In this list of 33 gift ideas, sort through the different categories based on your loved one’s interest: We have items for the foodie who would rather whip up a homemade meal in the kitchen than order takeout; gifts for the fitness enthusiast who’s motivating you to be your healthiest; the perfect present for the eco-lover whose mission is to help save the planet; and the person whose side hustle is self-care and wellbeing. And of course, there are gifts for the world traveler in your life who texts you from different locations around the globe. For fun, we added a splurge category for the person who you want to their jaw-dropping reaction when they open the most amazing gift from you.

Gifts For the Foodie in Your Life

The foodie in your life appreciates experimenting with new sauces to spruce up their spicy rigatoni, as much as a fine vintage to complement their main entrée. You can never go wrong with something that makes spending more time in the kitchen a creative endeavor.

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1. Caraway Cookware Set

This year, give the gift of a cookware set that includes a frying pan, a saucepan, a sauté pan, and a dutch oven to the foodie you love – who has many dishes on the stove at once. This set allows them to cook pasta at the same time as the vegetables and sauces are simmering. They’ll be sure to appreciate Caraway products for their high-end ceramic-coated cookware. The coating means that even the toughest foods don’t leave a stain and the burners won’t have a chance to discolor these beautiful pots and pans. The best part: they are completely free of chemicals and heavy metals so your food will be too. Plus these pots and pans look sleek and the tops fit into an organizer that hangs on the inside of the cabinet.

The Caraway Cookware set is $395 down from $495.

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2. Marcato Pasta Extruder

Give the gift of a family memory or a memorable dinner with the fine, high-quality Marcato pasta extruder, made in Italy. The foodie in your world will appreciate making gnocchi, fusilli, and more from scratch with this easy tool, that lets you make your pasta gluten-free or whole wheat, egg-free and allows you to experiment with dough that is made with spinach, pumpkin, and other healthier additions you like. On the card, tell them that you need to be invited to pasta night.

The Marcato pasta extruder sells on amazon for $291.

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3. Della Vite Vegan Prosecco

Cheers to you, and your favorite foodie, and everyone else at your table, for putting the finishing touches on a whirl-wind year. Toast each other with this high-end vegan prosecco made from the grapes from Treviso in Northern Italy and launched by the three Delevingne sisters – Cara who you know as the supermodel and her siblings Poppy and Chloe – whose taste in everything from fashion to vino is completely trustworthy. The foodie in your world will appreciate this clean and light bubbly to complement their entreés served at the holiday get-together. With every sip, you’ll want to sit a little taller with your pinky lifted.

The Della Vite Vegan Prosecco is $31.

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4. Truff Hot Sauce

Show your foodie that you know what’s hot – with a gift from Truff’s high-end collection of vegan and gluten-free hot sauces. This hot sauce sets itself apart from the rest by being a high-end package that features special surprise flavors like white truffle-infused hot sauce, black truffle-infused hot sauce, and hotter hot sauce. That one will make their head spin, in the best way. After all, having new exotic ingredients to cook with is a foodie’s paradise.

This gift set of three Truff Hot Sauces sells for $77.99

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5. Nespresso Machine

We all want the best of the best for the foodie on your list, and a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning is one of the small but mighty pleasures in life. They can always count on their  Nespresso machine to serve up their choice of espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee and alto in a jiff. Or for the tea lover, just press a button and sip your favorite tea. Another bonus: this beautiful design elevates your kitchen decor.

This Nespresso machine is $159.

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6. My Vegan Wines Club

Give the gift that keeps on giving with a subscription to My Vegan Wines Club, an online club that delivers vegan wines and cheeses to your foodie’s door. Select your different wines – from a light body, full-body, red, or white – based on your loved ones’ preferences. Then the club will send out a dairy-free cheese selection paired with the wine you have selected.

A subscription to My Vegan Wines Club starts at $164 for wine or $208 for a cheese subscription, but the website offers choices so you can decide how generous you want to be.

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7. Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven

There’s nothing like a homemade pizza baked over charcoal in a wood-fired oven. Even a non-foodie knows how good it tastes. This year, give the gift of the Ooni Koda outdoor pizza oven, so your foodie can serve up Neapoiltian pizzas (with vegan mozzarella – if that is their preference. This is a great deal for your loved ones, and drop the hint that you are hoping to be among the first dinner guests.

The Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven is $349.

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8. Miami Fruit Subscription

Give a mysterious gift (in a good way) with a subscription to Miami Fruit. Each month, or week if you want that frequency, the foodie on your list will receive on their doorstep exotic, unique fruits native to Miami, the tropics, and the Caribbean islands. Not only is this an exciting education, but it’s also a guessing game. And your foodie will love making new dishes out of these tropical fruits.

A subscription to Miami Fruit starts at $77.

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9. Food 52’s Five Two Good Measure Pastry Mat

The foodie on your list knows that the most important thing about baking is precision: A puff pastry baked to perfection comes down to exact measurements. The Five Two Good Measure Pastry Mat assists your baker with its diameter guides, ruled edges, and conversion charts  – which make it easy to convert metric to Imperial for any liquid, weight, temperature, and even butter (vegan that is).

The Five Two Good Measure Pastry Mat is $25.

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10. Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Recipe Board

Since your foodie is plant-based or headed in that direction, gift them a cutting board engraved with their favorite vegan recipe – or create one with your favorite family traditional holiday recipe but made over as vegan. Lovely touch: You write it out so the handwriting is also customized. So if your grandmother’s handwriting is special to you it gets preserved. Personalized gifts are always the most meaningful.

The Personalized Family Recipe Board is $100.

Gifts For The Fitness Enthusiast

If your loved one runs circles around you, or can’t skip a gym day, this is the list to shop from. We rounded up the best items for the fitness enthusiast – from a new pair of running sneakers to boost performance, to a new athleisure outfit designed by a tennis pro. Okay, it’s Venus.

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1. No Bull Running Sneakers

The fitness guru in your world will thank you twice for a pair of vegan No Bull sneakers that are comfortable, have a strong grip, attractive, and most importantly, made with vegan-certified materials. No Bull is a community-driven brand with a dedicated blog so your loved one can feel part of a team. It’s important to upgrade sneakers after every 400 miles to avoid injury so give the gift that helps boost performance and stay healthy.

No Bull sneakers cost $139.

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2. Eleven By Venus

Plant-based athlete Venus Williams founder of Eleven by Venus, describes her diet as “chegan,” meaning mostly vegan with some cheats. Her workout attire is completely vegan, affordable, comfortable, and chic. This holiday, give the gift of Williams’ favorite sporty leggings and matching tank to the fitness enthusiast on your shopping list who will match with the superstar athlete.

Spinning Retro Sports Midi Tank In Classic Kelly Combo Eleven by Venus, is $84.

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3. Tangram SmartRope Jump Rope

Every athlete knows how important it is to track progress and SmartRope LED-embedded jump rope displays fitness data mid-air. Your fitness enthusiast can track progress with every jump and keep track of their performance over time.

The Tangram SmartRope Jump Rope is $79.95.

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4. Theragun by Therabody

It may be hard for your fitness junkie to step away from their workouts, but they sure do appreciate a relaxing massage, especially on their hard-to-target tense or sore areas. The Theragun by Therabody is the self-massager that your fitness enthusiast will bring anywhere to work out the knots and kinks, as well as help them relax after a long day.

The Theragun Pro is $599.

For the Eco Minded

We stand with and support eco-minded and humanitarian consumerism and respect anyone who only accepts gifts that are sustainable, conscious of the environment, or gives back to a cause that supports the planet, animals, and people. Here are items specifically for them.

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1. XL Market Tote from FEED

When you purchase a gift from FEED, you automatically donate necessary meals to children who need it the most, both stateside and overseas in food-insecure communities. We love the fact that the website displays the exact number of meals that get donated based on the product you purchase. This XL Market Tote donates 50 school meals to help feed children and keep them in school. Founder Lauren Bush has expanded from bags to accessories such as cashmere socks, slippers, and beanies, as well as coffee and other items. Coming soon: the FEED Home Collection which has beautiful artisan objects such as salad bowls and servers. Get on the waitlist now to shop the minute this collection drops and you can buy things for your eco-minded friend or any hostess.

The XL Market Tote from FEED is $148.

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2. Hydroponic Garden by Gardyn

Growing food at home lowers your meal’s carbon footprint by eliminating shipping. This holiday, give the gift of a Hydroponic Garden that makes it possible to grow and harvest just about any kind of greens, herbs vegetables, or even certain fruits in your own home. This planter has a convenient automatic watering and lighting system (which may not even be necessary if you live in the southern US). This is the gift that really keeps on giving.

The Hydroponic Garden by Gardyn is $699, down from $899.

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3. Give a S**t Zero Waste Starter Kit by Package Free

The Give a S**t Zero Waste Starter Kit is a recent launch by Package Free started by Lauren Singer who is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and blogger in the zero-waste movement. The 7 items in this bag helped Lauren start her own zero waste journey and include products that eliminate the need for your most common single-use plastics.

This Kit Includes:

• #Giveashit Tote
• 6 oz. Mason Jar with Lid
• Reusable Bamboo Cutlery Set
• 16 cm Package Free Airtight Stainless Steel Container
• Package Free Bamboo Toothbrush
• 8.5″ Package Free Stainless Steel Bent Straw in Silver
• Vegan Food Wrap Variety Pack

The Give a S**t Zero Waster Starter Kit is $70.

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4. Conscious Step

For the eco-minded person on your shopping list who’s on a mission to reduce their carbon footprint, give the gift of comfortable socks by Conscious Step. These socks let them make their footprint count: Choose which cause your socks to support, including animals, biodiversity, mental health, or the environment. They will love the fact that every step they take is in socks that are helping to save the planet.

The 3-sock box set from Conscious Step is $34.95 and one box equals 30 trees planted.

For the Wellness Warrior

For the person who loves yoga, self-care, and any kind of wellbeing practice, we have you covered with gifts they’re sure to love and use on the regular. They will love the water infused with herbs that they can make themselves and the ayurvedic mat dyed with plants, and more.

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1. Beast Health Blender + Hydration System

Infused water is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to drink more, and to ensure optimal hydration. The Beast Health Blender + Hydration System is a duo like no other. The blender mixes the herbs, citrus, and any other superfood ingredients that you want to infuse your water with, Then add this mix into the water filter to create your end result: Freshly made infused water. We’re positive the wellness guru on your list will take this bottle to yoga, and everywhere else.

The Beast Health Blender + Hydration System is $185

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2. Super Charge Dry Brush by Higher Dose

To the wellness junkie who’s always looking for natural remedies to boost health and wellbeing, Super Charge Dry Brush by Higher Dose is the perfect gift to help them increase energy and boost circulation and promote relaxation. The concept is simple: Brush the skin with the ion-charged bristles to wake up your senses which helps heal and soothe the body.

The Super Charge Dry Brush by Higher Dose is $59.

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3. Bennd Yoga Ayurvedic Mats

Your wellness-obsessed loved one knows the importance of regular stretching for a healthy body and mind. They probably already have some kind of mat and their favorite ritual but the Bennd Yoga mat takes this to a new level. Made from 100 percent natural, non-toxic materials that are hand-loomed and medically dyed with plants and herbal remedies, these ayurvedic mats will become a new favorite part of your loved one’s practice.

The Bennd Yoga Ayurvedic Mat is $190.

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4. Loftie Meditation Alarm Clock

1. Louis Vuttion Charlie Sneaker – Vegan

Give the gift of the least expected item, a Louis Vuitton shoe that’s completely vegan. The shock will be that its the luxury fashion house’s first-ever vegan shoe. The limited-edition Charlie sneaker is made with 90 percent sustainable material: The top part of the shoe is crafted with a mix of recycled, bio-based material made from corn and the outside of the shoe is made from recycled rubber.

The Charlie sneaker by Louis Vuttion sells for $10,000. A collector’s item!

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2. The Cannondale Adventure EQ Bike

Here’s the splurge that will go the distance … pun intended. The Adventure EQ electric bike is one of the most popular gift items this year and is fully equipped for modern life with its self-powered Dynamo lights, folding pedals, and collapsable stem, as well full-coverage fenders, a rear rack, and of course, its 400Wh battery.

The Adventure EQ Bike from Cannondale sells for about $1,150. Check their website for local dealers. 

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3. The Ranch Malibu

Treat your loved one with a week’s stay at The Ranch Malibu, a retreat focused on plant-based living, offering guided fitness classes, wellness support, calibrated nutrition, and other programs that help optimize health. And, don’t forget to hint-hint that you need to be their plus one.

The rate of 1-week at The Ranch Malibu is $8,600.

The post Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The 33 Best Gifts for Vegan, Eco-Minded Loved Ones appeared first on The Beet.

Think of BOU as your kitchen hack that helps you make any meal into a feast since sometimes the only thing you can think to add to your veggies is salt. But now you can choose from a lineup of flavor-filled cubes to throw into the pan with some water for any time you want to add flavor to a dish or meal, pump up the micro-nutrients and transform an “eh” soup into a “wow” supper.

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“Part of what we are doing is educating consumers,” said BOU founder and former Barclay’s Bank analyst Robert Jakobi, who started the company because he and a partner saw a need for an updated version of the classic bouillon flavor cubes. His previous endeavor was a successful venture, Metcalfe’s Skinny Popcorn, a London-based company that grew 200 percent in revenue from 2011 to 2014. Jakobi and co-founder Julian Metcalfe sold the company to Kettle Chips and it is now owned by Campbell’s. He and his partner Kunal Kohli decided to launch a healthier version of traditional bouillon in 2017 and closed a round of financing in 2018 of just under $5 million, betting on the promise of healthier cubes with “no artificial ingredients” to appeal to a generation of health-minded eaters to drive sales.

BOU is a new kind of food company, offering flavor with benefits

The latest entry into the healthy plant-leaning food sector–that has seen 23 percent of Americans choosing to eat more plant-based foods for their health and the planet–BOU cubes are marketed to anyone who wants to cook healthy meals full of flavor and healthy nutrients, but without all the bad stuff. Choose their plant-based options like their real mushroom gravy cubes, or the Indian curry spice cubes, or roasted garlic flavor cubes, or vegetable broth cubes. Keep them on hand for when you need to win at dinner, and be the hero in the kitchen.

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You can find these little plastic-jarred wonders on the shelves at most major retailers, from Whole Foods to Wegmans, Krogers to Stop & Shop, nestled next to the traditional bouillon cubes that contain animal products like chicken or beef. But skip those since these have all the flavor and no artificial ingredients. You’re getting a caloric bargain for the taste, since most  BOU cubes only contain less than 20 calories, slim to no fat, and deliver micronutrients like folic acid (in the mushroom gravy cubes) and calcium and potassium (in the roasted garlic and Indian curry cubes) and just the right amount of sodium to make vegetable-based meals taste like a delectable, savory feast.

Bouillon has come a long way, baby

Boullion started during the latter half of the 18th century when, like all things innovative, there was a shortage of meat and nutritious ingredients to feed soldiers. Count Rumford (1753-1814) an American born physicist, invented and mass-produced a fully nutritious, solidified stock of bones, meat by-products, and other inexpensive yet flavorful ingredients to feed to the Duke’s army. This is what eventually became the bouillon cube, popular for generations.

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The post The Unsung Hero of A Plant-Based Diet: BOU Bouillon Cubes for Healthy Flavor appeared first on The Beet.

If you haven’t already subscribed to your two weeks of clean eating newsletters and downloaded the app, do it now! You’ll get 56 recipes (breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners plus clean-eating desserts!) for the next 14 days.

Read on for your healthy shopping list of plant-based staples and important ingredients to get ready to cook and eat clean for the next two weeks. We promise that you’ll emerge from this period feeling and looking amazing! Here’s everything you need to make it happen!

Stay well, get even healthier and you’ll receive your first email newsletter on Monday,  March 16th.

Get the app for bonus content — our exclusive clean eating desserts (yes it’s possible to have healthier, delicious desserts) that will come to your phone every day. The Beet app already sends our Recipe of the Day alerts, which are our more popular notifications. Join now and get everything you need to eat clean,  straight to your phone.

Your 2 Week, Clean-Eating Shopping List:

The post Week 1 Shopping List For Your 2 Week Clean Eating Plan appeared first on The Beet.

When reading the ingredients, know this: Coconut butter is dairy-free and vegan! If you’re looking at a product that doesn’t specify whether it’s vegan, stay away from Milk Chocolate, of course, and many other sweets that have “cross-contact” with dairy. When in doubt, it’s best to do a quick search to know for sure if there are animal products in the ingredients.

Here, The Beet rounded up the best chocolate treats to buy this V-Day. For desserts to make (all you ambitious Valentines) check out our Recipes category for sweets to bake up this week. Enjoy. And remember, love is in the heart, not the gift.

1. No Whey! Foods Signature Truffle Collection

This box of 15 truffles will wow them with its taste and presentation, including 5 flavors — from Milk Fudge to Salted Caramel, Grand Marnier, Coffee, and Rasberry. These are Gluten Free, Kosher, Allergen Friendly and made with all-natural ingredients.

2. Baked by Melissa Vegan Love Story Cupcakes

Get your office or your honey some vegan cupcakes for V-Day. Baked by Melissa introduced her line of vegan cupcakes last year and mothers everywhere rejoiced– no more worrying about lactose intolerant kids or vegan party-goers who couldn’t partake in the treats! This new edit of Vegan Valentine’s Day cupcakes includes six mouthwatering flavors: Chocolate Vanilla Chip, rich Dark Chocolate Coconut, Magic Cookie, Cinnamon Bun, Strawberry and limited edition Chocolate Dragonfruit (in partnership with Hu Kitchen)! 100% vegan, 100% delicious!

3. Vosges Dark Chocolate Truffle Collection

Exotic chocolate lovers will love this 16-piece dark chocolate collection of truffles, which takes its influence from international influences. Perfect for the dark chocolate lover, this set ranges from 62% to 75% cacao. The creators mixed flavor notes from flowers, roots, herbs, and spices from around the world.

4. Creek House Vegan Organic Chocolate Truffles

If regular dark chocolate doesn’t cut it for you or your loved one, Creek House Chocolate truffles are for you. Available in a 12 piece box or 24 piece box, the chocolate comes in 4 flavors: Berry Berry, Chili Mango, Creamy Hazelnut and Dark Espresso. These unique truffles are creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

5. Lake Champlain Vegan Chocolate

Go the extra mile and get Lake Champlain’s Vegan Chocolate basket which has a dark chocolate coins, nonpareils, bars, and even hot chocolate! The bars come in a combination of flavors like raspberry and dark chocolate, spicy Aztec dark chocolate and sea salt & almonds dark chocolate bar. This basket is perfect for the real chocolate lover out there who has never found a sweet chocolate treat they didn’t like.

6. HU Kitchen

HU Kitchen has the biggest selection of vegan chocolate bars you can find in store. Whole Foods carries these chocolate bars in six flavors: Almond Butter + Puffed Quinoa, Cashew Butter + Vanilla Bean, Hazelnut Butter, Orange Dream Vanilla Cashew Butter, Salty, Simple, Crunchy Mint, Vanilla Quinoa Qrispy. Can’t decide which bars are suitable for your partner? Order all six flavors in a bundle off HU Kitchen.

7. Maxine’s Heavenly 

If truffles and chocolate don’t hit the spot, these cookies will. Maxine’s Heavenly Cookies are plant-based, gluten-free and soy-free making this a healthier Valentine’s Day treat. These soft cookies come in a few flavors like Chocolate Chocolate Chunk, Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk. You can find these guilt-free cookies on Amazon.

The post Vegan Chocolate to Buy for Valentine’s Day for Your Plant-Based Loved Ones appeared first on The Beet.

These items are so delicious and pleasing to your taste buds, even your pickiest eater or most doubting guest will be pleasantly surprised as to the flavor and real meat or dairy like the texture of these items.

We have to admit, we serve the Gardein Meatless Meatballs to everyone who comes over, and low and behold they are not hooked — even those who are not practicing a plant-based lifestyle.

Check out these guides to some of the biggest stores in the country, then please go to The Beet Meter and enter your ratings and reviews to the products there. Don’t see something you love or would recommend? Just send us a comment (here or at info@thebeet.com) and we will get a Beet Meter up and running to rate the packaged good on Taste, Health and you’ll be able to add your review there too! The Beet is here for you. Let us know what we should add to this list and we will do it, pronto!

Here are the 7 Best Vegan or Plant-Based Items to Pick Up at BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Here are the 9 Best Vegan or Plant-Based Items to Pick Up at Target.

Here are the 8 Best Vegan or Plant-Based Items to Pick Up at CostCo.

Here are the 15 Best Vegan or Plant-Based Items to Pick Up at Trader Joe’s.

Coming Next: Your guide to shopping Erewhon Market, Los Angeles’ best natural foods emporium. What do you like to buy there?

The post Your Guide to the Best Items to Shop for When Going Plant-Based or Vegan appeared first on The Beet.

Whole foods, plant-based meals require daily prep to turn an abundance of produce into mouth-watering meals. From appliances to meal storage, the right cooking equipment and prep-ware will simplify your meal prep and keep your food fresh for maximum flavor. Make sure your kitchen is up for the challenge with this collection of tools that will set you up to handle any plant-based recipe.

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1. High-Powered Blender

A powerful blender is a plant-based meal prepper’s best friend. Beyond smoothies, your high-powered blender is a one-stop-shop for creating healthy and delicious nut butters, soups, dips, batters, dressings, sauces and more. From meal time to snack time, this appliance is a must-have for infusing nutritious foods into your meal plan.

If you’re interested in a cheaper option check out the NutriBullet which retails for less than $60.

2. Food Processor

Mix, chop, slice, shred, knead, emulsify and puree with this go-to kitchen companion. The durability of a food processor allows you to power through any prep task—from slicing garlic to shredding cabbage. When it comes to size, the bigger the better for your processor so you can prep more in less time.

3. Sheet Pan

The possibilities are endless with a sheet pan in your kitchen. From roasting vegetables to baking tofu and homemade granola, a sheet pan (or two!) is essential for homemade, nutritious food. They are also essential for simple and delicious sheet pan meals—an easy solution for a quick and healthy dinner.

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4. Silpat Mats

Skip the cooking spray, pan greasing, and parchment paper with a set of non-stick mats that guarantee easy cleanup. Choose mats made with food-grade silicone and reuse them again and again for all your baking and roasting.

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5. Slow Cooker

This is a busy cook’s dream come true. Use it to handle mealtime on your schedule. Prep dinner the night before or the morning of and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s ideal for creating hearty and healthy stews and soups, but it’s also a powerful workhorse that can cook casseroles, breakfasts, and desserts for you while you tackle the rest of your to-do list.

6. Pressure Cooker

When you’re short on time, it’s the pressure cooker to the rescue. Have dinner ready in half the time with this appliance that adjusts the time, temperature and pressure between fast and slow cooking. Another time-saving helper, it also reduces your meal prep—beans and grains are ready in a fraction of the time if they were cooked on the stove.

7. Scanpans

If you’re focused on healthy eating, take note of your cookware! The patented non-stick coating from this renowned company in Denmark is free of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) a man-made chemical found in most non-stick cookware. The result is a pan that infuses more flavor into your food with effortless clean-up.

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8. Dutch Oven

This is the only pot you need for soups, stews, pastas, and sauces…and you can cook the whole meal and serve it in the same pot straight from the oven to your dining table. It’s a must-have for a healthy kitchen.

9. Spiralizer

This handy tool transforms any vegetable into noodles or rice to create a variety of plant-powered meals. This simple “appliance” makes it easy to eat more vegetables!

10. Chef’s Knife

Don’t underestimate the quality of a good knife! With just this one blade, get everything you need chopped and sliced.

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11. Flexible Cutting Boards

These versatile mats can be funneled or bent to unload chopped ingredients into waiting pots and pans. Keep a variety on hand in different colors so you can use them with different types of foods to avoid cross-contamination. Choose non-toxic, BPA-free boards that are made of anti-microbial material.

12. Glass Containers

Keep an assortment of sizes and shapes stocked in your kitchen so you always have the right storage on hand. Whether you’re meal prepping or storing leftovers, glass containers are the way to go for easy reheating.

13. Reusable Storage Bags

Ditch the plastic bags! Replace them with reusable ones that are better for the environment and your food. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, you can organize your snacks, meal prep ingredients and leftovers easily.

14. Meyers Produce Bags

Keep your produce fresh with these reusable bags that are made with a natural mineral that creates a storage environment that extends the life of fruit and vegetables. They are perfect for all types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs—and can also be used for packing food to go.

15. Mason Jars

These convenient glass jars can be used in a multitude of ways. From organizing your pantry ingredients and packing lunches to storing sauces and dressings, mason jars are essential for meal prep and storage.

The post The 15 Best Tools You Need to Buy for a Healthy, Plant-Based Kitchen appeared first on The Beet.

Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

The standard peanut butter cups on the market may not be vegan, but thanks to Justin’s you don’t have to cut out chocolate if you’re living a vegan or plant-based lifestyle. Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are made from organic dark chocolate, peanuts, and cane sugar. While there are no milk products in these peanut butter cups, you may see “contains milk” on the label. This is because Justin’s is hyper-vigilant about possible cross-contact with their other products that do contain milk ingredients during the manufacturing process, so they want to ensure the safety of those who have dairy sensitivities.

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The Beyond Burger by Beyond Meat

The Beyond Burger put plant-based burgers on the map, and this 100% vegan meat looks and cooks just like beef. And those “marbling specks” you see in burgers that are typically animal fat (and where much of the flavor comes from)? Beyond Burgers have them too, except they are made from healthier-for-you fats like coconut oil and cocoa butter. Plus, The Beyond Burger is also gluten- and soy-free to suit those with other dietary restrictions. With these plant-based patties in your fridge, you can whip up juicy burgers at home to help you get the protein you need, and keep all your-burger loving family members happy too.

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Sweet Earth Burritos

There’s not always time to meal prep for your workweek lunches or cook something at home when you need to be on the go. Prepare for those moments by having one of Sweet Earth’s burritos on deck: both the Tiger Curry and the Breakfast Burrito are vegan. The Tiger Curry is made from lentils, seitan, potatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, and seasoned with a blend of spices including turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom. All you have to do is pop one in the microwave and you’ll have a plant-based meal ready to eat in minutes.

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Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

Love to snack but hate the sluggish feeling that comes shortly after inhaling a bag of chips? Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn snack is free of the fake stuff like flavorings and artificial sugar, and each cup of it has just 70 calories. Certified gluten-free and packed with whole grain energy, this kettle corn makes it easy (and OK!) to mindlessly munch.

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Hellmann’s Vegan Carefully Crafted Dressing and Sandwich Spread 

A sandwich doesn’t feel complete without some type of spread slathered in it. At Target, you can find Hellman’s certified vegan alternative that resembles the creamy richness of mayonnaise—without any of the eggs. (The first ingredient is soybean oil.)  If you’re just starting to eat vegan or incorporate more plant-based foods into your life, swapping your traditional mayo for one like this is an easy way to take start taking those steps.

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Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac Cheddar Flavor

When it comes to the best comfort foods, a warm bowl of gooey mac and cheese is right up there at the top of our list. The mac and cheese of your childhood may not be vegan, but Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac Cheddar Flavor sure is. (We say, “Thank you, Annie.”) With every bite, you can enjoy the “cheesy” goodness you love—and the knowledge that it’s totally plant-based. Along with the fact that there’s no milk and cheese in this box, there are also no artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors. Dig in.

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So Delicious® Dairy-Free Cashew – Salted Caramel Cluster Ice Cream

This dairy-free, “ice cream” uses cashew milk to get its creamy texture, making it a vegan option and nice alternative for all plant-based eaters who may have a lactose intolerance. There’s a ton of flavors out there, but our favorite is the Salted Caramel Cluster that uses pea protein and organic molasses along with a few other natural ingredients to help get that toasty-sweet caramel sauce taste. For more amazing non-dairy ice creams and how we rate them check out The Beet’s Ice Cream taste test and our ratings on The Beet Meter. Then, be sure to take time to rate your favorites on The Beet Meter! We want to see which one wins.

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 Gardein Golden Frozen Fishless Filet

There are beef and chicken substitutes making their debuts on the regular, but say you want to mix things up with a seafood alternative? Gardein is known in the vegan world for their meatless meats and chickens, but their certified vegan fishless filets are a great find at Target. You can fry some up and serve to any fish lovers, with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Or throw them into tortillas for fish tacos, or make a vegan kid-friendly meal the whole family will eat.

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Nestle Toll House Allergen Free Simply Delicious Semi-Sweet Baking Chips

Baking vegan requires a number of ingredient swaps, like chia seeds for eggs (check out our seed story for details) but these vegan baking chips made from real chocolate, organic cane sugar, and cocoa butter actually taste just as good as standard semi-sweet chips. You’ll notice this bag is also labeled allergen-free since they don’t contain any tree nuts, peanuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish, or shellfish. This makes them perfect for your next neighborhood potluck to cover all your bases with different dietary needs and food allergies you may not know about.

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The post Our 9 Favorite Vegan Products at Target appeared first on The Beet.

Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Meatless Tenders: The meat alternatives on the market can be pretty hit or miss, but Gardein doesn’t disappoint with their Seven Grain Crispy Meatless Tenders. These vegan ‘chick’n’ strips are made from a blend of soy, wheat, vegetables and a mix of seasonings that add some serious flavor. Throw them on top of a salad, put them in a wrap, enjoy them with some dip, or include them in a dish entirely of your own creation.

Gardein Meatless Meatballs: Another vegan food favorite of Gardein’s product line can also be found at BJ’s: Meatless meatballs. Similar to its meatless tenders, these are made from soy, wheat, and vegetables so they’re a solid source of plant-based protein. Vegan meatballs make a perfect pair with pasta and tomato sauce, but they also work well in meatless meatball subs or as a crowd-pleasing quick appetizer. (Stick with toothpicks and pair with a tomato sauce for dipping.) They’re an easy, and tasty, way to cut back on red meat without sacrificing the taste or texture.

Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread: This buttery vegan spread offers that irresistible buttery taste but one that is completely created from plants. Light and creamy, it’s delicious on bagels or toasts, but you can also use it to add some rich flavor when frying or baking. (Check out The Beet Meter for the full taste test deets.) As an extra bonus, this smooth vegetable-based spread is free of MSG and contains zero trans fats, so there’s no guilt when you lather it onto your food or use it in your cooking.

Amy’s Organic Lentil Soups: Even if you’ve only been recently eating plant-based or vegan, chances are you’ve run into some of Amy’s products at the grocery store. And if you’ve never seen this brand before, commit it to memory because its lineup contains a number of flavorful plant-based foods, including these organic soups. Made from organic lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes it tastes fresh without the fuss of making soup from scratch. What this soup won’t have are preservatives while also being relatively low in sodium for canned food. Grab a pack of these so you always have a quick, vegan meal at the ready when hunger strikes or you just aren’t in the mood to meal prep.

Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Lavash Bread: Lavash bread is a type of thin, unleavened flatbread that’s great for making wraps. These slices are a fast way of adding more protein into your plant-based diet in addition to getting a dose of omega-3s and whole grains. This means not only will you curb your carb craving in a healthier way, you’ll be getting some anti-inflammatory fats in the process, too.

Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted Green Pea Snack Crisps: Sometimes you just need a crunchy snack. With 70% of this baked product being made from the whole pea, you’ll get plenty of fiber with every bite. And if you’re trying to introduce more plant-based foods into your kid’s diet, these crispy, lightly salted snacks are a nutritious swap for many of those other chips out there as they have less fat and fewer calories. (Though to be honest, we think adults will find them pretty addicting and may not want to share!)

Caramel Naturel Medjool Dates: Dates aren’t just a delicious snack full of antioxidants. They’re also a great way to add a rich, sweet kick to any vegan or plant-based food (or dessert) without having to rely on added sugar. Try throwing a handful of dates in your salad, using them to make homemade energy balls, or adding them to your morning smoothie for a natural, subtle sweetness that doesn’t taste artificial.

Got a favorite plant-based food that you buy at BJ’s Wholesale Club? Share it and we’ll add it to this lineup of options. Email us at info@thebeet.com.

The post The 7 Best Vegan Items to Buy Next Time You’re at BJ’s appeared first on The Beet.

Drinks That Deliver the Caffeine But Leave Out the Dairy

First, let’s tackle the vegan drink options. At Starbucks, you don’t have to settle for a black coffee if you’re staying away from dairy. Instead, you have a few options of plant-based milks: Just ask for your favorite drink without the dairy and add soy, almond or coconut milk in your coffee for some creaminess. If you’re just getting drip coffee, you have to ask for the almond and coconut milk when you order, and it’s an additional 60 cents, but the soy is free and on the same counter as your skim and low-fat options. For all the tea drinkers out there, the Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte with almond milk is a good pick-me-up.

In the cold case, those Evolution Fresh green juices are vegan (Starbucks actually bought the company back in 2011) and we love that they’re a solid non-GMO, organic, healthy, vegan option found at most—if not all—stores.

As of now, the barista-made strawberry and banana smoothies come with plant protein but simply ask them to leave out the milk or Greek yogurt to make ’em vegan. The more complicated orders require you to know that you have a few traps to avoid (like honey or java chips, which aren’t vegan). For a complete list of what to order and what to ask the barista to hold, read this comprehensive guide that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) published last March. Since then, Starbucks came out with plant protein for the smoothies so that is a step in the right direction.

It goes without saying that dairy-based whipped cream should get left off the fancy drinks. Some seasonal drinks are good options, like the Chestnut Praline Latte (with a non-dairy milk). For a list of which of the syrups are vegan (the clear ones) and which are not, like the caramel drizzle, see this excellent piece from UrbanTasteBud, but if in doubt, leave it out.

Quick tip about foaming and plant-based milk choices. Don’t try to make a latte with coconut milk since it won’t foam up nicely. Until Starbucks embraces the oat milk trend, choose soy!

Breakfast at Starbucks: Hold the Meat, Eggs, and Cheese, Plz

Starbucks offers a large variety of breakfast sandwiches, but they all contain either eggs or meat or cheese…or all three. Your best bet? The humble oatmeal—we heart the version with blueberries, since you get an extra kick of antioxidants with your cereal. Ask them to make it with either water or almond milk, since you can get the barista to heat it up for you when you order.

Another option: all bagels sold at Starbucks are vegan, other than the everything bagel which is topped with asiago cheese. As for spreads, ask if they have avocado spread which may be puréed but it’s pure Haas avocado (yep, you can DIY your own avocado toast). Otherwise spread it with almond butter, hazelnut butter or bring your own Tofutti or Violife non-dairy cream cheese for a full meal.

Don’t Just Reach for the Almonds—Ask for Plant-Based Bowls

We love a good packet of almonds as much as the next person, but there are times when you need a little something extra. Select locations have introduced an entirely plant-based bowl option, such as the Vegan Superberry Açaí Bowl, which is pureed fruit topped with granola, coconut and pepitas. Similarly, the Strawberry & Toasted Almonds Overnight Grains are made with coconut milk and are completely plant-based.

Hacks to Vegan-ize Non-Plant-Based Options

If you’re not concerned with the idea of buying boxes with dairy and discarding it then the Protein Box and PB&J Box are good choices, and you can make them fully plant-based once you deconstruct them and remove the cheese; then you’re left with apples, cucumbers, almonds and multigrain crackers. Take the chocolate-covered raisins and Greek yogurt ranch dip out of the PB&J Box, and you’re left with the sandwich, carrots, cucumbers and apple slices, which almost amounts to a meal. 

Bottom Line: Overall, we would head into Starbucks when really in need but definitely wouldn’t run there as a first option. If we were in the UK, that statement wouldn’t be true. Starbucks in the UK has enough plant-based options to provide a full course meal. There you can find everything from vegan sandwiches and wraps to Vegan Mac and Cheese. (#jealous.) Here, we still have a ways to go. Starbucks would not get an A in vegan options, but it wouldn’t get a failing grade either—more like a C+ from us.

Which grade would you give Starbucks’ vegan options? Send in your comments and suggestions for how to eat vegan on-the-go below!

The post Your Guide to Vegan and Plant-Based Options at Starbucks appeared first on The Beet.