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Lacey Bourassa

About Lacey Bourassa

Lacey Bourassa is a health and wellness writer with a specialty in plant-based nutrition. Her work has appeared in Livestrong, Verywell, Insider, InBody, and more. Though she's vegan for ethical reasons, Lacey is an avid believer in the power of plants. Her favorite plant-based proteins are tofu and nutritional yeast.

Vegan and Plant-Based Diet Statistics for 2023

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Key statistics and facts:

  • As many as 6% of U.S. consumers say they are vegan — a 6x (500%) increase compared to just 1% in 2014.1
  • More than 500,000 participants signed up for Veganuary’s 2021 challenge2, a 25% increase from 2020. In 2020, Veganary had more than 400,000 participants.3
  • Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all transportation emissions combined.5
  • U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods have increased 11 percent from 2018 to 2019, hitting a plant-based market value to $4.5 billion.6

Whether for health reasons, climate change or animal welfare, vegan statistics show the plant-based population continues to spike.

Businesses have taken notice, too. The vegan market has boomed, resulting in thousands of new vegan products. And restaurants and fast-food chains are starting to accommodate with plant-based options.

The growing trend of veganism isn’t just speculative, however. There are actual vegan statistics that prove that the vegan lifestyle won’t fizzle out any time soon.

For more info on these stats and others, read on.

Quick links:

vegan-statistics-plant-based

General Vegan Statistics: The Vegan Population

Vegan population statistics are difficult to capture, but there are many polls and surveys that have estimated the number of vegans in the United States, UK and other major countries.

Vegan Population Statistics in the United States

The number of vegans in the U.S. has changed over time. But how much it’s changed is up for debate as various sources report different statistics on vegan Americans.

While we can’t know the exact number of vegans in the U.S. for certain, most surveys generally put the count at 2-6% of the population.

In 2014, only 1% of the American population labeled themselves as vegan.

In 2017, that figure spiked to 6%. This sixfold increase was reported by the research firm GlobalData.

However, other surveys have shown differing counts of vegans as a percentage of the U.S. population:

What’s interesting is the 39% of people who aren’t vegan but who actively try to incorporate plant-based foods into their diets. This is demonstrated by a 2017 report by the global analytics company Nielson.

Who is leading this steady increase in vegan popularity? A recent 2018 survey shows that nearly 40% of millennials identify as vegan. Baby Boomers and Generation X tie at 21% each, with only 2% of seniors labeling themselves vegan.

Vegan Population Statistics in the UK

Veganism is also booming in Great Britain with a 400% increase over the last two years. In 2016, Ipsos reported that 3.25% of Great Britain aged 15 and older “never eat meat of any form as part of their diet.”

The Vegan Society reports that as of 2018, there were about 600,000 vegans in Great Britain (1.16% of the population). This was an approximately 300% increase in vegans in Great Britain from 2014, when 150,000, or 0.25% of the population, was reported to be vegan.

The same report demonstrates that 14% of the UK are vegetarian and another 31% are actively eating less meat.

Global Vegan and Vegetarian Population Statistics

Around the world, the popularity of meatless diets is soaring.

A completely animal-free diet is the most popular in Western countries like the U.S. and UK, but vegetarianism and veganism are slowly increasing globally:

  • In Canada, veganism was a top search trend in 2017. In the Google trends report, “plant-based diet” topped the list.
  • A “record number” of Australians, roughly 10%, have adopted a plant-based diet.
  • The number of vegetarians in Portugal rose by 400% in the last decade.
  • According to Euromonitor, Italy had the fastest growing vegetarian population—a 94% increase from 2011-2016.
  • Data shows that only 21% of Germans consume meat on a daily basis, and the vegan population in Germany has doubled in the last decade.
  • While China has one of the largest meat markets in the world, the Chinese government released new dietary guidelines that encourage the population of more than 1.3 billion people to reduce their meat consumption by 50%.

Demand for Vegan Products

As more people ditch animal products for plant foods, food companies are responding to the demand and giving consumers what they want. There are more options for vegan meats, cheeses, milks, eggs and other products than ever before.

Vegan Milk Statistics

The global plant milk market was worth over $8 billion in 2016 and is expected to exceed $21 billion by 2024, according to Global Market Insights. Soy milk and coconut milk are expected to top the plant milk sales charts.

As sales for non-dairy milk go up, sales in the dairy industry are steadily declining. U.S. consumption of non-dairy milk increased by 61% while consumption of cow’s milk decreased by 22%.

While some dairy farms are closing after decades of operations, non-dairy milk products are emerging left and right. In recent years, non-dairy milk options have grown from the standard soy milk and almond milk to include coconut, hemp, rice, oat, pea, cashew and more.

Plant-Based Meat and Fast-Food Statistics

The global vegan meat market is also growing steadily. Allied Market Research estimates the market will reach $7.5 billion by 2025, naming Beyond Meat as one of the leading meat substitute products. They expect Europe to dominate the market and the Asia-Pacific will experience exponential growth.

An area where vegan food performs really well is in fast-food restaurants. In recent years, several meat-free fast-food restaurants have opened across the U.S. These include Veggie Grill, Plant Power Fast Food, Monty’s Good Burger and Amy’s Drive Thru.

The owner of Plant Power Fast Food told Forbes that their new San Diego location has experienced a 63% surge of growth. According to the owner, it’s not vegans who are responsible for the vegan restaurant’s quick success. Rather, it’s omnivores who are interested in trying vegan fast-food.

Non-vegan fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell and Fatburger are also starting to cater to vegans. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are now available in thousands of U.S. locations, including Taco Bell and Fatburger, respectively.

Large fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut test vegan options in their European locations. McDonald’s released a McVegan burger in Sweden and Finland. Similarly, Pizza Hut offers vegan cheese in its UK locations.

Vegan Industry Statistics

The 400% increase of vegans in the UK is shocking, but the 1,500% increase in plant-based food sales in the UK is even more shocking.

Similarly, vegan food products grew by 92% between 2014-2016, according to a report by Mintel, as the Australian population becomes more health conscious.

It’s not just vegan food that’s increasing in popularity. According to Grand View Research, vegan fashion is on a steady incline. The vegan leather industry is anticipated to hit $85 billion by 2025 as faux leather shoes are significantly cheaper than genuine animal hide footwear.

Vegan Environmental and Sustainability Statistics

One of the core reasons why vegan product alternatives are increasing in popularity is because of the consumer’s growing understanding of the sustainability of veganism.

Meat eaters are turning to vegan meats like the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger because the plant-based alternatives require fewer resources.

A 2018 Oxford University study found that the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact is to avoid animal products. This is largely because more than 80% of farmland is dedicated to livestock animals raised for meat and dairy, yet these food products only account for about 18% of calories and 37% of protein consumption.

A 2010 United Nation report stated that a global move to a plant-based diet is necessary to save the world from starvation, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change.

Documentaries like Cowspiracy have educated many consumers on the significant impacts that animal agriculture has on the environment and Earth’s resources. They focus on greenhouse gases, water, land use, waste, oceans, rainforest, wildlife and humanity. Some of the main takeaways include:

  • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all transportation emissions combined.3
  • The USDA reports that agriculture is responsible for 80-90% of U.S. water consumption. More than half is dedicated to feeding livestock raised for human food.
  • 477 gallons of water are required to produce one pound of eggs, and almost 900 gallons of water are needed for one pound of cheese, according to the Environmental Working Group.
  • Livestock covers 45% of the Earth’s total land, though they are a major cause of global warming.
  • Per the FAO, approximately 75% of the world’s fisheries are exploited or depleted due to overfishing.

Vegan Athletes and Celebrities

Among the millions of vegans around the world are notable celebrities and professional athletes.

Some celebrities like Alicia Silverstone, Joaquin Phoenix, Moby, Woody Harrelson, Paul McCartney and Peter Dinklage have been vegan for decades.

Other vegan celebrities in the U.S. include Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Beyonce.

Vegan celebrities from the UK include Ellie Goulding, David Haye, Russell Brand and Morrissey.

There are also several professional athletes who are powered by plants. Athletes belonging to a vast variety of sports—tennis, bodybuilding, running, basketball, football, etc.—are converting to plant-based diets. Some of the strongest, fittest people in the world debunk the myth that you need meat to get protein and build muscle.

Some notable vegan athletes include Venus Williams, Colin Kaepernick, Kyrie Irving, Lewis Hamilton, Scott Jurek and Derrick Morgan.

Hope for Future Vegan Statistics

The word “vegan” still has some myths and stereotypes surrounding it. As the vegan lifestyle enters the mainstream, it’s starting to be positively associated with the health benefits, sustainability and compassion that come with it.

The vegan statistics speak for themselves. The reasons why so many people are swapping animal products for vegan products vary, but the main reasons hover around health, environment and animal welfare.

Even people who aren’t 100% vegan are showing increased interest in replacing some of their meals with plant-based alternatives. Fortunately, the vegan foods market is ever-growing, and the products are becoming more realistic. Products like the Impossible Burger essentially eliminate the need to get the flavors of meat, dairy and eggs from animals.

As documentaries, celebrities and vegan social campaigns spread awareness about the benefits of a vegan diet, the statistics will continue to reflect the global population’s increasing interest in veganism.

Sources:
1 – https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4959853/top-trends-in-prepared-foods-2017-exploring-trends-in-meat-fish-and-seafood-pasta-noodles-and-rice-prepared-meals-savory-deli-food-soup-and-meat-substitutes.html

2 – https://www.instagram.com/p/CJnh9JoAaXo/

3 – https://veganuary.com/en-us/about/about-us/

4 – https://www.vegansociety.com/news/media/statistics#vegandietintheuk

5 – http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/a0701e/a0701e00.HTM

6 – https://plantbasedfoods.org/2019-data-plant-based-market/

5 Best Plant-Based Meal Planners and Apps for Vegan Meals in 2022

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Plant-based meal planners are a savvy way to plan vegan meals ahead of time and avoid the back-and-forth that goes along with the question, “What do you want for dinner?”

Whether you’re a new vegan or simply looking to introduce some plant-based proteins into your rotation, it can be overwhelming to come up with three meatless meal ideas per day.

Switching to a new way of eating is challenging enough without having to figure out what to eat at each meal. That’s when using a plant-based meal planner comes in handy.

With a vegan meal planner, the mental labor is done for you. Not only does a plant-based meal planner predetermine your weekly menu, but it also makes grocery shopping much more manageable. Many vegan meal planner apps even account for your dietary preferences, allergies, and time constraints.

Here are some of the best plant-based meal planners to help simplify shopping for groceries, choosing new recipes, and preparing meals.

In this post:

Best Plant-Based Meal Planners

1. Forks Over Knives Meal Planner

Price: $19.99 per month or $119.99 per year.

How to access: iOS app, Android app, web-based app, printable PDF download

Customizable by allergies? Yes, accommodate gluten, soy, and nut intolerances.

The Forks Over Knives Meal Planner offers personalized weekly meal plans backed by nutritionists and professional chefs. New plant-based recipes are routinely added to the collection of more than 1,000 vegan-friendly recipes.

This plant-based meal planner is perfect for people with a busy schedule. Recipes take no longer than 35 minutes to prepare, so dinner can be ready in a hurry.

A new meal plan is designed by Forks Over Knives Meal Planner chefs and released each week. Got a picky eater in the family? What about allergies? Customize the menu to the people in your household and their preferences, so meals are always a hit. 

Once you confirm your weekly meal plan, you’ll receive a smart grocery list that contains only the ingredients you’ll need for the week. No more overspending at the grocery store, forgetting to pick up essential ingredients or drawing a blank on what food items you need when you get to the store. 

Sign up for a free 2-week trial of the Forks Meal Planner to give it a try. Join the monthly plan for $19.99 a month and cancel anytime. For an even better deal, lock in $9.99 a month pricing when you sign up for the Forks Over Knives Meal Planner annual option that goes for $119.99 once per year.

Pros:

  • Access the app from any iOS or Android device
  • No credit card required to start
  • 1,000+ vegan recipes
  • Allergy-friendly

Cons:

  • Low sodium, oil-free recipes may be more nutritious but can taste bland

2. Clean Food Dirty Girl Meal Planner

Price: $25 per month, $60 per quarter, or $216 per year

How to access: Web-based app, printable PDF download

Customizable by allergies? No, but common allergies are clearly labeled and can usually be omitted or substituted.

If you’re looking for a nutritionally balanced vegan meal planner, consider the Clean Food Dirty Girl Meal Planner. Each weekly meal plan is centered around whole foods, so meals are vibrant, healthy, and diverse.

One advantage of this plant-based meal planner is the wide range of foods incorporated into the recipes. This offers a variety of nutrients from different vegetables, grains, legumes, and so on. Plus, no one likes a repetitive menu, so you’re less likely to get bored with eating the same thing over and over again.

People on a time crunch will also enjoy this meal plan. It offers instructions on making recipes using your Instant Pot, which is a huge time saver. Some recipes can also be prepped ahead of time, so you can prep a week’s worth of meals in just 2-4 hours.

While this meal plan is free of allergens like dairy, eggs, and fish since it’s entirely vegan, those with nut and seed allergies may need to get extra creative. Nuts and seeds are used every week on this meal plan. Gluten and soy are used occasionally. Since the weekly meal plans aren’t customizable, it is up to you to find substitutions for those ingredients.

Ready to join? Clean Food Dirty Girl offers three different payment structures: $25 per month with no obligation to continue your membership, $60 charged every 3 months for a quarterly subscription, or $216 charged annually for a 12-month subscription.

Pros:

  • New exclusive recipes released each week
  • Designed to reduce food waste
  • Based on a whole foods plant-based diet

Cons:

  • Not customizable by allergies
  • More expensive than most other planners

3. Rich Roll’s Plantpower Meal Planner

Price: $39 per quarter or $99 per year

How to access: Web-based app

Customizable by allergies? Yes, can filter out 700+ foods.

Founded by a professional athlete Rich Roll and vegan chef Julie Piatt, the Plantpower Meal Planner is every vegan sportsperson’s dream. It contains a meal plan specifically designed for athletes.

There’s a misconception that high-protein meals for athletes must include some variation of grilled chicken, brown rice, and broccoli. With thousands of plant-based recipes centered around vegan protein sources, the standard athlete’s diet has gone from boring to bold.

This meal planner is even perfect for beginners who need a little hand-holding. A team of Food Coaches is available seven days a week to support you on your journey to adopting a protein-rich yet plant-based diet.

It’s also fully customizable to filter out ingredients you’re allergic to or simply don’t like. Each recipe comes with a nutrition analysis, so keeping track of your protein is easy. When you’re done customizing your menu, print out a time-saving grocery list or connect to a grocery delivery service available in select locations.

Despite having many premium features, the Plantpower Meal Planner is reasonably priced. The pricing is simple: $39 per quarter or $99 per year. When you sign up for a year, that’s just $1.90 per week!

Pros:

  • Contains a specific meal plan for athletes
  • Allergy-friendly
  • Affordable pricing

Cons:

  • Powered by Lighter, so many recipes are not exclusive
  • Must commit to 3 or 12 months at a time

4. PlateJoy Meal Planner

Price: $69 per 6 months or $99 per year

How to access: iOS app, Android app, website

Customizable by allergies? Yes, ingredients can be excluded due to allergies or preference.

Some vegan meal planners can’t be tailored to your preferences. That can work just fine if you want to step outside your comfort zone and let someone else decide your weekly menu. 

Vegan meal planner apps like PlateJoy create plant-based meal plans that are entirely unique to you. PlateJoy uses 50 data points to create your custom meal plan, accounting for your tastes, dietary preferences, and health goals. The app matches you to wholesome vegan recipes you’re likely to enjoy, saving on time and reducing the chances of disliking the meal.

One unique feature of this vegan meal planner app is its ability to remember what’s in your pantry each week, minimizing food waste. When you receive your weekly smart grocery list, it automatically accounts for ingredients you’ve previously purchased.

Familiarizing yourself with the app is easy. If you’re a visual learner, PlateJoy has a library of video tutorials to help you get the most out of your meal planner app.

When you join PlateJoy, you’ll receive a complimentary 10-day trial. After the free trial period, join the 6-month plan for $69 or the 12-month plan for $99. This comes to less than $12 per month and $9 per month, respectively. 

Pros:

  • Meal plan is customized to your lifestyle and preferences
  • Access the app from any iOS or Android device
  • Weekly smart grocery list remembers what’s in your pantry

Cons:

  • Must commit to 6 or 12 months at a time
  • Vegan option can’t be combined with other dietary preferences

5. Plant-Based on a Budget Meal Plans

Price: $0-30 per meal plan

How to access: Website, printable PDF download

Customizable by allergies? No, but allergens can usually be omitted or substituted.

If you’ve ever searched for budget-friendly vegan recipes online, you’ve likely come across Plant-Based on a Budget. The vast library of recipes revolves around vegan food that is affordable, nutrient-dense, and quick and easy to prepare.

If you want to test the waters before committing to a paid vegan meal planner, Plant-Based on a Budget Free Meal Plans is an excellent beginner option. Simply download the free printable PDFs to get instant access to weekly grocery lists, menus, and recipes.

When you’re ready to commit, the paid Plant-Based on a Budget Meal Plans range from $5 to $30, including premium recipes and access to the exclusive Facebook community. 

What sets this vegan meal planner apart is that it is a one-time purchase. This makes it a more affordable option than a monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription like some other vegan meal planners. When you’ve finished the meal plan, you can repeat it as many times as you’d like or purchase a new plan.

The Plant-Based on a Budget meal plans don’t come with a nifty app and aren’t as customizable. However, founders Toni and Michelle will show you how to stick to a tight food budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Pros:

  • Free and budget-friendly options available
  • Beginner-friendly recipes
  • No monthly commitment or subscription

Cons:

  • No smartphone features or app
  • Not customizable by allergies
  • Recipes only serve one person at a time

Which Plant-Based Meal Planner is Right For You?

A plant-based meal planner can help you save time and money when it comes to vegan grocery shopping and cooking. It’s also a shortcut to finding recipes that meet your needs. 

If having access to a vegan meal planner app is crucial to you, check out PlateJoy or the Forks Meal Planner. You can plan your weekly menu in minutes straight from your smartphone.

For the biggest library of high-protein vegan recipes, the Plantpower Meal Planner is likely the best option. It offers thousands of recipes to choose from and the option to select the plan for athletes.

If you’re testing the waters and want to incorporate a few plant-based meals a week (or more often), you should start with the free or affordable Plant-Based on a Budget Meal Plans. 

Health-conscious vegans will likely gravitate towards the Clean Food Dirty Girl Meal Planner since the foundation is a whole foods plant-based diet. 

Still deciding? Try some of these high-protein vegan recipes in the meantime.

7 Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services For Cooking Plant-Based at Home

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If you’ve ever wanted to try a plant-based approach to eating, you’ve probably wondered about the best vegan meal delivery services. There’s no easier way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your lifestyle than getting those meals delivered.

Plant-based meal delivery services are incredibly convenient. You can try new vegan recipes or stick to a vegan meal plan without ever leaving your house. Sure, you might have to do a little bit of grocery shopping and cooking. Meal plans take out the mental labor of deciding what to eat and figuring out which ingredients you’ll need.

Popular meal delivery services, such as Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, offer vegetarian-friendly meals. But the pickings for 100% vegan options are slim. Fortunately, if you’re looking for an entirely plant-based meal delivery service, there are plenty to choose from.

Here are some of the best vegan meal delivery services that make dabbling into the plant-based diet much less intimidating (and tasty).

1. Purple Carrot

purple-carrot-meal-plans

Price: Between $9.99 and $11.99 per serving

Allergy-friendly? A gluten-free plan is available. However, food is processed in shared facilities where cross-contamination may occur. 

Purple Carrot is one of the best vegan meal delivery services for the veggie curious. If you’re ready to take the leap, you can choose between two types of vegan meal deliveries: meal kits and prepared meals.

Busy schedule? Opt for the prepared meals that you simply heat and eat. For something a little more hands-on, go for the vegan meal kits. 

All meals come with an ingredients list and nutritional information, so it’s clear what’s in each meal. If you have allergies, you can opt into the gluten-free meal plan or carefully select allergy-friendly meals. However, foods may come into contact with allergens like nuts and wheat during processing.

Purple Carrot is also one of the best vegan meal delivery services for people on a budget. With convenience usually comes premium pricing. But Purple Carrot is one of the more affordable ways to try plant-based meals without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Fully plant-based menu
  • Choice between meal kits and prepared meals
  • Gluten-free plan available
  • Free shipping on all orders
  • Skip deliveries or add extras when needed
  • Recyclable packaging

Cons

  • May contain allergens

2. Veestro

veestro-meal-plans

Price: Between $9.90 and $11.70 per meal

Allergy-friendly? Meal options can be filtered to avoid gluten, nuts, and soy. However, Veestro doesn’t guarantee allergen-free meals due to potential cross-contamination in its facilities.

One reason that people look into plant-based meal delivery services is the misconception that plant-based cooking is difficult. If you don’t enjoy chopping, stirring, and baking, then a fully prepared vegan meal kit like Veestro is for you.

Veestro meals are healthy, plant-based, organic, and ready to be enjoyed upon arrival. Everything arrives frozen, so all you have to do is heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy. Veestro meals like nuggets and pizza are kid-approved, so this is a family-friendly option.

If you’re not ready to commit to a vegan meal kit subscription, check out Veestro’s A La Carte menu. Order up to 30 meals without committing to a recurring payment.

Pros

  • Meals are ready to heat and eat upon arrival
  • Kid-friendly options like vegan nuggets, pizzas, and quesadillas
  • A La Carte menu is convenient for non-recurring orders
  • Allergens, ingredients, and nutrition facts are clearly labeled

Cons

  • Possible cross-contamination with allergens

3. Green Chef

green-chef-meal-plans

Price: Between $9.99 and $12.99 per meal

Allergy-friendly? Gluten-free meals are available and labeled, but meals can’t be filtered by allergies. Cross-contamination may also occur.

Green Chef is mostly organic and caters to different ways of eating, such as keto, paleo, and vegan. Suppose you’re not ready to go vegan cold turkey. In that case, Green Chef is a meal delivery service that offers a balance between carnivorous and herbivorous meals. 

For a mix of meat and veggies, choose the Balanced Living plan. When you’re ready to come to the green side, select the Plant-Powered plan. Not all meals on the Plant-Powered plan are vegan, however. To eliminate all animal products from your Green Chef plan, look for meals that are labeled “vegan” and add them to your weekly menu.

One of Green Chef’s perks is the plant-based meals come out cheaper than the meat-based meals. You’ll save $1-2 per meal by going with the Plant-Powered plan than the Balanced Living or Keto + Paleo plan.

Pros

  • Weekly menu changes, so meals are always new and exciting
  • Offers a balance of non-vegan and vegan options
  • Skip or cancel any time
  • Introductory pricing for new members
  • Ingredients are organic and local whenever possible

Cons

  • Those who eat an entirely plant-based diet will have to consciously avoid non-vegan meals
  • Shipping charges may apply

4. Daily Harvest

daily-harvest-meals

Price: Between $5.99 and $8.99 per meal

Allergy-friendly? Filter out allergies like gluten and nuts, though cross-contamination can happen.

Many of us could eat more fruits and vegetables, which is the exact problem Daily Harvest seeks to solve. Daily Harvest meals are based around fruits and veggies, making it easy and delicious to get in those greens. 

Unlike vegan meal delivery services with an ever-changing menu, Daily Harvest offers 80 different meal options that you can enjoy week after week. Filter the menu by your likes, dislikes, and dietary needs. For an entirely plant-based Daily Harvest box, simply select the vegan filter.

You can expect smoothies, soups, flatbreads, chia bowls, harvest bowls, and oat bowls. These are perfect for breakfast and lunch on this vegan meal kit. The menu also includes snacks, ice creams, non-dairy milks, and lattes. 

Pros

  • Free shipping on all orders
  • Affordable pricing
  • Choose between monthly or weekly delivery
  • Whole food plant-based offerings
  • 95% organic

Cons

  • Not ideal for dinner
  • Meals are more light instead of hearty

5. Sakara

sakara-meals

Price: Between $115 and $420 per week

Allergy-friendly? For an additional charge, specific dietary allergies can be accommodated. However, this is not guaranteed. Sakara cannot guarantee no cross-contamination for people with severe allergies.

The Signature Meal Plan is Sakara’s most popular. It contains 3 or 5 days’ worth of meals, daily tea and supplements, and access to holistic health coaching. 

Meals are organic and plant-based, so this is perfect for eating whole foods.

Sakara is a premium vegan meal kit, both an advantage and a disadvantage. The quality of food is high, and the ingredients are predominantly organic. Still, the weekly price is unrealistic for many people. If you’re eager to try Sakara, try the one-time purchase before committing to the weekly subscription.

Pros

  • No prep or cooking required — meals are ready-to-eat
  • Meals are organic, nutritionally sound, and fully plant-based
  • Different meal plans available to fit your lifestyle
  • Make a one-time purchase instead of subscribing
  • Sustainability initiatives, such as recyclable packaging

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Can only receive meals 3 or 5 days of the week
  • Inability to choose your menu
  • Not allergy-friendly

6. FireRoad

fireroad-meals

Price: Between $8.55 and $9.50 per meal

Allergy-friendly? Common allergens are clearly labeled, but cross-contamination may occur.

If you have specific nutritional goals in mind, FireRoad may help. Perhaps you want to consume more plant-based proteins or adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. FireRoad allows you to choose plant-based meals high in protein, antioxidants, fiber, omega-3s, probiotics, and more. 

What makes FireRoad the best vegan meal delivery service for some people is the emphasis on nutritional science. They sweat the small details, so you don’t have to. Each meal contains an in-depth look at the nutritional data beyond the usual nutrition facts.

Meals include smoothies, oats, pastas, and bowls. Each cycle, FireRoad will curate a recommended variety of meals for you, which you can customize to your liking. FireRoad delivers all meals frozen, so they are ready to enjoy once heated.

The kicker? FireRoad is not available everywhere. Enter your zip code to see if FireRoad is available in your area. If not, sign up for email notifications when it becomes available.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • 100% plant-based menu
  • Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery
  • Recyclable, biodegradable packaging
  • Skip or cancel any time
  • Allergens are clearly labeled
  • Backed by nutritional science
  • Extensive nutritional data available on all meals
  • Let FireRoad curate your menu or choose your own meals

Cons

  • Unavailable in many states
  • Only four meal categories means less variety

7. Fresh n’ Lean

fresh-n-lean-meals

Price: Between $9.99 and $11.99 per meal

Allergy-friendly? All meals are gluten-free but may contain other allergens. Fresh n’ Lean asks about dietary allergies during the sign-up process.

Fresh n’ Lean is a healthy meal delivery service focusing on non-GMO, organic, and gluten-free meals. The chefs never fry any of the home-cooked meals, nor do they use processed foods or artificial ingredients.

Adopting a plant-based diet can be challenging, but switching to a whole foods plant-based diet is even more difficult. Fresh n’ Lean wants to change that. Choose from their two vegan meal plans, Standard Vegan and Low-Carb Vegan, to get whole foods plant-based meals delivered straight to your door. 

Like other vegan meal delivery services, Fresh n’ Lean meals are ready to eat upon arrival. Simply heat and eat!

Pros

  • Highest kitchen standards for top food safety
  • Heat and eat takes the hassle out of healthy cooking
  • Fully vegan meal plan available
  • Packaging is recyclable
  • Ingredients are locally grown and organic, whole foods
  • All meals are gluten-free
  • Order one-time A La Carte or subscribe to the weekly plan

Cons

  • Delivery is weekly with no bi-weekly or monthly options
  • Ability to customize your menu is limited

Which Vegan Meal Delivery Service is Best For Me?

With many to choose from, the best vegan meal delivery service for you may depend on your lifestyle and health goals.

Flexitarians who want to dabble in plant-based eating will enjoy Green Chef’s Balanced Living plan, which offers the best non-vegan and vegan foods. For those with gluten-free allergies who still want to enjoy vegan cooking, Fresh n’ Lean may be the perfect fit.

If packing in plant-based proteins is your priority, try FireRoad’s high-protein vegan selection. Daily Harvest also offers protein-rich breakfasts and snacks.

Purple Carrot is one of the best plant-based meal delivery services since it has something to offer for almost everyone. You can choose between prepared meals or meal kits that will require some assembly. 

Getting vegan meals delivered usually requires a subscription. Until you’re ready to make the commitment, try the one-time purchase options offered by Veestro and Sakara.

Indecisive? Try these high-protein vegan recipes until you reach a verdict.

Guide to a Plant-Based Diet for Beginners

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Many people are adopting plant-based diets and consuming even more plant-based foods. According to a 2018 study from the NPD Group, about 43 million American consumers (about 14%) “regularly use plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, tofu, and veggie burgers.” Of these consumers, 86% say they’re not vegan or vegetarian.

Why (and how) are so many people eating plant-based foods?

There are many benefits, and therefore many reasons, to start eating a plant-based diet. And unlike what you may think, eating plant-based isn’t so hard.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our plant-based diet for beginner’s guide to steer you in the right direction.

plant-based-diet-beginners

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

Like the name suggests, a plant-based diet consists of plant foods. We’re not talking about rabbit food, though. Bleeding veggie burgers made by Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are plant-based despite looking and tasting like real beef.

The definition of a plant-based diet may vary based on who you’re asking. Some followers of a plant-based diet don’t take the name literally, consuming mainly plant foods and minimal animal products.

According to Dr. Robert Ostfeld, a cardiologist who recommends a whole food plant-based diet, a plant-based diet “consists of all minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices and excludes all animal products, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.”

What is a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet?

A whole-food plant-based diet is a specific type of plant-based diet. The diet Dr. Robert Ostfeld describes in the quote above would be considered a whole-food plant-based diet. Notice what’s emphasized: plant foods in their whole, unprocessed form. This is where the difference between a vegan diet and a whole food plant-based diet is made abundantly clear.

For example, French fries are made from potatoes and oils, which are both vegan foods. However, fries are heavily processed, so they’re not recommended on a whole food plant-based diet. A favorable alternative would be baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs and spices — no oil necessary.

Many other plant-powered physicians — Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Neal Barnard, and more — also recommend plant-based diets consisting largely of whole, unprocessed foods. A common recommendation among these health professionals is to eliminate animal products and limit your intake of processed, refined, and high-fat foods.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell is one of the original pioneers of a whole food plant-based diet. He published the famous China study, a groundbreaking study that examines the relationship between animal protein consumption and cancer risk. His Center for Nutrition Studies is an excellent resource for anyone looking to adopt a beginner-friendly plant-based diet.

What to Eat on a Plant-Based Diet

While a plant-based diet may sound restrictive, there are tons of delicious foods you can eat.

Food to Eat Regularly

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Soy protein from tofu and tempeh

Foods to Eat Sparingly

  • Processed foods
  • Refined carbohydrates (i.e. pasta, bread, white rice, etc. that’s not made from whole grains or whole wheat)
  • Oils
  • High-fat foods

Foods to Avoid

  • Meat (i.e. beef, chicken, pork, etc.)
  • Seafood
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Animal byproducts (i.e. honey, lard, gelatin, etc.)
  • Too many processed foods
  • Refined sugar

Are Vegetarians Plant-Based?

In the purest form of the label, “plant-based” includes strictly plants, whereas the “vegetarian” label leaves some wiggle room for animal products like dairy and eggs. 

However, some vegetarians refer to themselves as followers of a plant-based diet since the base of their diet is made up of plants.

How to Start a Plant-Based Diet For Beginners

1. Go at your own pace

There are two schools of thought on how quickly you should transition to a plant-based diet: Take it day-by-day or go cold tofurky overnight. There is no “right” way to go about it — just do what feels best for you.

Some people get fed up with feeling weighed down by the Standard American Diet, so they ditch animal products overnight and go grocery shopping in the morning. That’s one way to do it. 

The more common way is to take it step-by-step. Start by using up any animal products and processed foods in your kitchen. As you phase out the foods to avoid, incorporate more plant foods. Try to mimic foods you love with plant-based substitutes, such as using lentils in your bolognese sauce instead of beef. You can actively make subtle changes by participating in Meatless Mondays, eventually working your way up to a plant-based diet seven days a week. 

Another great resource to get started is Veganuary, a charity that organizes an annual campaign to help people switch to a plant-based diet. Sign up to receive their free vegan starter kit. If you need more support, Challenge 22 connects new members of a plant-based community with mentors, dieticians, recipes, and more. 

2. Stock up on plant-based pantry staples

On your first big plant-based grocery haul, load up on the following staple foods:

  • Grains — oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc.
  • Beans — black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc.
  • Lentils — red lentils, brown lentils, etc.
  • Nuts — almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, etc.
  • Seeds — flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, etc.
  • Soy protein — soy milk, tofu, tempeh, etc.

You should also get plenty of fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. Frozen products tend to be more affordable. Shop seasonal produce at farmer’s markets if possible.

3. Try out some vegan alternatives to your favorite foods

If you’re going plant-based overnight, give yourself permission to replace your favorite animal products with vegan alternatives as you adjust. Though store-bought veggie burgers are technically processed foods, these may hold you over until the cravings pass.

Remember that adopting a plant-based diet is a long-term lifestyle change. You’re bound to indulge from time to time. There’s a whole world of vegan processed food out there (have you seen the vegan cheeses?). While you shouldn’t make a habit of consuming it daily, every now and then is reasonable.

4. Enjoy plant-based take-out food

A popular question is: Can you eat out as a vegan? The answer is a resounding yes. However, fast-food options aren’t going to have the healthiest options, so take a look at the menus at local restaurants near you.

When eating out, look for tofu or salad dishes as they tend to be the healthiest. You can also ask the staff about low-fat options. Some restaurants even make veggie burgers in-house with fresh ingredients like brown rice and black beans. 

5. Experiment with plant-based recipes

The best way to figure out which plant-based foods you enjoy is to try them at home. Step outside your comfort zone with coconut curries, jackfruit tacos, and cauliflower buffalo wings.

If you’re not sure where to find plant-based recipes, the Internet is a gold mine. Or, if you prefer cookbooks, try one of these cookbooks written by plant-based physicians:

Find even more plant-based recipes here:

Or try a plant-based meal planner that provides you with a list of recipes and grocery shopping lists to make cooking simple.

Plant-Based Diet Benefits

Saving animal lives is a popular ethical reason to go vegan. Looking out for your own health and wellness is another motivator to eat more plants and less animals. 

The most widely studied benefits of a plant-based diet are related to health and the environment.

Weight Loss

Studies suggest that one possible solution to the obesity epidemic in the U.S. is through plant-based nutrition. One study even found that a plant-based diet is twice as effective as a traditional diabetes diet for weight loss.

Since a plant-based diet is low in animal fat and high in fiber, it’s clear to see why it would aid in weight management.

Reduced Risk of Disease

Dr. Michael Greger gives a famous speech on the 15 leading causes of death. Among them, the majority can be prevented and often reversed with a plant-based diet. Some of the top killers include:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancer
  • Respiratory disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

A plant-based diet is also proven to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which are both important aspects of promoting overall heart health. Since heart disease is the #1 killer in America, eliminating animal products, which are high in saturated fats, can increase your longevity and quality of life.

Good For the Planet

Many articles are floating around with headlines like, “A Vegan Diet Is the Best Thing You Can Do for the Environment.” Many experts and their research agree.

The hot topic was sparked by the 2018 study published in Nature. It found an undeniable link between the food system and impending environmental devastation. Researchers recommend shifting towards a heavily plant-based diet, which is more sustainable than current dietary trends.

This is good news for cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals bred and raised for consumption. Animal agriculture also impacts animals in the wild since it’s a leading cause of mass extinction, deforestation, global warming, ocean dead zones, and so on.

Answering Your Plant-Based Diet Questions

How to get enough protein on a plant-based diet?

Ah yes, one of the biggest myths surrounding a plant-based lifestyle. For starters, there is protein in every single plant food. Plant protein also has its advantages over animal protein.

Some of the top plant protein sources include:

  • Tofu, 22 grams per 1 cup
  • Peanuts, 35 grams per 1 cup
  • Black beans, 15 grams per 1 cup
  • Lentils, 18 grams per 1 cup
  • Edamame, 15 grams per 1 cup

The secret to getting enough protein on a plant-based diet? First, realize the amount of protein you need per day is less than you think. Secondly, consume a varied plant-based diet. This means getting protein from a mix of legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and other foods.

Isn’t a plant-based diet expensive?

If you’re buying dragon fruit by the pallet and cold-pressed organic green juice by the truckload, then yes. The same is true of plant-based meat alternatives like the Beyond and Impossible burgers, but regular consumption of these processed foods isn’t the most nutrient-dense choice anyway. 

If you’re stocking up on seasonal fruit, frozen veggies, and starches in bulk, then no.

The debate about whether a vegan diet is more expensive rages on, but one study found that a vegetarian diet is more cost-effective and contains more servings of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Imagine the further savings by eliminating dairy and eggs.

Just like being an omnivore, your grocery bill all depends on what you buy. Shop local farmer’s markets to get the best deals on produce, and don’t be afraid to purchase fruits and vegetables in the freezer aisle. When you can, buy starches like potatoes, grains, and legumes in bulk.

For more tips on how to eat affordably on a plant-based diet, check out Toni Okamoto’s Plant-Based on a Budget recipes, meal plans, and more.

How can I stick to a plant-based diet away from home?

When you’re traveling or visiting a friend’s house, some extra preparation may be necessary. This is especially true around the holidays. 

The key to making healthier choices on the road is to do some research and choose your restaurants or grocery stores wisely. You’re unlikely to find something on the menu at McDonald’s, for example. To make things way easier when you’re traveling, simply download the Happy Cow app, which displays vegan options near you.

When in doubt, order from the sides menu. Build a meal with a baked potato, side of steamed vegetables, and grilled tofu. 

You can also bring food with you. There’s nothing wrong with heating up a can of lentil soup or a frozen bean burrito.

Quick Start Your Plant-Based Diet With This 3-Day Meal Plan

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Is a Plant-Based Diet Right For You?

Probably. Many experts agree that almost anyone can benefit from adopting a plant-based diet. Yes, there are special exceptions and every body is different, but a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and disease risk sounds pretty good. 

A plant-based diet for beginners doesn’t have to be perfect. You might slip up, and that’s okay. What’s important is actively working towards your health goals. If a plant-based diet helps get you there, then you already know your answer.

Best Vegan Cheese: The Ultimate Guide [17+ Cheeses]

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. See wesbite terms here. Thanks.

For many people, a life without cheese is unimaginable.

There’s a general consensus among foodies that veganism is too intimidating because they “can’t live without cheese.”

Some have even gone as far as comparing cheese to crack.

The truth is that vegans still indulge in all the cheesy goodness that we’re all shamelessly anddicted to.

How so? Vegan cheese.

There’s just one largely important thing to remember about plant-based cheeses: Some will blow your mind, but others can turn you off of non-dairy cheese forever.

Luckily, with so many options these days, many taste like the real thing (or at least very close).

To experience vegan cheese the right way, stick to these tried and true brands and recipes.

vegan-cheese-cashew-cutting-board

Vegan Cheese Brands You Can Get in Stores

No matter where you live, you should be able to find at least one of these vegan cheese brands that are actually worth trying.

Vegan Cheese Shreds

As cheesy as it sounds, the sky’s the limit with shredded cheese. You can put it on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, pizza, mac n’ cheese, vegan eggs, etc. Here are the ones that can actually replace shredded cheese forever.

Best: Follow Your Heart Shreds

Follow Your Heart is one of the top vegan cheese brands. The shreds come in a wide variety of flavors: mozzarella, cheddar, fiesta blend, and pizza blend. The base is palm oil, so these shreds are perfect when you want a gooey quesadilla or greasy pizza. Find them here on Amazon (though looks only large quantities currently available) or search here for a nearby store.

So Delicious Dairy Free Shreds

I have to give a shout out specifically to the So Delicious cheddar jack shreds. So Delicious vegan shreds also come in mozzarella and cheddar. They’re made with coconut milk, but you wouldn’t know it based on taste alone. Find them here.

Daiya Cutting Board Shreds

Daiya makes seven vegan cheese shreds in total, but only the three Cutting Board Shreds varieties (pepper jack, mozzarella, and cheddar styles) are worth your time. The ingredients are mainly vegetable oils and tapioca starch, so they’re easy to melt. Their Shreds line is soy free too. Find them on Amazon here and in stores here.

Violife Shreds

Violife vegan cheeses are top-quality among all categories. They currently offer the two most common flavors in this category: mozzarella and cheddar. The core ingredients are coconut oil and various starches. Violife also puts a lot of effort into flavoring their cheeses, so both the texture and taste are spot on. You can buy on Amazon here via Whole Foods and also search for stores here.

Vegan Cheese Slices

There’s nothing more American than sliced cheese. If you’re a fellow grilled cheese lover, this is all you. Vegan cheese slices also go perfectly with a meaty Impossible Burger.

Best: Field Roast CHAO Slices

CHAO cheese melts perfectly on grilled cheeses and burgers, and they’re super convincing. The creamy original flavor is the most versatile—you can use this to substitute essentially any type of sliced cheese. These are made with tofu (though they don’t taste at all like the tofu you’re thinking of). They’re available on Amazon and you can locate them in stores here.

Follow Your Heart Slices

Unlike the shreds, Follow Your Heart slices are made with coconut oil. Their slices are among the best and come in a wide variety of flavors. They have classic flavors like American and even Smoked Gouda, Provolone, and Pepper Jack. These slices are soy free as well. Available here on Amazon and also find them here.

Tofutti Dairy-Free Cheese Slices

Tofutti is a brand that’s usually easy to find and affordable. The American slices are reminiscent of Kraft singles. They also have a mozzarella flavor. Like the name suggests, Tofutti cheese is made of tofu. Find them here.

Violife Slices

Some cheese slices (vegan or not) are slimy and slippery, but Violife slices aren’t. They’re thick and hold up well on sandwiches. There’s a fair amount of flavors, too, ranging from mature cheddar to hot pepper. They’re all made with a base of coconut oil. See em here on Amazon and find in stores here.

Vegan Cream Cheeses

Cream cheese is all about the texture. Is it thick? Spreadable? Level-10 creamy? I’m impressed with these vegan cheeses because they meet my strict requirements for this category.

Best: Miyoko’s Vegan Cream Cheese

Miyoko’s specializes in creamy vegan products, so it’s no surprise their vegan cream cheese is the clear winner. It’s cashew-based, so it’s very spreadable and indulgent. It also has a gourmet feel to it. There are three flavors: classic, lox, and scallion. Available on Amazon here and also find them here.

Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese

Tofutti uses a blend of oils and tofu as the base of their four vegan cream cheeses: plain, herbs and chives, garlic and herb, and whipped. The plain isn’t savory at all, so it’s a great choice for making vegan desserts. I’ve actually made cannolis with it! It’s here on Amazon and with store listing here.

Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese

If you want vegan cream cheese on a budget, go to Trader Joe’s. The texture is exactly what you’d expect, and the plain flavor is versatile. The base is coconut and soy. Find them here.

Violife Just Like Cream Cheese

Everything made by Violife is delicious, including their cream cheese. It comes in five flavors: original, herb, hot pepper, tzatziki (Greek), and tomato basil. They use a similar recipe for their other products. Amazon has it here and search stores here.

Gourmet Vegan Cheeses

I love a good vegan cheese board with all the fixins’ for aesthetic reasons, but it also has to taste amazing. When you want to impress friends and family, these are the spreadable vegan cheeses to wow them with.

Best: Treeline Creamy Soft Treenut Cheese

Treeline has a variety of soft vegan cheeses and aged nut cheeses. You guessed the main ingredient: cashews. Toss one of these bad boys onto a cutting board with some crackers and veggies, and your tastebuds will be blown away. Find them here.

Miyoko’s Cheese Wheel

Miyoko’s has 10 different vegan cheese wheels, and they’re each equally addicting. The texture is creamy, and the presentation is on-point. Like Treeline, these are also made with cashews. These slice like butter and make for a tasty spread. Amazon has the Double Cream Chive and the Aged English Smoked Farmhouse. You can also find them in other stores here.

Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread

Technically, this is a vegan cream cheese. But it belongs in the “gourmet” category because it’s rich and luxurious. It comes in four savory flavors and one sweet flavor: plain, chive, jalapeno, everything, and strawberry. The base of each one is almond milk with various added flavors. Find stores here and also check them out on Amazon through Whole Foods.

Vegan Mac N’ Cheese

We all grew up on it, so naturally we try to recreate it. Vegan mac n’ cheese exists, and it’s amazing. These boxed vegan mac n’ cheeses are comforting, salty, and cheesy.

Best: Daiya Deluxe Cheezy Mac

Daiya’s Deluxe Cheezy Mac is one of their stand-out products. In fact, I think it’s their best product overall. If you want a boxed vegan mac n’ cheese that will take you back to your childhood, this is it. The Cheezy Mac comes in both cheddar and alfredo. They’re available for Prime shipping on Amazon.

Chao Creamy Mac N’ Chao

This vegan mac n’ cheese is interesting because it’s found in the freezer section and can be microwaved, yet it has a gourmet flavor. The cheese is very thick and creamy, though it’s not trying to be cheddar. The two flavors are creamy original and chili mac. Find them here.

Amy’s Non-Dairy Macaroni

Another vegan mac n’ cheese you can find in the freezer is Amy’s. Just make sure to grab the vegan option, because Amy’s has non-vegan products, too. Their vegan mac n’ cheese is made with Daiya cheese. It’s a very cheesy and convenient grab-and-go option. They offer a gluten-free vegan variety too. See the Vegan Shells here on Amazon and Gluten-Free Vegan Elbows here.

Road’s End Dairy-Free Shells & Chreese

This vegan mac n’ cheese is made with simple ingredients, yet it gets consistently good reviews from people who try it. The cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast, a delicious plant-based protein source. The mac n’ cheese also has gluten-free and alfredo variations. Find them here.

Other Store Bought Vegan Cheeses

Vegan cheese has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. There’s basically an endless supply of cheddar and mozzarella alternatives, but we’re still waiting on more flavors. Here are some of the other store-bought plant-based cheeses that don’t fall in the main categories.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Vegan Ricotta Cheese

Vegan Cheese Blocks

Vegan Queso (aka Nacho Cheese)

Plant-Based Cheese Recipes You Can Make at Home

The beauty of making vegan cheese at home is that you can make cheeses that you can’t buy at the store. Homemade vegan cheese is usually healthier, too.

Vegan Mac N’ Cheese Recipe

This vegan mac n’ cheese recipe uses cashews as the base, and it’s flavored with nutritional yeast and spices. This is a great dish to bring to a potluck because non-vegans will love it. Bonus points if you bake it in the oven with breadcrumbs on top!

Vegan Blue Cheese Recipe

There aren’t many vegan blue cheeses on the market, so this is the perfect example of vegan cheese you can try to make at home. This vegan blue cheese recipe gets its color from spirulina and its creaminess from soaked cashews.

Vegan Brie Cheese Recipe

The creator of this vegan brie cheese recipe describes it perfectly: “Sharp, creamy with a white and flowery rind. Before going any further, be aware this is not a quick recipe, don’t expect to have a cheese ready tonight. The whole process will take you about three weeks. BUT: It is totally worth it!”

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe

The easiest vegan cheese recipe award goes to Minimalist Baker. This vegan parmesan cheese recipe couldn’t be any simpler. It has four ingredients and can be used on top of salads, pizza, and pasta.

Which Vegan Cheese is Best?

The best vegan cheese really depends on what you’re trying to make with it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best vegan cheese based on use.

Best Vegan Cheese for Pizza

For pizza, you should obviously go for mozzarella. The So Delicious Mozzarella Shreds would work perfectly. They melt nicely in the oven, and they have that classic mozzarella taste. Follow Your Heart also has a delicious Pizza Blend.

Best Vegan Cheese for Burgers

If you want a white cheese, try the CHAO Creamy Original slices. If you want American cheese on your burger, the Tofutti American slices have that classic taste.

Best Vegan Cheese for Mac N’ Cheese

Vegan mac n’ cheese is really easy to make at home if you have vegan cheese shreds on hand. Just melt them on the stove top with some plant milk, vegan butter, and some spices. For mac n’ cheese, you can melt down any cheddar shreds or even slices. The Follow Your Heart Gourmet Cheddar shreds would do the job perfectly. You can even mix brands for a complex flavor.

Best Vegan Cheese for Mexican-Style Food

Hands down, the best vegan cheese for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas would be the So Delicious Cheddar Jack shreds. They would melt down nicely in a quesadilla, too.

Vegan Cheese FAQ

In which we answer everything you’ve ever wanted to know about vegan cheese.

What is vegan cheese made out of?

Store bought vegan cheese is typically made with vegetable oils, nuts, starch, and/or tofu. It’s common to see coconut oil or palm oil as the base of a store-bought vegan cheese. Softer vegan cheeses might use various nuts and/or tofu as the base.

Is vegan cheese healthy?

Vegan, plant-based cheese isn’t trying to be a health food. The store-bought options are usually high in calories, fat, oil, and salt. Though they may be made with plants, vegan cheeses are still processed foods.

Is vegan cheese healthier than real cheese?

Probably. Real cheese is high in cholesterol and animal fat. Homemade vegan cheese is especially healthier than real cheese. If you follow some of the recipes above, you’ll see they call for mostly whole foods.

What is the healthiest non-dairy cheese?

The healthiest vegan cheese is probably one you make at home with minimal ingredients. Out of the store bought vegan cheeses, Treeline soft cheeses have some of the cleanest ingredients lists.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Vegan Cheese?

If you’ve ever had awful non-dairy cheese, don’t let one bad experience turn you away from vegan cheese forever. There are hundreds of options now, and you’re bound to like a few of them.

So, what’s the best vegan cheese for you? Your best bet is to find a brand you really like and stick to that brand until you’re ready to experiment some more. Follow Your Heart and Violife are some of the most universally liked plant-based cheeses, and they both have multiple flavors and types to choose from.

When you’re introduced to the world of vegan cheese, you realize that you don’t have to live without dairy. You can still eat cheese regularly if you’d like. Just eat cheese made from plants instead of animals. It’s a win-win.

The Beyond Burger: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know

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Beyond Meat changed the vegan meat game when they launched the Beyond Burger in 2016.

The Beyond Burger made national headlines as the “bleeding burger” made exclusively from plants AND being sold alongside real beef patties in the meat section.

Although the Beyond Burger is a vegan product, it’s not just for vegans. Now that the Beyond Burger is available at thousands of U.S. fast-food and restaurant locations, meat lovers are wondering whether or not they should give the bleeding plant-based burger a try.

What’s are in the ingredients in the Beyond Burger? Does it taste like meat? Is it healthy?

Here are all of your questions about the Beyond Burger answered.

beyond-burger-in-hand

What is the Beyond Burger?

The Beyond Burger is an all-vegan substitute for traditional beef patties. It’s made entirely of plants with the main ingredient coming from pea protein.

From the package to your plate, the Beyond Burger looks, feels and cooks like a real beef burger. It even bleeds like raw beef and has a pink center! However, no animals were harmed in the making of this beefy burger.

The Beyond Burger is on the rise as a popular meat substitute because of its umami flavor and lesser impact on the environment. It’s also marketed as a healthier alternative to meat.

History of the Beyond Burger

The Beyond Burger was launched by Beyond Meat in 2016.

In 2019, the recipe was reformulated and the Beyond Burger 2.0 was released to the market.

The company started in 2009 and brought several high-protein meat alternatives, including the Beast Burger, to the market.

Beyond Beat’s other products include Beyond Beef Crumbles and Beyond Chicken Strips. In 2018, Beyond Meat launched their Beyond Sausages, meat-free sausages that look and taste like the real thing.

Beyond Burger Ingredients

Beef patties have just one ingredient: beef. Since the Beyond Burger is entirely plant-based, it requires a few more ingredients to create a meat-like flavor. Fortunately, you can probably pronounce all of them.

Here is the full ingredients list of the Beyond Burger:

  • Water
  • Pea Protein Isolate
  • Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil
  • Refined Coconut Oil

Contains 2% or less of the following: Cellulose from Bamboo, Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Dried Yeast, Gum Arabic, Citrus Extract (to protect quality), Ascorbic Acid (to maintain color), Beet Juice Extract (for color), Acetic Acid, Succinic Acid, Modified Food Starch, Annatto (for color)

In case you glossed over that chunk of text, let’s go over the main ingredients in the Beyond Burger.

Main Ingredients Broken Down:

Pea Protein

The reason why the Beyond Burger is so high in protein is thanks to peas. Instead of using soy protein or wheat protein, the Beyond Burger uses non-GMO pea protein in order to remain soy- and gluten-free.

Oils

There are three oils in the Beyond Burger: canola oil, coconut oil and sunflower oil. The Beyond Burger has a juicy, moist texture thanks to these wisely chosen oils.

Potato Starch

This is another ingredient that helps keep the Beyond Burger gluten-free. Potato starch is a healthier alternative to wheat-based thickening agents used to make the burgers thick and bulky. The Beyond Burger doesn’t fall apart like other veggie burgers partly due to the potato starch.

Beet Juice

Everyone’s asking the same question about the Beyond Burger: “How does a plant-based burger bleed like real meat?” The answer is simple: beet juice. The Beyond Burger is naturally colored with small amounts of beet juice. You can’t taste it, but you can definitely see it. The inclusion of beet juice is simply for color.

Cellulose

The Beyond Burger contains two types of cellulose: cellulose from bamboo and methylcellulose. These ingredients are used as gelling and binding ingredients to make sure everything stays together on the grill. Both share the purpose of giving the Beyond Burger its firm, hearty texture.

Beyond Burger Nutrition and Dietary Concerns

Part of what makes the Beyond Burger so appealing is the nutrition facts. Take a look:

  • Serving size: 4oz (113g)
  • Calories: 270
  • Total fat: 20g (31%)
  • Saturated fat: 5g (25%)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 380mg (16%)
  • Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)
  • Fiber: 3g (13%)
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 20g (32%)
  • Iron: 30%
  • Phosphorus: 25%

Beyond Burger Protein

The Beyond Burger is one of the highest-protein veggie burgers out there. It’s packed with pea protein, giving it 20g of protein per serving. This is about the same amount of protein, if not slightly more, as a regular beef burger.

Beyond Burger Allergens

The Beyond Burger is very allergen friendly. It’s free of the major allergens commonly found in vegan products: gluten and soy. There’s also no dairy, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts and corn.

It’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians as well. The Beyond Burger is also Kosher certified.

At this time, the Beyond Burger is not Halal certified.

What Makes Beyond Unique?

The Beyond Burger isn’t beef, but it’s not quite a veggie burger either. Frankly, the Beyond Burger belongs in its own category.

Like beef, the Beyond Burger is sold in the meat aisle of the grocery store. In order for a retailer to carry the Beyond Burger, they must agree to sell the plant-based burger right next to the beef patties.

However, Beyond Meat has beef with beef.

Beyond Burger vs. Beef

On their website, they taut all the ways the Beyond Burger is superior to beef:

  • More protein
  • More iron
  • Less saturated fat and total fat
  • No cholesterol
  • Fewer calories
  • No antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs

So, while the Beyond Burger looks like beef and has a strong meat-like flavor, it’s still made of plants. Does that make it a veggie burger?

Not quite. The Beyond Burger aims to satisfy your palette like beef but without the health risks, environmental toll and animal sacrifice as traditional meat.

Beyond Burger vs. Standard Veggie Burgers

If you’re searching for the most realistic veggie burger on the market, the Beyond Burger is superior to your typical black bean burgers for obvious reasons.

Taste aside, let’s compared the burger to a standard veggie patty in terms of nutrition. The Beyond Burger wins by a landslide in terms of protein. It’s also lower in carbohydrates, sugar and iron.

However, there are some places where the Beyond Burger falls back. It’s higher in calories, fat and sodium than your average vegetable patty. The Beyond Burger is also more processed than traditional veggie burgers and has been criticized for the amount of additives in the ingredients list.

When it comes down to nutrition, the results are mixed—you just have to pick your battles.

When it comes down to taste, the Beyond Burger is sure to win over any standard veggie burger.

Beyond Burger vs. Impossible Burger

“Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger” is the new “Coke or Pepsi.”

Both the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger launched in 2016, both were reformulated in 2019, and both are strikingly similar to beef in taste and texture. That’s not where the similarities end, though. Both burgers also have roughly 20g protein, are more environmentally friendly than meat, and rival beef in terms of nutrition.

Where the Beyond Burger dominates is that it’s more allergen friendly than the Impossible Burger, which contains soy. The Beyond Burger is also slightly more affordable and accessible.

The Impossible Burger, however, takes the advantage when it comes to taste. More people are blown away by the realistic beef-like flavor of the Impossible Burger than with the Beyond Burger.

Of course, taste is subjective, but you can’t ignore the shocking reviews of both burgers.

Beyond Burger Reviews

The Internet was buzzing when the Beyond Burger launched in 2016. Social media went haywire every time the Beyond Burger became available at a new restaurant or grocery store. Since 2016, people looking for meat-free options have loved and supported the Beyond Burger.

It’s not just vegans and vegetarians giving praise, though.

A writer at TheSpoon said the Beyond Burger 2.0 at Carl’s Jr. reminded her of a stereotypical fast-food burger, which is a win for anyone looking to satisfy your burger cravings with plant-based options.

Eater compiled a list of Beyond Burger reviews, all of which were overwhelmingly positive in regards to nutrition, cooking, taste and authenticity.

Despite the positivity, the Beyond Burger isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Hardcore meat lovers agree that the Beyond Burger is tasty, but it’s not going to beat out a beef burger in a side-by-side comparison.

Why Choose the Beyond Burger?

When it comes to choosing plant-based meat over real meat, there are three main reasons to opt for the former: Health, Environment and Animal Welfare.

While animal welfare is up for debate, the facts that the Beyond Burger is healthier for you and the planet are not. Let’s take a look.

Is it Healthy?

There’s no denying that the Beyond Burger is healthier than your typical 80/20 beef burger. After all, it contains no cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics. It’s also lower in fat and calories, yet higher in fiber and iron.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that the Beyond Burger is a processed meat alternative with a long list of ingredients.

While you should choose the Beyond Burger over a beef burger for health reasons, we wouldn’t recommend you choose it over unprocessed whole foods. Like a normal burger, the Beyond Burger is an indulgence.

The Beyond Burger isn’t trying to be labeled as a “health food”—it’s trying to be labeled as a healthier alternative to meat.

Sustainability

If you recycle, take shorter showers and drive a Hybrid, then congrats! You must care about the environment. If so, you’ll be bummed to find out that your favorite cheat meal—a big, juicy burger—is one of the least environmentally friendly purchases you could make.

One of the Beyond Burger’s main selling points is its leg up on sustainability.

According to the Beyond Meat website, the Beyond Burger uses significantly fewer resources than a beef burger:

  • 99% less water
  • 93% less land
  • 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
  • 46% less energy

Sustainability plays a large role in why many people are looking to vegan protein sources instead of protein from animals. The Beyond Burger helps fill that demand.

Where to Find the Beyond Burger

If you’re curious about the meaty burger made from plants, you’re in luck. The Beyond Burger is one of the most accessible vegan products on the market.

Where is it sold?

The Beyond Burger is sold in a variety of restaurants and grocery stores. Some large chains include TGI Friday’s, Veggie Grill and BurgerFi.

As of January 2019, the Beyond Burger is now available nationwide at more than 1,000 Carl’s Jr. locations.

The Beyond Burger is also available at most grocery store chains, including Target, Albertsons, Kroger and Safeway.

See where the Beyond Burger is sold near you by using the Beyond Meat store locator.

Final Thoughts on the Beyond Burger

The demand for vegan products is steadily increasing, and the Beyond Burger was the first plant-based burger to shock the nation at how realistic veggie burgers have become.

Since Beyond Meat paved the way, several companies—Impossible Foods, Don Lee Farms, etc.—have launched eerily meat-like and “bleeding” vegan patties.

While some are more realistic than others, it was the Beyond Burger that started it all.

There’s no other veggie burger in the world that’s sold in the meat cases at grocery stores, which is a testament to how satisfying the Beyond Burger is.

Will you fall in love with the Beyond Burger? The only way to find out is to give it a try.