven I enjoyed a wee dram of Irn Bru.After placing the vegetarian haggis in the middle shelf of the oven I enjoyed a wee dram of Irn Bru. (Image: NQ)

How did it taste?

Once the haggis was ready, I began dishing it out and put it to the test.

The first thing that stood out to me was how much more oaty the texture was compared to real haggis, with this initially taking away from the experience for me.

However, these thoughts were quickly overtaken by a pleasant sense of surprise as the mix of black pepper, salt, chickpeas and ground pimentos came together to create an authentic taste that emulated that slight nip in real haggis.

Despite containing no meat, it wouldn't be that easy to notice unless you were looking for it as the texture of the minced ingredients was scarily close to the real deal.

Ayrshire Today: Despite containing no meat, the Aldi product had the unmistakable taste of haggis.Despite containing no meat, the Aldi product had the unmistakable taste of haggis. (Image: NQ)

Final verdict 

After trying the Aldi alternative, I can say, with confidence, that it's better than the original and something that I will be incorporating into my Burns Night traditions.

Not only does it do a great job of emulating real haggis, but it stands up on its own as a fantastic wee meal on a cold winter night.

I'd give Aldi's vegetarian haggis a four out of five for its taste but I still believe the meal and its texture could have benefited from fewer oats.