VEGGIE BITS
Nat's Rawline Raw Cakes
"Raw food" conjures up visions of austere leafy greens and murky vegetable juices, but Nat's Rawline couldn't be farther from that kind of sensory deprivation. These wholesome treats are designed as pure decadence, made from simple, unprocessed ingredients. The raw cakes especially are works of edible art, immaculately layered from crust to mousse with rich chocolate, caramel, nuts, and fruits. Chocolate and Hazelnut cakes deliver on the intensity that the classic combo demands, while Raspberry and Passion Fruit cakes are a vibrant, tangy tribute to the tropics, both light and rich all at once. Each bite seems to melt in your mouth, although they could also be enjoyed frozen like ice cream cakes, too. Certified vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and organic. Sold in select Costco, Sprouts Farmers Markets, Whole Foods Markets, and more. The full line of raw mousses, cheesecakes, energy balls, bars, and squares is available at natsrawline.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Ocean's Balance Truffle Furikake
If you love the taste of sushi but hate rolling it at home or paying astronomical prices at restaurants, furikake is the answer to effortlessly satisfy those cravings. This traditional Japanese condiment is a savory blend of seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, and many other umami ingredients. Ocean's Balance Truffle Furikake stands out on the shelf as a rare sugar-free, oil-free, and fish-free option. Rich black truffle shavings along with nutritional yeast elevate the mixture to new levels of aromatic ecstasy, instantly transforming any dish into a gourmet creation. Beyond sprinkling over rice, as is most frequently recommended, it's a fantastic finishing seasoning for avocado toast, popcorn, salads, stir-fries, or even encrusting tofu. Certified vegan and gluten-free. Available for purchase online at oceansbalance.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
P-nuff Crunch
Crisp and airy with a resounding crunch, P-nuff Crunch are puffed snacks that live up to their name. A base of peanuts and navy beans sets them apart from the competition, which typically starts with corn or rice. This gives them the edge nutritionally, with a good serving of fiber and protein to back up both sweet and savory seasonings. Vegan Cheddar Jalapeño is most like the nostalgic hot Cheetos that most people will recognize, while Roasted Peanut is a dead-ringer for Israeli Bamba. From there, Barbeque, Cinnamon, and Cocoa add unique options for the discerning snacker who wants more creativity at hand. Available in multi-serve bags or individual packets, they're ideal for traveling, packing into lunch boxes, or enjoying at home with friends. Certified kosher, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. Sold at Central Market, Fairway Market, ShopRite, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Find more information at pnuff.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Mr. Dewie's Cashew Based Ice Cream Mix
While it's not hard to make homemade dairy-free frozen treats from scratch, the results rarely taste quite as rich and creamy as a scoop from your nearest ice cream shop. Mr. Dewie's has stepped in to bridge that gap, translating their secret formula into a dry mix that only needs water to revive. Give it a spin in your ice cream maker, and you'll have a perfectly smooth, luscious treat that's even better than a store-bought pint. If you don't have fancy equipment, I've found great success tossing the mix into a blender with water and ice to make instant milkshakes. Flavors include Chocolate Orange Chip, Cold Brew Coffee, Cool Mint Chip, Golden Spice, Heavenly Chocolate, and Lemon Creme, and so you'll never get bored of the same old sundae. Certified vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO. Available for purchase on Amazon and on mrdewies.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Wildfare Beetroot Fettucine
Basic pasta with marinara sauce is an easy weeknight meal that always satisfies, but for special occasions, it's worth splurging on a more gourmet noodle. Wildfare creates vibrant, crimson-hued pasta using only organic wheat flour, organic beet powder, and water, matching the luxurious taste and texture of artisan options typically enriched with eggs. Its earthy, subtly sweet undertones provide an excellent base for a variety of flavorful pairings, from creamy vegan alfredo to a light lemon and herb drizzle. This innovative twist on traditional fettuccine is not only visually striking but also a delicious and memorable addition to any pasta lover's repertoire. If you're not a fan of beets, other fettucine flavors include spinach, olive, tomato, black carrot, broccoli, and red bell pepper, for a full rainbow of vegetable pastas. Certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and no added sugar. Sold at Central Market, Gelson's, Meijers, ShopRite, or at wildfare.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Hot Drops Hot Sauce
For those who like it hot, and even those who don't, Hot Drops makes the hot sauce for you. Made in small batches using a variety of chilies grown in Sonoma County, California, there's a range of flavors and intensity to suit any palate. Lacto-fermentation gives these concentrated condiments a distinctive tangy kick in addition to beneficial probiotics. JalaPastilla, my personal favorite, blends lightly charred poblano peppers with fresh jalapeños for a smoky yet bright kick. Fres-Yes ups the ante with a combination of fresno and ghost peppers, creating a bold, balanced heat that grows with every subsequent bite. On the other end of the spectrum, Not Sauce ranks zero on the Scoville scale, focusing on roasted carrots and sweet gypsy peppers instead, perfect for anyone sensitive to spicy food. Certified organic and vegan. Buy online at hotdropsauce.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Maine Crisp Savory Fig & Thyme Crackers
While most crackers are unremarkable dip-delivery tools, Maine Crisp Buckwheat Crackers stand alone as robust, flavorful gourmet snacks. "Savory Fig & Thyme" is an understated description of the flavor, which balances an earthy sweetness with woodsy, subtle herbaceous notes. Chunks of toasted walnuts and hemp hearts add a rich, nutty undercurrent that creates a crunchy contrast to the chewy dried fruits. The buckwheat base is grassy with just a touch of bitterness, adding incredibly complexity into every little crisp. Sturdy enough to top generously, you'll never have to grapple with a messy mid-party breakup ever again. Certified gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and non-GMO. Available for purchase in select specialty grocers in the Northeast and at mainecrisp.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Smallhold Mushrooms
Fungi are the future, flourishing as natural meat alternatives and standalone produce superstars alike. Gone are the days of bland button mushrooms as the only option; increasing demand has brought greater diversity into the spotlight. Smallhold grows gourmet mushroom varieties like king trumpet, lion's mane, maitake, shiitake, and yellow and blue oyster, all within repurposed shipping container farms stationed within densely populated U.S. cities. Shrinking the distance from farm to table slashes carbon emissions and yields fresher fungi at the same time. Smallhold grows fancy mushrooms that were once only seen in high-end fine dining restaurants which are now accessible and more affordable for home cooks as a result. Organic, sustainable, and sold in compostable packaging. Found in select Albertsons stores, Central Market, Sprouts Farmers Markets, Whole Foods, and more. Find additional information at smallhold.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
