Veggie Bits
THEO's Plant-Based BEET Jerky
No, that's not a typo; beets, not beef, are at the heart of this vegetable-forward jerky. No one would accidentally mistake these savory snacks for meat, but that's part of the appeal. Aside from the visuals that are a clear giveaway, the texture is soft and dense, like dried fruit but without the sugar. You get the whole beet, including the stem, peel, and root, increasing the fiber, nutrition, and flavor while preventing food waste. Ginger Teriyaki, Salt & Pepper, Savory BBQ, and Spicy Sriracha enhance without obscuring the flavor of the beet, which will help kids learn to love their veggies, too. Certified organic, gluten-free, and upcycled. Available in boutique grocery stores and various online stores.
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Edward & Sons Purple Rice & Black Sesame Exotic Rice Toast
More than mere rice crackers, Exotic Rice Toast by Edward & Sons provides a sturdy base for dipping, topping, or straight-up snacking. Made with whole grain brown jasmine and purple rice flour with black sesame seeds, the texture is both light and crisp, with a uniquely nutty, toasted flavor. That subtle flavor pairs beautifully with just about anything, including sweet toppings like fresh berries, jam, and vegan cream cheese frosting, to create a stunning dessert charcuterie board as well. Let your creativity run wild! There's no risk of breakage even if you double dip, too; they can stand up to chunky guacamole and runny salsa without cracking or crumbling. Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, low-sodium, and palm oil-free. Available at Amazon, select Sprouts Farmers Markets, and Whole Foods, many co-ops and local stores, as well as edwardandsons.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Community Goods Toiletries
It's time to clean up your act when it comes to single-use plastics. Community Goods puts the planet first by using entirely compostable packaging and sustainable, eco-friendly, and still effective ingredients in their nourishing shampoo bars and conditioners, deodorants, and toothpaste tablets. Whether you're working towards reducing your carbon footprint, eliminating waste, or simply wanting better body, hair, and oral care, you'll be rewarded with fresh scents like Citrus Squeeze, Coconut Vanilla, Lavender Rosemary, and Peppermint Ice, all without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, or palm oil. A little bit goes a long way; so you'll likely save money in the long run, too. Available online through communitygoods.co
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Dr. Praeger's Crunchy Veggie Burgers
Addressing the common complaint that veggie burgers can be too mushy, Dr. Praeger's takes their latest line of crunchy patties in the opposite textural direction. Either cauliflower or sweet potatoes are at the core of the two distinctive variants, joined by whole grains and vegetables, such as oats, peas, quinoa, and zucchini. A coating of finely ground brown rice is the secret to their crunchy exteriors, lending an additional touch of nutty flavor when sauté, grilled, or air-fried to a golden-brown finish. Though more like crispy fritters than meaty burgers, they stack up just as nicely on a bun with all the classic fixings. Their unconventional flavors make them equally well suited to serve at the center of the plate with pasta or mashed potatoes, tossed in green salads, or on top of rice bowls. Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher. Available at HEB, Publix, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Whole Foods, and many more stores. Find recipe ideas and additional information at drpraegers.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Unlimeat Kimbap
Don't call them oversized sushi; Korean kimbap are a wholly unique sensation making big waves. Typically made from rice wrapped around a generous helping of pickles and meat or eggs, Unlimeat Kimbap are ground-breaking for their use of not only completely plant-based ingredients, but also upcycled oat konjac rice. Konjac is higher in fiber and lower in calories than conventional white rice. Craving some heat? Bulgogi kimbap replicates the spicy, smoky barbecued beef in an elegant, compact bite. For those seeking a fishless fix, tuna kimbap is stuffed with an oceanic filling that tastes like tuna salad, minus the mayonnaise. Both are paired with crisp carrots, pickled radish, burdock, and garlic stems. Sold frozen, they're ready to eat after just 2 1/2 minutes in the microwave. Certified non-GMO and nut-free. Available at Central Market and DashMart. Read more at unlimeat.co
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Sweet Nothings Spoonable Smoothies
If you like your smoothies extra thick, you're not alone. Ditch the straw and grab a spoon, which is conveniently included in every package of Sweet Nothings' Spoonable Smoothies. Blending together only whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, these aren't desserts masquerading as "guilt-free" indulgences, but genuinely healthy snacks. Blueberry, dark chocolate, mango, peanut butter, strawberry, and tropical greens all taste as fresh as anything you would make at home, and are far less sweet than a typical smoothie bowl. Let the cups thaw out at room temperature for a few minutes before digging in, since they do freeze hard without any added sugar or stabilizers. Certified organic, kosher, and gluten-free. Available at Andronico's, Natural Grocers, and Thrive Market, and many local boutique stores. Find more information at sweetnothings.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
GOOD PLANeT Olive Oil Cheese Slices
Sidestepping commonly used saturated tropical oils, GOOD PLANeT offers a premium vegan sliced cheese made with high-quality olive oil instead. When it comes to making an epic sandwich, especially grilled cheese, these are the gloriously gooey fillings you've been craving all along. Sharp Cheddar has a distinctly tangy, robust flavor, while Smoked Gouda lives up to its name with a sultry, smoky finish. Both are soft and buttery right out of the package, fully enjoyable even cold, but only get better when melted—and melt, they do. Bridging the gap between artisan and everyday cheese, they're a reasonable little luxury for any cheese-lover. Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher. Available at Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, and others. Read more at goodplanetfoods.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
Good Foods Chip Dips
Never settle for a naked chip again. Thanks to Good Foods chip dips, you have a duo of savory flavors to dress up your favorite dippers-Dill Pickle and Nacho Cheeze. Cauliflower, everyone's favorite vegetable chameleon, transforms into a creamy, neutral base, bolstered by puré pumpkin seeds for depth and body. Thin enough to drizzle over salads for some extra oomph, rich enough to spread inside sandwiches and wraps, these chilled condiments are as versatile as they are flavorful. Each dip brings its own unique twist to the table. The Dill Pickle offers a zesty, tangy punch with an herbaceous bite, reminiscent of an old-school deli side. Meanwhile, the Nacho Cheeze delivers a comforting, gooey cheddar-esque experience with a hint of spice that's begging to be invited to your next big fiesta. Certified free of all top nine allergens and no added sugar. Select flavors available at Target stores and goodfoods.com
Hannah Kaminsky/Senior Editor
