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Health and Wellness

25 Of My Favorite Non-Vegan Food Alternatives

For those looking to reduce their animal product intake but can't imagine giving up cheese or milk, this article is for you. Here are the best alternatives for some of your favorite non-vegan foods.

Mikayla Strobel

Jul 05, 2019

University of Georgia

25 Of My Favorite Non-Vegan Food Alternatives

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Over the three years I've been vegan I've had a lot of time to try out alternatives for foods that I once couldn't imagine giving up. While I love to cook and there are plenty of recipes online, sometimes it can be more convenient to buy your food cravings pre-made. Here are some of the best non-vegan food substitutes I've tried since going plant-based.

1. Silk Unsweet Vanilla Almond Milk

https://www.target.com/p/silk-unsweetened-vanilla-almond-milk-32-fl-oz/-/A-16686656

At this point I'm pretty sure everyone has tried some form of almond milk. The unsweetened vanilla is my grocery go to.

2. Silk Almond Creamer

https://silk.com/plant-based-products/creamer/caramel-almond-creamer/

Coffee for most is a must have in the morning. Silk offers almond creamer in a few different flavors like vanilla, caramel, and sweet & creamy.

3. So Delicious Coconut Yogurt

https://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/dairy-free-foods/dairy-free-yogurt-alternatives/

For a light or on the go breakfast So Delicious Coconut Milk yogurt is by far my favorite. There are so many flavors to try like vanilla, passionate mango, strawberry banana, raspberry, peach, and more.

4. Follow Your Heart Vegan Cream Cheese

https://followyourheart.com/products/cream-cheese/

Perfect for a savory breakfast, Follow Your Heart makes by far the best cream cheese alternative out there.

5. Vans Frozen Waffles

https://www.vansfoods.com/our-products/8wg-multigrain-waffles

For a quick eggo-style breakfast replacement that's both vegan and gluten-free, Vans has a variety of different frozen waffle options.

6. JUST Vegan Egg

https://www.ju.st/en-us/products/consumer/egg

This is a product I never thought I'd find. There are tons of ways you can replace eggs in recipes that call for them but I didn't think I'd ever to be able to make an omelet again. The JUST brand offers the perfect liquid-form of an egg replacer to make your favorite breakfast foods.

7. JUST Vegan Mayo

https://www.ju.st/en-us/products/consumer/mayo/mayo

The JUST brand has by far the most accurate vegan mayonnaise I've tried. It has the perfect texture and flavor to add to sandwiches or burgers.

8. JUST Vegan Salad Dressing

https://www.ju.st/en-us/products/consumer/dressing

Along with eggs and mayonnaise, JUST also sells substitues for your favorite creamy salad dressings. They have ranch, caesar, thousand island, chipotle ranch, and sweet mustard.

9. Field Roast Chao Cheese

https://fieldroast.com/product/creamy-original-chao-slices/

Cheese is always the first thing people mention to me that they couldn't live without. And trust me, I get it. I love cheese. While I will say switching over to a vegan cheese alternative is an adjustment, after a while you can't even tell the difference. My favorite brand of slices is the Field Roast Chao but there are so many brands out there to try. Daiya sells not only slices but also blocks and shredded cheese.

10. Hippeas Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs

http://hippeas.com/product/vegan-white-cheddar/

I first discovered this cheese puff alternative at Starbucks and recently I've been seeing it everywhere. They sell them in most major grocery stores, even Walmart. I love them because they satisfy your mid-day savory snack cravings.

11. Earth Balance Cheddar Squares

https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Balance-Cheddar-Flavor-Squares/dp/B00MVDLSPU

Our favorite childhood snack is now dairy-free! Cheez-its were a food that I missed a lot when I first went vegan. I discovered them about a year ago and can't help but snag a box whenever I'm at the grocery store.

12. Annie's Fruit Snacks

https://www.annies.com/products/snacks/summer-strawberry-organic-bunny-fruit-snacks

Fruit snacks are a super yummy and convenient snack to grab on the go, except for the fact that most contain gelatin, which isn't vegan. Annie's fruit snacks are by far my favorites.

13. Gardein Crispy Tenders

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gardein-Seven-Grain-Crispy-Tenders-9-oz-Bag/46615895

Anyone who know me knows how I feel about these meatless tenders. They are my absolute favorite vegan substitute . I always have them in my freezer and I'm constantly bringing them to friends houses for a quick snack I can eat when there are no other options.

14. Gardein Meatless Meatballs

https://www.amazon.com/Gardein-Classic-Meatless-Meatballs-Ounce/dp/B00B03WLEO

Perfect for spaghetti or a meatball sub, Gardein makes the most incredible frozen meatballs. Super delicious and convenient.

15. Boca Veggie Crumbles

https://www.amazon.com/Boca-Veggie-Ground-Crumbles-Non-GMO/dp/B000WLZHCS

I like the boca ground beef substitute better than some other brands because the pieces are smaller and have a bit more flavor. My favorite foods to add it to are pasta and tacos.

16. Beyond Meat Burger

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Meat-Burger-0-5/dp/B074YGZ77H

For an almost scary accurate veggie burger taste I love the Beyond Meat burgers. They have the perfect texture and flavor. You can find them at any health food store and some restaurants have begun to add them to their menus as a vegan option.

17. Quorn Meatless Spicy Vegan Patty

https://www.quorn.us/products/quorn-meatless-spicy-vegan-patties

For a salad, sandwich, or just plain with some ketchup I am absolutely obsessed with these spicy "chicken" patties. They are pretty low in calories and high in protein making it a perfect lunch or dinner option.

18. Tofurky Deli Slices

https://store.veganessentials.com/tofurky-deli-slices-p2181.aspx

I've always been a sandwich lover and when I first went vegan I'd eat veggies on bread with mustard, how boring. The Tofurky slices have completely stepped up my on-the-go lunches.

19. Amy's Pizza

https://www.amys.com/our-foods/roasted-vegetable-pizza-vegan

Amy's has some incredible vegan frozen pizza options. My favorite is the no cheese pizza for its delicious sauce and roasted veggies.

20. Annies Vegan Mac n' Cheese

https://www.annies.com/products/pastas/organic-vegan-shells-creamy-sauce

Who doesn't love Mac n' Cheese? You can find plenty of plant-based recipes online but for a quick and easy substitute I love Annie's boxed vegan mac.

21. Amy's Dairy Free Frozen Vegetable Lasagna

https://www.amys.com/our-foods/vegetable-lasagna-with-daiya-cheeze-gluten-free-dairy-free

For a quick and easy microwave-style meal Amy's dairy free vegetable lasagna is my go-to.

22. Alpha Foods Burritos

https://www.foodbeast.com/news/alpha-foods-burritos/

These burritos are some of my favorite lunch foods. They have plenty creative flavors like pizza and Philly cheese steak.

23. Nutiva Hazelnut Spread

https://store.nutiva.com/products/organic-hazelnut-spread?variant=8729888882748

If you like Nutella you will absolutely love this vegan hazelnut spread alternative. It's perfect as a dip for fruit, spread for pancakes, or topping for some dairy-free ice cream.

24. Amore Di Mona Luxury Vegan Chocolate Bars

https://www.amoredimona.com/product-page/classico-gift-pack

Now I will admit these chocolate bars are a bit on the pricy side but they are SO worth it. They are soft and chewy and have tons of flavors that you can't find at your local grocery store. I found them on amazon and they're a perfect gift to give yourself or someone else.

25. Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Ice Cream

https://www.amazon.com/Ben-Jerrys-Non-Dairy-Fairtrade-Responsibly/dp/B07B8WC2SZ

Not only does Ben & Jerry's sell vegan ice cream in your local grocery stores but they also sell it at their ice cream shops. Its a perfect treat for your sweet tooth. My favorite flavors are the P.B. & Cookies and Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

25 Of My Favorite Non-Vegan Food Alternatives

For those looking to reduce their animal product intake but can't imagine giving up cheese or milk, this article is for you. Here are the best alternatives for some of your favorite non-vegan foods.

1. Silk Unsweet Vanilla Almond Milk

2. Silk Almond Creamer

3. So Delicious Coconut Yogurt

4. Follow Your Heart Vegan Cream Cheese

5. Vans Frozen Waffles

6. JUST Vegan Egg

7. JUST Vegan Mayo

8. JUST Vegan Salad Dressing

9. Field Roast Chao Cheese

10. Hippeas Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs

11. Earth Balance Cheddar Squares

12. Annie's Fruit Snacks

13. Gardein Crispy Tenders

14. Gardein Meatless Meatballs

15. Boca Veggie Crumbles

16. Beyond Meat Burger

17. Quorn Meatless Spicy Vegan Patty

18. Tofurky Deli Slices

19. Amy's Pizza

20. Annies Vegan Mac n' Cheese

21. Amy's Dairy Free Frozen Vegetable Lasagna

22. Alpha Foods Burritos

23. Nutiva Hazelnut Spread

24. Amore Di Mona Luxury Vegan Chocolate Bars

25. Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Ice Cream

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

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