Finding the right cheese, especially one you are sharing with friends and family, can be tricky; and let’s be honest, some miss the mark. So, we hunted down some of the best artisanal vegan cheeses that you’ll feel confident serving to vegans and non-vegans alike at your next shindig.

The great thing about all of these non-dairy cheeses is their ingredient list–void of any fillers, additives, soy or gluten–so these are about as ‘clean’ as you can get. They also make for a great gift and are all available for purchase online, so you can easily send them directly to that chef, vegan, or veg-curious person in your life.

Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses

For more than 25 years, Wendy of Wendy’s Vegan Kitchen has made vegan offerings using all organic and non-GMO ingredients, choosing cashew and soy for the base of the Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses vegan dairy products. With delightful flavors like Garden of Eden and Fig and Fennel, these gorgeous and tasty treats will be the perfect embellishment for any vegan charcuterie board, or a showstopping centerpiece to a Springtime picnic.

Wendy also offers private classes in the Hudson Valley and Tri-State area for those who would like to learn how to make delicious vegan fare from a professional.

Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses are available on the brand’s website or on Vegan Essentials.

Treeline Cheese

Treeline’s soft ‘cheese’ spreads will steal the show on your next cheese board. While not exactly reminiscent of a cheese wheel since they are more like a creamy spread, their flavor is spot on and one of the favored items in our taste test. Treeline’s made from fermented cashew nuts, and as a bonus, they also contain a healthy probiotic, known as L. Acidophilus.

The Scallion Soft French-Style is a clear winner. With a creamy consistency and smooth texture, it is quite honestly perfect. The spreads come in little containers that you can flip upside down on a tray for a nice display. All Treeline cheeses and spreads are natural, without any added preservatives, stabilizers, gums, or thickeners. Plus, they are pretty easy to find in-store with nationwide distribution.

Available nationwide at Kroger and select Whole Foods.

Reine

Reine makes small-batch artisanal cashew-based ‘cheese’ rounds out of Ventura, California. This is a ‘cheese’ you will be 100 percent confident to put on a display; and trust, vegan or not, your guests will go back for seconds. Reine has perfected its fermentation process and consistency while using high-quality, organic ingredients free of soy, GMO, dairy, and gluten.

They have eight flavors to choose from, but at the top of the list is the Fauxgonzola, which was the top pick from all the ‘cheese’ rounds in our test. It’s made with organic blue-green spirulina (which research suggests has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties) and its blue striations make a beautiful display. Some other recommended flavors are the Trufflehound, and the Chipotle Cheddar.

Available online and select retail locations in Southern California.

Vromage

Since 2009 Vromage Founder Youssef Fahouri has been perfecting his cheese recipes—which are secret by the way. Made from a variety of nuts and seeds, the cheeses were so good he opened the first dairy-free cheese shop in LA in 2014. Of all the brands, Vromage might be the one that is most reminiscent of a dairy-based cheese.

There are many eclectic flavors, all coming in different shapes and sizes. While you can’t really go wrong with any of them, the Pepperjack and Mozzarella are both impressive. You also might recall the name, Vromage, since Prince Harry and Meghan Markel had the cheeses served at the royal wedding.

Available online and at Vromage cheese shop in West Hollywood, Calif.

Did we miss any great vegan, artisan cheese brands? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The Best Vegan Artisan Cheeses for Your Holiday Cheese Board appeared first on The Beet.

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.

Still, this vegan brownie recipe called for making vegan brownies with bananas, so I swapped out the eggs and used the fruit instead. I also added a few other key health hacks to make my brownies even healthier, filled with protein, and yet still completely satisfying.

So I started with a mix. I used a mix from PB2 Foods, a baking company that makes mixes for baked goods made with plant-based protein. Along with their healthier brownie mix, they also make cookie and muffin mixes, all with peanut flour which boosts the protein and fiber content.

What set this mix apart from the get-go: It has only recognizable ingredients – Peanuts, sugar, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, tapioca starch, sodium bicarbonate, and salt. In each brownie, there are 4 grams of plant-based protein and only 120 calories. I was sold.

Vegan Protein-Packed Brownies

I decided this was just what I needed to maintain a somewhat healthy plant-based diet but also find a satisfying fix for my nightly chocolate cravings.

I added a few other health hacks to make them even healthier. Instead of processed vegetable oil, I used extra virgin olive oil and sprayed the pan using avocado oil (which is a healthier oil with a high smoke point).

And because I wanted to make them even healthier, I swapped out half the oil for organic apple sauce. This is a trick  I learned long ago and continue to use it in all my baking to lower the calories and oil in each bite.

3 Tips for Making Healthy Brownies:

1. Use half a ripe banana instead of eggs in any brownie recipe to lower your cholesterol and saturated fat intake.
2. Use apple sauce instead of half the oil when baking. You can lower your fat and calories and add more fiber.
3. Choose extra virgin olive oil when baking instead of highly processed vegetable oil which can be full of chemicals. Spray the pan with avocado oil to use even less vegetable oil.

Why Avoid Eggs?

Eggs contain cholesterol and saturated fat, which when consumed on a regular basis can increase your risk of heart disease. One large egg contains 187 mg of cholesterol and 1.6 grams of saturated fat. Saturated fat drives up your blood cholesterol, which can lead to plaque in the bloodstream and raise blood pressure.

So giving up eggs when baking and using ripe bananas instead is a great way to cut down on your egg consumption and reduce your longterm risk of heart disease.

Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Give Up Eggs to Live Longer, Healthier

Is Vegetable Oil Bad for You?

When I bake vegan, I always try to come up with healthy swaps. I also love using olive oil instead of vegetable oil, which the recipe had called for. I try to avoid vegetable oil whenever possible, ever since I wrote a story on how vegetable oils are usually highly processed. Vegetable oil contains Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (or PUFAs) which make it harder for the body to burn fat. Americans use so much oil in their food (especially packaged foods like crackers, cookies, and store-bought products) that it’s hard to escape. Americans get 80 percent of their fat calories from processed vegetable oil, or about 650 calories a day, as compared to your grandparent’s generation when Americans ate fewer than 100 calories of oil a day.

While Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are considered heart healthier than saturated fat, which is found in animal products like meat and dairy, the fewer PUFAs you take in overall, the better. So first I used apple sauce instead of half the oil. Next, I cut down on the oil in this recipe by greasing the pan with a spray of avocado oil instead of any other type of vegetable oil.

Baking Without Eggs

Back to the bananas for eggs. I would recommend you use a very ripe banana instead of a stiff or slightly green banana because the softer the banana is, the easier it will be to smush and whisk into the liquified oil and water mix (and apple sauce in my case) to make a thick base for the brownie mix. Once you whisk the oil, water, apple sauce, and banana together add the brownie mix. After you mix all that together so there are no lumps, these brownies are so easy: you just pour the mixture into a greased pan and pop them into the oven, and bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Read More: 9 Egg Substitutes to Use in Baking That Are Vegan and Healthy

Now I will say, having licked the batter before washing the bowl, that you can taste a trace of banana. Depending on how you feel about bananas, that could either be a positive, a negative, or a neutral. I happen to like bananas, so for me, it’s somewhere the positive side.

But everything has its taste. You don’t realize it but you can taste the eggs or butter in most batters. It’s just that you’re so used to it, growing up with lots of traditional baking, or in a household where your mom or dad or siblings or grandparent or whoever you baked with used those ingredients, it became what you expected brownies or cookies to taste like.

My mom was a big baker and always used margarine, which is often unintentionally vegan. So I figured if I could find a decent substitute for eggs in baking, I could work my way through her impressive recipe box (praline cakes, lemon squares, brownies, meringues…) and find substitutes for all her dairy ingredients and recreate these traditional baked goods as vegan versions of my childhood favorites. Trying this banana instead of eggs was the first step.

Here’s How Vegan Brownies With Bananas Tasted

Call me easy to please, but these tasted amazing. I was delighted to find that the banana taste from the batter is nowhere to be found once these are baked. Also, they seemed to need a little more time than the recipe called for.

I like brownies soft in the middle and hard on the edges so I tried cooking them a little less, 15 minutes instead of the called-for 20 minutes but had to keep adding more time in the oven, for a total of about 23 minutes taking them in and out twice to test them.

Since every oven is different and everyone likes their brownies differently, I underbaked mine. For me, nice and chewy, with a hard edge, these are about as good as any brownie I have ever baked, and they are entirely vegan and gluten-free.

Because they use peanut flour these vegan brownies are also high in protein and are gluten-free. If you have a peanut allergy they are not the right choice for you of course.

Bottom Line: Use Banana Instead of Egg in Brownies

Swapping a banana for eggs when baking brownies will take some of the saturated fat and cholesterol out of the recipe, making it a healthier choice. When you need to satisfy a chocolate craving, baking healthier vegan brownies is the way to go.

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

The post “I Baked Vegan Brownies With Banana Instead of Eggs. Here’s How It Went” appeared first on The Beet.

These days you can even find delicious, egg-free nog in your refrigerator case at the supermarket, and some of the milk carton versions actually do a pretty good job of mimicking that iconic creamy, nutmeg-y taste of everyone’s favorite festive winter drink. If you’re living the dairy-free life, you might even think of having fun making your own batch for friends (you don’t even have to tell them it’s vegan –– that’s between you and Santa). Here are our favorite store-bought dairy-free eggnogs to help celebrate the holidays.

The Best Vegan and Dairy-Free Eggnog Brands

Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog

Almond Breeze is a classic-tasting eggnog that everyone will love for the holidays. Almond Breeze milk alternatives have never failed us and the brand’s eggnog lives up to all expectations we have of the taste and texture, despite the fact that it’s dairy-free. It’s one of the most allergen-friendly options. since it’s not only dairy-free but also soy-free, lactose-free, peanut-free, casein-free, egg-free, and gluten-free.

We loved this one served up plain, but we also think Almond Breeze is a tasty option for your spiked eggnog. Almond Breeze’s nog will fool your non-vegan guests into thinking they’re drinking the real deal. Serve it up and then show them the carton after!

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 1g

Trader Joe’s Almond Nog

Trader Joe’s almond-based eggnog was an office favorite and you should run, don’t walk, to get your hands on a container. If you don’t like overly sweetened eggnog and you are happy with a thinner consistency, this one is the nog for you. A true eggnog lover will search for the spicy and sweet flavors found in traditional eggnogs, but healthier is always our goal so we were thrilled with TJ’s formula. The thinner pour makes this the perfect choice for a nog latte.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: <1g

Califia Farms Holiday Nog

The office was divided on Califia’s Holiday Nog: Some of our coworkers found the spices and taste to resemble the exact taste of the traditional nog they grew up with, whereas others thought it tasted too sweet, like liquid candy. This nog is for anyone who loves notes of nutmeg and ginger. Califia’s is also the creamiest option of the bunch, and makes you feel like you’re indulging in a sweet treat – but with only 1.5 grams of fat and no saturated fat, it’s the kind of plant-based treat that isn’t too terrible for you. So enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 1g

Good Karma Dairy-Free Holiday Nog

Good Karma’s Flaxmilk Holiday Nog is perfect for anyone who is nut-free or who doesn’t like the taste and consistency of almond milk. This nog is the most allergen-friendly since it is free of the top eight allergens including, gluten, dairy, and nuts. The holiday nog is made with flaxseed oil and most closely resembles the texture of traditional nog.

If you enjoy a creamer on the sweeter side, then you will love Good Karma’s nog. Want to fancy up your morning joe? This “veg-nog” blends perfectly with a cup of strong coffee, creating a sweetened holiday-infused morning beverage.  We appreciate the relatively low carbs (8g per serving), so this is your best bet if you’re watching your waist and still want to feel like you’re celebrating the holidays in style.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 0g

So Delicious Coconutmilk Holiday Nog

So Delicious is one of those companies that named itself perfectly. Sip their almond milk eggnog and you want to say the words! The consistency of their nog mimics conventional ones perfectly, with a rich taste and the same creamy thickness as real nog.  The coconut flavor adds a nice taste for a holiday bevy, but treat this nog as an indulgence since it has 2 grams of saturated fat and 15 grams of carbs. So what? It’s the holidays! Add this sweet dairy-free nog to your grocery list.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 115mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 0g

Elmhurst 1925 Oat Nog

What can we say? We love Elmhurst, which switched from being a dairy company to a plant-based company back in 2017 (way ahead of its time) and changed the name to Elmhurst 1925. Now it’s the fastest-growing plant-based beverage company on the market! You can tell your guests that as you serve them this amazingly homemade-tasting eggnog, which is made with oat milk, and just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

Elmhurst 1925’s Oat Nog formula is that holy grail of eggnogs: the perfect combination of flavor and sweetness without being too thick or too sweet. It’s as good as real without being over the top. Made with only six ingredients, Elmhurst 1925’s Oat Nog makes the perfect holiday coffee creamer or mixer for your holiday gathering. Do leave the carton in view, since it will be a conversation starter among your guests.

Nutrition Facts:

• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 2g

How to make the best vegan eggnog

Not a fan of store-bought vegan eggnogs? (If you taste our favorites you might change your mind.) But if you prefer to make your holiday treats and beverages from scratch, this recipe will become a family favorite for years to come.

Vegan Eggnog

Prep Time: 1
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 16 minutes (make it 1 to 2 hours ahead to allow it to cool)
Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

• 2 cups oat milk
• 2 tbsp sweetened condensed coconut milk (or more oat milk)
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or 2-4 tbsp of maple syrup (for desired sweetness)
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Please read through the entire instructions before beginning.
• Prep: Measure out all ingredients.
• Whisk: In a large pot on the stove, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined. Vigorously whisk until there are no more clumps of arrowroot starch.
• Heat: Then turn the stovetop up to medium-high, and heat the vegan eggnog until right before it boils. You should see a few small bubbles appear. Reduce heat to low, and whisk until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• Cool: Remove the eggnog from the heat and allow the eggnog to cool for 5 minutes. Then carefully pour the eggnog into an airtight glass and store. Allow the mixture to cool until it’s not warm. Then place eggnog safely in the fridge to chill for 1-2 hours.
• Enjoy: Serve with or without alcohol and enjoy!

For more great product reviews, check out The Beet Meters. 

The post The Best Vegan Eggnog to Buy Plus a Homemade Dairy-Free Recipe appeared first on The Beet.

We buy these, but of course, you can make pigs in a blanket, and even if you are eating vegan or mostly plant-based you can buy vegan pigs in a blanket these days!

Since I am trying to get my husband to eat healthier and go more plant-based with me, I wanted him to try vegan Pigs in a Blanket. There are new store-bought varieties of vegan pigs in a blanket now on the market these days that look especially promising. So I got a box of Savorly Puff Pastry Dogs – what they call their version of Pigs in a Blanket –  made with plant-based ingredients. I put two boxes of these plant-based sausage bites in the freezer and waited for my moment to try them. Here’s how it went.

First of all, not all party bites have to be unhealthy. These appetizers are vegan and made with pea protein plant-based sausages and the expected pastry ingredients (margarine, palm oil, more rapeseed oil), ketchup and vinegar, and other flavorings in the mix and a sprinkling of poppy seeds on top. Anyway, I figured they were better for you than pork.

Are Vegan Pigs in a Blanket Healthier?

The nutrient contents of these vegan puff pastry dogs break down like this:

One serving is five mini hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry.

The calories were a scant 190 (so far so good, I figured, since anything less than 200 calories is considered a snack in my book).

The fat profile was a little less optimal, with 11 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams of which is saturated fat. Since I know to avoid saturated fat if you’re trying to be heart healthy because it can drive up LDL or so-called bad cholesterol levels, this was a bit high from where I sit – making up 23 percent of your recommended daily value of saturated fat. (Daily values are based on a total caloric intake of 2,000 a day, so adjust as you need to.)

Let’s be honest, though. No matter what you make vegan pigs in a blanket from, they are never going to be a “health food.” Here is our recipe for homemade vegan pigs in a blanket, with all plant-based ingredients. Do you think they are any healthier? Think again!

Read More: Vegan Pigs in a Blanket Made from Scratch

Compare these vegan puff pastry dogs to a regular pork hot dog pig in a blanket, which has about 280 calories for 4 pieces (each one slightly larger than the puff pastry dogs).

Traditional pigs in a blanket made from pork contain about 20 grams of total fat, with 9 grams of that being saturated fat, so about double what the vegan dogs contain, which meant score points for the pea protein pigs in a blanket if saturated fat matters to you. (The source for these general numbers is a nutrition site called eatthismuch.com.)

The five pieces of vegan puff pastry dogs’ Nutritionals are:

• 18 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of protein
• 2 grams of fiber
• 470 mg of sodium

Compare that to four pork pigs in a blanket and you would be getting:

• 17 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of protein
• 1 gram of fiber
• 430 grams of sodium

So if health is your reason for eating vegan pigs in a blanket, this may not be your jam. On the other hand, if you think that avoiding animal products is the best way to eat to lower your carbon footprint (or carbon “foodprint”) and you are consciously avoiding supporting the farming of animals, due to how those animals are treated, then these are a great choice for your next party or gathering.

I Gave My Husband Vegan Pigs in a Blanket. Here’s What He Thought

First of all, we used the toaster oven and I broiled, then baked them (the instructions say to put them into a preheated oven at 390 for 12 to 18 minutes) so being impatient, I thought that would heat up the little toaster oven faster. It worked, and actually ended up slightly over-cooking the pastry, which meant it was crisp, brown, and flaky. The tiny poppy seeds on top were crunchy and a nice touch.

The vegan hot dog was the weak link for my husband, who thought it tasted a little bland. But, he said, if you put these out on a tray and add mustard, everyone would dive in and thoroughly enjoy them. The only issue for him was that he missed that real hot dog taste that includes a bit of a tangy bite to it.

I tasted them and thought they were delicious! For me, as someone who never liked hot dogs and has never counted pigs in a blanket as a favorite finger food, these puff pastries had just the right amount of flaky pastry wrapped in a soft center. The fact that they were a little too soft probably had more to do with my overheating them (the first few minutes on broil) than the fact that the protein is not holding up.

Bottom Line: Would I recommend these to a party host? Absolutely yes.

These vegan puff pastry dogs would be a popular item at any of your upcoming holiday parties. Even non-vegans would love them. The bottom line is, they could fool anyone who didn’t know they were vegan. And for my husband, they will take the place of pigs in a blanket in the weeks and months ahead!

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

The post “I Asked My Husband to Try Vegan Pigs in a Blanket. The Verdict” appeared first on The Beet.

This year, my town was having a Halloween Parade and pumpkin carving party before Halloween, so it was a perfect chance to test passing out vegan candy to kids. I expected scrunched-up noses and rolled eyes and even some “No, thank you’s” especially from the bigger kids. After all, they had plenty of treats to choose from, so why spend precious space in their plastic pumpkins filling up on plant-based or dairy-free, or allergen-free candy?

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that the vegan candy was met with the same enthusiasm, and more, as the old traditional ones I used to buy. I also discovered that no fewer than 20 candy brands that kids already know and love are vegan, made without any dairy, whey protein, animal byproducts, or other ingredients that are disturbingly derived from animals.

I Gave Out Allergen-Friendly Vegan Halloween Candy

The first mom I approached, who has two boys ages 4 and 7 (who were thrilled to be dressing as a Mignon and Gru, and made their mom go as a Mignon too), happened to be the wife of a doctor. Since his specialty is pediatrics, this mom-in-the-know immediately saw the value of giving out vegan, dairy-free candy at Halloween to kids who might not even know they were allergic to certain things.

“You mean they are allergen-free and not made with gelatin?” she asked. I was blown back! “Why yes!” I said, somewhat stunned at her knowledge about what is not vegan in many types of candy.

So much familiar Halloween candy has additives you’d probably rather have your kids avoid, like gelatin. Gelatin is a beef byproduct and is used to add texture and as a binding agent in most candy that is not vegan, like Starbursts. Dairy is added in the form of milk, whey, and cream, so check all labels if your child is allergic.

Because this woman’s pediatrician husband has treated kids who have had violent and life-threatening allergic reactions to dairy, she was fully on board with the idea of vegan candy. She added that another idea was to skip all the nuts and nut butter like Almond Joy, Reese’s, and M&M’s, for good measure.

More than just looking at the labels and avoiding dairy, parents should know that candy can contain ross-contamination when made in manufacturing plants that use those ingredients. There are also hidden animal products that vegans and plant-based people want to stay away from. Vegan candy companies avoid all of these (except nuts and nut butter so parents must be vigilant when out trick or treating.)

Why is Candy Not Vegan?

Candy such as gummies and sour worms or fish can include many non-vegan ingredients, including gelatin, a protein derived from the collagen in cow or pig bones, skin, and connective tissues, informs Tree Hugger, which adds: It’s often used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in a variety of candies, including Altoids, gummy candies and Starburst, among others.

Other non-vegan ingredients can include honey, carmine, and shellac, according to the site OutrageousBaking.com. “Most of these ingredients should sound familiar,” according to the blog. “Shellac is a “confectioner’s glaze” and a varnish, the same as used on floors. It comes from the exudate of the female Indian “lac” bug. Shellac resin sometimes has the color extracted for use in dyes due to its red color,” it informs us. To which I say: Gross!

Another source we trust on the subject, PETA, tells us that Carmine (often listed as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4), is a red coloring made from crushed insects.

PETA’s List of Surprisingly Vegan Candy

• Airheads
• Atomic Fireballs
• Big League Chew
• Bottle Caps
• Brach’s Lemon Drops
• Brach’s Root Beer Barrels
• Charms Blow Pops
• Chick-O-Stick
• Cocomels
• Cry Baby
• DOTS
• Dum Dums
• Fun Dip
• Hubba Bubba
• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
• Jujubes
• Jujyfruits
• Mamba
• Mary Jane and Mary Jane Peter Butter Kisses
• Nerds
• Now & Later
• Pixy Stix
• Red Vines
• Skittles
• Smarties
• Sour Patch Kids
• Super Bubble
• Surf Sweet Gummies
• Sweet TARTS
• Twizzlers
• Zotz

Another list from The Food Network has many of the above vegan candies and includes:

• Fruit By The Foot
• Swedish Fish
• Enjoy Life

So other than dairy allergies that can be fatal –– not to be confused with lactose intolerance which causes gastro distress –– I was nervous about giving out candy to kids who might have nut allergies or any other aversions to animal products (they are more aware than ever of what happens to cows on factory farms), so I figured: go with vegan candy to be safe.

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What Does Vegan Candy Taste Like?

I was also aware that the word vegan before candy could be a buzzkill. Are there delicious ones? It turns out that more and more vegan candy bars are hitting the market. For the best vegan chocolate bars, check out this taste test that ranks vegan chocolate for taste and health, called The Beet Meter. But it’s a little ungainly to give out full-sized chocolate bars. For Halloween, I prefer the mini candy that is individually wrapped for sanitation and safety.

Why Buy a Vegan Candy Brand?

First I tried the best-known vegan candy company, Enjoy Life. But when those were all sold out, I went on a hunt. Not because I couldn’t just go buy some other vegan candy but because I wanted to support a vegan candy brand.

So I went and found YumEarth Vegan Candy, in a prepackaged Halloween variety pack, which offers a selection of gummies in fruit flavors, a type of candy that most kids adore.

I also gave out Free2Be Halloween Treats, a bag of individually wrapped Sunflower Seed Butter cups in Dark Chocolate. These look just like regular chocolate peanut butter cups but made with allergen-friendly ingredients so kids can enjoy even if they have food allergies.

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The very fact that many of these vegan candy items were selling out quickly told me that parents are more aware than ever of what’s in their food, and watching out for allergens. They are also becoming more conscious about consuming foods that are terrible for the environment, and our food systems’ impact on climate change (since animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions). Most parents just hope the kids have a fun, safe time and don’t eat so much candy that it makes them sick. Staying away from dairy and additives is a bonus, but if your kids are not allergic, you start to look at the nuts in M&Ms and Reece’s peanut butter cups as a relative health food when it comes to Halloween options!

Allergies are another story, however. If you have a kid with a nut or dairy allergy, these organic allergy-friendly candies are a must. Since even if your candy does not contain dairy and nuts on the label it could have been formulated with equipment and containers that did contain those allergens, so anyone allergic to nuts and dairy is better off buying a vegan candy from a vegan candy company.

Giving Out Vegan Halloween Candy

I showed up at the parade early, when the kids were walking to the starting spot at the fire station. They were about 4 to 8 in age and a little shy so I made sure to tell the moms and dads that I was giving out “healthier Halloween candy, that’s organic, gluten-free, and allergen-free, as well as vegan.” Because the packages didn’t look like the usual brands they were so familiar with I showed the moms and dads the bags, to be reassuring that this wasn’t some fentanyl substitute (which had been widely reported as a cautionary tale in the news this year).

Most of the kids and moms were into it. Reactions ranged from:” I didn’t know candy wasn’t vegan!” To “Candy is candy!” The kids shrugged, looked at the cheerful packaging, said thanks, and moved on to the next generous trick-or-treat giver. They were more concerned with their costumes, which were falling off or the masks had gotten hot and were worn perched on their heads, up above their faces, the way a major league baseball catcher pushes up his catcher’s mask when he needs to see.

Juju, my favorite 4-year-old, in a low-key Minion outfit (essentially yellow hoodie and overalls) dug in first, and then his big brother Oliver, dressed as Gru, also enthusiastically dug into the bags. They both taste-tested the lollipops from YumEarth and the chocolate cups with sunflower seeds. “Delicious!” Juju announced when eating the pop. “Just like the other peanut butter cups,” said Oliver. They were sold.

Moms were excited to hear I had “healthier Halloween candy” for the kids. One said: Oh, they’re used to my keto candies, so they won’t be picky.”

Only one little princess was not a taker. “Are these peanut butter cups?” she asked. “Actually they are sunflower seed cups, which taste just like that,” I answered. She had moved on by the time she heart the word sunflower seed … “Just tell them YES! said another parent, a dad walking behind the picky princess who had watched her disdain at the idea of a sunflower seed chocolate cup. “Okay, but, I am trying to be honest here,” I told the helpful dad making this suggestion. “To kids, candy is candy,” he said and took a sample to try. Note taken!

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I never thought about it before, either, the need for allergy-friendly, organic candy for kids and adults. But now that vegan candy is just “candy” without all the whey and dairy, beef byproducts like gelatin, and beetle bug juice, it makes me wonder why more companies don’t just leave out all the stuff that makes kids sick or makes our planet heat up faster than it has to.

My head-scratching extended to Why can’t Almond Joy be made without milk and whey (it’s just dark chocolate and coconut, for the most part)? So note to candy companies: Make your formulations vegan. If companies like Lindt can do it, replacing dairy with oat milk in its vegan dairy-free milk chocolate bars, then anyone can. And you’ll have a lot more takers come Halloween!

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

The post “I Gave Out Vegan Halloween Candy. Here’s What Happened” appeared first on The Beet.

The Veggie Burger they list on the website (and which I assumed I was tasting) has actually been reformulated and subbed in for the new version the chain is testing throughout select Shacks (including, lucky me, mine!). They also let me know that Shake Shack is currently working on more options for their vegan and vegetarian customers, which includes testing this new and improved Veggie Shack at select Shack locations across the country.

Veggie Burgers Are Coming to a Place Near You

Every day I read about new vegan fast-food places opening up in one part of the country or another, but most of them are nowhere near where I live. PLNT Burger, Plant Power, Next Level, Hart House from Kevin Hart and the iconic Atlanta vegan chain Slutty Vegan are all making inroads to expand across the U.S. and offer plant-based fast food to those who want to eat less meat, avoid dairy or adhere to a strictly vegan diet.

As someone who is mostly plant-based but less concerned than some with the possibility of cross-contamination in the kitchen (where the same utensils may be used on vegan burgers and beef burgers cooked on one grill), my goal is to find healthier plant-based fast food that has fewer chemicals and additives, is better for humans and the planet doesn’t harm animals and allows you (and me) to taste our favorite fast food meal of burgers and fries, but without the unhealthy animal ingredients. Nor do I love the idea of eating highly processed fake food!

I have tasted quite a few of the vegan-only burgers, including at Veggie Grill in Chicago,  PLNT Burger in Union Square, and Plant Planet when I was visiting LA, but when I am hungry and it’s well past lunchtime and I have a hankering for vegan fast food, there is only one option within walking distance of my apartment on the upper east side of Manhattan. That is Shake Shack.

Luckily for me, they have a vegan burger that is not only dairy-free, meat-free, and plant-based (once the Provolone cheese is removed and the bun which contains dairy is swapped for a gluten-free option) but it’s made from ingredients that I love, and recognize – like beans, onions, brown rice, and beets, and it’s not overly processed like so many meat-free burger alternatives these days. Give me a good old-fashioned bean burger any time over something that is made with more than 10 ingredients, most of them unpronounceable.

What Is the Best Vegan Fast Food Burger?

When it comes to answering: What’s the best vegan burger? Or, Where can you find the best plant-based or vegan fast food? These are pressing questions, ones that we spend time on in meetings here at The Beet. Consider this one important step on the road to finding out.

And while we are on a quest to find the best vegan burger on the planet, there are more than a few places that are not solely vegan fast food restaurants that need to be considered, not because they serve up ready-made Beyond burgers or Impossible meat, but because they formulate their own vegan burger out of veggies or create mushroom burger formulations that are satisfying, healthier for you, and 100 percent delicious. Of course, you can go to a local chain or restaurant, but in looking for a national chain, the logical place to try would be Shake Shack.

Shake Shack Offers Two Meatless Patties, Only One Vegan

Since I was last there, the Veggie burger that was originally added to the menu is being reworked and improved. You can still always find the Shroom Burger, which is made with real dairy cheese, but that one is only vegetarian, not vegan. The Veggie burger that is being tested currently is presented on a potato bun – and comes with vegan aioli, so it is a fully vegan, delicious choice, made with real whole food ingredients and topped with avocado slices.

The new vegan patty is being tested at select stores, so look for it on a menu near you.  But even though only a handful of states offer it as part of the official menu, if you ask for it they might have it to offer. The Veggie patty is made with real greens, grains, and herbs, and topped with freshly sliced avocado, vegan aioli, tomato, pickles, and shredded green lettuce on a toasted potato bun.

The other vegetarian option is the Shroom Burger, made with portobello mushrooms, which of course are super healthy for you. (Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that have been shown to stop tumor growth in the lab and help fight depression, studies have found.) While eating a mushroom burger, even one with lots of other ingredients in it is better for you than eating meat, if you’re vegan you will want to steer clear of the Shroom Burger, since they stuff the mushrooms with real cheese, and also add a big slice of cheese onto the patty for serving (which of course you can ask to skip). For anyone avoiding meat, this choice works, but know that you’re getting full-fat dairy in the deal.

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Non-Dairy Shakes from NoCo Plant Milk

I had last been to Shake Shack to taste test their non-dairy milkshakes made with NotCo dairy-free milk, and had not been disappointed in the thickness and texture as well as the deep chocolaty taste. Okay, so anything chocolate is my idea of a taste treat. Vegans can delight in the full vegan fast food experience at Shake Shack since their crinkle-cut fries are 100 percent vegan. However, the company’s website says the Shack Fries are not vegan, so order the crinkle cut.

Now that the Veggie Shack is on the menu you can order a full meal including crinkle fries and a plant-based milkshake and know that you are in good hands if plant-based fast food is your guilty pleasure, as it is mine! There is one big caveat though, and that’s what happens in the kitchen, where everything is cooked on the same grills using the same utensils.

Cross Contamination is real. Note to vegans: The grills all share the same greasy surface and the utensils are used on all the burgers, so if you require zero cross-contamination this may not be the spot for you. The helpful person taking my order pointed that out to me and asked me if I was allergic to dairy since she wanted to make sure I knew that she could not guarantee the stuff coming out didn’t touch dairy or cheese. I assured her I was not but totally appreciated her conscientious questioning since I know that milk allergies are no joke and people have died from them.

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“We’ll have One of Each! The Veggie, Shroom, and a Regular Cheeseburger”

Along for the ride, today are my husband James Danziger, and Bonnie, the 60-pound, tall white Maremma sheepdog, who is game for any adventure but especially one that involves burgers. I order my husband’s cheeseburger, we decide to split a side of fries, and then I tee it up: One mushroom burger, one veggie burger (which she assures me comes with a gluten-free bun as if that makes it any more vegan) and I ask her to hold the cheese.

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For the sake of taste-testing the two options, I ordered the Shroom burger with cheese, not because I am an idiot – since I know cheese is not good for me nor is it vegan – but in order to try to entice my husband into taking a liking to a shroom burger and next time give up his usual beef order. (This proved futile since he was very happy with his cheeseburger.) I also ordered a dairy-free chocolate shake (for me, because I can’t help myself) and an orange cider, which sounded healthy but turned out to be a sugar bomb.

All the food takes a while so we grab a seat in the narrow side alley beside the restaurant, where Shake Shack allows you to take a brief respite from the loud activity on East 86th Street and enjoy a few minutes in the sun, at an easy distance from the bustling city. It is delightful. Finally, they call my name and I go inside to pick up a tray lined with fresh burgers.

The fries feel a little lightly dealt – with only about 12 full-sized fries in all, so it forced me to eat them slowly and relish each one. That worked. Whenever I “split” one order of fries, to my horror, I always scarf them down so fast that I end up having to get a whole new order for my dining partner. This time I savored them and left plenty for JD.

All lined up on the tray, we first had trouble figuring out which was vegan. They all had lettuce and tomato, but since James didn’t want pickles and onions, that was the easiest way to tell the difference. Plus, his beef burger was unevenly shaped, while the veggie burger and shroom burger were round. I bit into the veggie patty and it didn’t disappoint: Made from all these clean, whole food ingredients, it had just enough burger texture to satisfy, and under the toppings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, avocado slices, and vegan aioli it was convincingly burger-esque.

To my delight, the Veggie patty came with fresh sliced avocado on top, which I had not asked for — so it’s standard. This detail of adding fresh (not puréed paste) avocado slices made me believe that this vegan burger is even healthier than most of the other places I’ve tried. The bun, a gluten-free option, was a little dry but I didn’t mind because all in all, I know staying away from gluten is a good idea and helps drive down inflammation.

The Shroom burger was a bit more controversial, not just because it had cheese, but because you can really taste the portobello texture and flavor. That means if you like mushrooms and are a fan of that texture, you’ll love this. (Many people hate mushrooms!) I usually am a fan of portobellos and value them as part of a healthy plant-based diet, but with the cheese and sauce, it was all a bit much for me. One quick bite was all it took for me to decide that this was what I call a bad compromise: Neither vegan nor tasty, and neither healthy (due to all the cheese) nor satisfying. Next time I will pass on that one.

Bottom Line: I tried Shake Shack’s New, Improved Veggie Burger and Loved It

While you may love to go to a vegan fast food place, not everyone in your group wants to give up their favorite order. When that happens, head over to Shake Shack. It has a great, healthy, whole-food-ingredient vegan burger – and everyone can get exactly what they love!

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

The post “I Tried the New, Improved Vegan Burger at Shake Shack. Here’s What I Thought” appeared first on The Beet.

Of course, shakes have traditionally had a terrible reputation as being full of sugar, low in fiber and protein, and about as healthy as a candy bar.

The latest crop of vegan and plant-based protein shakes is a new, healthier generation, made with dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, and coconut. So we went in search of the tastiest, healthiest plant-based shakes that we could find.

These portable dairy-free shakes come in resealable bottles, and many don’t have to be refrigerated until after opening — so they’re also great to pack for commuting.

Editor’s Note: Many of these shakes contain MCT oil and if you are following a keto diet it can help you get your calories from fat – not carbs – because it’s a naturally occurring fat from coconut oil. If you’re avoiding oils, we suggest you look out for MCT oil as something to avoid. And The Beet always encourages you to eat a diet of mostly whole, unprocessed foods, but when you don’t have that option, plant-based protein shakes can help tide you over until your next healthy meal.

The Best Dairy-Free Protein Shakes

During a taste test, we were pleasantly surprised at how full these plant-based protein shakes kept us feeling. Consuming one with a light lunch kept us satiated until dinner, and the coffee-flavored varieties easily took the place of a morning latte (with more nutrition, to boot).

While serving vegan protein shakes chilled is recommended, you can experiment with how you consume these, too. For example, try pouring a vanilla shake over your cereal in lieu of your normal milk, or drink a chocolate shake hot (heating gently in the microwave) for a sweet post-dinner treat that tastes like — you guessed it — hot chocolate.

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

The Healthiest Vegan Protein Shakes

Overall Winner:

1. Happy Viking Triple Chocolate Protein Shake

Happy Viking was launched by Venus Williams when she couldn’t find a workout recovery drink that she liked enough to make it a regular ritual. With plant-based protein and a rich chocolaty taste, HV satisfies every craving while delivering a blend of clean, pea and brown rice protein along with nutrients like potassium and iron to your body.

While we can’t all hit a forehand like Wiliams, now we can replenish our muscles after a workout the way she does. Keep these at your desk or bring one in your bag for those moments when you want chocolate but also something healthy.

2. Ripple Vegan Protein Shakes

Ripple is making waves and is popular among shakes because its pea formula is clean and protein-packed. Creamy and almost milkshake-like in texture when chilled, the Salted Caramel variety is divine and a solid stand-in for a sweet snack or dessert any day. Vanilla, coffee, and chocolate also earned high marks, with the only downside being the high sodium content in these shakes.

3. OWYN Vegan Protein Shake

At first, this bottle was slightly annoying to open, as it not only has a plastic seal but a foil seal covering the top that was tricky to remove. However, both the Cold Brew Coffee (perfect for a morning commute) and vanilla flavors were delicious enough to make up for it. We loved how this drink is free of the top eight allergens, stevia, and sugar alcohols; is high in fiber, and it comes in more outside-the-box flavors like Cookies N Cream and Turmeric Golden.

4. Oath Organic Oat Milk + Plant Protein

Three cheers to Oath for incorporating oat milk in vegan protein shakes. The creative flavors of this organic drink enticed us to want to try them all. While we didn’t love Matcha Chai, the others—including Golden Turmeric, Indian Rose, and Double Chocolate — made for smooth sipping. With 210-260 calories apiece, these are heartier than some other shakes, thanks to the addition of both almond and pumpkin seed protein (and MCT oil in the Turmeric variety).

5. Soylent Complete Protein

A protein drink called Soylent Complete Protein is the latest product from this company, known for its meal-replacement products. More than just a protein shake, Soylent includes nootropics said to boost energy and focus. This bottle, like OWYN, features the pesky double seal, but the reward is inside: The chocolate drink is velvety and luscious (you could have fooled us that this was actually chocolate milk), and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including 100 percent of the daily recommendation for vitamins B6 and B12.

6. Aloha Protein Drink

Known for its protein bars and protein powder, Aloha recently added plant-based protein drinks to its lineup. Made with a blend of pea and brown rice protein, coconut milk, and MCT oil, these are free of any artificial ingredients and only contain 5 grams of sugar. The angled top on the cardboard container is slightly awkward to drink from, but the silky shake makes up for it. We like the vanilla flavor best, beating out chocolate sea salt (we missed the salt here) and coconut.

Your Guide to The Best Plant-Based Protein Powders: We Tasted 9 Bestsellers

1. Vega Protein & Greens

The base of Vega is pea protein, brown rice protein, and sacha inchi (a seed eaten like a nut) protein. One serving of Vega has only 80 calories and 15g of protein. Vega’s protein powder is a great choice for anyone who struggles to get enough greens in their diet. The proteins are combined with alfalfa powder, spinach powder, broccoli powder, and organic kale powder giving you 2 servings of veggies in one scoop. The taste of this protein was described as “artificial” whereas others thought it tasted like birthday cake. We recommend adding this into a smoothie, but luckily all you have to add is fruit since Vega has the greens covered. This low-cal powder won’t break the bank at $1.20 a scoop.

2. TB12 Vanilla Plant-Based Protein

Tom Brady’s TB12 pea protein powder consists of simple ingredients with no additives. For anyone who is allergic to soy or nuts, TB12’s pea protein-based powder is a great option. It’s hard to say no to this powder with 24 grams of protein. Don’t hide this powder in a smoothie, mix it with water and you will immediately see a thick consistency resembling a vanilla milkshake. Not only does it look like a milkshake, but it tastes like it too. TB12 recommends drinking this powder up to 20 minutes after a workout for the best recovery. You have to order this powder on the TB12 website since it isn’t available in stores or on Amazon. Less than $2 per serving!

3. PlantFusion Complete Protein

PlantFusion is a blend of peas, artichokes, algae, and superfoods. The deep yellow-gold coloring of PlantFusion’s protein powder set this brand apart from the rest. Some testers found the flavor wasn’t overwhelming, making it a great addition to a smoothie, whereas others felt the powder was sweet. For those of you who aren’t a fan of Stevia, buy the natural, no-stevia blend. This protein powder is low in fat, and carbs, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to lose weight while still getting enough protein (21g a serving). PlantFusion’s powder has a sweetness not everyone enjoyed since Stevia is an ingredient. $1.20 a scoop, makes this a deal!

4.Vivo Perform

Vivo Perform is the most superfood-packed protein powder of this bunch. Athletes will appreciate this protein powder made of pea protein, hemp protein, plant-based BCAA (branched-chain amino acids), reishi mushrooms, acai berries, lucuma fruit powder, maca powder, and turmeric extract. Vivo Perform is $59 on Amazon so go straight to their website for a cheaper price at $51 for the pouch pictured below. With 25g of protein and complete amino acid profile helps athletes to build, perform, recover, and absorb. If you want a quick protein drink after a workout, use a shaker bottle when mixing or this powder will stick to the sides of the cup. In the mood for a protein-filled breakfast? Add to your oatmeal or smoothie bowl with this recipe.

5. Elevate Plant-Based Performance Protein

Elevate is a pea and hemp protein-based powder that also is made with sweet potato powder. For anyone looking to convert from whey protein powders, Elevate is the plant-based protein for you. This powder is meant to be used in beverages such as smoothies. The thin consistency doesn’t mix well with water and becomes chalky. If you aren’t in the mood for a protein smoothie, add a scoop to your pancake batter. For a complete recipe check out Elevate’s Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Pancakes. This powder is another affordable choice at $1.60 a scoop.

6. Momentous Absolute Zero

Momentous protein powder is a combination of pea and rice protein concentrate. Testers liked the initial scent of mint and thought it was refreshing. This powder is perfect for anyone who likes sweeter drinks. Momentous powders are NSF International Certified for Sport, which means the product label is 100% accurate and there are no banned substances present in this powder. This is one of the pricier protein powders at $60 a tub but is worth it for athletes looking for a clean and effective post-workout powder. We recommend either mixing with water or adding to a smoothie for a more nutrient-dense drink. The priciest powder of the bunch at $3 per serving.

7. Garden of Life

Garden of Life is made of pea, buckwheat, amaranth sprout, and brown rice. We didn’t love the green color of the powder or the way it smelled but once we mixed it with water, it tasted surprisingly good. Garden of Life is the easiest to mix with water, plan-based milk or in a smoothie. The vanilla flavor isn’t overpowering so you can add this to any combination of smoothies and not be overwhelmed by the taste of vanilla. And it’s only $1.20 per scoop!

8. Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Vanilla

Tone It Up protein powder is a blend of sunflower seeds and pea protein. The minute we opened the container, everyone loved the smell of this powder. Tone It Up is known to be a great addition to baked goods. The next time you make your protein muffins, add Tone It Up to the mix. We don’t suggest adding this powder with just water but instead a smoothie with fruits and veggies.

9. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein

The name of this powder says it all. Nuzest is the cleanest protein powder since it is made out of only 3 simple ingredients: Pea protein isolate, natural vanilla flavor, and thaumatin (a low-calorie sweetener). For $45, you are supposed to get 20 servings out of one container, but at a glance that didn’t seem accurate. This high protein, low carb powder is perfect to blend with plant-based milk and ice. The consistency is smooth and adds thickness to any protein shake.

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

The post The 6 Best Protein-Loaded Dairy-Free Shakes appeared first on The Beet.

Plenty of people have given up dairy in favor of plant-based milks and swear by the swap, and the movement is growing. For inspiration or to join the community, follow the IG called Switch4Good. 

To know which plant-based milk is best, we tasted over 10 different milks. We poured the plain ones over cereal at the office and watched as the crowd gathered. (Everyone wanted in on this taste test!) Some preferred the creaminess of the banana milk and said it would be great in a smoothie, and other testers liked the skim-like consistency of almond milk best.

Here are the best plant-based milks on the market, rated for both taste and health.

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

365 Unsweetened Almond Milk

“You can taste the almonds!” said a tester. This one is very similar to the Califia Almond Milk, but has a nuttier taste and is not as creamy. We loved this in cereal and would drink it with most anything, especially our iced coffee to add a little extra flavor. If you enjoy a thin milk texture, we would suggest drinking this one over the Califia because it’s more like skim.

The Bottom Line: This milk is so low in carbs, fat, and calories you can enjoy it as often as you like. The sodium is a little high but still in the range with the rest of the crop.

Calories 40

Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 1g

Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk

Personally, this is our favorite almond milk brand, since it has the perfect combination of taste and nutrition. All of our taste testers agreed. It’s similar to real milk: creamy and smooth, but it has a refreshing-yet-subtle almond taste. If you’re an almond milk latte fan, we recommend using this brand because your latte foam will have a thicker texture. We tried this milk in comparison to the 365 Unsweetened Almond milk and there wasn’t a huge difference, but we would prefer to eat cereal with Califia Unsweetened Almond Milk because of its milk-like texture with a hint of almond.

Bottom Line: The Califia Almond Milk gets high marks in both the taste and the health categories for being low in calories, carbs, and fat yet high in calcium. If we had to pick an overall winner, this would be it!

Calories 35

Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 1g

Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk

Elmhurst is one of the cleanest store-bought milk and it’s only made with two ingredients: Filtered water and almonds. Elmhurst almond milk has a silky, smooth consistency and tastes just as healthy as it is. You can add it to smoothies, protein shakes, waffle or pancake mix — or even drink it by the glass. Elmhurst is a bit pricey, around $7 per 32-ounce container, but if you’re trying to eat cleaner, it’s worth it.

Calories 130

Total Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 1g

Protein 5g

Good Karma Flax Milk + Protein, Unsweetened

Honesty is harsh sometimes, but here’s the truth: This was our least favorite milk because it tastes “too healthy,” like you were drinking your vitamins. This Good Karma product may be full of positive zen vibes, but it’s not big on taste. The thin consistency would make a skim-milk lover happy, but we didn’t enjoy the chalky texture.

Bottom Line: Although we wouldn’t choose this for our morning cereal, it would be great in any smoothie because it delivers 8 grams of plant-based protein and 1,200 milligrams of Omega-3s per serving, which is the winning count for the entire milk category. Another major positive: this milk is made from flaxseed, so if you have a nut allergy or need to increase your fiber for health reasons (and don’t we all want more fiber?), then this milk is a great plant-based choice.

Calories 60

Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 8g

Hope & Sesame Sesamemilk

If you have never heard of sesame milk, it’s definitely worth a try because this milk is both delicious and highly sustainable compared to other plant-based milk products. Hope & Sesame outperforms all conventional and plant-based milk brands when it comes to sustainability and requires 95 percent less water per serving to produce than almond milk! Not only is Hope & Sesame perfect for consumers who shop for environmental reasons, aka “climatarians,” but sesame milk is an excellent source of fiber (14 grams), calcium, and Vitamin D. Hope & Sesame adds a creamy richness to your morning coffee and froths up just like traditional creamers.

Calories 120

Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 8g

JOI Almond Milk Base

JOI stands for Just One Ingredient, which is a welcome change from other milks that include additives and preservatives on their labels. Keep this small container in the fridge and you will never be out of plant milk for your cereal or coffee. All you need to do is add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a cup of water and blend for 30 seconds to have fresh, un-adulterated almond or cashew milk. One small container of JOI nut base makes 27 servings of milk. You might not drink it but it’s great in everything else.

Calories 94

Total Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 1g

Protein 3g

Almond Malk

The thing about Almond Malk is that it tastes so much like real skim milk you can hardly believe it isn’t. Malk makes its Almond milk with just 3 ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Almonds, and Himalayan Pink Salt. None of the Malk formulas contain gums, fillers, binders, oils, or carrageenan. This won me over since my previous favorite plant-based milk had all of the above. The other thing about Malk is whether you prefer unsweetened almond (which is more like skim) or the vanilla formula,  it tastes clean. Honestly, now that I’ve tasted Malk, it’s my new favorite non-dairy milk. Go out of your way to find this brand!

Calories 90

Total Fat 1.5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 0g

Oat Malk

The thing about Oat Malk is that it tastes so much like real cow’s milk you can hardly believe it isn’t. Malk makes its Oat milk with just 3 ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic, Gluten-Free Oats, and Himalayan Pink Salt. None of the Malk formulas contain gums, fillers, binders, oils, or carrageenan. The other thing about Malk is whether you prefer oat (which is more like 2% in thickness and frothiness) or you want a touch of vanilla (made with pure organic vanilla extract) or chocolate (they add organic cocoa), it tastes clean. Honestly, now that I’ve tasted Malk, it’s my new favorite non-dairy milk. Go out of your way to find this brand!

Calories 70

Total Fat 4.5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 4g

Mooala Banana Milk

It’s time to go bananas. This is the most unique tasting milk we put to the test, by far. Made from bananas and cinnamon, it’s sweet like a dessert and would taste the best with a decadent cereal if you wanted a sweet treat.

Bottom Line: The banana milk also has the thickest texture, thicker than Oatly Oat Milk. I wouldn’t eat this with cereal but instead, I would mix it into a smoothie, or use it for baking. If you’re the kind of coffee-drinker who likes half & half or a creamer substitute, this is the milk for you. One of our testers noted that it was almost like drinking a kids’ “Danimals Kids” yogurt smoothie from his childhood. However, if you do use it in a smoothie, we recommend you leave out the banana since it already has a strong banana taste.

Calories 60

Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 1g

Mooala Original Almond Milk

This almond milk is thicker than its counterparts so if you prefer that texture you’ll like this. The Mooala almond is slightly chalkier, though and we would suggest adding it to anything that needs a thicker texture like a smoothie or frozen treat.

Bottom Line: The nutrition facts are impressive with only five ingredients, 6 grams of carbs, 60 calories per serving and 2 grams of protein. One caveat: Anyone who doesn’t eat honey needs to skip this milk because it does contain it as a sweetener.

Calories 60

Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 2g

Oatly Oat Milk

You want to hate the new girl, the one who moves here from Sweden with the perfect skin and silky hair and then she turns out to be funny, self-deprecating and smart and you can’t help but immediately welcome her into your circle and think: Why didn’t she show up earlier? We LOVE her. That’s Oatly. This milk is the newcomer to the shelves, and it turns out to be a game-changer. If you’re moving away from dairy and embracing the non-dairy milk habit, this one might be the closest to what you’re used to drinking. Its texture is creamy and smooth with a hint of natural sweetness, just like regular milk. There is no need to add any sweeteners, and that’s why it works great with coffee or cereal, and it would make even more delicious your oatmeal, giving it a creamier consistency than making it with water.

Bottom Line: All of our taste testers finished this milk with their cereal and wanted another pour to drink by itself. It was a unanimous winner. We voted this milk alternative as the best but keep reading because there are plenty of other great choices, especially if you’re looking for less creamy options. And with 5 grams of fat, it’s got staying power that’ll keep you full for longer, too.

Calories 120

Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g

Protein 3g

Planet Oat Unsweetened Vanilla

Compared to other plant-based milk, Planet Oat is the biggest bang for your buck at under $4 a gallon, making this creamy oat milk one of the most budget-friendly options. Packed with 25 percent and 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin D and 25 percent of your calcium, Planet Oat is a smart choice for your mornings. Whether you use your milk in your cereal or your coffee (or both), Planet Oat is a frothy, thicker milk alternative than most of its competitors. The vanilla flavor adds a little sweet punch that makes it a top contender for the sweet tooths.

Calories 45

Total Fat 0.5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 1g

Rice Dream (Original)

We loved the light texture and hint of brown rice aftertaste, which kind of reminds us of a bran muffin. It gave our cereal a sweeter and richer taste. One of our testers described the taste as the leftover milk you drink after you finished the cereal in your bowl.

Bottom Line: Overall, we enjoyed the taste and would drink it simply by itself—the added sugar made it slightly sweet and delicious. This milk is low in fat but a bit higher in carbs than some of our other choices.

Calories 130

Total Fat 2.5g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 0g

Ripple Pea Milk

Although Oatly won our hearts, this pea milk deserves a special honorable mention for being a crowd-pleaser and healthful, with a big protein punch and skim-like consistency that those of us who prefer a thinner texture will enjoy. There are two big differences in Ripple Pea Milk compared to Oatly Oat Milk: First, you notice the taste of peas is stronger than the taste of oats in oat milk. Second, the texture is a bit thinner than oat milk. Finally, pea milk packs 8 grams of protein, more than double that of oat milk. So if you need extra protein, pack in the peas.

Bottom Line: Best in cereal, coffee, or smoothies. The pea milk lacks some of the sweetness of the others so if you’re avoiding carbs, this is a good choice. But it has a wallop of sodium, which some people who work out a lot and sweat out their salts may not mind but anyone worried about their sodium intake may consider avoiding.

Calories 100

Total Fat g, Saturated Fat 0.5g

Protein 8g

Silk Coconut Milk

This milk has less of a coconut taste than most other brands using coconut but has a smoother texture. We loved the nutty vanilla flavor (surprising, since this is strictly coconut). Although both the Silk coconut milk and So Delicious coconut milk taste very similar, we liked this one better in cereal than the So Delicious because of its creamier texture.

Bottom Line: Dip a coconut cookie into it for a sweet treat or use it as a coffee creamer.

Calories 40

Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 4g

Protein 0g

Silk Original Oat MIlk

Silk’s Original Oat Milk is rich, smooth, and perfectly creamy, exceeding our (including chef Gordon Ramsay’s) expectations for plant-based milk. Packed with 50 percent more calcium than dairy milk (35 percent of your daily value), this bone health-conscious beverage will quiet any concerns about oat milk not providing the same nutrients as cow’s milk. This oat milk is also free of cholesterol, carrageenan, and gluten, delivering a clean milk substitute that everyone can enjoy.

Calories 45

Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 1g

So Delicious Coconut Milk

With a hint of vanilla and coconut, this is a delicious milk alternative. It has a light texture, sweet taste, and is flavorful without being overly powerful. It tastes very natural and not artificial—which is hard to find in coconut products. Use this milk when baking desserts or as a coffee creamer.

Bottom Line: It tastes delicious in cereal but for anyone who would prefer something thicker, this milk is a skim-like consistency. So if you love skim, choose this one.

Calories 45

Total Fat 4.5g, Saturated Fat 4g

Protein 0g

Tache Original Blend Pistachio Milk

If you are looking for a heart-healthy non-dairy creamer, then pistachio milk is a great choice. Tache’s Pistachio Milk is high in Omega-3 heart-healthy fats, like pistachios themselves, which studies show help to lower cholesterol. Pistachio milk contains more potassium than other non-dairy milks. The taste has a hint of pistachio but if you like that nut you won’t mind. This plant-based milk might be pricey (nearly $8 per carton), but it is one of the creamiest, most luxurious vegan milks that froths up like the real thing.

Calories 80

Total Fat 3.5g , Saturated Fat 0g

Protein 2g

The 12 Best Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers For That Real Cream Taste

1. Califia Unsweetened Almond Milk Creamer

Califia Farms Almond Creamer is made with real almonds and coconut cream to give a rich, full-flavored texture and has 2 grams of added sugar. The consistency is so thick it’s more like a heavy cream rather than a creamer substitute. Regardless, it froths up well and is very creamy. The almond taste is noticeable but the creamer isn’t bitter or grainy. You don’t need to use a lot of it; a little goes a long way!

2. Silk Dairy-Free Original Soy Creamer

Silk Original Dairy-Free Original Soy Creamer has only 1 gram of added sugar, but sadly it does not froth up well when I heated it due to a thinner, more watery consistency. It didn’t combine well with coffee, no matter how much was added. Because of the underwhelming flavor, this was my least favorite.

3. Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss® Unsweetened Plant-Based Half-and-Half

This Natural Bliss Coconut Milk Creamer/Sweet Cream is the best one I’ve found for both frothing and taste, especially if you miss the consistency and flavor of half-and-half. It’s creamy and has a hint of coconut, but no overwhelming coconut flavor. Note: it is made with pea protein, unlike the other ones, which is probably why it’s thicker. Always check ingredients if you have food allergies because unexpected ingredients such as peas can be hiding in the product, and you would never know by the taste.

4. So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk Creamer

So Delicious has been marketing dairy-free frozen desserts, yogurt alternatives, and smooth plant-based beverages for over 30 years. Besides the coconut milk, they also have “Original,” “Snickerdoodle.” “Caramel” and “Creamy Vanilla” flavors. I only sampled the coconut milk flavor. This is the only one in this taste test with 0 grams of added sugar. It has a very rich coconut taste and froths up nicely in coffee like milk. It’s not as thick as some of the others but is a good alternative to ultra-sweet creamers if you want to be careful about your sugar intake. The coconut flavor is powerful but not overwhelming.

5. CoffeeMate Natural Bliss Vanilla Oat Milk Creamer

Natural Bliss Oat Milk Creamer, Vanilla Natural Flavor, with 4 grams added sugar is similar to Coffee Mate’s Coconut creamer but without the coconut flavor. It’s super-rich and creamy with a hint of oat flavor but not bitter at all. My new favorite! This is the best one I’ve found for frothing and taste especially if you miss the consistency and flavor of half and half. It’s like the real thing as it’s creamy, fluffy and not grainy. Remember to shake it up before putting in your frother. Use a little and be happy with your non-dairy latte!

6. Original Oat-Ly Oat Milk Barista Edition

The Original Oat-Ly Oat Milk Barista Edition contains 4 grams of sugar but its full-flavored taste makes it a rich choice. It doesn’t market itself as a creamer but it does advertise as the choice for the barista community. It’s slightly less frothy than real milk when mixed but the flavor is pleasant, not bitter, and I would choose it again.

7. Silk Oat Yeah Oat Milk Creamer

Silk Oat Yeah Oat Milk Creamer, the Vanilla One has 4 grams of added sugar and is also at the top of my list. While it’s sweet, it’s also incredibly rich which means you can use less of it in your coffee. It was thick and creamy when frothed and it adds a fluffy cap to your coffee as lattes make with real cream. Note that pea protein is an added ingredient in this creamer as well. This can rival the real thing but choose this one only if you like a strong vanilla aftertaste!

8. Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer

The Silk Almond Creamer Vanilla boasts that it’s “America’s #1 Almond Creamer. But with 4 grams added sugar you may want to use it sparingly. It did taste sweet and was nice and thick, so someone who likes rich creamers will love it. The vanilla aftertaste was pretty strong. And it’s a little too syrupy sweet for my taste.

9. Nut Pod Creamer Unsweetened Original

Nutpods is the closest you’ll get to the real thing! Tasters immediately gave this dairy-free creamer a 5 out 5. The texture is smooth and mixes with coffee instantly. Unlike soy creamers, this almond and coconut-based creamer doesn’t separate once your done stirring. Nut Pods is the most comparable to half and half in the whole list of creamers!

10. Forager Organic Dairy-Free Half & Half

Forager is cashew milk and coconut cream based that mixes for a unique and flavorful taste. The consistency was on the thinner side, and if you’re a heavy cream or half-and-half devotee this is probably not the creamer for you, although those who like a lighter flavor will enjoy it.

11. Trader Joe’s Coconut Creamer

This creamer is rich, round and doesn’t taste too overtly of coconut. You only need a splash to achieve a nice, creamy effect in your coffee, and there’s no watered-down consistency, so if you swear by heavy cream or half & half, give this Trader Joe’s option a try! At only $1.69 per carton, this product is a steal.

12. Malk Organics Unsweetened Almond Malk

The thickest consistency of the bunch, resembling a heavy cream rather than half and half. Malk has only 5 ingredients, making it super clean and healthy! The almond flavor might be overpowering to those who like less flavor in their creamer. Add the Maple Pecan flavor to your coffee for an even sweeter taste.

The post Non-Dairy Milk Taste Test: The Best Plant-Based and Vegan Milks appeared first on The Beet.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green alga loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, and first discovered by the Aztecs in ancient times. The Aztecs called it tecuitlatl and harvested it from Lake Texcoco, where the French discovered it in the 1960s. Spirulina is a potent source of the powerful antioxidant phycocyanobilin, which helps fight aging and inflammation in the body.

Spirulina is also nutrient-dense, containing 10 percent more protein than another popular algae, chlorella, and contains all 9 essential amino acids your body needs for optimal function.

Spirulina is a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which most people who don’t eat fish have to find through other plant-based sources such as algae, nuts, and seeds. One tablespoon (or 7 grams) of spirulina provides around 1 gram of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Read More: The Health Benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella 

Is Spirulina Good for You?

Spirulina is known to have multiple health benefits. It can lower inflammation in the body so which helps reduce everything from joint pain to all sorts of secondary symptoms, from bloating to clearing up your skin.

By reducing inflammation, spirulina makes everything work better while giving your body the nutrients and powerful antioxidants it needs to perform optimally. Spirulina has virtually no calories, helps boost immune function, sharpens your brain power, and promotes clear skin.

Spirulina has also been shown to help lower cholesterol, so if your “bad” cholesterol is a little higher than your doctor would like, tell her or him about a study that showed people who took one gram of Spirulina a day lowered their LDL cholesterol (the risky type) and their triglycerides by more than 16 percent.

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Other benefits of spirulina: It has been shown in scientific studies to help keep blood sugar in check, help lower blood pressure, help fight sinusitis, and increase endurance strength.

In one potentially exciting human study, tobacco chewers with pre-cancerous oral lesions who took 1 gram of spirulina a day had better results than those who took a placebo. Of those taking spirulina, 20 of 44 saw their lesions disappear, whereas, in the placebo group, just 3 of 43 had similar results. The effects mean that spirulina could be considered a natural chemopreventative therapy, the authors wrote, though more of these studies are needed.

Read More: The Health Benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella 

The Nutrients in Spirulina

One tablespoon (about 7 grams) of spirulina powder contains:

• 4 grams of protein
• 11 percent of your RDA for Vitamin B1
• 15 percent of your RDA for Vitamin B2
• 4 percent of your RDA for Vitamin B3
• 21 percent of your RDA for Copper
• 11 percent of your RDA for Iron
• Magnesium, potassium, and manganese

Spirulina is full of antioxidants, especially phycocyanin which gives it its blue-green color, which is hard to dilute, even in a smoothie. These antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and have proven to also help fight oxidation or aging that puts stress on cells. It has even been shown to be neuroprotective and improve brain function in lab animals. What does this mean to humans? By helping lower inflammation, reduce cellular damage and keep your brain sharp, you can think of Spirulina in your morning smoothie as the fountain of youth.

I found that when I took spirulina in the morning, even if I ate chips or sugary or salty snacks later in the day, my body retained the energy levels and anti-inflammatory qualities when I don’t eat junk food (which makes me tired and puffy). So you can think of spirulina as “nutritional insurance” to be sure you get the nutrients your body needs, and that it can help mitigate the poor choices you may or may not make later in the day (I fully admit this applies to me!).

I Took Spirulina Every Day. Here’s What Happened

I made a big blender full of spirulina and fruit, which was big enough to last me for days, and then I remade it. One day I just drank straight spirulina, which I don’t recommend since it’s such a dark green-blue color and so tasteless it was hard to sip down. Here is my Spirulina Smoothie, which I named an anti-inflammatory smoothie. Add any fruit and seeds or nuts you have sitting around and try different additions (like spinach or kale). Here’s mine:

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie with Spirulina

• 1 spirulina cube (about a teaspoon or 5 grams)
• 1 half cup of blueberries
• 1/4 cup of raspberries
• 1/4 cup of strawberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup of oat milk (I chose Malk)
• 1 heaping handful of ice
• 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds
• 1 ounce of almonds
• 1 ounce of shelled pistachios
• Optional: 1 scoop of vanilla flavored Plant Protein Powder. (I used Happy Viking from Venus Williams)

Pulse in your blender until fully blended. This made enough for four days. I refrigerated the rest and then made a new batch on day five. The thing about Spirulina is it’s an antioxidant so it keeps longer than most foods that might spoil in a shorter amount of time.

Day 1. Clearer Skin

After weeks of battling a lower cheek and chin breakout (blame my phone or the sun or my bad habit of finding these blemishes with my fingers while reading but they didn’t want to go away) my pimples calmed down and began to clear up. That also has a way of making me leave them alone. If they don’t hurt I don’t touch them. I credit the anti-inflammatory aspect of my spirulina smoothie.

Day 2. No More Joint Pain

My runs have been a miserable slog of hot, humid, knee-aching endurance contests. The hardest part has been not walking and keeping jogging through the pain in my left knee, which has been a problem since knee surgery following a ski accident half a lifetime ago. When I am good about eating and avoiding all sweets and dairy, my knee stays nicely unswollen. But the spirulina seemed to target the problem area on the outside of the joint where the pain often occurs as a stabbing, sharp lightning strike to the knee at every step. Nothing. No excuse not to keep jogging. My run was a pleasure, and the only hard part was my lack of fitness!

Day 3. More Energy Even – After a Snack Attack

I call it “Nutritional Insurance” but you could think of it as a bargain: I know if I eat potato chips or oat ice cream– even non-dairy sugary treats– often leaves me logy, tired, bloated, and of course regretful of my momentary decision to indulge. Okay so I still felt some of that regret but none of the other usual symptoms. Was it the spirulina? You can’t be certain, but my energy stayed high and my body had no apparent ill effects from the snack attack. Okay so maybe it wasn’t the healthiest choice but we all have to live a little! Chips and ice cream can be plant-based and also not your healthiest choice! I decided the spirulina saved me and got back on track!

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By Day 4 I decided I am “All-In” When It Comes to Spirulina

When I’ve tried these little mini experiments in the past I couldn’t wait for them to be over, and to stop having to eat or drink the nutritious food or beverage I was trying out for the sake of putting my body at the forefront of nutritional journalism. Not this time. I am “all in” when it comes to taking spirulina every day. I want to try the powder and scoop it into my smoothie and other beverages since the one thing I don’t always love is to eat or drink a heavy morning meal or even a smoothie. So I will be trying new ways to get spirulina into my body on a daily basis. Why not? If it works this fast and this effectively, I know I need whatever nutrients it’s giving me.

What to Look for in Spirulina

Instead of just buying pills or powders, which can have fillers, gels, and other unwanted ingredients, look for spirulina that has just one ingredient, such as the frozen cubes I tried, made by the New Farmers, a Brooklyn-based company that specializes in frozen spirulina cubes. They ship these to your door and you keep them frozen until you want to use them. The powdered kind of spirulina has been dried and chopped, so if you want something closer to the way it exists in nature, try these. You can order them at New-Farmers.com.

Bottom Line: Spirulina in the Morning Lowers Inflammation All Day Long

If you have achy joints or persistent pimples try taking spirulina in the morning and see if these symptoms clear up. It could be a sign of chronic inflammation from eating or drinking foods that are causing cellular inflammation such as dairy, meat, sugar, or packaged foods. Spirulina has nutrients your body needs and antioxidants to fight inflammation and it works.

For more reviews, visit The Beet’s Plant-Based Products articles. 

The post “I Tried Drinking Spirulina Every Day for a Week. Here’s What Happened” appeared first on The Beet.