Veggie Bits
Lil' Gourmets Organic Baby Meals
Early nutrition can have a significant, lasting impact on overall health and well-being, so why do most baby foods look like barnyard slop? Lil' Gourmets treats babies and toddlers to fresh, whole food ingredients with flavors inspired by global cuisines. Raise a more adventurous eater who will ask for Pumpkin and Bean Shawarma rather than bland buttered noodles, or Coconut Cauliflower Mash instead of plain white potatoes. Designed to grow alongside your family with timeless appeal, they're fantastic used as dips with chips, or packed into kids' lunch boxes as an alternative to pouches of applesauce or yogurt. There's no shame in enjoying them as sides for adults, either! Each recloseable cup contains more than one serving of vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet. Certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and BPA-free. Sold at Amazon, Meyer, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and lilgourmets.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Cotton Creations Vegan Honey Pecan Cornbread Mix
A good baking mix is more than just a crutch for inexperienced bakers. Cotton Creations provides the inspiration and means to create something all in one package with their unique Vegan Honey Pecan Cornbread Mix. The inclusion of chopped pecans and vegan honey to drizzle on top makes it a uniquely sweet, decadent option that goes beyond plain cornmeal. Buttery, fluffy, and moist, one might say it's even better than homemade. More like cake than bread, it's especially well-suited for making into muffins, transformed into topping for cobblers, and more. Just add vegan butter and milk, bake, and get ready for a treat. Certified soy-free. Buy online at walmart.com and cottoncreationsllc.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Outstanding Foods Cheese Balls
Despite the dizzying array of vegan cheese snacks that includes crisps, chips, puffs, pretzels, and crackers, there has been one notable omission up until now: Balls. Outstanding Foods fills that void with crunchy rounds that are light as air but rich in savory flavor. Their appeal is obvious, offering classic Chedda, Bacon Chedda, Jalapeño Chedda, and Garlic Parmesan, but there's more going on beneath the label. Stacked with more vitamins and minerals than many protein bars, you'll get iron, zinc, B12, D, and E and 4 grams of protein in every serving. The taste, however, is of pure cheesy childhood nostalgia, without leaving that sticky orange residue all over your fingers. Certified non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher. Available at Amazon, Sprouts, Whole Foods, World Market, and outstandingfoods.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Fabalish Brownie Bites
Brownies made from beans may raise a few eyebrows, if only for how decadent these treats taste. Chickpeas are at the heart of everything from Fabalish, which now ventures beyond mayonnaise and falafel into the realm of desserts. Soft baked, ready to eat right out of the package, each mini morsel is wildly fudgy for something concealing a serving of vegetables in the form of spinach and zucchini, too. Even more impressive is their use of unrefined coconut sugar and dates as the only sweeteners. You can enjoy them chilled or heated briefly to enhance the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Because there are no preservatives, they’re sold refrigerated, but can be frozen for up to six months. Certified organic, gluten-free, and free of the top eight allergens. Available for purchase direct from fabalish.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Yo Egg
Runny yolks, long held as the holy grail for egg lovers, have been out of easy reach for vegan alternatives. Yo Egg is breaking new ground on that front, worldwide. Initially available only through exclusive restaurant partnerships, their remarkable plant-based poached eggs ('The Poached One') and sunny-side-up eggs ('The Sunny One') are finally coming to a supermarket near you. Sold frozen, they thaw out in boiling water or the microwave and are ready to be the star of your next brunch. Each package includes kala namak (sulfurous black salt) to sprinkle on top for that pitch-perfect eggy flavor. Rich and creamy, the golden center bursts under gentle pressure from a fork, just like the original inspiration. Use them to crown a bowl of ramen, avocado toast, fried rice, and so much more. Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher. Currently available in select boutiques across Los Angeles with plans for expansion throughout California, New York, and nationwide in 2025. Read more at yo-egg.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Tofurky Mango Chipotle and Chorizo Sausages
Pioneering meatless makers at Tofurky have continued to innovate beyond the basics. While plant-based sausages are nothing new, these latest creations spice up the traditional menu. The Chorizo sausage variant departs from old school soyrizo as a sliceable link, as opposed to loose crumbles. Boldly seasoned with a leading note of warm paprika, it's a great choice addition to tacos, burritos, nachos, and any other Mexican favorites. For adventurous eaters, the Mango Chipotle sausage offers a distinctive fusion of sweet and savory. Tropical mango tempers the heat of smoky chipotle peppers, creating a complex flavor profile perfect for curries and kebabs, or simply grilled and enjoyed solo. Non-GMO and kosher. Available at Kroger, Safeway, and more. More info on tofurky.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Date Better Snacks
Step up your date night plans with Date Better Snacks. Anyone with a sweet tooth will fall in love with these dark chocolate-covered Medjool dates stuffed with creamy nut butter. Substantial enough to satiate a craving, the robust dates themselves add an incredible caramel-like flavor that accentuates any of the complimentary flavors on offer. These all-natural truffles are available in four distinctive varieties: Almond Java Crunch, Cashew Lime Crisp, Hazelnut Praline, and Peanut Butter Crunch. Each morsel is finished with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or cacao nibs, contrasting with the moist, toothsome fruit within. For an indulgent sweet treat with only 1 gram of added sugar, these really are a more satisfying choice. Certified organic, soy-free, and gluten-free. Available in many boutique grocery stores, co-ops, coffee shops, and direct from datebettersnacks.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Hodo Dips
Hodo, synonymous with top-quality tofu, has unleashed a new line of soybean-based dips to shake up your snacking and dining routine. Chili Crisp, Sambal Sweet Chili, and Zesty Lemon Garlic dips are ready to enjoy right out of the packages. Creamy, boldly seasoned, rich, and savory, these sensational spreads go way beyond adorning crudités. Any of your favorite dishes can benefit from this instant flavor infusion. Toss them with pasta, spread on sandwiches and wraps, dollop on top of rice bowls, and swirl them into soups. Certified organic, gluten-free, and nut-free. Available nationwide at Whole Foods. Find more information at hodofoods.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
