Veggie Bits
Konscious California Roll
Skip the sushi bar and reach into your freezer for a better plant-based fix with Konscious at the ready. Creamy vegan crab, avocado, and pickled cucumbers taste impeccably fresh for something that comes out of a box, beating the average supermarket sushi by a mile. Most impressively, the seasoned rice still has a perfectly al dente bite, demonstrating the ideal range of textures for well-made maki. Konscious also makes a spicy version of the classic California roll, along with plant-based poke bowls and onigiri (rice balls.) Take them to work or school straight out of the freezer, and they'll be thawed and ready to eat by lunchtime. Otherwise, run them under hot water for a few minutes or microwave for a few seconds. Getting ethical, flavorful, and healthy sushi has never been easier. Non-GMO certified, gluten-free, and vegan. Available at Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Markets, and Whole Foods. Find more information at Konscious.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
NoBull Burgers
Billing itself as a premium whole foods vegetable burger, NoBull starts with a base of green lentils, brown rice, and quinoa in all five of its unique patties. Hearty and wholesome, they stand tall on a traditional build with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a soft sesame seed bun, but also lend themselves beautifully to more creative cooking ventures. Go ahead, crumble them up, and add them to Bolognese sauce, tacos, stuffed peppers, and more. With the Original, Savoy Mushroom, Spicy Italian, Sundried Tomato, and Madras Curry, there's no reason to muddle through another boring burger night again. Find them in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods, select specialty grocers, and online at Nobullburger.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Impossible Beef Lite
A leader in the competitive field of alternative proteins, Impossible Foods has truly outdone themselves with their latest creation that slims down their original, ground-breaking meatless grounds. In addition to being lower in fat, calories, and sodium than its predecessors, pound for pound, it's also the most protein-packed plant-based beef to date. What it doesn't cut down on is flavor, delivering a lighter and healthier option without compromising on taste. It's the perfect comeback for any naysayers claiming that vegan options lack flavor or satisfaction compared to traditional alternatives. Halal, gluten-free, and vegan. Available at select Sprouts Farmers Markets, Walmarts, and more national retailers to come. Find more info at Impossiblefoods.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Mike's Organic Curry Love Pastes
Given the incredibly broad and diverse range of curries in the world,
it can be daunting to create your own aromatic blend from scratch. Curry Love has done the hard work for you, blending lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, galangal, and many other unique specialties to make authentic curry pastes in every color. Unlike conventional options, you can rest assured that these mixes won't include any hidden shrimp paste or fish sauce. Simply add coconut milk, your favorite vegetables, and any plant-based protein, and you have a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. These Thai-style curry flavors include yellow, green, red, penang, and massamun, with heat levels ranging accordingly, and easy to adjust to personal preferences. Each one makes enough for about four servings, so you can easily feed the whole family or have leftovers to enjoy later, after the spices have further harmonized. These convenient pouches are shelf-stable for up to two years unopened. Certified organic, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan. Find them in many grocery stores, such as Harris Teeter, Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, and more or online at Currylove.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Gear Hugger Lubricant and Degreaser
Anyone concerned about their environmental impact should look beyond the kitchen and into the garage, too. Traditional lubricants and degreasers are based on toxic ingredients that are not only detrimental to the planet, but also genuinely dangerous to use around small children and animals. Gear Hugger offers multipurpose solutions that are water-based, plant-powered, and petroleum-free. Use them on everything from squeaky hinges to rusted screws and even scuffed tennis shoes. Any equipment with moving parts can benefit from a little eco-friendly TLC. Buy from Lowe's, REI, and other sporting goods stores; online through Amazon; or directly from Gear-hugger.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Franklin Farms Veggie Balls
For anyone who craves a veggie burger that actually tastes like vegetables, these are the plant-based meatballs for you. There's nothing meaty about them, and that's the whole attraction. Instead, simple, whole foods populate the ingredients list that manifests in global flavors far beyond the realm of plain protein. Choose among Portabello Veggie Balls, Falafel Veggie Balls, and Plantain & Black Bean Veggie Balls to unlock a bold new world of savory seasonings. Sold refrigerated alongside the tofu and other meat alternatives, they're fully cooked and ready to eat. You can heat them in an air fryer, a skillet, or even a microwave. Remarkably tender, hearty, and satisfying, they're an excellent entreé to have on hand for busy days. Certified vegan and non-GMO. Available at Acme, Sprouts Farmers Market, and other grocery stores. Visit Franklinfarms.com for more information.
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
La Tourangelle Truffle Oil
While most bottles of truffle oil have never seen a mushroom in their lives, La Tourangelle is one of the few widely available options that start at the source. Both their Black Truffle Infused Oil and White Truffle Infused Oil begin with a base of organic high-oleic sunflower oil and natural truffle extract. That translates to a clean, clear drizzle that packs bold flavor into every drop. Because it's so concentrated, a little bit goes a long way. Ideally suited for uncooked or low-heat dishes, it's best saved as a finishing touch where it can really shine. Use it to dress salads, popcorn, pasta, soups, avocado toast, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes; just about anything and everything savory can be enhanced with a tiny splash. Certified Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and expeller-pressed oils. Available at select gourmet specialty stores, Amazon, and Walmarts. More information at Latourangelle.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
7th Heaven Chocolate Bars
Dark chocolate gets all the attention for its antioxidants and complexity, but there are still certain cravings that call for a sweeter, creamier chocolate treat. 7th Heaven combines all the best elements of cacao, nostalgia, and decadence to arrive at uniquely indulgent dairy-free confections. Oat milk is at the heart of their award-winning formula, smooth and velvety, with a soft, fudgy bite. Rich, thoughtfully crafted fillings define each unique segmented confection, stuffed with Nutella-like hazelnut puré halva-inspired pistachio cream, coconut nougat that will make the conventional alternative seem entirely joy-less, and much more. The Peanut Butter and Cornflakes variety is a best seller for obvious reasons. Adults will love them as much as kids, if they're lucky enough to get a taste. Vegan, kosher, and fair-trade. Available at 7thheavenchocolate.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
