We taste-tested the whole crop of healthy plant-based veggie burgers to consider which ones to buy from the lineup of those loaded with clean ingredients such as vegetables, beans, grains, chia seeds, split peas, lentils, sunflower seeds, and even walnuts.

Here are the six best veggie burgers on the market, that are also healthy. Some are from tried and true companies we have loved for years, and the others are brand new. Bring any of these to your next BBQ and let the taste-testing begin!

For all the Beet Meters, check out the best vegan products. 

Overall Winner:

1. Big Mountain Foods Veggie Patty

Veggie Patty by Big Mountain Foods is a female-led business is owned by a mother-daughter team in Vancouver but available at Kroger stores in the US.  These patties are big, thick and taste healthy, with yellow split peas, carrots, green peas, red pepper, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, onion, garlic and flavored with liquid smoke. The texture and consistency are satisfying to anyone who loves a big juicy burger.

2. Dr. Praeger’s Kale Veggie Burgers

Dr. Praeger’s Kale Veggie Burgers are packed with nine vegetables in this powerhouse patty. In addition to kale as the first ingredient, it’s made with onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, corn, red peppers, water chestnuts, zucchini, broccoli and quinoa and plenty of healthy taste! If you want a thicker burger I would suggest adding two to your bun, as they are fairly thin, but they come four to a box so two people can still dine on a single package. Dr. Praeger’s was founded in 1994 with a mission to bring healthy food to everyone. Not all their products are vegan so be sure to read the ingredients before purchasing if you follow a plant-based diet.

3. Hilary’s Root Veggie Burgers

The Root Veggie Burger by Hilary’s is cooked with whole grain millet and a combo of root veggies including beets, carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes. They have a robust thickness also contain ground flaxseed, roasted garlic and turmeric for an added kick. If you have allergies these are perfect for you as they are free from the top 10 allergens. It smelled great while cooking and would appeal to non-vegans that are looking for a healthier option to meat.

4. Gardein Garden Veggie Burger

The Garden Veggie Burger is loaded with healthy ingredients such as roasted peppers, corn, carrots, onions, peas, rolled oats and brown rice. You can actually see the veggies mixed inside and these burgers go great with lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo on a toasted whole-wheat bun.

5. Amy’s California Veggie Burger

Amy’s burger has the same thick texture and feels as meat which is kind of amazing considering it’s made of mushrooms and a whole lineup of healthy vegetables, but perhaps the walnuts are the secret to adding that extra hefty bite. When you grill it, the burger may cook faster than you expect so take it off a little earlier than you might have expected to. This burger has bulgar wheat, onions, celery, carrots, oats, walnuts and wheat gluten and potatoes so stay away if you are allergic to gluten. But everyone else will enjoy it.

6. Gardein Chipotle Black Bean Burger

Made with black beans, brown rice, roasted corn and red and green bell peppers these Chipotle Black Bean Burgers have a slightly Mexican cuisine taste with the authentic chipotle seasoning. The burger tasted a bit dry once cooked, so add extra toppings such as vegan mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato and avocado.

The post The 6 Best Veggie Burgers to Buy That Are Actually Healthy appeared first on The Beet.

When searching for Halloween treats beyond this list, be on the lookout for hidden ingredients such as gelatin (usually derived from pigs) in gummy candies and marshmallows; whey from dairy; beeswax or honey from bees; and carmine, a red pigment from crushed female cochineal insects often still used in red candies. Luckily, alternatives made from vegetables exist and many brands are making the switch. Here are 13 vegan-friendly Halloween treats to indulge in this holiday.

The 13 Best Vegan Candies for Halloween

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1. Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

You won’t miss traditional peanut butter cups because Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups fill those cravings for a chocolaty peanut butter combo. Justin’s are whipped up to a glorious perfection using organic peanut butter and high-quality organic and Rainforest Alliance-certified chocolate. For anyone (like myself) that stopped buying products with palm oil after learning about the plight of orangutans, be rest assured Justin’s uses sustainably sourced palm fruit oil in their cups.

Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are widely available at grocery stores and you can also find them at Starbucks and many convenient stores.

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2. Red Vines Made Simple Cherry

Your Red Vine dreams can finally come true with these Made Simple Cherry twists that use radish extract instead of insects for their vibrant color. This new line of red vines also has mixed berry vines and mini bites in both flavors. Reflect on Halloween from years ago as you indulge in this twisty classic candy. Make sure you purchase the package that says Made Simple on the front, as the original Red Vines still contain Red 40 dye, but it’s great to see the brand moving in the right direction towards cruelty-free products.

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3. Smarties

These accidentally-vegan treasures are sure to spark childhood memories. In Canada, we call them Rockets, but in the U.S. they are called Smarties (it gets confusing because “smarties” in Canada are chocolates like M&Ms which are not vegan). But these colorful bursts of sugary love are hard but chewable candies using a veggie-derived anti-caking agent instead of an animal-sourced agent. The little vegan wafer rolls have been a Halloween staple for over 50 years and are also gluten-free and nut-free for new generations of kids to enjoy.

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4. Enjoy Life Halloween Chocolate Minis

This certified vegan mini chocolate bar is made with rice milk and is also non-GMO, gluten-free, nut-free, and allergy-friendly. They are smooth and creamy which proves (yet again!) that many plant-based kinds of milk can be substituted for dairy milk in a vast assortment of decadent products. Enjoy Life also makes a full-size vegan chocolate bar with rice milk all year round so long after Halloween is over you can still indulge should you choose to.

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5. Annie’s Homegrown Organic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

If you need a momentary break from candy but still want to have a treat these organic chewy oatmeal raisin granola bars by Annie’s do the trick. Made with whole-grain oats and without synthetic colors or artificial flavors, these organic bars are super chewy and kid-approved.

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6. Wholesome Organic Spooky Shapes

Spooky-themed candy isn’t too scary when it’s vegan: Wholesome Organic’s ghostly candy comes in the shapes of a skull, witch hat, spider, and jack-o-lantern. The sweets are naturally flavored and come in cherry, lemon, orange, and strawberry. They are non-GMO and free from artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup. If there are any leftovers from your Halloween festivities they make the perfect surprise snack for kids or a lunch box treat at school.

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7. Sprout Organic Pumpkin Carrot Crinklez Veggie Snack

If you get the Halloween munchies these are a healthy alternative to chips with a pumpkin twist. Created with a combination of organic chickpea flour, rice flour, carrot powder, beets, spinach, and pumpkin, you can easily eat the whole bag. Pumpkin Carrot Crinklez Veggie Snacks are available from Sprouts Farmers Market where you can also pick up raw pumpkin seeds to eat plain or use for pumpkin-themed baking.

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8. Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups

Trader Joe’s is known for having exciting vegan treats so bring extra reusable bags for your loot. These rich and creamy chocolate sunflower seed butter cups are ideal for people avoiding peanuts and tree nuts. Created with sunflower seeds and fair trade dark chocolate it’s the perfect combination to melt in your mouth. They come in two in a pack so you can share the package with a friend, but you can also get a larger pack of mini sun butter cups.

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9. Trader Joe’s Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn

While shopping at Trader Joe’s, pick up a bag (or three) of their Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn. This fall snack is a yummy addition to any Halloween gathering; just use individual bowls for each person. Or when the sun goes downturn on a spooky Halloween movie and dig into this light and crunchy maple-infused popcorn treat.

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10. Squish Vegan Wicked Witches Candies

The vegan line of Squish candies contains no gelatin and these gummy wicked witches will give you something delicious to chew on. With a fruity raspberry taste and a bright blue color, the package comes with three buckets so you can keep one for yourself and give two away to friends. If witches aren’t your thing, Squish has plenty of other vegan candies to choose from such as unicorns, rainbows, sparkling bears, cherry watermelon hearts, sour peach hearts, and a green Matcha flavored alligator with spirulina!

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11. Wholesome Organic Cinnamon Bears

Spice up your Halloween with charming cinnamon gummy bears from Wholesome. They are created with organic fair trade sugar, are non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, and vegan. They also don’t contain any artificial or synthetic colors such as red dye 40 and use blackcurrant and radish for coloring. Rest assured that no bears were harmed in making these tasty little cinnamon treasures.

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12. Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars

If you are on the lookout for chocolate without all the sugar then Unreal dark chocolate coconut bars are the answer. These certified vegan gems are made with only a few sustainable ingredients and are non-GMO and sweetened without corn syrup or sugar alcohol.

Order them online or shop for them at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other grocery stores in the United States.

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13. YumEarth Organic Halloween Lollipops

For lucky number 13 top off your Halloween night with a lollipop. These vegan organic pops are made with simple ingredients and colored with carrot, apple, blackcurrant, radish, or turmeric. The Halloween pack includes mouthwatering strawberry, cherry, mango, and watermelon flavors. These lollipops are allergy-friendly for kids to bring to school if there is any leftover from your Halloween festivities.

For more plant-based products, check out The Beet’s Product Reviews. 

The post 13 Delicious Vegan Halloween Candies and Treats appeared first on The Beet.

So for those days when you simply don’t feel like cooking and are avoiding gluten; you are meeting friends for a socially distanced picnic in the park and they require certified gluten-free options; you are heading out for a spring road trip and want to bring snacks, or you just want a healthier option, this roundup has got your covered. Keep reading to learn more about these delectable cookies, ice cream, cakes, and squares – all of which are vegan and gluten-free.

Editor’s Note: If you have Celiac disease or severe sensitivities or allergies to gluten it’s always important to do your own research about cross-contamination and what products are safe for you to eat.

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1. Flourless Cashew Cookies, Sweets From The Earth

When my son and I switched from vegetarian to vegan almost ten years ago it was Sweets From The Earth that kept our sweet cravings satisfied, especially my chocolate-loving toddler. The company was started in my hometown of Toronto by a passionate vegan woman baking treats out of her apartment. A year later she was creating all sorts of desserts from a small commercial kitchen in the basement of her home.

Sweets From The Earth is now a successful family-owned business with two production facilities; both are plant-based and one is nut-free and the other is wheat and gluten-free. Flourless Cashew Cookies, one of our favorites, is a healthy choice made with only six ingredients including dry roasted cashews and organic tofu. This cookie literally melts in your mouth. Other gluten-free options from the brand include Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bar, Sugar-Free Blondies, and Hello Dolly, a chewy combo of coconut, caramel, and chocolate. In Canada, products are available online and in many health foods and grocery stores, and in the US in select states under the name Treats From The Earth.

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2. Dark Chocolate Mint Cups, Free 2b

Mint-loving chocoholics can rejoice with these indulgent Dark Chocolate Mint Cups by Free 2b, the same company that brought you Dark Chocolate Sun Cups, also vegan and gluten-free. The pack of two can fit in your purse or backpack when doing errands and you want a sweet pick-me-up. Free from the top 12 allergens including peanuts, soy, and corn, these cups make the perfect school-safe snack. Free 2b makes its products in small batches with simple ingredients and without the use of artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, or palm oil.

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3. Double Chocolate Crunchy Cookies, Enjoy Life

If you need a cookie with a crunch to it you will love Double Chocolate Crunchy Cookies by Enjoy Life. Made with buckwheat flour (not related to wheat), it is high in essential amino acids and proteins as well as a good source of iron, zinc, and selenium. They create their own signature gluten-free flour blend by combining buckwheat with other flours in their dedicated gluten-free facility. All their products are non-GMO and certified gluten-free. Although these cookies are totally vegan, not all Enjoy Life items are, so be sure to read the ingredients first if you are plant-based.

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4. Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles, Trader Joe’s

If you don’t live near Trader Joe’s you can order these Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles from Amazon. As their name implies, they are soft and it’s easy to eat several at a time, trust me. They are so good that when I travel to the US  I have brought them back in my suitcase. These chewy sugar cookies dusted with cinnamon are free of wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy, in addition to being gluten-free and vegan. They contain healthy ground flaxseeds and are partly sweetened with date paste and pear juice.

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5. Vanilla Crispy Squares, MadeGood

MadeGood was started by three siblings that wanted to do good in the world through snacks. They support organic farmers and are committed to baking better food while reducing their carbon footprint. If you have kids in school, MadeGood is the perfect snack to send because they are made in a dedicated nut-free facility. They were my go-to snack when my son was younger and it was my turn to send snacks to his soccer teammates. Their treats are organic and contain a serving of six hidden veggies in every snack.

The Vanilla Crispy Squares are a healthy version of the traditional ones with added broccoli, carrots, and spinach extracts. MadeGood also has yummy granola bars in flavors such as Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, and Banana. All products are certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free. They ship to Canada and the United States and are also readily available in many stores.

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6. Healthy Vegan Chocobites, Alyssa’s Cookies

The goal of Alyssa’s Cookies is to make decadent sweets that are high in fiber and good for you. Inspired by an old family recipe and named after their daughter Alyssa, this innovative brand has since struck a deal on Shark Tank and can now be found in several retailers across the United States.

Healthy Vegan Chocobites are non-GMO, low in carbs, made with natural ingredients, and gluten-free. These soft and chewy plant-based desserts are sweetened only with chicory root fiber, made with whole grain oats, contain dried fruits, and are loaded with chocolate goodness.

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7. Salted Caramel Swirl Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Bar, Daiya

Not in the mood for cakes or cookies? No problem! This is easily my favorite Daiya indulgence, and they have many other gluten-free dessert bars to choose from such as Chocolate Fudge Crunch, Espresso Coffee, and Classic Vanilla Bean.

All mouth-watering options are perfect for dessert after dinner with guests or an afternoon treat now that the weather is getting warmer. Salted Caramel Swirl is super rich and creamy with a caramel ribbon throughout the coconut cream and dipped in dark chocolate with fair trade dark chocolate drizzle. In addition to being plant-based and gluten-free, it is also soy-free and peanut-free.

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8. Gluten-free Lemon Poppy Seed, Abe’s The Vegan Muffin

A child named Abe with several food allergies inspired the story of these scrumptious vegan muffins. Abe’s father and uncle started a commercial bakery but Abe, being anaphylactic to many ingredients, couldn’t eat anything they made. This situation inspired the innovative duo to create a line of scrumptious vegan and allergy-friendly muffins called Abe’s.

Gluten-free Lemon Poppy Seed muffins are part of The Abe’s Mom Line and are created using rice flour, rice milk, and fresh lemon zest. Although their facility is not gluten-free, they prevent cross-contamination with disciplined planning and practices, but if you have a severe gluten allergy they suggest speaking with your doctor first.

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10. Chocolate Cinnamon Superfood Coconut Chips, Rawcology

Rawcology is a family-owned and female-founded Canadian business whose mission is to create revolutionary and nutritious plant-powered foods. Their unique lines of Superfood Coconut Chips and Raw Crunch Granolas are raw, organic, and free from top allergens. None of their products contain gluten and they are made in a gluten-free facility. Chocolate Cinnamon Superfood Coconut Chips are a healthy dessert option you can eat right out of the bag, or try them sprinkled on coconut vanilla ice cream. You will satisfy all your chocolate cravings with these coconut chips coated in raw cacao and cinnamon. With only six ingredients they are a healthy dessert choice.

Rawcology is passionate about making products incorporated with superfoods that are not typically eaten in the average diet such as matcha, turmeric, and nutritional yeast (Check out their Smoky Cheeze Superfood Coconut Chips for a savory option), sunflower seeds, and raw cacao powder. Rawcology ships across Canada and the US so you can order raw goodness at the click of a button.

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11. Chocolate Chunk Edible Cookie Dough, Sweet Loren’s

Since we are spending way more time at home these days watching reruns of our favorite shows on Netflix, you may want to indulge with Chocolate Chunk Edible Cookie Dough by Sweet Loren’s. Crafted using a gluten-free flour blend, it’s non-GMO, peanut, and tree nut-free and made with whole grains. Although this gluten-free vegan dessert is definitely a treat to cherish, you can enjoy it knowing there are limited clean ingredients and nothing you don’t recognize. So grab a spoon and eat it straight out of the jar, you earned it.

The post The 11 Best Store-Bought Desserts That Are Plant-Based and Gluten-Free appeared first on The Beet.

Gluten, for anyone unfamiliar with the term, is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye and it exists in most bread, pasta, pizza crust, cereal, and beer. Anyone with celiac disease has an immune reaction that is triggered by gluten but many people avoid gluten because they find it is inflammatory in their digestive system. Rice and corn starch generally do not contain gluten (unless cross-contaminated in the processing plant), and neither do quinoa and buckwheat so gluten-free products often use these or other flour substitutes.

Whatever your reason for seeking out gluten-free snacks, the list of plant-based options includes products that are packed with good-for-you ingredients such as leafy greens, corn, root vegetables, kale, cauliflower, and peas. As far as packaged snacks go, these selections contain something to recommend them, such as extra fiber or whole grains, and are readily available for purchase at your local store or online.

Editor’s Note: If you have Celiac disease or severe sensitivities or allergies to gluten, it’s always important to do your own research and look for labels that warn of possible cross-contamination before deciding what products are safe for you to eat.

For all the Beet Meters, check out the 

Overall Winner:

2. Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted

If green peas were crossed with chips the result would be these lightly salted gems by Harvest Snaps. The baked green pea snack crisps will satisfy your need for something crunchy. The first and main ingredient is legumes and a serving contains five grams of protein. They are light tasting and not too strong making them appealing to all ages.

3. Brads Crunchy Kale Nacho

What makes Brads Crunchy Kale stand out in the world of snacks is they are air-dried instead of baked or fried. This nacho-flavored vegan snack is organic and packs a serious flavor punch. The kale is dehydrated at low temperatures to remove the water and allows them to retain nutrients and antioxidants. They are spicy with a strong zesty aftertaste. They also come in red bell pepper flavor.

4. Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips Sea Salt

You’ll love these chips, made with only five ingredients they use cassava flour which is gluten and grain-free. They are light, fresh, and crispy with just the right amount of sea salt. Their texture is spot on with a clean aftertaste and nothing lingers. Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips also come in vegan, dairy-free ranch.

5. Forager Project Leafy Green Vegetable Chips

The moment you open the Leafy Green Vegetable Chips bag you can smell the spices and see the seeds and grains in each chip. They are certified vegan and super crunchy with an enjoyable texture. They taste healthy and full of goodness. The Cheese Greens are seasoned with non-dairy cheddar and can certainly compete with any mainstream tortilla chips.

6. Love Corn Habanero Chilli

If you love spicy snacks, you will be obsessed with Love Corn’s Habanero Chilli flavor. Consider yourself warned, these corn nuts are fiery. As soon as you open the bag, the smell of corn and spice is strong. These savory roasted kernels is packed with flavor, crunchy, and (made with just four ingredients) they taste healthy. Order a box of 20 from their website or start slowly with a single bag at stores such as CVS. Love Corn also comes in BBQ, Sea Salt, and Salt & Vinegar.

7. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Crisps

Trader Joe’s did it again with their unique gluten-free Cauliflower Crisps. These rounds are super thin and surprisingly crunchy – perfect to dunk into hummus or load them up with dairy-free cheese. They taste healthy and smell great and the texture is spot on with no after-taste.

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