If you are reading this, you are either vegan, thinking of going vegan or wanting to add more vegan options to your repertoire. Switching to a vegan diet is a big transition in your routine as now you will have to filter everything you eat. It may sound very daunting but no wonder if you had the right vegan alternatives to all your favourite food items, it would become easier. So, here is a little show of some accessible vegan substitutes which are not just nutritious but can easily be added to your regular diet.
Best Vegan Alternatives
1. Jackfruit
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Jackfruit is a vegan, healthy, and comparatively cheaper alternative for Chicken. When stir-fried and cooked with select spices to form a thick curry, Jackfruit mimics the shredded texture of chicken precisely. If you are planning to or have just turned vegan, Jackfruit can pacify your chicken cravings to a great extent. Not just that, but it is very rich in vitamin C, B, folate, potassium, etc. which are ideal for immunity.
2. Oat Milk
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Treat food items such as creamy soups, smoothies, and baked goods are hard to resist. But, vegans are often confused between the vegan alternatives. Oat Milk instead of dairy milk can blend with all your cravings. It is not just a great option for vegans but also for lactose intolerant individuals. It is an excellent source of B Vitamins and fortified with essential minerals, antioxidants, and proteins.
3. Almond Cheese
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Cheese is an omnipresent ingredient in most of enjoyable dishes such as pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and many more. Especially for Vegans, Almond Cheese is a dairy-free option that can be used as a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It mimics the texture and flavour of cheese very accurately, keeping the evergreen cravings alive. It is stacked with good fats, vitamins, and proteins. You can also use it in your soup or as a topping to your salads.
4. Mustard Sauce
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Mustard is one of the most relished vegetarian electives which can be used in veggie wieners, hot dogs, sandwiches, garlic bread, pizza, and a lot more. It furnishes the meal with a significant amount of minerals, for example, zinc, copper, iron, and calcium. It additionally has an elevated level of antioxidants which prevent cell damage. Mustard can also improve metabolism and strengthen bones.
5. Tofu Gouda
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Tofu Gouda is essentially made of potatoes and tofu. It is one of the vegan alternatives of cheese with a nutty, buttery taste showing transcendence just like regular Gouda cheese. This version is loaded with amino acids, minerals, and proteins. You can add this to lasagna, pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and many more dishes.
6. Cashew Cream
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As you blend cashews with water, it forms a rich cream with a nutty flavour to act as a worthy vegan alternative of dairy-cream. It can be added to several dishes to render a creamy, or ‘Shahi/Mughlai’ texture. This version of cream is rich in healthy fats, proteins, and several vitamins.
7. Coconut Milk
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Coconut Milk is regarded all around the world as a perfect substitute for sweet heavy cream. Whether you are planning to make the mousse, ganache, or whipped cream, Coconut milk is the answer to a vegan replacement. Coconut milk is a nutritious item known for having positive effects on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, building muscles, aiding weight loss, and also improving digestion.
8. Dark Chocolates
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Next time you need chocolates to add to your dessert, go for dark chocolate, and skip milk chocolate. Yes, dark chocolates are a great milk chocolate replacement. These are also very rich in antioxidants. Dark chocolates may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
9. Almond Butter
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Nut butter has officially beaten dairy butter when it comes to a healthy diet. Thereby, almond butter is a good vegan alternative to dairy butter in smoothies, shakes, desserts, and more. You can even spread almond butter on a crisp toast to have a delightfully nutritious breakfast.
10. Mushrooms
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Here is another vegan alternative of chicken or meat, Mushrooms. Especially crimini, shiitake, portobello, and oyster mushrooms that have a juicy, rich, smooth texture mimicking the luscious flavour of chicken/meat. Mushrooms can be stir-fried with green vegetables, accompanied by curries, or grilled to make a tasteful dish.
These were some vegan alternatives to the food you often crave for. These options are suitable for people who wish to remove allergens, for example, dairy, meat, eggs, and gluten from their eating routine. There was a time when vegans were limited to only a few options. However, the expanding food market has led to so many healthier and tastier options for all. So, try out the delicious alternatives you have got for your vegan diet now.
