Vegetarian Alternatives (Condiments)
 |
Agave Nectar Syrup made from the Mexican agave plant. A natural sweetener, preferred by many vegans/vegetarians - available in light and dark colors. The vegan bakery Babycakes uses it in their products...which are both sweet and tasty. So I recently bought some, thinking to use it as a replacement for those pink packets of Sweet N' Low in my office coffee. The results - less than impressive. The flavor isn't particularly strong or sweet - and one tablespoon equals a whopping 60 calories! Oh well - it was worth a try. Would I try again? No. Blech - too bland. Where I found it: Health Nut |
 |
Bragg's Amino Acids Made from soybeans, a nutritional supplement said to contain a large range of amino acids (such as glutamic, lysine, and alanine.) Vegans/Vegetarians tend to like it, both for health reasons and the taste - which is extremely similar to soy sauce. While I can't swear by the alleged health benefits, this stuff does taste good, with just a touch more unami (msg type flavor) than soy sauce/tamari. Nice stuff - it comes in handy spray bottles, which I've used to add a little something to veggies and grains. Tasty. Not bad at all. Would I try again? Yes - although, I won't seek it out fervently.... Where I found it: Health Nut |
 |
Earth
Balance Butter What can you say about butter, vegan or not? It's a staple, and a decent replacement for the original dairy version. Good stuff. Buy it, as needed. Where I found it: Lots of places |
|
Picture not found |
Nayonnaise Tofu based mayonnaise. Onc of two main brands on the market...the other being Vegannaise. Would I try again? Occasionally yes - I'm not a huge mayonnaise person anyway...but it does work as a great replacement where mayonnaise is an essential ingredient. For instance, mixed it with crushed chickpea, and you'll never know that it's not tuna fish salad...! |
 |
Nutritional
Yeast A staple nutritional supplement for vegetarians - deactivated yeast powder, chock full of B-complex vitamins and protein...and a wonderfully tasty, cheesy flavor which lends itself well to being sprinkled over veggies, popcorn, or even spaghetti. VERY good stuff! Made by many companies, including the popular Red Star brand (vegan warning: make sure to check the label, as some variations--such as as Twinlabs--are supplemented with milk and or eggs!) Would I try again? Yes! This is really great stuff - now a staple in my household...! Where I found it: Health Nut |
 |
Stevia A sugar replacement, derived from the sunflower family of plants. Compared to other sweeteners (such as Sweet N' Low), Stevia appears to have many things going for it: it's relatively natural, has zero calories, and a minimal effect on blood sugar. But like all sweet things, negatives do exist - including a semi-bitter aftertaste...and lingering questions as to how safe it actually is (some studies have indicated stevia to be potentially toxic.) As for the taste? Not bad... So the choice is up to you. Pick your poison, among Stevia, Sweet N' Low, Splenda, Aspartame... That is, unless you want that coffee straight up black. Would I try again? No, not really. The taste was okay. But given the health issues, why take the risk? Where I found it: Health Nut |
|
Picture not found |
Tofutti Cream
Cheese Bagel cream cheese spread, made from tofu! Yum! Would I try again? In theory, yes. It tastes great, works wonderfully on whole wheat bagels...and just general is a great cream cheese replacement. Thing is, I was never a huge cream cheese fan to begin with. So it's great for once in a awhile, but not a regular staple. |
Home