A vegan diet is a lifestyle choice that involves abstaining from eating animal-based products. For some this can be a scary change, after all who would want to give up that juicy steak or sweet cheesecake. Despite this restriction, there are plenty of delicious and satisfying food options available for vegans, including frozen foods. If fact for some people looking to try this alternative diet the best approach may be to “dip your toes” a bit and try a few items before you jump all the way in. In this article we will review some noteworthy brands and options that you may consider
Brands such as Amy’s Kitchen, Impossible, MorningStar Farms, Birds Eye, Sweet Earth, Tofurky, Simple Truth and Lightlife offer a variety of frozen/refrigerated vegan food options, including burgers, entrees, pizzas, and breakfast items. With the increased demand for plant-based options, these brands have developed tasty and convenient options that cater to the needs of vegans while still providing the flavors and textures they love. Whether you’re new to veganism or a seasoned pro, these brands are sure to offer something to satisfy your cravings.
Preparation Method
Many of the vegan options that we are covering in this post can be prepared very easily and makes for an easy transition to a more plant-based diet.
On easy option for preparing frozen vegan food is by using an air fryer while being very convenient. Most frozen vegan foods, such as burgers, tenders, and veggie cakes, can be cooked in an air fryer without the need for oil or added fats. Simply place the food in the basket, set the temperature and cooking time, and the air fryer will do the rest.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method of cooking is not only faster and healthier than traditional deep-frying, but it also eliminates the need to preheat the oven or wait for the food to cook on the stove.
In general, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook frozen vegan foods in an air fryer, depending on the size and type of food. Always check the packaging for specific cooking instructions and refer to your air fryer’s manual for recommended cooking times and temperatures.
List of Vegan Brands
1. Amy’s Kitchen – vegan pizza, burritos, bowls, soups, and entrees.
2. Impossible- vegan burgers, sausage, chicken, and meatballs.
3. MorningStar Farms – vegan burgers, sausages, meatless grounds, and breakfast items.
https://www.morningstarfarms.com/en_US/home.html
4. Birds Eye – vegan burgers, meatless grounds, and steamtable entrees.
5. Sweet Earth – easy frozen entrees.
https://www.goodnes.com/sweet-earth/
6. Follow Your Heart – cheese, salad dressings, spreads, Vegan-Mayo.
7. Tofurky – vegan deli slices, sausages, roasts, and burgers.
8. Lightlife – vegan burgers, sausages, and hotdogs.
Plat Based Diet Benefits
There are several benefits to a vegan diet:
- Improved heart health: A well-planned vegan diet is high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure.
- Weight loss: Vegan diets tend to be lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which can contribute to weight loss and help maintain a healthy weight.
- Lower risk of certain cancers: Studies have linked a vegan diet to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
- Better kidney function: A vegan diet has been shown to improve kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney disease.
- Improved digestion: A plant-based diet is rich in fiber, which helps support a healthy digestive system and can prevent constipation and other digestive issues.
- Better blood sugar control: A vegan diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, making it a beneficial dietary choice for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Better bone health: While it is true that vegans may have a lower intake of calcium, a well-planned vegan diet can provide adequate amounts of calcium and other essential nutrients for strong bones.
- Reduced environmental impact: A vegan diet is associated with a lower carbon footprint, water usage, and land use compared to a meat-based diet, making it a more sustainable choice for the planet.
It’s important to note that a poorly planned vegan diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s crucial to plan a balanced vegan diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need.
