Since foodies are becoming sustainably conscious, more and more people are opting for plant-based and vegan options. There are many reasons why people choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, such as healthier habits and preventing the exploitation of animals. However, it looks like the number of vegans and vegetarians is continuing to grow due to climate change awareness. As a result, individuals are rethinking their food choices in regards to the environment and ethical issues.
Since there is a more significant demand for companies to create plant-based products, vegan trends continue to emerge for 2019. Here are some vegan trends that have taken the food industry by storm.
Upping the Vegan Cheese Game
When vegan cheese came on the scene, there were not many options. Daiya Foods was the leading brand with offerings such as shredded cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, and pizza. Since there is now more of a demand for artisan “cheeses,” vegan cheeses are evolving into forms like Brie, Camembert, and Mozzarella, with faux-cheese boards on the rise.
Many people who are considering becoming vegan feel like their biggest challenge would be eliminating cheese from their diet. To encourage more people to try a plant-based diet, having more varieties of vegan cheese is becoming a priority for food companies.
Going Beyond the Meaty BBQ
Products have come a long way since the first wave of vegan meat-options, which had unusual or unappetizing textures. Taste and texture are improving, as well as overall product healthiness.
As for tasty meat-free alternatives on the market, Beyond Meat seems to be having its moment. A ton of fast-food restaurants are putting Beyond Meat on their menu (like A&W and Tim Hortons). Even most grocery stores are starting to carry Beyond Meat products.
Beyond Meat can be on the pricier side, but it is an excellent gluten-free option for vegetarians or vegans, as many meat-based substitutes contain gluten or wheat. Also, out of all the vegan meats out there, it tastes the most like actual meat. Even your meat-loving uncle who “swears he will never touch that fake meat stuff” will enjoy it.
You can incorporate both of these vegan trends when you decide to host your next vegan BBQ. This Beyond Meat Burger with some cheddar from Chao will turn all the carnivores in your life into plant-based believers.
Beyond Meat “Cheese” Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free and Vegan)
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
- 4 Beyond Meat burgers
- 4 Chao “cheese” slices (or however much you vegan cheese lovers can handle)
- 1 head of green leaf lettuce
- 1 tomato
- 1 red onion
- 4 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 pickles
- 4 tsp organic ketchup
Directions
Separate the head of lettuce, picking the biggest and crunchiest leaves for the top and bottom of the burger. Next, slice the pickles, red onion, and tomato. Spread one tablespoon of dijon mustard on one half of the lettuce “bun,” and ketchup on the other half.
Cook the Beyond Meat according to the instructions on the package. Add the Chao “cheese” slices to the burgers for the last minute of cooking. Place burgers onto the lettuce bun and cover with the top piece of lettuce. Serve with your favourite sides.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add these fun additions to your lettuce burger: alfalfa sprouts, Earth Island Chipotle Vegenaise, and coconut bacon.
