Top 8 Replacement Foods Every Vegan Should Have In Their Pantry or Fridge (NO TOFU!)

Sometimes people know that they want to become Vegan, but they don't know what to replace certain foods with. The foods in this Top 8 list are foods that I have tried, and stuck with to replace foods that aren't Vegan.

Let's get this show on the road...

1. Hummus = Cheese

Hummus? Really? Yes! It is the perfect substitute for cheese, and it doesn't have all the chemically flavored stuff that vegan cheeses have. This cookbook has 100 Recipes for different types of hummus. The Hummus Cookbook: 100 Delicious Hummus Recipes

2. Nutritional Yeast = Dry Sprinkle Cheese

Okay, so I must say, when people want to go vegan, most people have a problem with giving up cheese. That's why there are so many vegan cheeses out there, and that's why the first two products of my Top 10 Replacement Foods are for cheese. People like cheese. I will say that you have to be careful with your Nutritional Yeast. It is grown on Sugar Cane plants, but a lot of companies don't specify whether or not the sugar cane they are growing it on is GMO. You're best off getting an Organic one that says GMO Free on the box. Here's one that I've found to be the best and most trusted: Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning, Premium, 4.5 Ounce

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil = Butter

Besides the fact that Olive Oil is a lot better for you than butter, it tastes so good! Forget the whole craze that "fat makes you fat!" No, excess protein and excess sugar (carbs) make you fat! Of course, you want to eat good fat, so eat your Extra Virgin Olive oil, and other fats I will mention on this list.  Remember this: the darker the olive oil, the better. It means it has been less processed. Also, don't cook with Olive Oil! It goes rancid very quickly when heated.
Try out the Extra Virgin Olive Oil I use: Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2L (2QT 3.6 fl. oz)

4. Coconut Oil = Pretty Much Anything 

Okay, so I think a lot of people know that Coconut Oil has a TON of uses! From whitening your teeth to putting it in your tea, but what uses does it have that are specifically for vegans? Well, you can put it on your face and skin as a natural, vegan moisturizer; use it to cook with instead of butter or lard!
You should always get Organic, Unrefined Coconut oil. Try this one out: Carrington Farms Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 54 Ounce

5. Oats, Banana, and Water = Vegan Waffles!

In normal waffles you have to use eggs, flour, milk, maybe. But if you have a high speed blender, you can make simple vegan waffles! The funny thing is, I'm eating one right now! I'll be posting a recipe soon for these delicious breakfast treats! In the mean time, get the oats, so you can make them when I post it: Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats Rolled Thick, 16-Ounce (Pack of 4)

6. Coconut Milk

We all want some creaminess in our smoothie, or organic coffee sometimes. Coconut milk is the perfect solution! Use it just like cow's milk! Try this one out: Native Forest Organic Classic Coconut Milk, 13.5-oz. Cans (Count of 12)

7. Dulse Flakes = Fishiness

If you like seafood, or the taste of fish, Dulse flakes are for you! You can make a vegan tuna salad, and it will taste fishy! Plus, Dulse is sooooo good for you! It has good, natural Iodine that is great for your thyroid! This is the one I use because I trust the company: Maine Coast Organic Sea Seasonings - Dulse Granules - 1.5 oz Shaker - Case of 3

8. Chick Peas = Chick'n 

Chick peas have the look of chicken, and the consistency when made right. They have a good amount of protein, and you can season them however you want! Want to try some? You know you do: Westbrae Natural Organic Garbanzo Beans, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Now that you know what foods to replace non-Vegan foods with, you're ready to get on the bandwagon! I suggest trying it out a few days a week, at first to see how you feel.

I hope this was helpful!

Allyson