Hello everyone! I hope you are having a good day. Today I am going to write about something I would have found really helpful when I was transitioning to being vegan: 10 vegan foods "essentials" that make my life easier and are delicious! In addition, most of these items are relatively inexpensive. I have included a photo of each one and what I use it for or how I like to prepare it.
1. Becel Vegan
For some reason, I feel that Becel is a Canadian brand, so this may only be able to be found in Canada. Nonetheless, Becel Vegan is margarine that tastes pretty much the same as regular margarine, but there are no milk products in it; there usually is with regular margarine (which is completely unnecessary, in my opinion!) This margarine is awesome because not only is it very inexpensive, it can be found in most grocery stores, even in small towns. Whenever non-vegans come to my house and use Becel Vegan, no one can taste the difference. It is great on toast, when baking cookies, on popcorn… really anything you might use butter or margarine for.
2. Nutritional Yeast
Ah, nutritional yeast. This one is quite famous among vegans, but I would argue that this is a pantry staple for just about anyone. Before you try it, the name can be extremely off-putting. First of all, yeast is just a gross word and not something I ever thought I’d use as a seasoning, and things that are labelled “nutritional” don’t have the best reputation for tasting awesome. However, nutritional yeast tastes great on just about anything. Some people describe it as having a cheesy flavour. I don’t really get that, but it gives food an amazing savoury quality, unlike any other seasoning. Bob’s Red Mill is the brand I can easily find at my grocery store but it would be ideal to buy it at a bulk food store. My favourite way to eat it is on popcorn, in soups and stews, and on roasted vegetables with some oil. Nutritional yeast is the one way I can get my boyfriend to eat any roasted vegetable I make! Give it a try.
3. Amy’s Burritos
This one is great when you’re in a pinch. Amy’s makes many different flavours of their burritos, but just so you know, not all of them are vegan. This is a great replacement for other microwave convenience meals. You could bring them to work or school for a quick lunch. Of course, there are plenty of other vegan convenience meals out there, but these are my favourite because they are better for you than some other options and they taste delicious.
4. Kraft Asian Sesame Dressing
This is a game-changer: inexpensive and easily found, plus it is so versatile. It’s good on salad, but it's even better as a stir-fry sauce or on a rice noodle bowl. You can add soy sauce or sriracha to mix it up. Oh, and the store brand sesame dressing works just as good too (I’ve tried President’s Choice).
5. Gardein “Turkey” Cutlets
I don’t really buy many “meat replacements.” It was a lot more common for me to eat them when I lived under the same roof as my parents because it was easy for my mom to make for me and my vegetarian sister. I started to phase them out when I began attending college (as an attempt to reduce processed foods), but this is one that I will still treat myself to from time to time. It’s also a great option for Thanksgiving and holiday dinners when everyone around you is eating real turkey, and it’s not expensive or as many portions as the faux-turkey roasts. I found that meat-eaters can’t help but comment on how delicious these smell, and those who try it, love it.
6. Silk Unsweetened Cashew Milk
This is my favourite dairy milk alternative. I’ve tried a lot of them: soy, coconut, almond (that one is a big no from me), pea, hemp, oat, and I’m sure a few more, but cashew is the winner in my eyes. It has a nice smooth texture and neutral flavour. I buy the unsweetened version; it’s low in calories but high in nutrients. Granted, I don’t drink this on its own. I mix it in protein shakes, for cookies, creamy pastas, and in any recipe that calls for regular milk.
7. Moo Free Chocolate
I love this stuff! I find it at Bulk Barn. It’s definitely on the pricier side for chocolate, but I think it’s worth it. It’s made with rice powder and has less cocoa than most vegan chocolate, so it’s great if you’re not a fan of dark chocolate but are steering clear of dairy. I love Moo Free because they make some really fun treats such as advent calendars for the holiday season and chocolate eggs for Easter. It allows folks with allergies or those who avoid regular chocolate for ethical reasons to indulge in fun traditions, too.
8. Vega Protein and Greens Shake- Salted Caramel Flavour
Vega is a widely available plant-based protein powder. They are awesome because not only do most of their formulas include 20g of plant-based protein per serving, they have added vitamins and minerals too. It took me a while to find a flavour that I loved, but the protein and greens salted caramel one is really sweet and tasty. I simply mix it with cashew milk. It makes a great post-workout snack or a part of my breakfast. Shakes are a great option when you’re feeling lazy but still want something nutritious. The taste of this particular brand is not for everyone from what I’ve heard, but I quite like it.
9. Sol Cuisine Lemon Dill Salm’n Burgers
Okay, okay, these are definitely not the cheapest option for a veggie burger. However, they are the most delicious ones I have ever tried. They replicate the taste of salmon really well and are full of flavour. Bring them to a barbeque or enjoy at home. I like them with a bit of vegan mayonnaise and no bun. Eating this burger with roasted vegetables makes me feel like I’m eating a dish from a fancy restaurant; it's that good.
10. Flax eggs
I was a bit late on the flax egg game. I didn’t know how easy they were are how well they worked. Flax eggs are amazing to replace eggs in any recipe where they are used as a binder. “Meat”loaf and cookies are a couple of examples where flax eggs work like magic. Here’s the recipe I use: Mix 1 tbsp ground flax and 3 tbsp water in a small dish. Let sit for 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken considerably and have the slimy texture of a raw egg. Then just use as you would an egg in whatever recipe requires it. Keep in mind that the flax may add a slightly nutty flavour. Plus, flax is high in omega 3’s, which is hard to come by on a vegan diet.
Honourable mention: Non-Dairy Magnum Ice Cream Bars. ‘Nuff said.
Photo: https://www.plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/vegan-magnum-launch-us
Those are 10 vegan foods that make my life easier! Some are staples and some are just an occasional treat, but I encourage you to try them out sometime, especially if you are new to plant-based foods. Let me know in the comments your vegan "essentials"- I’d love to hear your recommendations and try some new, delicious things.
-Skylar
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