By - Lauren Bocka
Let's face it: being vegan is intimidating. The name itself implies a strict set of guidelines that make it seem like failure is imminent. But with new plant-based products hitting the market every day, eating a variety of vegan foods has never been easier—and more accessible. Whether you eat an exclusively plant-based diet or you're just looking for something new and nutritious, these products are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And coming from the mouths of self-proclaimed non-vegans: they're really good. The bonus? You're doing something good for both your body and the planet.
Follow Your Heart Mozzarella
At Featuring Fabulous, we're constantly on the lookout for the best-tasting vegan cheese that gets as close to the real thing as possible. There are many kinds of vegan cheeses out there (and many bad ones at that), but Follow Your Heart is simply the best. Many plant-based cheeses have the fundamental problem of not melting well, and lacking the creamy taste of real cheese. Both creamy and melty, Follow Your Heart mozzarella melts perfectly while maintaining the savory taste that all cheese-lovers pine after. So fear not: you can still enjoy that ooey-gooey quesadilla without sacrificing taste or texture.
Orgain Organic Protein in Creamy Chocolate Fudge
The main issue that crops up when trying plant-based protein powder is that a lot of them have that unpleasantly gritty texture. Orgain is one of those unique protein powders that does not fit that description—both the taste and the texture pass the vibe check. Rich and satisfying, Orgain's Creamy Chocolate Fudge makes for a perfect addition to a post-workout peanut butter banana smoothie.
Ithaca Lemon Dill Hummus
Ithaca is doing something amazing here: this lemon dill hummus is one of the best-tasting hummus products on the market. Its creamy texture, combined with the brightness of the lemon and the zing from the dill, makes for a well-rounded product that electrifies your taste buds. Pretzels? Forget about it. We have spoons, thank you very much.
Hippeas Organic Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs
Add this one into your munchies rotation—it's the real deal. Cheesy, puffy, crunchy, and light, Hippeas have all the makings to satisfy those savory snack cravings. These delightfully crunchy morsels are made from the versatile chickpea legume and baked into a delicate puff. As a bonus, there's 4g of protein per serving!
Oatly Strawberry Frozen Dessert
Oat milk is an excellent base for vegan ice cream because of its creamy texture and rich flavor. Unsurprisingly, strawberry makes for a perfect flavor profile when combined with oat milk. The result is a decadent frozen treat reminiscent of strawberries and cream that has all the comfort of traditional full-dairy ice cream and none of the bloat.
Cleveland Kitchen Fermented Veggie Caesar
This one has some serious flavor. Creamy, tangy, and delicious, this Caesar dressing is packed with fermented cabbage, garlic, and herbs to tantalize your taste buds. Throw it on a salad, use it as a marinade, or enjoy it as a simple veggie dip. Bonus points: adding fermented foods to your diet supplies you with a healthy dose of probiotics to bolster your gut microbiome, aiding in digestion. This dressing has it all!
Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto
This isn't your grandmother's pesto, but it might rival it. A vivacious herby, nutty flavor, this one is sure to spice up any mundane dinner and add versatility to your meal rotation. Mix it into pasta, layer it onto a sandwich, or spread it onto your next creative pizza. With this product, a little goes a long way. Find it at any Trader Joe's store near you.
The common thread that these products share? They're all delicious, whether you're a vegan or not. If you find yourself roaming the grocery aisles looking for something new and inspiring, these might be your next muse.