Friday, January 22, 2010

Vegan Staples For The Grocery Challenged

I live in a small town (approx 12,000 people) with a grocery (Big Y) that has a terrible selection of vegan foods, and an even worse selection of healthy vegan food. Unlike nice stores like Shaw's and Stop & Shop that put all the health/alternative foods in a special place, the vegan foods are scattered around the store. I live far away from Shaw's, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or a real co-op, so I have little choice in where I buy my groceries. Luckily, I went vegan in a hippie Vermont town with a comprehensive co-op market where I learned what foods I liked and what was out there. Had I tried going vegan where I live now, I don't think I would have made it (I was 14 when I went vegan).
So, for those of you who live in an area where vegan foods are hard to come by, here are some staples that your local store *should* carry. If my store carries them, then I bet your store will too.

1. Boca Vegan Burgers - Probably the easiest
vegan veggie burger to find out there.

2. Smart Deli (by Light Life) Vegan cold cuts -
These come in ham, bologna, turkey, etc. My favorite is ham because it tastes
the least fake plus if you fry it in oil it tastes like Canadian bacon!!!

3. Silk Soymilk - Best. Soy. Milk. Ever. Creamy, most
realistic taste, and wind-powered. Silk also makes soy yogurt, which is
available at most grocery stores (but not mine).

4. Tofutti Ice Cream Tubs- It may be hard to find other
Tofutti products, but most stores carry the tubs at least. They come in
a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and "better"
pecan.

5. Bolthouse Farms Beverages - Green Goddess and the
fruit/veg blends are packed with nutrients, and the Vanilla Chai is a great
protein boost.

6. World Classics Panko Breadcrumbs - Vegan breadcrumbs
are hard to come by since most brands include whey. This brand's pank breadcrumbs
are vegan and all-natural. 4C also carries a vegan variety.

7. Top Ramen, Oriental Flavor - Okay, so not the healthiest,
but these are good for a quick meal (they are high in protein, as well as
fat and sodium). Make sure you get the Top Ramen brand, Maruchan uses beef
in their Oriental flavor.

8. Vermont Bread Company Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
- Again, many breads contain whey and/or honey, especially healthy whole
wheat varieties. This bread is my absolute favorite, its whole wheat AND
sourdough! Can it get much better? Ezekial also carries vegan whole wheat
breads.

9. Simply Asia Noodle Bowls - These come in a variety
of flavors, and taste delicious.

10. Morningstar Farms Hickory BBQ Riblets - Best rib
replacement that I have found yet, the sauce is absolutely fantastic!





8 comments:

kelli said...

mmm i love boca vegan burgers. the first time i tasted one off the grill at a bbq i was afraid i grabbed a meat burger by accident. it's a delicious alternative!

Anonymous said...

I didn't know any ramen noodles were vegan. I'll have to see if my store carries that brand. Sometimes you just have to be cheap!

Vegan Tv Presenter said...

It's so funny some of the random things corner shops sell. Mine does zero fruit or veg (even frozen veg!)but does 3 different types of organic tofu...eh?!

Anonymous said...

Just a note about Boca burgers. Boca Burgers the company is owned by a ciggarette company that tests on animals. If you are vegan for the sake of animals I would not purchase Boca Burgers.

Not trying to be snobby just putting it out there :)

Unknown said...

I believe most or all ramen are made with egg noodles so I could be wrong. Read the ingredients carefully.

Kristina said...

Also, if you happen to find Silk's soy yogurt, I think they use cultures that are derived from milk, making it not vegan. :( That is what it said on the package last time I checked them out.

jim said...

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=191

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=74

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=66

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=65

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=64

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=63

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=62

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=61

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=183

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=60

http://www.smartbargainsus.com/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=59

devinmaddux said...

I really enjoyed your vegan fast food options! Some were pretty helpful. I've consulted it more than once now for ideas before eating out with friends. But make sure to read the back of the Boca and Morning Star brands as some contain eggs for binding!
Also for awesome cheesey pizza thats still vegan and kick ass take your own soy or veggie cheese with you when you place an order for pizza! I use the veggie shreds brand and it always tastes great! My friends dont know the difference until I tell them! Papa Johns will for sure do it! Pizza Hut...not always. And most local joints will for sure!

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