Veggie Bits
Smooth Vegan Lip Balms
Luxe Beauty will have you abuzz with their line of extremely hydrating beeswax-free vegan lip balms. Each flavor is distinct and lightly fragrant without being overbearing. Coconut, Grapefruit, Lavender, Plain, Popcorn, Strawberry, Vanilla Cupcake, and Watermelon make up the offerings. They work well under lipstick and even on top as a clear gloss coat (apply with a brush to save your lip color). The Lavender is wonderful at night, doing double duty as moisturizer and soothing aroma. The balms go on soft and absorb evenly. Plus you can feel good, knowing Luxe is committed to keeping products in their beauty line, including cleansers, lotions, serums, and toners, 100% free of all bee products, which often show up in such cosmetics. Nut-free, soy-free. Buy online at www.luxebeauty.com/collections/lip-balm
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Less Sugary Veggie Ketchup
Apples, butternut squash, and carrots are the not-so-secret ingredients in this vegetable-based ketchup—with no added sugar! True Made states that each bottle has 1/2 pound of veggies. You won't crave what's missing, though. There's plenty of iconic cookout flavor, and the ketchup is equally comfortable on fries, tater tots, vegan sausages, veggie burgers, and more. Barbeque sauces, hot sauces, and mustards with less than usual or no sugar in the ingredient list are also in the lineup. Gluten-free. Available nationwide and online at www.truemadefoods.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Nostalgic Boxed Mac 'N Cheese
If you grew up eating boxed mac 'n cheese, Annie's has the product for you. It's just like your favorite comfort food, only vegan. Each flavor of the mac 'n cheese takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy parents or people on-the-go. The shells & sweet potato pumpkin is unique, featuring sauce made from pumpkin! It's slightly sweet, with a rich and velvety texture. The vegan cheddar flavor is more classic—each delectable bite packs a cheesy, umami punch. Enjoy as a standalone dish, weeknight side dish, or try adding some seasonal vegetables for a heartier supper option. The product is non-GMO, and organic. Also offered in a gluten-free rice pasta option. Available nationwide at major retailers, visit www.annies.com
Callie Showalter/VRG Intern
Quick Burrito!
Hearty and flavorful, packed with savory beans and rice, Higher Taste frozen vegan burritos are ready to make your breakfast or lunch rush more delicious. The prepared burritos are filling, packed with gooey vegan cheese and are extremely flavorful. Four minutes in the microwave yields a handful of satisfaction, whether you choose the Fiesta Fajita, Vegan Bean & Cheese, or Vegan Breakfast Burrito. Each is distinct and there's variety for anytime of the day. Testers enjoyed the burritos in the car on road trips (they travel in a cooler and you can warm them at a gas station!), as well as a snack while watching movies at home. Higher Taste burritos are available at natural foods stores on the West Coast and online, www.thehighertaste.com/frozenburritos
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Sweets
Whether you're missing your hazelnut latte, or simply craving white chocolate almond horchata goodness, Gigantic Candy is a less-sugar treat for you. Gigantic Candy packs enjoyably chewy, plant-based caramel into every bar with only 7 grams of sugar in each 1.5 ounce bar. And, no, there aren't any artificial sweeteners! The flavors—Almond Horchata, Banana Pecan, Hazelnut Cafe, and Salted Peanut—all have nostalgic appeal. Banana Pecan reminded me of a banana-chocolate oat muffin, with a sprinkle of pecans to balance the caramel. Salted Peanut gave more of a "let's go on a hike and eat trail mix!" vibe. Fair trade chocolate and gluten-free. Find retailers or order online at www.giganticcandy.com
Ruby Sturm/VRG Intern
Fluffy Pancakes
It's simple to whip up light-as-air pancakes with Lehi Mills' Plant-Based Mix. All you need to do is add 1 cup water to 1 cup of mix, and follow the easy cooking directions on the box for fluffy vegan flapjacks sure to dazzle any guest at breakfast or brunch. The best part of waking up to these pancakes is that they are mostly a whole wheat-and-oat blend. The mix is sturdy enough that you can add fresh fruit, like blueberries or bananas—or go decadent and try some mini vegan chocolate chips for a breakfast treat. Are you more into the texture of waffles, all awash with crevices full of melty vegan margarine and maple syrup? Well, this mix is versatile, and the box explains a few simple swaps to create perfect waffles! Each box makes about 12 4-inch pancakes. Available online and from major retailers, www.lehimills.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Irresistible (Fizzy) Broths
Bean stews just got an upgrade: now they come with a splash and pop from Broth Bombs. Available in 14 flavors from Chili to Curry, from Pot Pie to Split Pea, each variety is handcrafted and designed to make hearty, craveable bean stew. Yes, the resulting stews are complex, evenly seasoned, and quite tasty. Each box comes with a simple suggested recipe with more ideas available online. The surprising part is how much fun the bombs are to use. Just add the ingredients, water and—plop—in goes the Broth Bomb to fizz up and deliver all the herbs and spices for the meal. They make large portions, so if you're not feeding a crowd, plan on leftovers. All varieties are gluten-free and soy-free. Broth Bombs are available online as a subscription service, individually, or in quantity sets at www.brothbomb.store
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
Delicate as a Flower
Sparkling water blossoms with Petal botanical beverages. For fans of bubbly drinks, this is something truly different. Flowers and fruit add a touch of sweetness to refreshing sparkling waters in flavors such as Elderberry White Tea, Lemongrass Dandelion, Lychee Rose, Mint Rose, Original Rose, and Peach Marigold Basil. The hint of floral bouquet in each flavor is delightful by itself, but the scent and taste of the botanicals is earthy, flowery, light, and quite special. The Petal website offers several serving suggestions. Just mix one of the flavors with your favorite iced tea for a bright, cheery beverage, and they also make wonderful additions to your favorite mocktail or cocktail. Caffeine-free and organic. Available online by subscription, as individual flavors, or in mixed packs at www.drinkpetal.com
Rissa Miller/Senior Editor
