Almost six years ago I gave up meat (I’m a pescatarian) and never looked back. Honestly, it was one of the easiest changes I’ve ever made. And while I’d like to say giving up dairy has been as easy as giving up meat, the truth of the matter is giving up dairy has been hard! But, like many others I struggle with food intolerances caused primarily by dairy, so learning to live without it in my every day life is extremely important.
Luckily there are so many vegan substitutions for my favorite condiments and toppings these days that taste just as good (if not better) than the real thing. And just because you’re not completely vegan or even vegetarian, you can still enjoy these vegan substitutions in your dishes, and enjoy the benefits of cutting out those sketchy ingredients and chemicals in the traditional versions. Plus eating less meat is not only better for your overall health it’s imperative to the survival of our planet. I’ve turned my husband, parents and friends onto all of these you see here today for the simple fact that they make us feel better eating them, and truthfully it’s rare they can even tell the difference.
A word to the wise though; always choose soy free “meats” whenever possible and like everything moderation is key. At the end of the day these are still processed foods and the healthiest way to live is always with unprocessed, whole foods. Truly, MKR
No. 1…Quorn Chik’n Tenders. When I became a vegetarian a few years ago, one of the biggest things I missed were crispy, fried chicken. Thankfully I can still get my fix whenever the craving hits with Quorn’s alternative that’s meatless and soy free. Seriously tastes just like ’em dunked in a little ranch, honey mustard or my personal favorite McDonald’s BBQ sauce.
No. 2…SO Delicious Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer. I’ve been a fan of using SO Delicious’ coconut milk for some time now, whether it’s in a smoothie, my morning coffee or in a dessert. So when I discovered its French Vanilla coffee creamer, I was immediately sold.
No. 3…Follow Your Heart Pepper Jack Style Slices. Cheese is by far the most difficult thing to fake in a vegan sense. But if cheese is a must for you go with the Follow Your Heart pepper jack; it’s the best you’ll find and trust me I’ve tried them all!
No. 4…Field Roast Italian Sausage. This vegetarian sausage will appease even the biggest meat-lover. With fresh eggplant and packed with fennel, red wine, garlic and sweet peppers, it’s great in homemade soups as well as backyard barbecues.
No. 5…Follow Your Heart Veganaise (Soy Free). There are plenty of recipes and dishes that call for mayo, and they’re better for it (let’s be honest with ourselves). Hence why this vegan substitution can always be found in my fridge. I use it in my broccoli salad, my onion spinach dip and so much more.
No. 6…Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream. I can’t imagine eating Mexican food (and I LOVE Mexican food) without sour cream. To my pleasant surprise, this vegan sour cream tastes just as good (again, if not better) than the real thing. I’ve realized quite often it’s a textural thing for me with food and condiments, and this is one that I’m happy to be able to still enjoy thanks to a solid vegan version.
No. 7…Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese. Like the sour cream, the cream cheese will make you double-check the label in disbelief. It’s THAT good. Whether as a bagel schmear, mixed in your favorite dip, or inside a cheesecake, this vegan cream cheese is a solid, solid alternative. Dice up some fresh chives and/or herbs for a little extra flavor.
No. 8…Lightlife Smart Dogs. These “veggie dogs” have been popularly dubbed the best vegan hot dogs around. They contain no cholesterol and are lower in fat as well as calories than real hot dogs, and needless to say they’re not made up of all of that sketchy stuff that we’ve all heard is in traditional ‘dogs. I’m a huge fan of these because—let’s be honest here—the secret to a great hot dog is cooking it on the grill with all in the sauces, relish, and for me coleslaw on top!
No. 9…Field Roast Breakfast Sausage. Some mornings just call for breakfast sausage. But as a vegetarian, I won’t get anywhere near the real thing. Fortunately, this vegan version tastes incredible (even the Mr. agrees). I’ve served them many times to guests around the brunch table and to my delight, nobody knew the difference.
