Veggie Bits

Hearty, Easy Soy Foods

These dehydrated, pantry-friendly soy-based proteins from Improved Nature will definitely meet your plant-based meal needs. They arrive plain and take on the flavor of whatever spices or sauces you like, making them versatile in recipes. Because they come as bits, chunks, filets, nuggets, pieces, poppers, shreds, slices, and tenders, you can add them to almost any dish. To prepare, just boil in water or veggie broth for a few minutes. Testers loved the hearty, meaty texture and the shreds were popular on barbecue sandwiches. Improved Nature's soy products are gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO. Dehydrated soy shapes are shelf-stable for two years. Buy online at https://improvednature.com/

Julia Stanitski, VRG Intern

Real Juice Pops

Do you miss summer days chilling with a cold popsicle? Well then, Good Pops freezer pops are for you. Simply place pops in the freezer overnight, and the next day, they're ready to enjoy. Adults and kids alike will love these, especially with the organic ingredients made from 100% fruits and vegetables. With three different flavors — Cherry Limeade, Concord Grape, and Fruit Punch — you'll want these anytime of the year. The tester favorite was the Cherry Limeade because of its sour punch! Good Pops are free of the top eight allergens, added sugar, and red 40 dye. Find these easy and invigorating pops at Wegmans, Whole Foods Market, and other stores. Find them online: https://www.goodpops.com/flavors/organic-freezer-pops/

Julia Stanitski, VRG Intern

Vegan Make-Up Brushes

When I'm looking at makeup brushes, I want to know if the bristles are synthetic and cruelty-free or if they're made out of animal hair. The Luxie Glimmer Set is entirely vegan and they are so soft, I just want to keep brushing them on my face! This set is an ideal starter kit. These brushes are great for blending. The 520 tapered face brush works well for setting powders. The 239 precision shader and the 205 tapered blending brush create a perfect soft eye look, and work for blending any lines you don't want to see. If you're new to contouring, the 512 small brush will be a great brush to start with. In the event you make a harsh line, you can blend it right out! Not only are these brushes great for their designated uses, they're super cute with their sweet pink handle and rose gold tones. Available from Amazon and Nordstrom's or at https://www.luxiebeauty.com/

Jessica Lynn Baligush, Vegan Make-Up Artist

Veggie Pasta

Cybele's Free-to-Eat Pasta comes in eight varieties such as red lentil, beet, sweet potato, and carrot rotini; and green lentil, kale, broccoli, and spinach penne. A single serving of these noodles offers at least 23 g of plant-based protein. Prepare like any grain-based pasta. The pasta appears moist at first but firms up to an al dente texture after rinsing. Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or a combination of olive oil, spinach, and fresh tomatoes. Flavor varies from traditional pasta, with some vegetable undertones, and an overall heartier taste — though not overpowering. Cybele's Pasta is an innovative way to get servings of veggies, is allergen-friendy, has a short ingredient list, and is just as satisfying as traditional pasta. Available nationally at Kroger, Ralphs, and Walmart. For more info, visit https://www.cybelesfreetoeat.com/

Clarissa Hauber, VRG Intern