Veggie Bits
Get Saucy
ZUBI'S is a fiesta in your mouth! The sauce line includes Crema, Queso, and Salsa, which the founder created to substitute sour cream and queso with something dairy-free and more sustainable. Many of the ingredients (such as onions, jalapeños, and mini sweet peppers) that are used to make the dips are grown on ZUBI's land. The Salsa is fresh and slightly sweet, and the Queso is creamy, gooey, and thick, like a cheesy sauce. The Crema is spicy, and not for the faint-of-heart. All three sauces are perfect on tacos, tortilla chips, and enchiladas, and are a delight to snack on. Crema and Queso can be served hot or cold. Gluten-free and shelf-stable. ZUBI's is available online, www.eatzubi.com
Katelynn Budzich/VRG Intern
Feeding a Vegan Dog
Wild Earth makes vegan dog food, treats, and supplements. They say their plant-based protein formula provides the 10 essential amino acids dogs need and includes ingredients like chickpeas, oats, peas, and potatoes. We reached out to canine taste-testers to see what they thought of this vegan brand. Pit bull Charlotte, German Shepherd Ivy, and mixed breed Howard found the food to be incredibly scrumptious. Not one dog left a morsel behind. There was even a report that a household cat showed interest in the food! Mixed breed Maisie, pit bull Harley, and cattle dog Gus all scarfed down the treats with huge enthusiasm. From our observations, it seemed like the Peanut Butter treats were favored, but Banana-Cinnamon and Strawberry-Beet treat flavors were not ignored, either. Wild Earth kibble comes in large and small bags, and all food, treats, and other items are available for home delivery from www.wildearth.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
U.S. Grown Tea
Yaupon is a naturally caffeinated plant species that grows in North America. It looks like tea, but it's actually a variety of holly tree native to the southeastern USA and has a long history with indigenous people. Yaupon is rich in the antioxidants known as polyphenols and has similar caffeine levels to black tea. However, yaupon contains no tannins, so it never gets bitter and cannot be oversteeped. Catspring Yaupon offers three distinct roasts. Pedernales Green is refreshing and summery. It works well as iced tea, and the light taste needs little to no sweetener. Lost Maples is a medium roast, and the flavor is similar to black tea, with smooth, mild caramel notes. It was good hot and iced, and very thirst-quenching. The Marfa Dark Roast has a deeper, more complex flavor, like a very fine black tea. Testers preferred it hot, as its flavor balanced perfectly when warm. Available online in tea bags or loose leaf, www.catspringtea.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Peanut Butter Puffs
Salty, sweet, and very addicting! Puffworks snacks come in Dark Chocolate, Original Peanut Butter, and Strawberry PB&J flavors. Made with organic peanut butter and whole-wheat cornmeal, they are quite crunchy. The original peanut butter puff was completely coated in peanut butter flavor, but not too salty to eat in abundance. The strawberry PB&J peanut butter puffs captured the complete essence of a PB&J. The dark chocolate contained the perfect amount of sweetness and would melt in your mouth in every bite. These snacks are perfect for children, or anyone who enjoys a good ole munchy snack puff. www.puffworks.com
Audrey Hunt/VRG Intern
Fish-Free Tuna Pouches
Upon opening the pouches of Good Catch Fish-Free Tuna, I noticed a fishy scent, thanks to seaweed powder. The main ingredient, though, is a six-plant blend of chickpea, fava bean, lentil, navy bean, pea, and soy. Good Catch's Fish-Free Tuna is conveniently packaged in shelf-stable, single-serving pouches and comes in three gluten-free flavors: Mediterranean, Naked in Water, and Oil & Herbs. Naked in Water has a mild flavor. I found it stood up well in a tuna salad sandwich, and it works brilliantly in pasta or other savory dishes. The Mediterranean variety, on the other hand, was pleasant as-is, with flavors of red bell pepper, tomato, and a hint of spice. It could be eaten on crackers, in a salad, or straight from the pouch. The Oil & Herb was citrusy and complex, and would work well with pasta or in a casserole. A heavier dish would compliment the oil in this third flavor. Shop online at www.goodcatchfoods.com , Whole Foods, or use their online map to find a store near you.
Amy Burger/VRG Intern
Nooch Sauce
Imagine nutritional yeast... as a spread. The Natural Gourmet's Vitam-R is a deeply savory, distinctive spread made from yeast enzymes formed on molasses. It's got a similar hearty flavor to Marmite or Vegemite, but it's milder, nuttier, and much less salty. Vitam-R is thick and sticky, with an umami flavor that adds depth and sophistication to sandwiches, sauces and gravies, homemade vegan cheeses, and soups. To amp up a vegan grilled cheese, spread a little on the bread before frying with your vegan cheese. Vitam-R contains 17 amino acids and vitamin B12 and is gluten-free. Shop at www.store.veganessentials.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Pickle de Gallo
If you love dill pickles and salsa, then Grillo's Pickle de Gallo will be your new favorite condiment. Available in Hot, Medium, and Mild heat, this pickle-based salsa is crisp, crunchy, and fresh. The ingredient lists are incredibly simple with only real cucumbers, onions, and peppers. Pickle de Gallo can take on the role of dip, spread, or topping. Testers loved it on chips, crackers, nachos, veggie burgers, and wraps, and it's the perfect relish for your next grilled veggies. Fat-free, gluten-free, and kosher. Find Grillo's Pickle de Gallo in the refrigerated sections at BJ's, Target, and Whole Foods, or get more info online at www.grillospickles.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Vegan Candles
Finding vegan candles isn't always easy; however, Vellabox offers monthly subscription boxes with one or two plant-based, small-batch candles, always made in the U.S. Each month features different small business makers, and no candles include animal products, artificial dyes, parabens, or phthalates. All candles are made from coconut, soy, or vegetable wax with cotton braided wicks. They burned smoothly and cleanly, scenting the room without being overbearing. Facing West and Nordic Cabin by Sunday Candle Co were both earthy, robust, and woodsy. Caylan Wax Co's candles were Evergreen + Eucalyptus, which was crisp, and Home + Holiday, which smells just like cookies baking! There are three options: a 4 oz. candle box (25 hours burn time); 8 oz. candle (50 hours burn time); or a box with both candles (75 hours burn time). All boxes include a surprise vegan-friendly gift, such as a candle coaster, cookie cutter, lip balm, or lotion. Candles are also available on their site for individual purchase. www.vellabox.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
