What is in vegetarian sauges?

Answer 1

The ingredients will vary from product to product but as an example Quorn sausages contain the following:

IngredientsMycoprotein (47%), Rehydrated Free Range Egg White,Textured Wheat Protein, Wheat Starch, Rusk (Breadcrumb (Wheat Flour, Salt, Yeast)), Onion, Vegetable Oil, Seasoning (Salt, Yeast Extract, Herbs (Bay Leaves, Majoram, Rosemary, Sage), Spices (Black & White Pepper, Nutmeg), Sugar, Onion Powder, Potassium Chloride, Barley Malt Extract, Garlic Powder, Flavouring, Vegetable Oil, Herb Extract), Gelling Agent: Sodium Alginate, Calcium Chloride; Tapioca Starch, Pea Fibre, Milk Proteins.

According to Wikipedia Mycoprotein is

"

Mycoprotein means protein from fungi. The main mycoprotein on sale in Europe and North America is called Quorn. It was originally developed as a food source to combat food shortages. [1]

A fungus called Fusarium venenatum is the main source of mycoprotein. The fungus is grown in vats using glucose syrup as food. A fermentation vat is filled with the growth medium, and then inoculated with the fungal spores. The Fusarium venenatumculture respires aerobically, so for it to grow at an optimum rate, it is supplied with oxygen, and carbon dioxide is drawn from the vat. To make protein, nitrogen (in the form of ammonia) is added, and vitamins and minerals are needed to support growth. The vat is kept at a constant temperature, also optimized for growth; the fungus can double its mass every five hours.

When the desired amount of mycoprotein has been created, the growth medium is drawn off from a tap at the bottom of the fermenter. The mycoprotein is separated and purified. It is a pale yellow solid with a faint taste of mushrooms. Different flavours and tastes can be added to the mycoprotein to add variety."

Source: Ocado website selling Quorn sausages, Googled and Wikipedia