With many of us becoming more lifestyle conscious, the overindulging during the holidays may not hold its traditional appeal. Data shows that Covid-19 caused people to become more focused on their health, clean food sources, and how our bodies process food. Plant-based and vegan diets and snacks are trending. We have a few delicious items that we can recommend for having on hand when friends drop by for the holidays.
Harvest Snaps
Forget potato and corn chips! These snack crisps are light, they're crisp, they're crunchy, and they come in an assortment of more-ish flavors: The vegan ones are Lightly Salted, Black Pepper, Tomato Basil, and Mango Chile Lime. Some Harvest Snaps flavors do contain dairy and aren’t vegan and these include Caesar, Wasabi Ranch, and Parmesan Roasted Garlic.
No matter what flavor you choose, Harvest Snaps feature farm-picked green peas, black beans or red lentils as the #1 ingredient and are packed with plant-based protein rather than the usual carbs. They're also baked (not fried!). Enjoy them on your own or with a light dip and salsa. Plus, Harvest Snaps are free of artificial ingredients and cholesterol, gluten, wheat, soy, nuts, and eggs. Harvest Snaps Snack Crisps can be found at supermarket chains and natural grocers across the country, plus online at Amazon.
Upton's Naturals' Ch'eesy Mac
Who doesn't like old fashioned mac 'n' cheese as a Thanksgiving side dish or for lunch on a cold winter's day? The problem is usually...all that cheese. As a dairy product, cheese is an animal product and it's usually high in saturated fats and salt. So for a vegan alternative, keep in mind Upton’s Naturals’ Ch’eesy Mac (also comes in yummy smoky flavored Ch’eesy Bacon Mac!). This vegan and dairy-free version is pretty delicious and guilt-free, made with nutritional yeast, mustard, onion, garlic, paprika, turmeric. It's hassle-free to prepare—simply mix, heat and eat. The products are also shelf stable and the noodles come pre-cooked and vacuum sealed with a prepared pouch of nut-free cheese. Low in sugar and completely free of artificial flavors, GMOs and cholesterol.
For more winter warmers, the same company makes tasty 100% vegan soups. Upton’s Naturals’ new canned soups come in classic, homestyle recipes like Chick & Noodle, Chick Tortilla and Italian Wedding and are chock-full of veggies, pasta, beans, and spices. There is 10-14g of Seitan (plant-based protein) in each serving. They’re also Non-GMO Certified (NSF), Plant Based Certified, contain no added colors, flavors or preservatives, and are completely free of cholesterol and trans fat.
Raised Gluten Free
It's not unusual for animal fats to creep into baked goods. Imagine savory pies and quiches with a perfect flaky crust filled with hearty vegetables, all while being allergy-friendly and 100% vegan. Crafted with care by two California moms passionate about providing delicious treats for families with food restrictions, Raised Gluten Free pies are plant-based, vegan, and in addition to being certified gluten free, also free of dairy, eggs, nuts, and peanuts, Kosher Pareve, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
We tried the Vegan Quiche and found the light and fluffy organic tofu and savory spinach filling baked to perfection in a light pastry crust. Raised Gluten Free also makes fruit pies, too — the apple and berry peach are scrumptious and taste much healthier than traditional fruit pies. Be a thoughtful host and keep a few of these convenient 6" pies in your freezer in case one of your dinner guests comes out as gluten-free and vegan!