Father-and-son duo Mike and Joe are the founders of One Planet Pizza, a business on a mission to make great-tasting plant-based pizza accessible to all. Now one of the UK’s fastest-growing plant-based brands, One Planet Pizza has ambitious plans to become a global leader in the category. Mike and Joe are both vegan, with Mike having completed three IRONMAN triathlons on a plant-based diet, the last one at the age of 60 in Denmark (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26-mile marathon, in 13½ hours) to raise money for charity.
- What motivates you to eat meat free?
Joe: I’ve been obsessed with animals and nature for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ farm, where they had pigs and other animals, so I made the connection between the animals and the food on our plates from a young age. I decided I didn’t want to be part of that process, and my motivation has always come from a love and respect for all animals – not just pets. It also makes me feel healthier and has forced me to become a half-decent cook, which my partner is very happy about!
Mike: For me first of all it’s the animals. Since I was a teenager I had a strong feeling that killing and eating any creature, when we didn’t need to, was just wrong. But then it was great that I discovered the health benefits and how it was good for the planet too!
- What items are always in your fridge?
Joe: At least a kilogram of hummus, oat milk, lots of salad, Cathedral City vegan cheese, decent orange juice, Tofoo Co. XL tofu blocks, seitan, loads of sweet potatoes and veggies … and at least a couple of cold beers ready for the weekend.
Mike: Tofu and nutritional yeast and, in the freezer, frozen fruit for smoothies and of course at least one OPP pizza!
- It’s Meat Free Monday and you’ve got a friend coming round – what are you going to cook for them?
Joe: If it’s not pizza night, then I’m cooking my strongest dish – a creamy coconut curry with sweet potato, tofu and chickpeas.
Mike: Lentil and veg lasagna is my signature dish. I layer wholewheat pasta with a tomato and veg mix, plus layers of spinach and a cream cheeze sauce on top.
- What was the last thing you ate?
Joe: Avocado on toast with hummus, rocket and Tofoo seitan chunks.
Mike: I just had a homemade matcha and walnut flapjack.
- If you had to choose only one country’s cuisine to eat forever, which would you choose?
Joe: Great question! It has to be Indian food for me.
Mike: Indian has definitely been my fave for the last 30 years.
- Sweet or savoury?
Joe: Savoury
Mike: Savoury
- Pizza or pasta?
Joe: Pizza. Do I even have a choice here?!
Mike: I have to say pizza don’t I?
- Tofu or beans?
Joe: Ooooh, tough one … beans.
Mike: Tricky as I love both, but tofu probably wins.
- Mild or spicy?
Joe: Mild
Mike: Very spicy!
- What advice would you give to people wanting to give meat free a try?
Joe: Don’t focus on what you’re giving up – focus on all the amazing food you can discover. Start with simple swaps of meals you already love and keep it fun rather than restrictive. And don’t forget, you can still enjoy the occasional burger, fries, pizza or ice cream!
Mike: Take it one step at a time and look to international cuisines like Indian or Middle Eastern, which are traditionally more plant-based.
One Planet Pizza have grown sales by more than 100% year on year, and their pizzas are available in the freezer aisle at Asda, Co-Op, Morrisons, Mighty Plants and The Vegan Kind. Follow them on Instagram here.