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Plant-Based Foods Have Never Been Better. Here’s 28 To Try At Your Next Summer Cookout.

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From simplified skincare to virtual therapy to at-home workouts, the pandemic accelerated many wellness trends and plant-based eating was no exception. The emerging category saw a 27 percent increase in grocery sales last year and is now valued at $7 billion. Whether motivated by a desire to make environmentally-friendly choices, incorporate more plants into the diet or simply try something new, consumers are embracing vegan food like never before.

Increasingly creative plant-forward creations, like luscious nut-based cheeses and umami-rich kelp burgers, are dismantling the long-held misconception that vegan options compromise on taste. While technological innovation has made plant-based alternatives not only more convincingly delicious, but nutritionally comparable to their animal-made counterparts too. Beyond taste and nutrition, there is mounting evidence that reducing the consumption of meat and dairy is the single most effective way to regenerate and protect the environment. It’s no surprise the category has taken off at a time when consumers are more conscious of their impact on the planet and cravings for both comfort and healthy foods are especially high.

Plus, with quarantine go-to’s growing old, home cooks—vegans and omnivores alike—are looking to shake things up in the kitchen. No longer relegated to the expertise of chefs or veteran vegans, easy-to-prepare plant-based foods now line the aisles of supermarkets nationwide, making it easy for curious meat-eaters to dabble in plant-forward cooking. Impossible Foods tells Forbes nine out of ten of their shoppers are meat-eaters, while a survey of 11,500 Lightlife consumers conducted last year found 90 percent of those who tried plant-based protein for the first time were flexitarians.

Despite the reopening of restaurants, experimentation with plant-based cooking at home is expected to continue this summer. “In the laid-back days of summer, we find that customers are breaking out of their routines and are more open to trying something new, whether they're long-time vegans or just starting to experiment with plant-based eating,” said Parker Brody, senior global category merchant for plant-based at Whole Foods Market, in a press release on the grocer’s first plant-based food trend predictions report.

The most anticipated plant-based foods of the season? Pork and fish alternatives like pulled jackfruit and fried banana blossoms, luscious cheeses made of planet-friendly ingredients like cashews and “ugly” cauliflowers; elevated dips and condiments (think, kelp salsa) and creamy frozen desserts (hello, homemade coconut milk soft serve).

Whether you’re looking to smoke something new on the barbecue, add some creativity to your charcuterie board and crudité platter, or simply snack on more plants, these foods are sure to surprise and satisfy well beyond the summer. Best of all, they nourish the planet too.


Spread’Em Kitchen Co. Cashew Cheeze

With a diverse line of cashew-based cheeses and spreads—like apricot and chili cheese and vibrant beet and balsamic dip—Spread’Em Kitchen Co. proves vegan dairy options don’t have to be bland. Made using a slow fermentation process, summer cookout guests will never guess this fresh and creamy cheese is made of cashews. But you might want to tell them—according to Spread’Em, one acre of land farming cashews can produce 2000 pounds of cashew cheese, compared to only 180 pounds for cow’s milk.  

Upton’s Naturals Bar-B-Que Jackfruit

Upton’s was onto the texture of jackfruit before it became a go-to replacement for pulled pork; the plant-based food brand was the first in the U.S. to create a pre-seasoned version. Upton’s infuses the fiber-rich plant with paprika, chili and tomato paste, for a succulent barbecue bite, but they also make the jackfruit in Thai Curry and Chili Lime flavors for a refreshing summer grill alternative. Fish-lovers will be impressed with the Banana Blossom, which replicates the flaky texture of fish.

Good Catch Fish

From crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fillets and crab cakes, to hearty fish burgers—Good Catch is leading the way in creating plant-based seafood options as a solution to overfishing and mercury contamination. With textures replicating whitefish and crabmeat, it’s hard to believe the “fish” is made from legumes like peas, lentils and fava beans. New England Style Crab Cakes made with sweet peppers and parsley make savory appetizers while the Breaded Fish Sticks are perfect for the little ones.

Acid League Better Barbecue Kit

Created by food scientists, this brand is known for their probiotic-packed “living” vinegars, but their condiments are equally as inventive. Ketchup gets a Korean-Mexican spice kick with gochujang and the flavors of mole coloradito, mustard is made sweet and smoky with North African harissa and Canadian maple syrup while the classic green relish gets a tropical upgrade with Caribbean fruits. The trio is topped off with a lemony Buddha’s Hand barbecue sauce.

Forager Project Vegetable Chips

Available in five distinct flavors—like Cheezy Greens and BBQ Chipotle—these chips prove vegetable-based snacks don’t have to sacrifice taste. Ancient grains, seeds and prebiotic-packed tiger nuts give the chips a hearty crunch, and nutritional punch—each bag contains 1.5 cups of organic leafy greens. While Forager Project is known for their chips, their plant-based cheeses—think, queso fresco and mozzarella—and cashew milk frozen desserts, are perfect for summer cookouts too.

Plant Provisions Plant-Based Deli Slices

Unlike most mock meats, these vegan deli slices use vegetables as the star ingredient, resulting in a nutritious, umami-rich bite. Carrots meet smoked paprika in the Chipotle Chili, the Smokehouse combines sweet beets with spicy black pepper while the Tuscan evokes the Mediterranean with roasted red peppers and tomato. Containing seven grams of protein per serving, all three flavors make unique, satiating upgrades to cookout charcuterie boards and summer sandwiches.   

Vegan Rob’s Whole Grain Sorghum Puffs

From zesty Spinach Puffs made with protein-rich nutritional yeast to spicy Dragon Puffs infused with probiotics to Turmeric Puffs seasoned with the anti-inflammatory spice—these sorghum-based puffs set a high bar for plant-based snack options. The potato crisps, made with vitamin-packed nutritional yeast, are equally as healthy and addictive. As is their popcorn—available in unique flavors like Oat Butter, Sea Buckthorn and Curcumin.

Impossible Foods Burger Patties

These plant-based burgers are so convincing, 90 percent of Impossible Foods consumers aren’t even vegans. Made with coconut and sunflower oil, they satisfy grill masters with their juicy sizzle. While the health-conscious will appreciate that each cholesterol-free patty is packed with B-vitamins and 19 grams of protein. Using 96 percent less land and 87 percent less water than ground beef from cows, they’re a cookout choice that benefits the planet too.

So Delicious Fudge Ice Cream Bars

From peanut butter to mint fudge to dipped coconut, this dairy-free brand makes ice cream bars for every craving. And diet preference—with frozen desserts made of coconut, cashew, soy or almond milks, and low sugar varieties too. With thirty years of experience crafting plant-based beverages and desserts, their dairy-free ice cream bars, sandwiches and pints are so rich and creamy, they’re sure to satisfy non-vegans too.

Mary’s Gone Crackers REAL Thins

Made with fresh seasonings, brown rice and chia seeds, these gluten-free crackers serve as the perfect plant-based accompaniment to dairy-free cheeses and dips. But with flavors like chipotle and tomato and basil, they’re a savory standalone snack too. For a nutritional boost, opt for their Super Seed Crackers which combine pumpkin, sunflower and poppy seeds to deliver five grams of protein and a hearty dose of fiber.

Barnacle Foods Alaskan Amber Beer BBQ Sauce

This small business based in Juneau, Alaska celebrates the coastal state, and the planet, by crafting umami-packed sauces, pickles, salsas and seasonings with local, sustainably sourced bull kelp as the central ingredient. Endemic to the waters of the North American West Coast, bull kelp is unique for its crisp, briny taste; high concentration of vitamins and minerals; and low environmental impact—it requires no farming inputs and absorbs carbon from the ocean. Infused with Amber Ale from Alaskan Brewing Co., this new smoky, sweet condiment might be the world’s most planet-friendly barbecue sauce.

Very Good Butchers A Big Box of Plant-Based Meat

Made with a variety of vegetables, spices and grains—think, black beans, dried shiitake mushrooms and tahini—The Very Good Butchers meat alternatives deliver some serious umami. From ribs to burgers; sausages to pulled pork, Very Good Butchers has created a convincing version of all the barbecue standards. They even make a juicy mock steak. Plus the classic charcuterie cheeses—like cheddar, gouda and pepper jack—made from nuts instead of cow’s milk.

Coconut Bliss Ice Cream Pints

From Banana Brownie to Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate to their newly reformulated Cookie Dough, Coconut Bliss makes a coconut milk pint for every craving. The dairy-free brand also uses their sustainably sourced organic coconuts to make indulgent vegan treats like Coconut Almond Crunch Bars and Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches. New single-serve “Cups of Joy”, available in Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate, are convenient for socially distanced parties while their Soft Serve Mix will appeal to bakers and families looking to get creative in the kitchen.

Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds

If anyone knows how to transform plants, it’s the creator of the Beyond Burger, chef Dave Anderson. He’s designed these puffy snacks to mimic pork rinds, using rice and pea protein as the base. Available in five classic flavors, like Salt & Vinegar and Hella Hot, each bag provides 25 grams of protein and 75 percent less sodium than your typical pork rinds. Dairy-free Take Out Meal-In-A-Bag Puffs—made with vitamin-rich plants like kelp, kale and shiitake mushrooms—are equally as addictive and nutritious.

Grounded Hemp Seed Cheese

Created by award-winning chef Shaun Quade and restaurant critic Veronica Fil, it’s no surprise Grounded stands out from its vegan cheese competitors. The first of its kind made with fermented cauliflower and omega-rich hemp seeds, Grounded cheese is not only more nutritious than many nut-based alternatives, but better for the environment too. The American-style cheese sauce elevates burgers, hot dogs and nachos, while the garlicky goat cheese makes a refreshing addition to salads and charcuterie spreads.

Omsom The Vegan Set

From Vietnamese lemongrass barbecue to Korean spicy bulgogi—Omsom’s spice blends are all about celebrating the diverse flavors of the Asian continent. The Vegan Set is no exception. Distinct, umami-rich grilling preparations—like Filipino Sisig and Japanese Yuzu Misoyaki—transform any vegetable or plant-based protein into a crowd-pleasing dish.

Silk Heavy Whipped Cream

No summer pie is complete without the whipped cream, and this vegan alternative does not disappoint. Made of faba bean protein and coconut oil, and free of sugar and artificial flavors, it makes a nutritious dairy swap in sauce and soup recipes. But with a texture as fluffy and rich as its dairy counterpart, it’s best used as topping on desserts or added to a cup of coffee.

Daring Chicken

While there are countless mock meats on the market, Daring stands out for texture and flavor that mimics chicken tenders. The Breaded Pieces satisfy crispy chicken cravings while the Cajun Pieces—made with paprika, cumin and chili powder—bring some Louisiana heat to the grill. Delivering 14 grams of protein per serving and free of palm oil and saturated fats, they’re a cookout choice that nourishes both the body and the planet.

Bada Bean Bada Boom Snacks The Classic Box

With 13 addictive flavors, like Everything Bagel and Buffalo Wing, these crunchy snacks are sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. Protein-packed broad beans are the star ingredient, making them a nutritious alternative to your typical party bowl of chips. The Classic Box delivers fan favorites like Sweet Sriracha and Mesquite BBQ while the Game Day Box—containing Buffalo Wing, Jalapeno Popper and Nacho Cheeze—will appeal to the sports crowd.

DADA Daily Let Us Entertain You Board

Summer cookouts are made luxurious with this limited edition charcuterie board. Oscar de le Renta designer Laura Kim has selected unique condiments, like Tennessee Black Truffle Honeycomb and Wadaman Golden Sesame Paste, to pair with DADA Daily’s signature vegan snacks, like honey glazed cocktail nuts and “cheesy” cauliflower popcorn made with nutritional yeast. Presented on an elegant piece of Maplewood, it’s a chic statement piece that will inspire dinner parties all summer long.

Lesser Evil Veggie Sticks

This plant-based food company swaps refined oils for coconut oil, avocado oil and ghee; and whole grains for flour from coconuts and cassava, resulting in tummy-friendly snacks that nourish the body. The Veggie Sticks are one of their most nutritious—made with nutrient-packed vegetables like pumpkin, spinach and broccoli. Paleo snackers will love the grain-free Paleo Puffs and Power Curls, but it’s the Organic Popcorn Lesser Evil is known for. With seasonal flavors like Watermelon Hibiscus and Lemonade, it’s no surprise it’s a cult-favorite.

Akua Kelp Burger

While many plant-based burgers rely on soy or wheat gluten as the source of protein, this burger is made with regeneratively farmed kelp, making it the first carbon-negative burger in the world. Seaweed is blended with cremini mushrooms, tomatoes and spices for a toasty mouthfeel; while nutritional yeast and coconut amino acids deliver protein and healthy fats. Akua’s kelp jerky—available in flavors like Maple BBQ and Spicy Chili & Lime—make unique plant-based snacks too.

BeyondChipz

Made with pea flour, these aptly coined “torpillas” make a satisfying, high-protein alternative to your traditional chips. The Plain ‘Ol Tasty and Salty Good serve as the perfect vessel for plant-based dips, while the five other party classics, like Bada BBQ and Whole Lotta Nacho, make flavorful standalone snacks. Whatever you choose, each bag delivers 13 grams of protein and healthy fats from flax, pumpkin and chia seeds.

Enspice Chipotle BBQ Seasoning

While many barbecue seasonings are filled with toxic chemicals, Enspice blends contain nothing but nutrients. With vitamins and minerals sourced from organic plants—like kelp, chlorella and mushrooms—each unique seasoning gives a nutritional boost to grilled proteins and side dishes. Made with honey, chili and paprika, the Chipotle BBQ makes a sweet, spicy coating to plant-based burgers while the Cape Cod adds some cayenne heat to imitation fish.

OZO Plant-Based Burgers

This plant-based protein company ferments pea and rice protein with shiitake mushrooms to ensure the nutrients of their iron-rich burgers are easily absorbable by the body. While OZO’s signature plant-based burger is a classic, their newest pre-seasoned burger infuses the flavor of applewood for a smokey finish. The Italian Style Meatballs, Breakfast Sausages and the Plant-Based Ground make satiating meat alternatives too.

Elmhurst Soft-Serve Oat Milk Ice Cream

It wouldn’t be summer without soft serve. Free of added gums, fillers or preservatives, Elmhurst replaces the dairy with oat milk resulting in a creamy, nutritious soft serve that’ll satisfy vegans and meat-eaters alike. Available in vanilla or chocolate, these shelf-stable mixes require no additional ingredients—all you need is their compact ice cream maker, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

Treats From The Earth Keto Buns

Known for making delectable vegan sweets, like Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Dairy-Free Wild Blueberry Cheesecake, this family-run business is an expert when it comes to plant-based baked goods. These keto-friendly buns are one of their most nutritious creations. Containing seven grams of protein per serving, they swap traditional flour for psyllium husk, pumpkin seeds, coconut flour and almond flour, for a hearty, fiber-rich alternative to your typical burger buns.

Beyond Meat Beyond Burger

Now sold extensively in chain restaurants and grocery stores nationwide, Beyond Meat Burgers are arguably the leading plant-based burger on the market. It’s no surprise—Beyond Meat is constantly innovating to make their burgers not only meatier, but healthier too. The latest iteration delivers 20 grams of protein sourced from peas, mung and faba beans and brown rice, and has more iron and less fat than its animal beef counterparts. While the Beyond Burger is a fan favorite, the Beyond Sausage and Cookout Classic are perfect for summer grilling too.