When you go plant-based, you may wonder,  Where could I wake up on Sunday and grab a delicious, fluffy, bagel, slathered in dairy-free vegan cream cheese? Bagel shop owners may look at you quizzically when asked if they carry any non-dairy cream cheese (although many shops in New Jersey and New York carry tofu cream cheese), so if you’re searching for a delicious non-dairy schmear, we’ve tasted the best dairy-free cream cheeses on the market to find the very best vegan cream cheese, ranked for health and taste.

For the most scientific test possible, we set out to a favorite bagel shop and ordered half a dozen bagels to test different vegan spreads: Two everything, two jalapeño, and two cinnamon raisin bagels (all vegan — make sure to double-check your local spot doesn’t add milk or eggs to any recipe)

Cut Out Dairy Products For Your Health

Even though it’s easy to have a soft spot for cream cheese, cutting out dairy products from your regular diet can present significant health benefits. By consuming more dairy, you increase your risk for several diseases or health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and more. For example, regular dairy consumption leads to a 60 percent higher risk of prostate cancer and an 80 percent higher risk of breast cancer.

Dairy also leads to several other chronic conditions or problems such as inflammation and acne. The easiest way to keep your body healthy is to phase out dairy products, and yes, that includes cream cheese. Simply adopting a plant-based cream cheese option to your diet can help you keep your body healthier in your day-to-day life.

READ MORE: 8 Ways Avoiding Dairy Can Benefit Your Health

The Best Dairy-Free and Vegan Cream Cheese Alternatives

In this taste test, we tried Miyoko’s Sensational Scallion Vegan Cream Cheese, Kite Hill Everything Cream Cheese, Violife’s Just like Cream Cheese, Tofutti’s Better than Cream Cheese, and Daiya Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread. ‘

Daiya Plain Cream Cheese Spread

This one was a pleasant surprise; a tangy, creamy spread that did a pretty good job of mimicking the original dairy spread. Surprisingly sweet, as if it had a dash of vanilla in it, this cream cheese is a perfect companion for a cinnamon raisin bagel or anything you want to add a hint of sweetness to.

Calories 60

Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 4.5g

Protein 0g

Kite Hill Everything Cream Cheese

The texture, while pleasantly whipped and spreadable, is grainy, and the everything seasoning got lost within the tub. The taste wasn’t terrible, it just didn’t taste like cream cheese; the texture is more reminiscent of creamy hummus. I still finished this tub by dipping various crackers and bread into it, but it didn’t serve the original purpose on a bagel, although it was quite delicious as a spread on crackers or sandwiches.

Calories 70

Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 2g

Miyoko’s Sensational Scallion Vegan Cream Cheese

While this formula was a little heavier and harder to spread than the others, it was the taste that left something to be desired. Strangely, the most overpowering flavor was a lemony citrus taste, masking even the divine savoriness of the scallions. When I mixed equal parts of Miyoko’s Sensational Scallion with another plain cream cheese it evened out this zingy, acidic taste and was far more pleasant. Next time, I might try to mix chopped scallions into my favorite cream cheese instead of buying this pre-made option.

Calories 90

Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 2.5g

Protein 3g

Philadelphia Plant-Based Original Cream Cheese

When Philadelphia Cream Cheese announced it was coming out with an all-plant-based dairy-free formula I practically leaped at the chance to try it. A family favorite for generations, I was practically raised on it. The taste and consistency did not disappoint. On a bagel or in a recipe (cream cheese frosting anyone?) this is the exact same as its parent brand and you could easily fool anyone. Glancing at the label, I was shocked to see it has 6 grams of Saturated Fat and the first ingredient is coconut oil. If you are eating plant-based to avoid unhealthy heart-disease-promoting foods, sat fat from coconut oil is as clogging as that from animal products like butter. If you’re in it for the planet, animals, or a dairy allergy, this is a great choice for you. Keep it handy all during the holidays and everyone will spread it on with abandon!

Calories 60

Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 6g

Protein 0g

Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese

Tofutti is probably the most widely available cream cheese, so it’s likely the non-dairy cream cheese served in most bagel spots that actually carry non-dairy options.  This spread is muted beige and slightly grainy, and its tofu roots definitely don’t go unnoticed. While this spread is by no means bad, and I would use it in a pinch, there is something about the aftertaste that I’m not sold on. Almost playdough-y, there’s a distinct bitterness that comes through after the bite.

Calories 90

Total Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 4g

Protein 1g

Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese

Trader Joe’s has recently updated its vegan cream cheese formulation this year, and it’s made quite an improvement to the taste of this spread. Thick, creamy, and reminiscent of a block of Philadelphia cream cheese, this dairy-free schmear is a great, affordable vegan cream cheese option. It has a mild flavor and doesn’t come across as too tofu-y. It spreads nicely on a bagel or toast, and benefits from mix-ins like scallions or TJ’s everything bagel seasoning.

Calories 90

Total Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 8g

Protein 0g

Treeline Dairy-Free Herb Garlic Soft French-Style

This is not your average plant-based cheese, or in fact, any cheese. This kind of cashew-based creation elevates any meal and could fool cheese lovers into believing that it’s real dairy cheese. When I gave my friend a slice of a baguette and Treeline cheese, she couldn’t believe it was vegan and we basically finished the entire container in one sitting. This option is one of the best for shoppers looking for a heart-healthy option with only 1 gram of saturated fat per serving.

Calories 90

Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 1g

Protein 3g

Violife Just Like Cream Cheese

Wow. This stuff is the real deal: texture, appearance, taste, and slight inclination to melt. Violife’s Just Like Cream Cheese Original leaves almost nothing to be desired, besides maybe a larger tub. Creamy, smooth, and spreadable, this has none of the grainy texture or watery formulas that other non-dairy cream cheeses often have. Mix in sriracha hot sauce or scallions and this easily becomes flavored cream cheese, or try Violife’s garlic & herbs flavor.

Calories 70

Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 6g

Protein 0g

The Bottom Line: When it comes to comfort foods, it can be hard to find plant-based options that feel like they fill the void left after eliminating animal products. Luckily, our taste buds adapt to a plant-based lifestyle, and things that may have tasted far from similar to their animal-product predecessors end up tasting nearly identical to the “real thing” after 1-2 months of going entirely plant-based.

Want to make dairy-free cream cheese from scratch? Try this plant-based homemade cream cheese recipe. 

The post The Best Non-Dairy Cream Cheeses That Taste As Good As The Real Thing appeared first on The Beet.

If you’re looking to relax, feel a sense of calm, reduce your risk of heart disease, lower your cancer risk, or promote natural weight loss, different types of teas will help you reach specific health and well-being goals. But while all teas are loaded with health benefits, here are exactly the kinds of tea you should be drinking to reach each of the results you seek.

Is Tea Better for You Than Coffee?

First, let’s settle the score –– since there has long been a debate over which is healthier for you: Tea or coffee, and most people stand firmly in one of the two groups, coffee lovers or tea drinkers.

While coffee boasts health benefits from its high levels of antioxidants, the amount of caffeine in a cup of joe can be overwhelming for some people and actually cause jitters, contribute to insomnia, and even trigger feelings of anxiety, research shows.

Tea is significantly lower in caffeine and contains other calming compounds that can offer a powerful antidote to a hectic day, while still bestowing health benefits from phytochemicals in the leaves. When questioning whether tea or coffee is best, it comes down to an individual choice: If the high caffeine content of coffee makes you feel anxious, opt instead for a low-caffeine tea or one that’s caffeine-free.

Both tea and coffee have been found to have numerous health benefits and are associated with lower levels of disease, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and more. As for caffeine content: An average cup of coffee delivers 95 mg of caffeine, whereas the average cup of tea clocks in at 26 mg, or nearly one-quarter less.

A recent study, published in British Medical Journal, tracked nearly 5,000 people with type 2 diabetes and found that drinking one cup of tea daily lowered the risk of dying by 15 percent, and one cup of coffee a day lowered this risk by 12 percent, so the choice is yours.

Loose-Leaf Tea vs. Teabags

When buying tea, whether you prefer to make it in a tea bag or loose-leaf teas, there is little difference health-wise, so it comes down to personal preference. Most people prefer the convenience of tea that comes in tea bags rather than needing a tea strainer for loose blends. The benefit of loose leaves is that they allow you to customize your cup, and reduce any extra waste, making them a more sustainable option.

What is the Best Water Temperature for Tea?

Over-steeping tea allows more of the beneficial compounds of the leaves to enter the water, and maximizes your tea’s health benefits, according to a study published in a 2007 issue of the Journal of Chromatography, but it also can make the tea bitter (and drive up the caffeine). If your whole reason for drinking tea is to gain health benefits, then steep your tea longer, using either loose leaves or a teabag, to allow compounds from the leaves to get released.

The longer you keep the leaves in the water the better for health results unless you overboil the water. When it comes to tea, temperature matters. To maximize the health benefits of your tea, studies say, cold-steep your tea, which requires a longer time to let the leaves sit in the water, known as infusion time, but works to keep the antioxidants active, such as EGCG from green tea. If you want to heat your water, don’t scald the tea, which can damage the beneficial compounds; instead heat it to 106 degrees Fahrenheit for green tea and 200 degrees Fahrenheit for black tea, according to experts at Planet Tea.

What Tea Should You Drink for Certain Health Benefits?

1. Black Tea

Bold-tasting black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis shrub, the same plant that produces green tea, but the leaves are oxidized to produce a darker color. You’re likely familiar with Earl Grey Tea, a kind of black tea flavored with bergamot.

Black tea contains powerful antioxidants and other compounds which have the potential to decrease inflammation and reduce the risk for the onset of chronic conditions, including the onset of cardiovascular disorders and high blood pressure.

Recent research has shown that the antioxidants in black tea have anti-cancer properties and “black tea polyphenol theaflavins perform chemoprotective action against hormone-dependent breast tumors.” Additionally, drinking black tea helps lower blood sugar levels, making it a particularly good choice for people with pre-diabetes.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is well-known to offer a host of health benefits, from lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease to promoting natural weight loss. The main reason green tea has this reputation is that it is the tea highest in Epigallocatechin gallate, or ECGC, a powerful plant compound that has been found to reduce inflammation, lower your risk of cancer and heart disease, and speed up metabolism.

Epidemiological studies have indicated that EGCG carries “metabolic health benefits.” Essentially, the more you drink green tea the better since the consumption of five or more cups of green tea per day appears to have the greatest benefit.

Most diseases can be linked back to chronic inflammation in the body on a cellular level, and green tea has been shown to lower this type of disease-promoting inflammation. Even your immune system is strengthened by drinking green tea since inflammation hampers the immune cells’ ability to fight off infection.

“Green tea has been shown to have beneficial effects against a variety of diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Through cellular, animal, and human experiments, green tea, and its major component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects,” according to a study on green tea’s anti-inflammation properties.

The authors concluded: “Our previous findings have indicated that green tea and EGCG suppress the gene and/or protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related enzymes.”

As if that weren’t reason enough to start pouring your cup of green tea, EGCG has also been shown to boost fat burning, both at rest and during exercise, in lab studies. Meaning just sitting in your chair and drinking green tea all day long will help your body burn fat faster.

Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can boost brain health. “Drinking two to three cups of tea per day provides levels of theanine and caffeine that may improve attention and feelings of alertness,” says Joy Dubost, Ph.D., R.D., head of nutrition at Lipton in an interview with Karen Asp, who concludes that “another study in The FASEB Journal found that the EGCG in green tea may counteract the cognitive damage from a diet high in sugars and fat.”

Is Matcha Green Tea Better Than Regular Green Tea?

Matcha is derived from the same plant as green tea but appears in a more concentrated, bright green powder form of green tea, which creates a rich, earthy taste. While both drinks come from the Camellia sinensis shrub, green tea contains around 25 to 50 mg of caffeine, whereas matcha rings in anywhere between 45 and 60 mg of caffeine, making it a great option for those who want a little more caffeine without reaching for a coffee.

Matcha shares all of the same benefits of green tea: Cancer-fighting, heart disease prevention, and metabolism-boosting, but most matcha drinks are made with sugary sweeteners and full-fat dairy or other additives to make the earthy taste more palatable, which can defeat the purpose of drinking healthy tea in the first place. If you want all the benefits and none of the added calories or fat, drink your green tea straight and unsweetened.

Green tea has been shown to lower the recurrence of breast cancer

Studies in both the lab and humans suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who drank the most green tea had the least spread of cancer.

In a separate study, matcha green tea has been shown to “inhibit the propagation of cancer stem cells, by targeting mitochondrial metabolism, glycolysis, and multiple cell signaling pathways.”

3. Tulsi Tea

Sometimes referred to as “Liquid Yoga” because of the peaceful feeling you get after drinking it, tulsi tea is a potent adaptogen, a proven detoxifier that can rid your system of heavy metals. Tulsi tea also contains eugenol which is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help fight cancer.

One review study found that the Holy Basil herb, also known as tulsi, when brewed as tea has stress-relieving traits due to its antioxidants that can protect your body against some of the most uncontrollable stressors, like environmental pollution.

“Modern research has revealed that tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity, that includes activity against many pathogens responsible for human infections,” researchers have found.

Additionally, there is experimental evidence that tulsi may help in the treatment of various human bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections, acne, herpes simplex, pneumonia, and fungal infections, as well as mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.

4. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea harnesses all of the benefits of ginger root, which is known to help reduce inflammation in the body, turning it into an easy-to-drink beverage that can also help ease nausea and menstrual cramps, aid digestion, prevent chronic disease, and more. The phytochemical ‘gingerol’ gives ginger tea its potent properties and allows you to reap the many health benefits without having to consume large quantities.

“While you would have to eat large amounts of kale or berries to gain nutritional benefits, these small components in ginger are effective in very small amounts,” says Charlotte Traas, board-certified master herbalist and director of education for New Chapter, Inc., in Brattleboro, Vermont in an interview with Karen Asp.

5. Oolong Tea

Oolong is a traditional Chinese blend of tea that falls between green and black tea. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oolong can be a great choice to help promote weight loss.

In a study in the journal Nutrients, researchers found that oolong helped promote natural weight loss and sped up fat burning, separate and apart from the impact of caffeine. Senior author Professor Kumpei Tokuyama concluded that “like all teas, oolong contains caffeine, which impacts energy metabolism by increasing our heart rate, however, studies suggest that tea consumption may also increase the breakdown of fat, independent of the effects of caffeine. We wanted to examine the effects of oolong consumption versus caffeine alone on energy and fat metabolism among a group of healthy volunteers.”

The study had participants sip either pure caffeine, oolong tea, or a placebo, and those who sipped on two cups of oolong per day were found to burn fat even while they slept.

6. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos or ‘redbush’ tea is native to South Africa and contains no caffeine. While this tea has naturally green leaves, the leaves are subsequently fermented to produce the reddish color they are named for. Unfermented rooibos leaves are called green rooibos. Rooibos has been studied for numerous health benefits, especially its anti-inflammatory properties.

Both rooibos and green rooibos were studied to find their impact on liver function, with the authors concluding that “daily intake of unfermented rooibos herbal tea or a derived commercial rooibos supplement may benefit human health by providing the liver with an enhanced antioxidant capacity to reduce damage induced by toxicants.”

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a classic for a reason: This caffeine-free herbal tea derived from the chamomile flower has been shown to boost immune function, making it an ideal hot beverage to drink before bed or while sick.

“Chamomile has been used as an herbal medication since ancient times, is still popular today, and probably will continue to be used in the future because it contains various bioactive phytochemicals that could provide therapeutic effects. Chamomile can help in improving cardiovascular conditions, stimulating the immune system, and providing some protection against cancer,” concluded a study published in Molecular Medicine Reports.

8. Turmeric Tea

The vibrant marigold-colored root is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its high content of the compound curcumin. Turmeric tea harnesses these same benefits to help strengthen your immune system and aid your cells in repairing damage in the body. Look for a turmeric tea that contains piperine, an agent that increases the bioavailability of curcumin and promotes absorption.

According to a 2017 study published in the journal Foods, “Research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and subsequent performance in athletic or active people.”

9. White Tea

White tea refers to a group of teas that are the most minimally processed and have young leaves, making it one of the healthiest teas to drink. White tea has all the benefits of EGCG and more, and one study showed that it helped burn fat cells and prevent the creation of new ones.

To harvest white tea, the tiny leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are picked by hand when the plant is still young and covered with fine white hairs, which gives this drink its name. Each leaf is then withered for 72 hours either in direct sunlight or in a room with a carefully controlled climate.

White tea is actually one of the most potent teas because of the fact that its compounds are left largely intact and not destroyed in heating and processing. White tea is known to protect your oral hygiene, promote weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower bad cholesterol in the body.

One study from 2009 found that white tea extract induces fat burning and inhibits the creation of new fat cells. The author, Marc Winnefeld, leading a team of researchers from Beiersdorf AG, Germany, found: “The extract solution induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells, while also prompting existing adipocytes to break down the fat they contain.”

10. Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea commonly refers to a drink with a base of combined leaves of green or black tea and notes of jasmine blossoms. If you like sweeter drinks, Jasmine tea is naturally sweet and can be a great option in contrast with more bitter teas.

The health benefits of jasmine tea are mainly derived from the base of green or black tea, but fragrant jasmine blossoms are thought to aid in digestion, promote sleep, and act as an aphrodisiac.

11. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea, also known as sour tea, is beloved by many as a go-to Starbucks drink, but the bold red tea offers more than just refreshment and vibrant color.

Hibiscus tea has been shown to help lower blood pressure. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research that looked at the benefits of hibiscus, the authors concluded that “Consumption of sour tea (H. sabdariffa) could effectively lower blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. So if lowering your blood pressure is the goal, add hibiscus herbal tea to your usual treatments.”

Bottom Line: Drink Tea to Prevent Disease and Boost Health

There are so many different kinds of teas that all contain a host of health benefits, so choose tea according to your personal health goals, whether they include better immunity, disease prevention, or weight loss. For better health, any tea is a great addition to your diet.

For more research-backed health content, check out The Beet’s Health & Nutrition articles. 

The post Which Tea Is the Healthiest? The Benefits of the Most Popular Teas appeared first on The Beet.

More and more, consumers want clean, additive-free products, and as organic foods, plant-based dairy, and meat substitutes rise in popularity, so do alcoholic beverages that are free of unnecessary ingredients and chemicals.

Natural wine is a niche yet notable market that’s growing fast, and reds, whites, rosés, and orange wines with no additives are showing up on liquor store shelves and restaurant menus. But what, you may be wondering, does the “natural wine” label mean?

We asked Nick Holman, a natural winemaker and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based natural wine brand General Psychotic Activity for his expert take.

What is Natural Wine?

“There isn’t an actual definition of what natural wine is yet,” Holman explains. “It can also be referred to as low-intervention wine.” Natural winemakers try to do as little as possible to the product between the time the grapes are grown until the time it reaches your table.

“Natural wine is a movement and a method to simplify the process of making wine. In its simplest form, it is grapes fermenting into wine with as little human guidance as possible, and typically with nothing added.”

In contrast to natural wine –– also called ‘raw’ wine –– conventional winemaking allows for all sorts of added ingredients to be used in the fining and making of the ultimate product. Unlike food products, alcohol doesn’t come with nutrition or ingredient labels, which makes it tough to know what ingredients are involved in the processes.

Additives can include sugars, artificial dyes and flavors, and animal and non-animal-based fining agents; and some red wines even contain woodchips to achieve desired aroma and color.

Winemakers are not legally required to disclose what goes into the wine, other than the alcohol content seen on the label. Without regulation, you don’t know how the grapes are grown, or whether any of the potential 70 additives have been used to create the taste and color or to elongate preservation on store shelves.

How Did Natural Winemaking Start?

“After World War 2, it became more common to include pesticides and synthetic chemicals in agricultural practices,” Holman explains. This practice of adding dozens of ingredients grew until the 1970s when winemakers in the Loire Valley of France began to make “minimal intervention” wines.

This French region is still the leader in natural wine production. More recently, as interest in organic food and drinks has grown, there has also been a backlash against the pesticides, herbicides, and artificial additives that get into our food and drinks.

That has given rise to a new “natural” movement in winemaking. “Natural wine starts, ideally, with biodynamic farming practices, which are terribly difficult, so organic farming practices are also used in making natural wine. Native yeast is used to kick off the fermentation process, and from then on, the goal is to do as little as possible to help guide the grapes to become wine.”

Many people ask if there are sulfites in natural wine. Sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation, but conventional winemakers add more to preserve the wine, which is something natural winemakers discourage.

Some natural winemakers add small amounts of sulfur to the wine to help stabilize and preserve it, Holman mentions, but there is debate as to whether added sulfur is considered natural.

“This is where we can see a grey area from the lack of a clear definition,” he adds. Natural winemaking does not filter or ‘fine’ the wine, which is a practice used in conventional winemaking to remove any grit or plant parts that make their way into the wine.

“The natural wine movement is a way for people to connect with each other and be able to know where their wine is coming from, and to understand that each step along the way is environmentally friendly and sustainable,” Holman shares. “To me, the bottom line is that wine should be accessible and something that everyone should enjoy.”

Is Natural Wine Vegan?

“Yes. For a wine to be natural there should be nothing added to it. In conventional winemaking, it is common for winemakers to use egg white, casein, gelatin, or isinglass which all contain or are derived from animal products. It is safe to assume that any specialty shop or restaurant that focuses on natural wine will mostly also serve vegan food.”

That being said, to ensure your bottle or glass of wine served to you at a restaurant is free of animal products, double-check with your sommelier, or look up the rating and review on Barnivore, an online platform categorized by brand of wine, beer, and spirits, and lets you know which alcohol is vegan.

One online retailer, Virgin Wines, recently announced that sales of vegan wine had risen 51 percent in the past two years, increasing from 1.1 million to more than 1.7 million bottles between 2019 and 2021, showing that consumers are increasingly becoming educated about what could be in their wine, and are choosing to opt for vegan, sustainable, or organic versions and skip the additives.

The Difference Between Natural Wine and Organic Wine

Organic wine combines organic farming practices –– so no pesticides, for instance –– with conventional winemaking processes, explains Holman. “That could include the addition of animal products, lab-grown yeasts, gas injections, and other additives.”

By contrast, natural wine uses biodynamic farming with little to no additions at all. “It’s simply fermented grape juice.”

So while all natural wines are organic, not all organic wines are natural. Therefore, while the two may sound similar, natural wine contains fewer additives in every sip than organic wine that is not also natural. If you’re looking for the simplest and freshest wine, opt for natural wine.

Where to Buy Natural Wines

Thanks to the growing consumer demand for natural, sustainable, and conscious foods and beverages, natural wine is becoming more readily available at wine stores and restaurants. France is pioneering natural wine production, and natural wine is most easily found in major cities like New York City and Los Angeles, both of which are quickly becoming burgeoning natural wine hubs.

Your local liquor store likely has a few bottles, but if you’re seeking to sample more, online stores including Raw Wine, Primalwine, and Natural Wine Co. all ship natural wine by the case or bottle directly to your door.

Many trendy restaurants are beginning to add natural wine to their lists. Ask your waiter if they stock any natural wines, so you can taste the difference for yourself.

Bottom Line: To Reduce Sulfites and Additives, Natural Wine is a Great Choice.

Natural wine is increasingly popular among people seeking to avoid additives in their favorite alcoholic beverage, so even if your local store or restaurant doesn’t carry it, ask the employees if they can order a bottle or two from famous winemakers like MicroBio Wines, Partida Creus, or Mas de Gourgonnier.

For more on vegan alcohol, check out The Beet’s Ultimate Guide to Vegan Wine, Beer, and Spirits. 

The post What Is Natural Wine and Is It Better for You? A Winemaker Explains appeared first on The Beet.

Here are all the many reasons to add magical green algae dust into your daily routine, including everything from boosting immune function to sharpening mental acuity and even promoting clear skin.

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a freshwater, single-celled algae that contain photosynthetic pigments in its chloroplast. Although chlorella is similar to spirulina, when we compare their nutritionals, chlorella is higher than spirulina in zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B2, calories, fat, and omega-3 fatty acids. Chlorella contains all nine of the essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and a potent source of phycocyanobilin. Spirulina is also nutrient-dense, like chlorella, and contains 10 percent more protein than chlorella, as well as more copper and thiamine, or vitamin B1. Similarly, it also delivers all nine essential amino acids your body needs for optimal function.

Although both of these algae are extremely nutrient-dense with only minor differences, chlorella has a slight nutritional advantage, with its higher levels of vitamins and fatty acids. Both of these tiny superfoods are great additions to any diet but since they may interact differently with your body depending on your needs, it’s a matter of preference which one you add to your morning smoothie.

As always, consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine.

The Health Benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella

1. Spirulina and Chlorella Contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish are thought of first as the best source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. But guess how the fish get this nutrient? By eating algae! A study that compared algae oil with a serving of cooked salmon found that they each have roughly the same content of Omega-3s, which are essential to supporting heart health, and have been found to lower blood pressure. Omega-3s have also been shown to increase dopamine and keep depression at bay.

2. Spirulina and Chlorella Deliver Essential Amino Acids

There are few plant-based foods that can provide all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs, but spirulina and chlorella both contain all nine. They are Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and valine.

These amino acids contribute to, a host of essential functions in your body such as tissue repair, nutrient absorption, muscle creation, and recovery from injury. You need them, and this is a great way to get them.

3. Spirulina and Chlorella Can Prevent Diseases

Chlorella has been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to one study, due to its carotenoid content and plant sterols. Research has also shown that spirulina may possess anti-cancer properties: In a study of 87 people with precancerous lesions of the mouth, taking a gram of spirulina supplement a day made 45 percent of the subjects’ lesions disappear.

Spirulina can also have promising effects on a range of viruses, according to a report published by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “In laboratory experiments, calcium spirulina, an extract from Spirulina, stopped [the] doubling of HIV virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and influenza virus.”

4. Spirulina and Chlorella Promote Healthy Skin

Spirulina helps facilitate quick cell turnover, which can help your body in the healing process. It can also prevent candida overgrowth, which helps your skin recover from rashes and acne breakouts.

Chlorella contains nutrients that are vital to collagen synthesis, which promotes healthy, elastic, even-toned skin. The chlorophyll in chlorella is even thought to help the body reverse radiation damage, as noted in a recent study.

The Best Spirulina and Chlorella Products

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1. Chlorella Udon Noodles, Sun Chlorella

These chlorella-infused udon noodles are just as nutrient-dense as they are yummy, boasting five grams of protein per serving and 150 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin D. They’re made in collaboration with a renowned noodle company, Ishimaru Seimen, so you can be sure you’re getting top quality noodles.

Prepare them just like you would in traditional soups, stir-fries, or on their own. This is a great way to be sure you’re getting the nutritional benefits of chlorella if you’re someone who would rather not take a supplement. But if you’re someone who would, Sun Chlorella has plenty of those on its website too.

Purchase the noodles on the Sun Chlorella website.

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2. Spirulina Capsules by Vital Proteins

If you’re looking for an easy, vegan way to get your dose of spirulina, these plant-derived capsules from Vital Proteins are a good place to start. Just one serving size contains 80 percent of your daily recommendation for vitamin A.

Purchase the capsules on the Vital Proteins website.

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3. Chlorella Powder Supplement, Sun Potion

If you’d rather buy chlorella in its purest form to add to smoothies, juices, and other recipes, Sun Potion stocks top-quality chlorella that’s 100 percent organic with a 50 percent protein content. Besides using the supplement in food and drinks, Sun Potion suggests trying to mix some powder into your favorite skin masks for a little extra radiance.

Buy it on the Sun Potion website.

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4. Superfood Skin Reset Antioxidant Mask, Youth to the People

Youth The People specializes in synergizing powerful plants into top-notch skincare, and this mask featuring spirulina, microalgae, kale, and spinach is no exception. Customers are raving about the instant, glowy results, and love the creamy texture of this easy skin booster.

Purchase the mask online at Sephora.

For more research-backed health content, visit The Beet’s Health & Nutrition articles. 

The post The Health Benefits of Algae: Give Spirulina and Chlorella a Shot appeared first on The Beet.

From a pea and mint soup that works as well cold as it does hot, to easy pasta, Moroccan stew, and dairy-free pesto, you can throw a dinner party without having to compromise taste for dietary restrictions or preferences. Have one you love? Add it to our list on The Beet‘s Facebook page! Happy cooking, eating, and entertaining the plant-based way.

5 Easy Vegan Recipes Non-Vegans Will Love

Lucy’s One-Pot Vegan Pea and Mint Soup

I first was served this by a friend who made it using a version of pea soup that she ascribed to Ina Garten, but when I searched that recipes, I found one significantly different since she uses ham hock and suggests serving it with kielbasa. She also prefers split peas and starts with chicken stock. This recipe does none of those things. We also added mint to it, something I can’t take credit for since my pal Cathy added that, but to my mind, it makes the dish.

Here is a personalized, veganized, and thick versatile pea soup. If you don’t have leaks, don’t sweat it, since the first time I made it I didn’t add those, but once I added them and the carrots and potatoes, I decided these extra elements made it even better. You can also make your own healthier croutons with olive oil, and thereby avoid the over-processed vegetable oils that are in most storebought products and that are terrible for you. Make this soup in advance and chill it for a special summer dish that rivals gazpacho for popularity.

Another note: You need either an immersion blender to puree the soup as it cooks, or be prepared to scoop out some soup, blend it in a blender, and add it back to the pot. I bought a hand-held immersion blender and it came with a nifty little food processor blade and I have to say it’s my favorite new piece of kitchen equipment. For just $40 you will be making soups for days, months, and years, just to have an excuse to use this fun gadget.

This is a one-pot dish that is ready in under 20 minutes, so make a big batch and serve it hot or cold, freeze it for later, but make more than you need because it’s addictive, and on a hot day, a cold mint and pea soup will hit the spot!

Lucy’s Pea and Mint Soup

Stephanie’s Easy Dairy-Free Pesto

I get a bit obsessive about my food, and there’s one particular item that I’ve been fixated on for about a year, unable to live a peaceful life if I don’t have at least a jar of it on hand at all times: Pesto. Yes, vegan pesto can be just as good as the real thing, with just a few crafty swaps, like cashews and nutritional yeast for parmesan. If there’s one easy-to-make recipe that makes it feel like eternal Spring, it’s a batch of bright green pesto, loaded with flavor.

I prefer to eat pesto on bread, spread over a slice or two of sourdough that’s been toasted to perfection with a bit of olive oil, but of course, it’s also great on pasta and fares well in a sandwich, or honestly, just by the spoonful when you’re having a hankering. I like to add some power greens like spinach or arugula to boost the nutrient content, but you can omit that if you don’t have it on hand, and you probably won’t even taste a difference. All that’s required for this pesto spread is a blender or bullet blender and a few easy ingredients.

Note: If you don’t have cashews on hand, or want to opt for a more cost-efficient recipe, you can swap for any fatty nut like walnuts or almonds.

Stephanie’s Easy Vegan Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 handfuls of spinach or arugula, optional
• 1/4 cup cashews or nut of choice
• 2 large cloves of fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• the juice of 1 lemon
• salt, to taste
• freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Wash and dry your basil. Juice your lemon. Add basil, spinach, cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, spices, and olive oil to a blender.
2. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency and a vibrant green color.
3. Pour into a jar, top with a drizzle of olive oil to cover the top and prevent browning, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Hailey’s Vegan Moroccan Stew

Yes, I even eat stew when it’s warm outside, but not just any stew. My favorite recipe was inspired by this Vegan Morrocan Stew by Purely Kaylie who mastered the perfect taste of sweet, salty, and savory.

This stew is filled with beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, spices, and some greens, and three additions I added to make the stew taste a tad more delicious. At first, I didn’t think it was possible. I add chili peppers for heat, a galop of creme fresh, and parsley as a garnish. This is the kind of meal you overeat because it tastes so delicious and you can’t help but go back for seconds, thirds, and fourths.

Here’s what my process looks like: On Sunday night I make this recipe, on Monday morning I have a bowl for breakfast, for lunch I eat another bowl topped with dairy-free creme fresh, and for dinner, I pour the stew over greens and sort of eat it like a salad with a fork. I save all the leftovers, every last drop, in two sealed containers, one for the fridge, and the other for the freezer for the weeks to come. Everyone I serve this stew to, (if they’re lucky) always asks me for the recipe. Coincidentally, they end up serving it to me when they host dinner. I call this, “the communal stew recipe.”

Vegan Morrocan Stew

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 chili peppers
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• 3 cups cubed gold potatoes
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 cup dry green lentils, rinsed
• 1 14oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14oz can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 2–4 cups kale or spinach, optional
• Parsley, for garnish
• Cilantro, for garnish
• Vegan creme fresh

Instructions

Easy Baba Ganoush

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3-4 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pinch of paprika

Instructions

1. Roast 2 large eggplants at 425 for 45 minutes Remove the eggplant and let it cool. Scoop out the inside of the eggplant and put it in a strainer or cheesecloth.
2. Remove excess liquid and put it in a food processor. Add garlic, paprika, tahini, and lemon juice to a food processor.
3. As you pulse the mixture, pour olive oil into a food processor. Pulse until well combined or smooth. Put into a bowl and serve with toasted pita or veggies.

Thai Coconut Curry Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil (avocado oil)
• 5 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of chopped shiitake mushrooms
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 cans of coconut cream
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegan red curry paste
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp of grated ginger
• 3 tsp brown sugar
• 2 blocks of silken tofu
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Zest of one lemon

• Cilantro
• Green Onions
• Lime Juice
• Rice Noodles

Instructions

1. Drain the Tofu and cut it into small cubes. Set Aside.
2. Dice the garlic, onions, and shiitake mushrooms. Add avocado oil to a large stockpot. Toss in the yellow onion and garlic until clear. Then add mushrooms. Cook until soft on medium-high heat.
3. Lower to medium heat and then add grated ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne, and soy sauce. Once properly mixed in add vegetable stock and coconut cream.
4. Once blended together add in sugar and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 25 minutes.
5. After simmering, stir in the silken tofu and let cook for 5-10 minutes. Adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.
6. Serve, garnish, and enjoy.

For more great plant-based dishes, visit The Beet’s recipes. 

The post 5 Easy Vegan Recipes We Can’t Stop Making on Repeat appeared first on The Beet.

Meat contains protein because animals are fed a diet of plants that are high in protein, so if you cut out the middleman –– or middle cow, or middle chicken –– you can get the same amino acids that are the building blocks of protein just by going direct-to-the-source: vegetables.

How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day?

Women should eat approximately 45 to 55 grams of protein per day, or more if they are super active, whereas men need anywhere from 55 to 75 grams. This daily recommendation depends on your weight and activity level, so check out the best way to calculate your needs using this handy tool from Calculator.net.

The answer might surprise you for how much protein you really need, since you are likely getting more than enough, according to experts. Protein deficiency is rare in the U.S.

Other Great Plant-Based Protein Sources:

• The 15 Legumes With the Most Protein
• The 11 Nuts that Pack the Most Protein
• The 6 Seeds With the Most Protein

The Top 20 Veggies with the Most Protein

1. Soy Beans

Soybeans are a legume but they are such a great source of protein that we had to lead the veggie list with it. There is more protein in just one ounce of soybeans than a cup of sliced avocado! 1 cup equals Protein – 28.6g Calories – 298 Carbs – 17.1g Fiber – 10.3g Calcium – 175mg

2. Peas

If the pod, that peas are grown in, is split down the middle, that is an indicator they are ripe. Seeds inside the pod vary and can be green, white or yellow. 1 cup equals Protein – 8.6g Calories – 134 Carbs – 25g Fiber – 8.8g Calcium – 43.2 mg

3. Corn

Fresh corn is a great source of energy for those who like to stay active. Protein isn’t all that corn has to offer. Corn provides the body with potassium and B vitamins. 1 cup equals Protein – 5.4g Calories – 177 Carbs – 123g Fiber – 4.6g Calcium – 4.9mg

4. Artichoke Hearts

Artichokes are part of the sunflower family. The fiber in artichoke hearts is great for supporting digestion. 1 cup equals Protein – 4.8g Calories – 89 Carbs – 20g Fiber – 14.4g Calcium – 35.2mg

5. Asparagus

If not properly stored, Asparagus tends to go bad quickly, To elongate freshness, put damp paper towels around the stems, or place the entire asparagus bunch in a cup of water (like flowers) to maintain freshness longer. 1 cup equals Protein – 4.4g Calories – 39.6 Carbs – 7.4g Fiber – 3.6g Calcium – 41.4mg

6. Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts have more Vitamin C than an orange. If your Brussel sprouts have a rancid odor that is an indicator you overcooked them. The smell occurs because the sprouts are composed of a great amount of sulforaphane. 1 cup equals Protein – 4g Calories – 56.2 Carbs – 40g Fiber – 4g Calcium – 56.2mg

7. Broccoli

If you are trying to lose weight broccoli is a great addition to your diet because it consists of 90 water and is also high in fiber. 1 cup (chopped) equals Protein – 3.8g Calories – 54.6Carbs – 11.2g Fiber – 5.2g Calcium – 62.4mg

8. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens provide the body with tons of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fiber. Adding steamed mustard greens into your diet has been known to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. 1 cup equals Protein – 3.2 g Calories – 21 Carbs – 2.9g Fiber – 2.8g Calcium – 104mg

9. Avocado

Avocado is commonly mistaken as a vegetable but it is technically a fruit. This fruit had to be included in our veggie list because it isn’t just tasty but super nutritious. Avocados are packed with protein but they are a great source of potassium and fiber. Avocados are a great addition to any salad, sandwich and even smoothie! 1 cup equals Protein – 3.0 g Calories – 240 Carbs – 12.8 g Fiber – 10.1g Calcium – 18 mg

Onions are an unappreciated food hero since they provide 20 percent of your daily Vitamin C and deliver an abundance of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. 1 cup (chopped) equals Protein – 2.9g Calories – 92.4 Carbs – 21.3g Fiber – 2.9g Calcium – 46.2mg

11. Beets

The entire beetroot is edible including the leaves which contain loads of vitamin A, calcium, iron and potassium. Beetroot is high in sugar but is considered one of the most nutritious veggies used in salads and soups. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.8 g Calories – 74.8 Carbs – 17g Fiber – 3.4g Calcium – 27.2mg

12. Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are commonly seen in Chinese dishes. They grow best in a controlled environment indoors. Oyster mushrooms have so many nutrients to offer besides protein such as iron, calcium, zinc and folic acid. 1 cup (raw and sliced) equals Protein – 2.8g Calories – 37 Carbs – 5.6g Fiber – 2.0g Calcium – 2.6mg

13. Bok Choy

Bok Choy is a member of the mustard family. One of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world, Bok Choy means “white vegetable” and is a great source of vitamins A, C, B6, K, and E, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and calcium. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.7 g Calories – 20.4 Carbs – 3.1g Fiber – 1.7g Calcium – 158mg

14. Green Beans

Green beans are a great source of vitamins B, C and K, and minerals such as magnesium, iron and manganese. Green beans should be cooked before eating, to destroy lectins. China is the biggest grower of green beans in the world, exporting over 15 million tons a year. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.8 g Calories – 31 Carbs – 7 g Fiber – 2.7 g Calcium – 37 mg

15. Cauliflower

The most nutritious way to consume cauliflower is steamed. Don’t get intimidated by orange, purple or green cauliflower. All three types have the same benefits as white cauliflower. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.2g Calories – 28.6 Carbs – 5.4g Fiber – 2.8g Calcium – 19.8mg

16. Turnip

You can eat the entire plant, root and leaves. The turnip root is high in vitamin C and the greens are high in vitamins A, C, E, B6 and K, believed to counter inflammation. Add turnip roots to soup, or mash them. Add them to salads. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.6g Calories – 28.8 Carbs – 6.3g Fiber – 5.0g Calcium – 197mg

17. Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts might be little but they sure are powerful. Plus they’re quick and easy to grow. They are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and more. But because they have been known to carry bacteria, make sure to fully cook alfalfa sprouts if you have a fragile immune system or are pregnant. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.3 g Calories – 8 Carbs – 0.7 g Fiber – 0.6 g Calcium – 10.6 mg

18. Tomatoes

Keep your tomatoes fresher for longer by storing them stem down. When exposed to sunlight the Vitamin C in a tomato will diminish. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.3g Calories – 26.8 Carbs – 5.8g Fiber – 1.8g Calcium – 14.9mg

19. Zucchini

Zucchini has an abundance of potassium, even more than a banana! The reason zucchini isn’t high in calories is that it is made up of 95% water. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.2g Calories – 28.8 Carbs – 7.1g Fiber – 2.5g Calcium – 23.4 mg

20. Spinach

Spinach is filled with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, fiber and protein. The best part about spinach is you can sauté it, blend it or eat it raw! Spinach is best grown in rainy and cool weather. 1 cup equals Protein – 0.9g Calories – 6.4 Carbs – 1.0 g Fiber – 0.6g Calcium – 27.7 mg

The post The Top 20 Vegetables With the Most Protein to Add to Your Plate appeared first on The Beet.

Here, we rounded up five incredibly flavorful yet simple meals that are affordable. Although we don’t have exact calculations for your local grocer or supermarket, most of these meals ring it at or under an estimated $10 for the whole meal, not including spices and seasonings which we have assumed you already have in your cabinet.

1. Vegan Chili

Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 1 Hour, 20 Min
Total Time: 1 Hour, 35 Min

Nutrition Notes:
Calories 599, Total Fat 5.4 g, Sat. Fat 0.8 g, Sodium 292 mg, Total Carbs 106.6 g, Fiber 29 g, Sugar 16.7 g, Protein 36 g

Nutrition Notes:
Calories 452, Total Fat 1.3 g, Sat. Fat 0 g, Sodium 894 mg, Total Carbs 95.9 g, Fiber 19 g, Sugar 18.6 g, Protein 17.9 g

Nutrition Notes: 

Calories 299, Total Fat 6.6 g, Sat. Fat 2.1 g, Sodium 1519 mg, Total Carbs 40 g, Fiber 15.9 g, Sugar 5.5 g, Protein 15.3 g

Nutrition Notes:
Calories 592, Total Fat, 17.4 g, Sat. Fat 2.2 g, Sodium 537 mg, Total Carbs 86.5 g, Fiber 24.2, Sugar 15g, Protein 27g

The post 5 Simple, Affordable Plant-Based Dinners That Your Family Will Love appeared first on The Beet.

Welcome to your 2022 plant-based, sustainable, affordable gift guide. We have gifts for the plant-based host or hostess, the climate-conscious consumer, and even your favorite pet. Start your shopping whenever you’d like. The hard part (coming up with gift ideas) is done!

Whether you’re shopping for a foodie friend who hosts the best vegan dinner parties, your sustainably-minded family member who appreciates when a gift gives back to the planet, or your co-worker who just adopted a new furry friend, we’ve got everyone covered. Here are the best gifts for the plant-based foodie, the eco-minded, and the pet lover.

Gifts for the Plant-Based Foodie

Impress the home chef or the dinner party host in your life with these unique gifts and gadgets that will elevate their time in the kitchen.

Cuisinart Breadmaker

Many of our bread-baking hours peaked in 2020 and have since waned as we returned to workplace jobs. But that doesn’t mean you don’t crave fresh, homemade bread. This Broad & Taylor breadmaking machine will make it easy for your loved one to create artisan-level loaves with minimal effort. With 12 pre-programmed menu options, they’ll be able to craft French, Whole Wheat, and even Gluten-Free breads with the touch of a button and a few simple ingredients. Plus, this sweet present also pretty much guarantees you’ll be gifted a few of these homemade loaves in the future. That’s what we call bread-winning.

Purchase on the Williams Sonoma website.

Price: $199.95

Brooklyn Dehli Sweet and Spicy Gift Set

Perfect for a hostess gift, this trio of sweet, spicy, and savory Indian sauces will transform any dish into an impressive medley of flavor. Great for dipping, dunking, or garnishing, the unique flavors of this kit will delight. If you’ve never tried achaar –– a catchall term for pickle –– before, this tangy, spicy condiment makes bread, rice, or anything else you slather with it twenty times more delicious, and Brooklyn Dehli’s Garlic Achaar and Tomato Achaar are all not to be missed. Rounding out the trio is a Mango Chutney, a sweet condiment that is a delicious accompaniment to any Indian meal.

Purchase on the Brooklyn Dehli website.

Price: $39.95

Sona Sultan’s Garden Serving Bowl

This stunning serving bowl with a hand-painted emerald design is the ultimate gift for someone who loves to cook: It’s not only gorgeous but incredibly functional. Not to mention, it’s one of those items you would likely never splurge on for yourself, so receiving this elegant serving bowl as a gift is a real treat. Check out the entire Sona Home collection, new from Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her partners in the upscale Indian restaurant, Sona, NYC. Make your favorite vegan pasta, salads, and rice dishes even more memorable by serving them in this intricately beautiful bowl.

Purchase on the Sona Home website.

Price: $98

UME Plum Liqueur

This inky purple elixir is just as tasty as it is hypnotizing. Concocted from plums, UME Plum Liqueur changes color from a midnight indigo to a soft lavender depending on what you mix with it. Handcrafted in California, this drink is made from plums, dark cherries, grapes, and a tang of green apple and lemon, striking the perfect balance of sweet and tart, for a memorable cocktail. Instead of a more traditional spirit, opt for this immaculately-packaged plum liqueur for a magical, unexpected gift for the person that already has a crowded bar cart.

Purchase at your local liquor store or on the UME website.

Price: $34.99

The Beet x Rouxbe’s Plant-Based Guide to Meal Prep

Have a loved one who wants to cook more plant-based and get healthy? Give the gift of knowledge with our brand new cooking course made in partnership with Rouxbe which will teach you how to meal prep on a plant-based diet for natural weight loss, disease prevention, and more energy.

Purchase Your Cooking Course Gift Card here, but do it today to save 50% off through Sunday 11/27. The price now is just $19.99, our best deal yet. It goes back to $39.99.

Price: $19.99 Black Friday Special

Graza Olive Drizzle and Sizzle Set

The perfect gift for your friend who can’t stop recreating recipes from viral cooking videos, you’ve likely seen this trendy duo of olive oil bottles all over your feed. These olive oils stand out from competitors thanks to their squeezable nozzle bottles, which allow ease in cooking and make topping a pizza or Foccacia with a healthy drizzle of EVOO simpler than ever. Plus, we can’t ignore how cute the bottles look atop everyone’s counter. Your

Purchase on the Graza website.

Price: $35

Pink Oyster Growing Kit

Gift your plant-crazy friend this grow kit and watch as they sprout beautiful pink oyster mushrooms in just weeks, the perfect meaty, umami addition to any pasta dish. Easy enough for beginners to successfully incubate, this unique kit is a fun hostess present for the person who likes to get creative in the kitchen.

Purchase on the North Spore website.

Price: $30

Sauces By Jrk!

For the spice lovers on your list. JRK is a line of sauces that first appeared at the Jamaican-style restaurant of the same name in Miami. Give these Chef-created sauces to your favorite foodie who brings the heat The Jerk sauce adds more than a dash of spice to your tofu, jackfruit, or chickpeas. Try the Bonnet Hot sauce, made from Jamaican scotch bonnet peppers, but just drizzle it, since it will set off a three-alarm fire in your mouth. Or, use it to host your own game of Hot Ones!

Purchase on the Sauces By Jrk! website.

Price: Packs start at $41.95

Transcendence Coffee Syrups

Liven up your bestie’s morning coffee with these gourmet syrups from Transcendence Coffee. Available in creative flavors like Algerian Baklava and Indian Gulab Jamun, these syrups not only add dimension to a warm drink but are incredibly versatile. Drizzled over dairy-free ice cream or used in festive baked goods, these syrups will take any sweet treat up a level. Transcendence Coffee’s two-pack of mini syrups is the perfect hostess gift for a holiday party, but take note that the Algerian Baklava flavor does contain honey (the Indian Gulab Jamun does not). While you’re buying the syrup bundle, throw a bag of the company’s house blend coffee in your cart for the perfect finishing touch.

Purchase on the Transcendence website.

Price: Mini Founder’s Flavor Bundle is $15

Eco-Friendly Gifts

You can feel good about gifting these planet-friendly presents to your eco-minded friends and family. Okay, so the e-bike isn’t exactly inexpensive but think of all the money it will save on gas!

Beaumont Rev Electric City Bike

Calling all city dwellers, this e-bike is the perfect gift so that your loved one can skip texting Lyft or Uber and make a more sustainable choice while getting to work in style. With speeds up to 20 miles per hour, they’ll be looking chic while doing good for the planet. This e-bike is not only chic but it’s like riding on a magic carpet. You go flying through the streets, uphill, and long distances with barely a tap on the pedal.

Purchase on the Retrospec website.

Price: $699

Five Two Down-to-Earth Compost Bin

This handy countertop companion will help anyone with a green thumb reduce kitchen waste and nourish the garden. This chic, compact tabletop composting bin allows easy recycling of peels, stems, and roots, turning them into something that will help give back to the earth. Plus, its odor-blocking carbon filter means that none of the scraps will stink up the kitchen. The gardener in your live will absolutely love this sustainable gadget.

Purchase on the Food52 website.

Price: $49

Bearaby Tree Napper Tencel Weighted Blanket

Like gifting a hug, this fully-biodegradable blanket is made from TENCEL, a material derived from the wood pulp of trees. Giving your loved one a weighted blanket can offer comfort and better sleep. The fabric in this Bearaby one is naturally cool, which means it will be perfect for summer nights. Plus, it’s fully vegan and hand-knitted for a little extra love.

Purchase on the Bearaby website.

Price: $269+

Ida Vegan Soy Candle and Planter

We don’t have to convince you that candles are a delightful gift, but this year, gift a loved one an ensuring present with this vegan soy wax candle that doubles as a plant. Here’s how: Once all of the candle wax has been burned, fill the ceramic container which doubles as a planter with soil, and plant the paper label which is filled with wildflower seeds. Then, watch as the gift grows and fills your home with a different sort of beauty come spring.

Purchase on the Earth Hero website.

Price: $33.99

Zero Waste Kit: Meals on the Go

This package-free kit is the perfect gift for the commuter who’s trying to go green. With a stainless steel food container, a reusable sandwich bag, a bamboo cutlery set, and a reusable napkin, this gift set makes it easy to bring lunch to work without wasting a bunch of single-use plastics. It all comes complete in a cute reusable canvas tote. Throw in a gift card to their favorite grocery store so they can stock up on their favorite ingredients for on-the-go meals.

Purchase on the Package Free Shop’s online store.

Price: $65

Adopt a Honeybee

What’s better than a gift that helps save the bees? Donate to World Wildlife Foundation on behalf of a loved one and they’ll send you an adorable bee plushie, an adoption certificate, a gift bag, and a photo of the bee you’re helping. When someone asks if you adopted a pet during the pandemic tell them, yes! Actually, I have my favorite honeybee!

Purchase on the World Wildlife Foundation website.

Price: $25-100

Gifts for the Pet Lover

Don’t forget your favorite furry family member and their adoring caretaker! Shower them both with these fun goodies. They may not have a list to share, but if they did, this would be it.

Vegan Leather Pet Waste Bag Dispenser

Gift this vegan leather waste bag dispenser to a new dog parent so they can clean up in style while on a walk. Bonus: Give them a pack of compostable waste bags for a truly sustainable and useful gift. The Compostable bags made from plant-based fabric are available here for $8.99. Not only are you reducing plastic waste but if you’re hiking and need to clear the trail these will become part of Mother Nature’s circle of life so you can dispose of them guilt-free.

Purchase on the West Elm website.

Price: $40

Cervical Spine Protection Pet Bowls

Did you know that low-to-the-ground food and water bowls can strain your pet’s posture? Especially for taller animals, the best way for them to eat or drink is on raised up bowls and dishes. These chic raised dishes and bowls are perfect for small dogs or cats and come in a bunch of cute, punchy colors to match everyone’s home decor.

Purchase on the Happy and Polly website.

Price: $35.99 each

Travel Carrier

Elevate your typical dog carrier with these chic portable pooch homes in vibrant colors and durable mesh fabrics (not leather). Airline compliant and made with breathable mesh walls, the padded interior cushion folds out into a travel mat when your small dog wants to take a break.

Purchase on the Wild Ones website.

Price: $87.50

Not Pot CBD Pet Oil

Sadly, anxious pets are all too common now, especially since many of us spent the entire pandemic working from home, within easy petting distance of our furry friends. As most of us had to return to offices and leave our four-legged companions home alone, pet anxiety is a new national epidemic. That’s why Not Pot’s CBD pet oil is so great: This vet-approved formula naturally soothes anxious cats and dogs with just a few drops. Use it for thunderstorms, flights, or any other circumstances where your best friend is likely to get anxious.

Purchase on the Not Pot website.

Price: $35

Pet Monitoring Treat Dispenser Camera

Can’t be there to see what’s going on? When you need eyes on the homefront, whether it’s because your pooch is well-behaved and you love watching, or they go berzerk when the delivery person shows up at your door (or the landscapers in the neighborhood fire up the leaf blowers) you can now have a way of watching and even rewarding good behavior, even if you’re at work. This camera-and-treat dispenser is the perfect way to give both of you peace of mind.

Purchase on the Chewy website.

Price: $87.95

Aesop Animal Shampoo

Gift this to your favorite pet owner so that they can treat their cat or dog to a little at-home spa luxury with this cruelty-free animal wash. You can splurge and buy the shampoo and conditioner set, for that very special dog niece in your life. With a vegan formula and recycled packaging, this fancy shampoo is also better for the planet. Plus it smells divine, something the pet parent will thank you for on cold winter days when the pup is stuck inside and the windows are closed.

Purchase on the Nordstrom website.

Price: $40

For more plant-based recommendations, visit The Beet’s Product Reviews. 

The post Your 2022 Plant-Based & Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on The Beet.

That was my reality for the last 10 years: I would consume 2-4 iced coffees a day, some cold brews, sending me into an orbit of jitters, shakes and alertness. I primarily loved coffee for its delicious taste, but after so many years of leaning on it as a crutch, it became something that dictated my sleep schedule and caused me severe jitters, leaving me unable to function with or without it.

In the last two years, I noticed that after I drank my morning cup of coffee, it triggered my anxiety. I became nauseous and shakey after just a few sips and I hated feeling addicted to something that my body was rejecting. So, I decided to do something about it. Starting this past October, I decided to finally get off the bean juice, for good. I cut out coffee entirely and began to search for low or no caffeine beverages to fill the void it left.

During the first few days, I felt cloudy, lethargic and stuck. Right when it seemed like the fog wouldn’t lift, I started feeling less slug-like and was able to fall asleep and wake up with ease. Without the burden of the intense anxiety, I started to feel much clearer, mentally and physically.

I did miss coffee though— I missed it every morning as I prepared a cup for my boyfriend. I missed the taste and the ritual of sipping it in my bed as I awoke. After a few weeks without coffee, I began my quest to find an adequate replacement. I wanted to err away from decaffeinated coffee, at least for a while, because I had read about potential harmful chemicals in the decaffeination process and didn’t want to consume something that would put me on the fast track to drinking fully-caffeinated coffee again. After several months without caffeine, I found myself less anxious, and after testing many products I found a handful that became staples in my daily routine. 

1. MudWtr

Mudwtr, a chai with cacao, turmeric and reishi mushrooms was the first coffee alternative I tried. It’s organic, contains 1/7th of the caffeine of a traditional cup of coffee and comes in an aesthetically-pleasing, travel-friendly tin.

To prepare the drink, I add a spoonful to boiling water and used a milk frother to blend. You will need to blend the powder thoroughly because as the drink cools it separates and the mix falls to the bottom, which meant I kept having to re-froth the drink, as someone who likes to take their time sipping.

The taste is delicious, smooth and reminds me of a healthier, spice-filled hot chocolate, without being overly sweet. While the ingredients include several different types of organic mushrooms, there is no overwhelming mushroom or earthy taste. It gave me a boost of alertness without any jittery side effects.

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2. Rasa Coffee Alternatives

Rasa offers three types of Adaptogenic coffee alternatives: Original, Cacao, and Dirty, which is a lightly caffeinated coffee blend, and a great option to ease the transition. Adaptogens are healing herbs that assist the body in reducing stressors, so even the ‘Dirty’ offering didn’t leave me with any shakes, and I loved each variety and the way they could be mixed to create new flavors.

I prepared my Rasa in a French press, but it can also be made in an espresso machine or single-serving coffee maker. I love the way that preparing Rasa feels like an intentional routine: Boiling the water, then pouring it over my french press, waiting a few minutes to steep and then straining the grounds felt meditative, and this French Press method made me feel far more sophisticated than my beat-up bargain coffee machine.

All of the Rasa varieties tasted amazing, but my favorite was hands-down the Cacao. Decadently chocolatey, lightly sweet and filled with herbal notes. It tastes simultaneously delicious and like it’s doing a wealth of good for my body. I kid not when I say that I actually prefer the taste of Cacao Rasa over coffee. The Original is has a rich, nutty taste and the Dirty tastes closest to coffee, a great option for someone transitioning between coffee and alternatives who don’t want to go cold turkey.

The best part? Rasa is USDA-certified organic and uses sustainable herbs and fair trade, women-picked coffee, so you can feel good about the process from harvest to cup.

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3. Four Sigmatic Cordyceps Elixir

This mushroom blend is mild, smooth and is a great introduction to coffee alternatives. With organic mushroom-derived cordyceps, mint, rose hips and Schisandra, Four Sigmatic’s blend is light and earthy. Add some non-dairy milk or use the powder to add to a protein shake to start your day off feeling uplifted.

I love this blend because it gives me a sustained, all-day boost with none of the shakes or jitters. My preferred way to use this “coffee” is by blending a banana, oat milk, ice and a tablespoon or two of cordyceps elixir. While I tend to not drink it alone because I favor a more robust roast, the Minimalist Baker has a great latte recipe which adds a sweeter, creamier flavor to temper the earthy taste.

I love to use this elixir in the same way that I would use chia seeds or spirulina powder: To mix into açai bowls, smoothies and oatmeal for a healthy pick-me-up. Plus, Four Sigmatic’s Instagram page is always posting new, inventive recipes that show you how their versatile products can be used in dishes such as hummus or pancakes.

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4. Ito En’s Oi Ocha Unsweetened Bold Green Tea

Besides Mudwtr, Rasa and Four Sigmatic’s coffee alternatives, I also reach for green tea or matcha powder when I feel like I need a lift. My favorite green tea is Ito En’s Oi Ocha Unsweetened Bold Green Tea which has a strong, robust, earthy taste that I adore and is loaded with antioxidants, nutrients and the multitude of other benefits that green tea boasts.

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Have a coffee alternative that you love? Let us know in the comments below! 

The post How I Kicked My Caffeine Addiction For Good and My 4 Favorite Coffee Alternatives appeared first on The Beet.

The Beet was lucky enough to try Big Easy Bucha, an artisan kombucha brand billed as “the easy-drinking Kombucha”– and they weren’t kidding: Big Easy Bucha’s flavors include classics like Jammin’ Ginger, Geaux Green and Cajun Kick, fruity offerings such as Melon Magic, Parade Punch, and Front Porch Peach, and delightful seasonal flavors like Apple Pie. They’ve found a way to minimize vinegariness while delivering an insanely smooth taste, something that the Kombucha market was desperately lacking.

Plus, their bottles are so cute you can’t help but snap a few pics for the gram. My personal favorite was the soothing Jammin’ Ginger and seasonal Apple Pie, but I’m eager to try my hand at crafting cocktails with Big Easy Bucha’s fruitier offerings like Front Porch Peach.

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Kombucha haters, this is the product that just might convert you from cynic to fan. Big Easy Bucha is available online at Amazon and in select stores. Find a location near you here.

The post Big Easy Bucha May Just Be the Best Kombucha You’ll Ever Sip appeared first on The Beet.