Vegan Products

 Lack of Alternatives?

Whether we talk about newly turned vegans or even other people who’re sceptical about the idea of veganism, one situation that both these categories of people often refer to, is the lack of vegan alternatives for meat or dairy based foods or ingredients. This feeling not only dissuades people from turning vegan, but at times, also makes vegans look at their choice of turning vegan as a mistake. We are here to prove once and for all, that vegan alternatives which are both delicious and nutritious, do exist for almost all dairy and meat-based products.

 The Main Points of Concern

When people are asked about choosing or converting to veganism, their concerns mostly revolve around 2 broad topics- Nutrition and Taste. The concern about nutrition can be dealt with a lot more easily as it can be backed by scientifically proven facts. We have talked about the nutrition aspect of vegan food in detail in our blog “Vegans vs Vegetarians” but to summarise, there is no vitamin, mineral or nutrient which you can’t get if you plan your meals properly. However, dealing with the concern of taste is a bit trickier as taste is subjective in its nature and as such, the perception of taste can very wildly between 2 people, even if they’re of the same nationality, gender, age and have similar financial backgrounds. Even so, companies around the world have worked extremely hard over the past decade to create products which look, feel and taste as close to meat or dairy products as possible without being them. The market now has vegan substitutes for everything right from meats to cheese and even honey. Not only are these substitutes healthier than their meat or dairy based counterparts, they are similar in taste, texture and look as well.

 Major Categories

Vegan products can be divided into the following major categories:

Meat Analogues - Vegan substitutes are available for almost all sorts of meats, right from Chicken and Mutton, to Fish, Prawns and even Eggs. These alternates generally have no cholesterol and saturated fats, while having similar levels of protein and while being available in similar cuts so as to make their use easier. 

Dairy Analogues - Traditionally, substitutes to products such as cheese and curd have not been easily available, however massive increase in demand have led to the advent to vegan cheeses and vegan curds, which can be used in or with your regular dishes just as easily. Even the number and quality  of substitutes, for products such milk and mayonnaise, have both gone up dramatically, making the switch to dairy free dairy, much easier than it ever was before.

Vegan Grocery - While one may believe that grocery items are vegan by default as they don’t contain any dairy or meat-based ingredients. However, most grocery items do contain at least trace amounts of dairy ingredients, either as binding agents, or to give their products the trademark flavour that their products are popular for.

Vegan Chocolates - We all know that the chocolates which most of us love contain milk in some form or the other. While this milk does give the chocolates their distinct texture and sweet flavour, it also makes them less healthy for our consumption. While earlier, the way to enjoy chocolates for vegans was to only eat dark chocolates, the creation of chocolates made with vegan milk now allows vegans to enjoy their treasured flavours and sweetness, without any of the harmful dairy.

Vegan Personal Care - For those of you who give the utmost importance to living the no harm lifestyle, the knowledge that most of the personal care products available in the market have ingredients which are either derived from animals or are tested on them, might make you squirm. However, there are products in the market which allow you to take the best possible care of yourself, without forcing you to compromise your ethics.

Protein and Nutrition - Proper Protein and Nutrition are crucial for our development and what follows might be a revelation, but it is completely possible to meet all of your protein and nutrition requirements without affecting any animals. Plant Protein is usually considered to be easier for your body to absorb and cleaner as a form of protein since it doesn’t have any fats. While some plant protein powders do fall short for some amino acids, this can easily be made up through other foods.

Nut Butters - All of the flavoured spreads that we consume with our toasts, croissants, or as is, can now be substituted with much healthier, vegan alternatives which are usually made from nuts, have fewer calories and are nutritionally richer. These butters are sold by many companies and are available in containers of all shapes and sizes to best suit your preferences.

Leather Alternates - Accessories have become a crucial part of our lives and these accessories have only become more and more fashionable as time has progressed. While in the past, leather signified luxury for everything from belts and wallets to purses and handbags, the times are changing. Growing awareness amongst users about animal rights along with popularisation of the topic by celebrities have driven a massive change in market demand, pushing manufacturers to switch from real leather to alternatives like vegan leather or faux leather.

Now that we’ve covered all of the major categories, let us look at some of the products and how you can use them to get to a healthier planet and a healthier you!

Vegan Products

We’ve prepared a list of products along with their customer reviews, which would help you in covering all your bases for the perfect start to a convenient yet tasteful vegan lifestyle!

1.  So Good Almond Milk Unsweetened - The solution to your dairy milk woes, this almond milk is completely plant based. It is Gluten, Lactose, Cholesterol and Preservative free and is made from good quality almond. Add to this the fact that it is calcium rich and fortified with vitamins and minerals, and this truly becomes one of the best dairy milk alternatives.
   
   
2. Goodmylk Vegan Mayonnaise - Goodmylk Vegan Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment, whether you're making a sandwich, or dressing a salad. It is Palm oil, Cholesterol, Trans-fat and cruelty free and can easily replace your regular mayonnaise in your favourite sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and any other dishes which you may love.
   
   
3. Bombay Cheese Company's Cheddar Cheese - This dairy cheese alternative is a boon for every vegan, allowing them to eat all of their favourite pastas, pizzas, burgers and salads without the most important component - cheese.
   
   
4. Soyfit Tofu Supreme Regular - If you’re looking to replace all the paneer in your life with a healthier alternative which isn’t too different, then tofu is the best bet. It has zero cholesterol, low fat, high protein, no additives and lesser trans fats.
   
   
5. Goodmylk Peanut Curd - Curd is used as a complimentary food item and as a cooking ingredient in most Indian Households. Therefore, a vegan alternative to curd is crucial for a smooth transition into veganism. Goodmylk’s Peanut curd has a full-bodied texture and a rich, soft mouth feel while having no cholesterol, making it familiar but healthier simultaneously!
   
   
6. PlantMade Vegan Egg - Yes you read that right. This is your gluten, soy, nut and dairy free ticket to making delicious omelettes, bhurji, egg rolls and even egg fried rice. It is made from moong and is higher in protein than conventional eggs. Each bottle is equivalent by weight to 10 eggs.
   
   
7. Vezlay Soya Shami Kabab - These juicy kebabs match up with the real thing, not just in nutritional value but in taste as well. They are designed to keep your protein intake up to the levels required to maintain a balanced diet while the traditional aromatic spices used to make them enhance their taste. Serve these with green chutney and watch their magic roll over all your guests or family members!
   
   
8. Good dot Vegetarian BYTZ - This vegan mutton is rich in protein and has the taste and texture of real meat. It is ready to cook and can be used to make delicious kebabs and tikkas & mouth-watering stir-fry, biryani or curries!
   
   
9. Veggie Champ Veg Classic Fillet - The vegan version of classic fillet is perfect for curries or to be grilled. It's moist and flaky texture also makes it great for frying with spices. It is extremely protein rich, cooks in just 5-10 mins and serves 2.
   
   
10. Blue Tribe Plant-based Chicken Nuggets - These frozen chicken nuggets can be air-fried, deep fried, or just popped into the oven and you’ll soon have a plate of nuggets that are crispy and spicy on the outside while being tender and juicy on the inside, just like real chicken!
    
    
11. Wakao Jack Burger Patty - Now you can enjoy your burgers once again with these tender, juicy and flavourful burger patties. They have no cholesterol, additives or preservatives, making them a healthier alternative to regular patties. Their spicy flavour also ensures that less seasoning is needed to make them taste heavenly.
    
    
12. AG Taste Chocolate Cranberry Almond Protein Bar - These bars have 15g protein, zero added sugar, good amount of fibre and are a good source of vitamin b12, meaning that they are packed to the brim with nutritional goodness. Also, these bars have no gluten, no sugar alcohols, no trans-fat and no refined sugar, making them even healthier than regular protein bars.
    
    
13. Unived’s Superfoods Protein Powder - It is an all-in-one blend which contains plant based organic protein isolate and is an alkalizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mineral, vitamin and fibre rich blend of plant-based food ingredients along with digestive enzymes and 2 billion probiotic bacteria, ideal to kick start your day!
    
    
14. Moksa 4-in-1 Vegan Trail Mix for Eating - Pumpkin, Sunflower, Watermelon & Flax Seeds Mix - This is a great combination of four raw super seeds, each having multiple health benefits. Rich in fibre, healthy fats and antioxidants and with no added sugar, this seed mix is a powerhouse of nutrients. It can be sprinkled on smoothies, salads, breakfast cereal or eaten as a snack on its own.
    
    
15. Unived Wholefood Multivitamin - These multivitamins support energy metabolism, reduce fatigue and improve overall wellness. They help maintain healthy blood flow, cognitive & heart functions, promote bone health and boost immunity.
    
    
16. AG Taste Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Cranberry Almond Protein Cookies - These delicious and crunchy cookies are completely gluten and dairy free, have 8 grams of protein per cookie, are completely vegan and keto friendly, and in totality, are the perfect on the go protein snack!
    
    
17. BANSAL SNAX Multi Flakes Mix Pudina - This snacking option includes Corn Flakes, Rice Flakes, Grams Flakes, Moong Flakes and Peanuts, which have a pudina flavour and can be eaten at any time, be it during a movie, a picnic, a workout session, or most fittingly, during a workout session.
    
    
18. Urban Platter Vegan Tea Premix, Original Chai - This dairy and lactose free tea premix is your one stop solution for enjoying tea in all of its vegan glory. Its delicious taste, along with its distinct tea-like aroma, rejuvenates your senses and lets you enjoy your favourite tea once again, without any of the drawbacks of dairy!
    
    
19. Moksa Cold Pressed Edible Hemp Seed Oil - A pure, nutty-tasting, nutrient-rich oil that helps in fighting Cholesterol, in improving skin conditions, in reducing PMS symptoms, acts as an antibacterial agent and helps with arthritis and other inflammatory issues, while also being rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. It can be mixed into your smoothies, used in salad dressings, added to homemade sauces and used to top stir-fried veggies.
    
    
20. Piperleaf Vegan Milk Chocolate - These delicious chocolates are hand crafted with rich cocoa, creamy hazelnut paste and ground cashew nuts. They are Dairy and Gluten free, have no artificial additives or preservatives, and are 100% plant based.
    
    
21. Darkins 70% Dark Chocolate with Blueberries - The blues buster, this chocolate has 70% cacao which has been paired with blueberry chunks which brighten the otherwise dark flavour of the rich cocoa beans.
    
    
22. Toska Hazelnut Elixir - This is a healthy take on the chocolate spreads available in the market. It is Vegan, Gluten-Free and handcrafted consisting of pure 70% dark chocolate and original hazelnut butter. The use of 70% Dark Chocolates gives this spread a slightly bitter undertone and that is generally hard for customers to adapt to, due to the over sweetened alternatives available in the market.
    
    
23. Butters & More Vegan Almond Butter Unsweetened - This almond butter is 100% Natural, 100% Vegan and made completely out of almonds. It has no preservatives, emulsifiers, sugar or any artificial colours or flavours.
    
    
24. Barenutty Vegan White Peanut Butter Crunchy - Stuffed with Plant Based Protein, this peanut butter is Gluten free, Non-GMO, Dairy free and contains 0g of trans-fat. It is also an excellent source of Protein, Fibre, Nutrients and Good Fats, making it a boon for athletes, runners or just health-conscious folk in general.
    
    
25. Butters & More Vegan Cashew Butter - Imagine being able to enjoy your favourite cashews as a sandwich. This can now be achieved through Butter and More’s Vegan Cashew Butter. Not only is the butter completely plant based, it is also completely natural and is made only out of cashews and nothing else.
    
    
26. SeAro "The Original" Dry fruit Spread - This delicious spread gives you all the goodness of Roasted Almonds, Roasted Cashews and Dried Dates, in a mouth-watering spread. It is no refined sugar, no palm oil and no preservatives, making it a genuinely healthy alternative to our run of the mill spreads.
    
    
27. Butters and More Vegan Coconut Butter - If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the taste of coconuts as a creamy spread, then this is it. Butter and More’s Vegan Coconut Butter has no preservatives, chemicals, refined sugar, emulsifiers, nor any artificial flavours or colours. Add to this the fact that this spread is completely natural and is made completely out of coconuts, and you’ve got yourself an irresistible spread!
    
    
28. The Switch Fix Scalp Soothing Blue-tea-ful Shampoo Bar for Normal to Oily Hair - This ingenious shampoo bar keeps your scalp from flaking even when exposed to dust and pollution, all through its antioxidant-rich formulation. It makes your hair stronger and your scalp cleaner and healthier.
    
    
29. OrgaCare Daily Organic Hand And Body Moisturizing Lotion - Made with a unique blend of Aloe Vera, Calendula, Avocado and many other skin loving organic and natural ingredients, this lotion deeply moisturizes dry skin, leaving it soft, smooth and hydrated. It also has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties, which helps in healing irritated skin conditions, rashes and ease the itching.
    
    
30. Muditam Ayurveda Onion Hair Oil - If hair care is of concern to you, then look no further. Muditam Ayurveda Onion Hair oil is completely Paraben and Mineral oil free, it contains vitamins & antioxidants for a healthy shine. It is dermatologically tested & is suitable for all hair types and it reduces Dandruff and Hairfall.
    
    
31. ALANNA Chocolate Lip Balm, Soft & Dewy Lips - This Chocolate Lip Balm constitutes real cocoa powder and chocolates which has excellent properties to deeply moisturise your lips for the whole day. It includes Shea Butter and Coconut oil that naturally protects your lips from harsh pollution and is free from synthetic material and chemicals.
    
    
32. Bare necessities Annatto Spa Bar: An Anecdote - This natural potion is derived from the seeds of Achiote tree which make it rich in antioxidants. It will help you achieve healthy looking skin and reduce wrinkles and blemishes.
    
    
33. Emkay Lite Interesterified Veg Fat - Emkay Lite Vegan Ghee (Dairy Free Ghee) is made of Vegetable fats, Sunflower oil and Sesame oil. It can be used for all your traditional ghee preparations and is no cholesterol or gluten and low saturated and trans-fats. Along with this, its richness in healthy fatty acids and in vitamins A and D make it a healthier alternative to regular ghee.
    
    
34. HariPrasad Modak - This Modak is completely vegan. It does not include any form of dairy and is made from mixed nuts, nut milk, raw sugar, vegan ghee and with additional mango or chocolate depending on the flavour you choose.
    
    
35. Goodmylk Cashew Oats Milk - This vegan milk is perfect for tea and coffee. It is Lactose, Cholesterol and Preservative Free and is suitable for kids, adults, vegans and vegetarians. It is the best milk if you’re looking to transition from dairy milk as it gives the same mouthfeel as dairy milk.