MasterChef’s vegan episode leaves viewers confused and features an ill-timed ad for lamb

MasterChef viewers were left confused by Wednesday’s vegan episode, which featured a non-vegan vegan chef and ads for lamb.

Bemused fans of the hit Network Ten cooking show hit Twitter to express their dismay after guest judge Shannon Martinez revealed she isn’t actually vegan, despite owning Melbourne vegan restaurant, Smith & Daughters.

Judge Melissa Leong pointed out the fact, prompting Shannon to confess: ‘No. I’m not [vegan]. Shock, horror.’ 

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‘But I think that lends itself to sort of why I make the food that I make, you know?’ she continued. 

‘I’m coming at vegan food from a non-vegan perspective, I guess. Understanding mouth feel, textures, flavours.’

But many fans thought it was odd for a chef who specialises in vegan cuisine not to actually be vegan.

‘It really unsettles me that the owner of Smith & Daughters isn’t vegan,’ tweeted one viewer.

Another added: ‘A vegan chef that isn’t vegan? What is she doing with her life?’

Some fans thought it was fine, arguing that a vegan diet simply isn’t for everyone.

‘I actually love that the vegan chef is not vegan. I personally went vegan, got sick,’ tweeted one fan. 

Following Shannon’s candid admission, the series then later featured an ad for lamb from the show’s sponsor, Coles. 

And many viewers couldn’t help but point out the irony of the commercial on vegan night. 

‘Got to love #MasterChefAU playing a Coles lamb ad as a part of their Masterchef partnership during the vegan challenge…’ tweeted one amused viewer.  

‘@masterchefau – lets do a VEGAN episode! @Coles – LAMB RACKS, JUICY LAMB RACK ADS,’ added another. 

One person described the awkward scenario as being perfect: ‘The Curtis lamb commercials are perfectly placed on Masterchef vegan night.’ 

MasterChef continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten