Tag: plant-based

Are Twizzlers Vegan? Exploring the Ingredients and Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

– Twizzlers varieties, except for Twizzlers Gummies, contain animal ingredients or gelatin.
– Twizzlers Twists, Bites, Pull ‘n’ Peel, and Nibs are considered vegan candies.
– The ingredients in Strawberry Twizzlers do not include animal products or gelatin.
– Twizzlers Gummies contain gelatin and are not vegan.
– Gelatin is a protein obtained from animals and is commonly used in various products.
– There are numerous vegan flavors and varieties of Twizzlers available.
– Twizzlers, with the exception of Twizzlers Gummies, are generally considered vegan.
– Twizzlers debuted in 1845 and became part of the Hershey Company in 1977.
– Twizzlers can be used in trail mix recipes, but certain ingredients like Reese’s Pieces are not vegan.
– Homemade Twizzlers can be made using date paste, beet juice, and strawberry extract.
– Leftover Twizzlers can be used to make bracelets.
– Healthier options to traditional Twizzlers include Real Twists by Darrell Lea, which are plant-based and do not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial colorings.
– Other vegan fruity and chewy candies include Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, Laffy Taffy, Dots, Jujubes, Sour Big Chewy Nerds, and some varieties of Swedish Fish.
– Twizzlers are not considered healthy due to high sugar content and the use of red dye and other questionable ingredients.
– Some brands of white sugar may not be considered vegan due to the production process using bone.
– The article discusses whether Twizzlers are vegan.
– It mentions that cane sugar, which is used in Twizzlers, technically does not contain animal products. However, it is likely that the sugar used in Twizzlers is filtered through animal bone char.
– The article also states that the most popular flavor of Twizzlers is strawberry.
– Twizzlers are not gluten-free as they contain wheat.
– Only Twizzlers Gummies contain gelatin, while other flavors and varieties do not.
– Overall, Twizzlers are considered to be free of ingredients from animal products, except for Twizzlers Gummies.

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Is Cool Whip Vegan? Exploring DairyFree Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

Key Facts:
– Cool Whip is not vegan because it contains skim milk and sodium caseinate, which is derived from milk.
– The alternative, Soyatoo Soy Whip, is a vegan whipped cream made with soy drink, coconut fat, palm butter, sugarbeet syrup, corn maltodextrin, tartaric acid, seaweed extracts, sea salt, and natural vanilla extract.
– Soyatoo Soy Whip can be found on Amazon in pressurized cans or cartons.
– There are two homemade vegan whipped cream recipes provided: one made with coconut milk or cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract, and the other made with aquafaba (chickpea water), cream of tartar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
– Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free alternative made with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract.
– Vegan whipped cream by Nora Cooks is made with aquafaba (water leftover from boiling chickpeas), cream of tartar, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract.
– Cool Whip contains palm oil, which is harmful to the environment and animals.
– Palm oil production has led to the destruction of rainforests and the loss of animal species.
– Cool Whip also contains high fructose corn syrup, which is negatively associated with the obesity epidemic and can cause health issues.
– Store-bought alternative to Cool Whip is Soyatoo Soy Whip.
– Making vegan whipped cream at home requires three ingredients and there are many easy and quick recipes available.
– Sharing the blog post is encouraged to help the website grow.

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Vegan Salami: Exploring PlantBased Alternatives for Savory Delights

Ricardo Davis

– Vegan salami is a meatless alternative to traditional salami.
– It can be made from a variety of ingredients such as wheat gluten, Greek figs, legumes, mushrooms, and grains.
– Aromatic herbs and spices like black pepper, fennel, garlic, and smoked paprika are also added.
– Some popular vegan salami brands include Green Wolf, Hellenic Farms, Mia Green Food, and Renegade Foods.
– Green Wolf offers flavors such as Tomato Basil, Spinach Kale, and Brown Mushrooms.
– Hellenic Farms offers Greek fig-based salami in flavors like Cinnamon & Pistachio, Aleppo Pepper & Orange Zest, and Almonds & Black Pepper.
– Mia Green Food offers Spicy Salame-style slices made with wheat gluten and sourdough culture.
– Renegade Foods offers a vegan salami pack that includes Smoky Soppressata, Sweet Toscana, and Spicy Chorizo flavors.
– The meatless salami slices are made from wheat gluten and soy, with no artificial ingredients and are GMO-free.
– Worthington XMeats produces vegan salami deli slices that are low in fat, high in iron, dairy-free, and free from GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
– Yves veggie salami is available at Whole Foods and is great for sandwiches, hummus, or charcuterie boards.
– There is a vegan dessert option for salami made with marzipan, dates, figs, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs, which is also gluten-free and soy-free.
– There are various recipes available for using vegan salami, including sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads.
– These vegetarian salami options offer smoky flavors and zesty kicks and can be enjoyed in various dishes or on their own.

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Are onions vegetables or something else entirely?

Ricardo Davis

Onions are widely cultivated vegetables, of the genus Allium, known for adding flavor to many dishes. They are native to southwest Asia and are grown throughout the world. Onions are an edible vegetable in the Allium family, which includes red onions, yellow onions, spring onions, leeks, ramps, scallions, chives, and shallots. In terms of culinary classification, onions are considered vegetables. Botanically, fruits are seed-bearing and develop from the ovary of a flowering plant, while vegetables are other parts of the plant such as roots, stems, and leaves. However, for legal purposes, tomatoes are legally classified as vegetables, despite being botanically fruits.

Summary:

The article discusses the classification and characteristics of onions, leeks, and shallots. It states that onions are root vegetables and are part of the allium family, along with leeks and garlic. Leeks resemble large green onions and have a stronger taste when raw but become milder when cooked. Shallots, on the other hand, are smaller and elongated with a mild taste and thin layers. They can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways. The article concludes by mentioning the versatility of onions in adding bold flavor to different dishes and suggests trying onion recipes.

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Discover the Delicious World of Vegan Crackers: A Healthy Snack Option

Ricardo Davis

– Some crackers may not be suitable for a vegan diet as they often contain dairy products to enhance flavor, color, and texture.
– Dairy-based seasonings, such as cheese, onion, nacho, ranch, sour cream, and barbecue, are frequently used in crackers.
– However, there are many vegan cracker brands available, or at least some vegan flavors within certain brands.
– It is important to check the sodium content of pre-packaged crackers, as they often have high sodium levels.
– Savory snacks, including crackers, contribute to about 40% of the sodium consumed by Americans.
– To maintain a balanced diet, sodium intake should be kept below the daily value level of 20%.
– Some crackers may contain trace amounts of dairy in their seasoning blends, specifically from whey solids, so it is important to check the ingredient label.
– Added sugar is commonly found in pre-packaged foods, including vegan crackers. The American Heart Association recommends a limit of around 6-9 teaspoons of added sugar per day.
– Saturated fat, which can be high in pre-packaged foods like crackers, should be consumed in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming less than 10% of daily calories from saturated fat.
– Some top picks for vegan crackers include Doctor In The Kitchen – Organic Flax Seed Crackers, Flackers Organic – Cinnamon & Currant Flax Seed Crackers, Mary’s Gone Crackers Herb, and Mary’s Gone Crackers Organic Everything Super Seed. These crackers have high nutritional value, little to no processing, and low carbon and water footprints. They also have low saturated fat and added sugar content.
– Lundberg Family Farms – Organic Lightly Salted Wild Rice Cakes: Nutritional value: Certified Vegan, 1g of saturated fat, 219mg of sodium, and 0g of added sugar per serving. Processing: Unprocessed or minimally processed. Ingredients: Organic Whole Grain Brown Rice, Organic Wild Rice, Sea Salt. GreenScore®: 5.0 stars (5 reviews), contains dietary fiber (4% DV).
– Simple Mills – Cracked Black Pepper Almond Flour Crackers: Nutritional value: Certified Vegan, 0g of saturated fat, 25mg of sodium, and 0g of added sugar per serving. Processing: Unprocessed or minimally processed. Ingredients: Nut and Seed Flour Blend (Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds). GreenScore®: 79/100, contains dietary fiber (not specified).
– Majans Snack Nibbles – Bhuja Cracker Mix: Nutritional value: Certified Vegan, 0g of saturated fat, 180mg of sodium, and 0g of added sugar per serving. Processing: Moderately processed. Ingredients: Multigrain Noodles (Yellow Peas, Chick Peas, Sunflower Oil, Rice, Potato, Tapioca, Sesame, Salt, Cumin), Rice Crackers (Rice, Soy Sauce, Cane Sugar, Tapioca, Sesame, Seaweeds, Chilli), Green Peas, Peanuts, Chick Peas, Sultanas, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Spices (Turmeric, Chillies, Paprika), Maltodextrin, Cane Sugar, Vegetable Powder. GreenScore®: 82/100, contains dietary fiber (7% DV).
– Crunchmaster – Sea Salt Protein Snack Crackers: Nutritional value: 0g of saturated fat, 170mg of sodium, and 1g of added sugar per serving. Processing: Moderately processed. Ingredients: Brown rice flour, garbanzo flour, brown rice protein, sesame seeds, potato starch, safflower oil, sea salt. GreenScore®: 77/100, contains dietary fiber (7% DV).
– Real Food From The Ground Up – Cauliflower Crackers Sea Salt: Nutritional value: 0g of saturated fat, 170mg of sodium, and 0g of added sugar per serving. Processing: Moderately processed. Ingredients: Cauliflower flour, wholegrain rice flour, cassava flour, potato starch, rice flour, potato flakes, cassava starch, rspo palm oil, salt, sugar, baking powder, rice fibers, sunflower lecithin. GreenScore®: Not specified.
– Nabisco’s Premium Saltine Crackers and Christie’s Premium Plus Crackers in Canada are vegan-friendly, certified by PETA. Sunshine Krispy Saltine Crackers and Keebler Saltine Crackers, produced by Kellogg’s, are also vegan. All of these brands have similar ingredients, including enriched flour, soybean oil, salt, and baking soda. There are also variations like unsalted and whole wheat options available.

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What Does Tofu Taste Like? A Delectable Exploration

Ricardo Davis

– Tofu is a popular food, but many people have never tried it before.
– Tofu is made from soy milk that is curdled and shaped into blocks.
– Tofu is originally from East Asia.
– Tofu looks like a block of white sponge.
– Before being cooked or seasoned, tofu is sour and bland.
– Tofu’s taste is likened to feta cheese.
– There are many types of tofu available, including firm/extra-firm tofu, medium and soft block tofu, silken tofu, fried tofu, and baked tofu.
– Tofu is good at absorbing flavors.
– The article provides tips for making tofu taste better, such as pressing the tofu to remove excess water, marinating it to enhance flavor, and using spices to add taste.
– Crumbled and stir-fried tofu can achieve a meaty taste.
– Tofu is described as versatile and suitable for various recipes.
– Overall, the article encourages readers to try cooking with tofu.

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Are Bagels Vegan? A Comprehensive Guide to Dietary Restrictions

Ricardo Davis

– Bagels are typically made from flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and vegetable shortening
– Vegans can eat bagels because they contain no animal products
– Yeast is important in making bagels as it causes the dough to rise
– Salt regulates the yeast and adds flavor
– A small amount of fat, such as vegetable oil or shortening, is used to make the bagel soft and tender
– Water acts as a binder for the dry ingredients
– Most bagels are sweet, thanks to sweeteners like sugar, barley malt syrup, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, or malt extract
– Some non-vegan bagel brands may use honey, so it’s important to check the label
– Additional ingredients like herbs, spices, dried fruits, seeds, grains, nuts, berries, and vegetables can be added for flavor and texture

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Is Rice a Vegetable? Unraveling the Nutritional Mysteries

Ricardo Davis

– Rice is a grain and not a vegetable.
– Rice is the seed of a grass called Oryza Sativa.
– Rice is grown in paddies and takes about 3-6 months to grow.
– The hull and bran layers are removed during the milling process, resulting in white rice.
– Rice falls under three main categories: long grain, medium grain, and short grain.
– Rice is plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
– Rice is gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac or following a gluten-free diet.
– Some restaurants and recipes may use animal ingredients when cooking rice.
– Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
– Brown rice is considered healthier than white rice due to its higher nutrient and fiber content.
– White rice is often enriched with iron and B vitamins.
– Brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic compared to white rice.
– Rinsing rice before cooking helps to remove arsenic.
– Rice consumption should be limited for children and babies.
– White rice does not cause weight gain or weight loss.
– Brown rice aids in weight loss due to its fiber content.
– White rice often has nutrients added back in after processing.
– Red rice helps to boost immunity.
– Brown rice is good for controlling blood sugar in those with diabetes.
– Brown rice improves heart health by reducing cholesterol and aiding in the transport of oxygen in the blood.
– Brown rice promotes digestive health due to its fiber content and is safe for those with celiac disease.
– Riced vegetables are not actually rice, but are vegetables that have been processed to resemble rice.

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Substitute for Heavy Cream in Pasta: Healthy and Delicious Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

Substitutes for Heavy Cream in Pasta Sauces:

1. Half and Half – An equal blend of whole milk and cream.
2. Whole Milk – Contains 3.5% fat and can be used as a substitute.
3. Greek Yogurt – Use 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt for every 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
4. Evaporated Milk – Lower in water content compared to regular milk. Use 1 cup of evaporated milk for every 1 cup of heavy cream.
5. Coconut Milk – Dairy-free alternative with a creamy texture. Use as a 1:1 substitute for heavy cream.
6. Soy Milk – Dairy-free alternative with a similar consistency to whole milk.
7. Cashew Cream – Vegan alternative made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth and creamy. Use as a 1:1 substitute for heavy cream.
8. Almond Milk – Dairy-free alternative with a thin consistency. Can be used as a lower-calorie option in pasta sauces.
9. Buttermilk – Has a tangy flavor that may alter the taste of the sauce. Use in moderation and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
10. Cream Cheese – Thick and creamy consistency, but may add a slightly tangy flavor to the sauce. Use in moderation and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
11. Cottage Cheese – Can be blended until smooth and used as a substitute for heavy cream. Adds a subtle tangy flavor to the sauce. Use in moderation and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
12. Mascarpone – Rich and creamy Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in pasta sauces. Similar texture and flavor, but may be more expensive and harder to find.
13. Silken Tofu – Blend until smooth and use as a substitute for heavy cream in certain pasta sauces. Creamy texture, but may not provide the same richness as heavy cream. Can be used as a vegan alternative.

Other Tips and Substitutions:
– Use low-fat milk and butter together, with the butter adding fat to the milk.
– Combine milk and cornstarch to thicken a pasta sauce if only low-fat milk is available.
– Crème fraîche or sour cream can be used as substitutes for heavy cream, with crème fraîche having a slightly soured taste.
– Mascarpone needs to be thinned out with water or milk due to its thick consistency.
– Cream cheese and cottage cheese can be used as creamy substitutes for heavy cream, but adjust other ingredients accordingly.
– Experiment with these substitutes to achieve the desired taste and consistency in your pasta sauces.

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