Veggie Bits
Pocket Full of Protein
Getting a nutritious vegan meal on the road can be a challenge, but with Vegetarian Traveler ProteinToppers packets, on-the-go eating just got simpler. Each variety is a dry blend of toasted beans and/or seeds and boasts at least 15 grams of protein. Testers loved the crunch the toppers added to salads, and the savory mixes were a tasty addition to fast food tacos, hot oatmeal, hummus, rice pilafs, and vegan yogurt. These little packets are a satisfying snack by themselves during car/train trips/air travel, or at your work/school desk. The simplicity of the bean blend flavors and the small package size gives ProteinToppers a lot of flexibility. Flavors include Garbanzo & Soy, Pepita & Soy-Pea, and Tri-Soy Blend. Gluten-free. Buy at Festival Foods or online, www.vegetariantraveler.com.
Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
Simple Elegance
Offer holiday guests something unexpectedly healthful this season. Put out a dish of That's It Truffles. In a spin off their fruit bars, the company makes dark chocolate covered truffles with minimal, wholesome ingredients. Testers loved the Fig, which are literally only figs and dark chocolate, but the smooth texture and richness bring a level of sophistication you will find pleasantly surprising. Truffles make a wonderful office or hostess gift, and you can feel good knowing the treat isn't loaded with artificial crap. You might even decide to keep these for your own holiday snacking! Other tempting flavors include Banana & Apple, Blueberry & Apple, Cherry & Apple, Date, and Strawberry & Apple. Entirely gluten-free. At major retailers nationwide and on Amazon. See www.amzn.to/2BNS8v4.
Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
Blissful Beauties
Even in winter, the siren song of a frozen treat may beckon. Coconut Bliss has you covered. Their popsicles, now in fully plant-based packaging, start with lush coconut milk and agave syrup. Testers sampled Cold Brew Latte, Infinite Coconut, and Madagascar Vanilla Bean in Chocolate. If you enjoy coffee, the Cold Brew Latte variety is your new temptation. The decadent bar is like a heavenly, icy coffeehouse concoction melting on your tongue. Infinite Coconut will whisk you to a breezy tropical beach, and the indulgent vanilla bar is contrasted pleasantly with a thin snap of chocolate. Other frozen popsicle flavors include Coconut Almond in Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Acai in Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel in Chocolate, and Strawberry Love. At retailers nationwide. www.Coconutbliss.com.
Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
Do No Evil
No Evil Plant Meat's signature chickwheat (gluten-chickpea)-based products are truly unique in the seitan category, with a tender mouthfeel and pleasing taste. Slow-smoked over hickory, "Pit Boss" BBQ shreds are moist, tangy and sweet. No Evil marinades seitan in a southern-style homemade sorghum barbeque sauce for authentic flavor. With the holidays coming, or for a nice dinner anytime, consider No Evil's centerpiece roast, "The Pardon." A chickwheat seitan loaf with white beans, each slice of the roast transports you to a dreamy allvegan holiday. It's important to note, No Evil chickwheat seitan holds up — you can bake, braise, sauté or steam it, and it's great in soups. Based in Asheville, NC, No Evil also offers three other plant meats: "Comrade Cluck" No-Chicken, and both "El Zapatista" Chorizo and "The Stallion" Italian Sausage are chickwheat with hearty red kidney beans. At Fresh Markets, natural foods stores, or shop online. www.Noevilfoods.com.
Rissa Miller, Senior Editor
