Aldi Vs Trader Joe's: Which Is Better For Vegan And Vegetarian Groceries?

From tastingtable.com

Maintaining a plant-based diet is easier than ever. Nowadays, there are plenty of grocery store chains you can shop at if you're vegan, and Aldi and Trader Joe's are two of the best. But which one is better? Each has its own unique advantage. Tasting Table asked two certified registered dietitians their take on this hotly contested rivalry.

According to Lena Bakovic, MS, RD, CNSC, and author at VNutrition, "you can't go wrong with either store if you're eating plant-based." The difference, she explains, often comes down to how you shop. You may prefer to cook from scratch at home to save a few bucks, in which case you should always buy your pantry staples at Aldi.  

On the other hand, you may live a busy lifestyle and appreciate a quick and easy plant-based frozen dinner. That's where Trader Joe's has you covered. Kat Benson, a certified registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics at VNutrition, agreed with Bakovic, noting that "it's less that one is objectively better and more that they serve slightly different needs."

Why Aldi works well for plant-based shoppers

                                                                                                     Mahmoud Suhail/Shutterstock

If you're on a budget and prefer to meal prep using fresh, whole-food ingredients, Aldi has got Trader Joe's beat. It's just one of many things Aldi does better than Trader Joe's. "Aldi often has more of the ingredient side of things, where people can find options like grains, beans, frozen vegetables, and other staples," stated Kat Benson. Whether you're assembling a loaded grain bowl, cooking up a stir-fry, or making an Instant Pot chili, Aldi's canned, frozen, and fresh staples are often cheaper than Trader Joe's, helping you make healthy and balanced meals without the markup.

Lena Bakovic described Aldi as "that dependable friend who always has your back when you're on a budget." Some of her favourite items at Aldi include dried and canned beans and lentils, as they have a long shelf life. She's also partial to rolled and quick oats for a quick, tasty breakfast, as well as frozen mixed veggies when you can't be bothered with kitchen prep but still need extra fibre and nutrients. Benson agrees that these basic ingredients "make it easy to put together bowls, soups, or grain-based meals without needing a lot of specialty products." And that's where Aldi falls short.

You won't find many specialty items, such as meat or seafood substitutes, vegan cheeses, or prepared plant-based foods at Aldi. Sure, they have a few, but the selection is much more limited than Trader Joe's. On the bright side, though, you have full control over what you eat compared to relying on ultra-processed plant-based meats that may not be the best choice day in and day out. However, if you don't have the time to prep ingredients, Aldi's selection may feel limited.

Why Trader Joe's appeals to vegan shoppers

                                                                                                   Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock

While Aldi is the reliable friend who's got you covered on basics, Trader Joe's "is more like the adventurous foodie friend who always has something new and interesting to share," said Lena Bakovic. You'll find a range of "meat and cheese alternatives, flavoured tofu, ready-to-eat vegan meals, and produce you probably won't see anywhere else," she added. Benson concurred that the convenience factor is a big reason why Trader Joe's is so popular. Whether you work long hours or are wrangling a gaggle of kids, it's hard to deny the allure of an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. It's almost like getting a bit of your life back when shopping at Trader Joe's.

At Trader Joe's, Bakovic told Tasting Table that she loves the frozen cauliflower rice and pre-made salads, which make meal prep a cinch. She also recommends the vegan cheeses, dairy-free desserts, and specialty yogurts that feel indulgent and fun to eat. Some of our favourite vegan snacks at Trader Joe's include the Passion Fruit Sorbet, Jerk-Style Plantain Chips, and Crunchy Curls. Benson swears by Trader Joe's snack bars, such as the PB&J Bar — which she says are great before workouts, since they provide a quick and easy energy boost. Trader Joe's abundance of fun, pre-packaged, and plant-based entrées and snacks has a downside, though. 

From the higher markup for ready-to-eat foods to the concerning number of recalls on items like frozen foods and salad kits — and the fact that some vegetarian and vegan items get discontinued — Trader Joe's isn't all it's cracked up to be. Still, despite these negatives, it's one of the best grocery stores for plant-based items. If you have an Aldi and Trader Joe's nearby, shop at both for a balance of affordable staples and indulgent, prepared foods and snacks. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2123631/aldi-vs-trader-joes-plant-based-groceries/

Vegan Cream Cheese: The Best Brands To Buy

From plantbasednews.org

From Violife to Trader Joe's, here are the best plant-based cream cheese brands to buy 

In recent years, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has surged, driven by dietary changes, ethical concerns, and the desire for healthier options. Among these alternatives, vegan cream cheese has become a staple in many households. 

Vegan and dairy-free enthusiasts are spoiled for choice regarding vegan cheese, plant-based cream cheese, and non-dairy cream cheese alternatives. If you’re vegan, finding the right dairy-free cream cheese can be a game-changer for your cooking. 

With so many new vegan cream cheese options available, this list helps you choose the best brands to buy in the UK and the USA. There are plenty of creamy alternatives to traditional cream cheese that can be easily found in shops in both countries. 

From coconut-based to almond and oat blends, these options ensure you can enjoy your favourite spreads and recipes without compromising flavour or texture. Explore the top brands and discover how they can fit into your recipe roster.

See below for the best vegan cream cheese, its ingredients, where to buy it, the best brands available in the UK and USA, and how to make your own dairy-free cream cheese.

What is vegan cream cheese?

                    Vegan alternatives to cream cheese are now more widely available in the USA and UK         Adobe Stock

So, what is dairy-free cream cheese? Vegan cream cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cream cheese, designed to mimic its creamy texture and tangy flavour without using any animal products.

Made from various plant-based ingredients that create a creamy texture and mild flavour, vegan cream cheese offers a similar experience to its dairy counterpart, making it an excellent substitute in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Vegan cream cheese ingredients

The ingredients in non-dairy cream cheese can vary significantly depending on the brand and the desired flavour profile. Crafted from various plant-based ingredients, each brand offers a unique texture and flavour. 

Nuts and seeds, such as cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, are popular bases due to their rich, creamy consistency when blended. These nuts provide a smooth texture, making them a great substitute for traditional dairy cream cheese. 

Additionally, coconut milk or cream is often used for its rich and slightly sweet profile, adding a creaminess to the mix. Tofu, particularly silken tofu, is another common ingredient known for its light texture and ability to absorb flavours well.

Beyond these primary bases, a variety of additional ingredients enhance the flavour and texture of vegan cream cheese. Nutritional yeast is frequently used to impart a cheesy, umami flavour, while lemon juice or apple cider vinegar adds tanginess. 

Herbs and spices like garlic, onion powder, chives, and dill infuse flavour into some savoury dairy-free cream cheese. Keeping plain vegan cream cheese on hand is also useful for sweet dishes, from baked goods to fridge cheesecakes.

Plant-based oils, such as coconut or olive oil, improve the creaminess, and thickeners like tapioca starch or agar-agar help achieve the desired consistency. These ingredients combine to create vegan cream cheeses that more than rival their dairy counterparts.

Where can you buy vegan cream cheese?

                                                                                                              Media Credit: Various

Vegan cream cheese is widely available in many countries, making it generally easy to find whether you’re shopping in-person or online. You’ll likely find vegan cream cheese at most major supermarkets, many of which have expanded their plant-based offerings in recent years.

Chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart in the USA, as well as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer in the UK, stock various plant-based cream cheese brands. 

These stores typically place their vegan products in a dedicated section within the dairy aisle, making locating your favourite plant-based alternatives straight forward. Additionally, many of these supermarkets offer their own store brands, providing affordable options for those seeking dairy-free cream cheese.

Online shopping is another option for purchasing vegan cream cheese, especially if you’re looking for a specific brand or flavour that isn’t available locally. Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, and Ocado deliver a wide range of vegan products right to your doorstep.

Other places to buy plant based cream cheese

Aside from big supermarkets and online retailers you can find dairy free cream cheese in plenty of other establishments. Specialty vegan stores, such as The Vegan Kind Supermarket in the UK or Vegan Essentials in the USA, are one set of examples that offer an even broader selection of vegan cream cheese. These online retailers often carry artisanal and niche brands that you might not find in traditional supermarkets, ensuring that you have access to the best vegan cream cheese options available.

Farmers’ markets and health food stores are also great places to find high quality vegan cream cheese. Many local artisans create their own unique versions of dairy-free cream cheese, often using organic and locally sourced ingredients. 

Shopping at these venues not only supports small businesses but also allows you to discover new and innovative vegan products. Whether you’re looking for a classic plain cream cheese or something more adventurous like a cashew-based jalapeño spread, these markets provide a personalized shopping experience with plenty of options to choose from.

Vegan cream cheese recipes

Making your own vegan cream cheese at home can be both fun and rewarding. Here are a few recipes to try:

Cashew cream cheese recipe

If you want to learn how to make vegan cream cheese that’s quick and easy to put together, try this cashew cream cheese recipe from Connoisseurus Veg. Cashews are a great staple in vegan cooking and are widely used in homemade vegan cream cheese recipes.

Simplicity is key for those dipping their toes into plant-based cooking. All you need for this recipe is raw and soaked cashews, lemon juice, salt, and water. After draining your soaked cashews, blend with your other ingredients until creamy.

If you want to make flavoured vegan cream cheese, simply add chives, strawberries, or whatever you fancy to your homemade cashew cream cheese.

Find the full recipe here.

Tofu cream cheese recipe

This tofu cream cheese recipe from Nora Cooks only requires five ingredients. It can be made in 10 minutes and is a more protein-rich option. It uses firm tofu, lemon juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and salt.

Again, all that’s necessary to put this together is to blend your ingredients until smooth. You’re also welcome to add extras like garlic, maple syrup, or even red pepper. Once done, put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

Find the full recipe here.

Almond cream cheese recipe

This easy four-ingredient almond cream cheese by Elephantastic Vegan is another great example of keeping it simple. This base is highly versatile, meaning you can flavour it, eat it on bagels and toast, or use it for baking.

The recipe requires blanched almonds, lemon juice, water, and salt. Soak the almonds overnight, drain them, and then put them into a food processor with the other ingredients and blend. Once creamy, transfer the mixture to a container and chill it in the fridge.

Find the full recipe here.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/vegan-cream-cheese-best-brands/

Lindt Truffles Are Out, Vegan Hot Cheetos Are In, and More Plant-Based Food News

From vegnews.com

By Charlotte Pointing

Discover the latest vegan food news, from giant Easter eggs and spicy snack dupes to new product launches and a unique vegan hot dog spot

We've got one word for you: Easter. Yep, it seems impossible (wasn’t it just January?), but the spring holiday is nearly here. And, as always, Amazon is stocked with plenty of delicious treats to help you celebrate—just check out our guide for the best picks.

With the news of Lindt’s oat milk truffles being discontinued (cue the tiny violin), now is the perfect time to stock up for one last truffle-filled Easter. But it’s not all bad news—Hotel Chocolat is stepping in with the launch of an indulgent vegan treat.

Plus, there’s plenty more to get excited about: a convincing Cheetos dupe, innovative new sweet treats, and even a brand-new vegan hot dog spot in California. Let’s dive in.

Lindt’s oat milk truffles are about to be discontinued

In 2023, to the delight of dairy-free chocolate lovers, Lindt launched its iconic Lindor truffles in a new oat milk variety. At the time, the Swiss chocolatier described them as “delectable delights” and “the perfect indulgent treat.” Unfortunately, they won’t be around forever. Lindt recently revealed the truffles will be discontinued in the future.

The silver lining? There’s no confirmed end date yet—so if you spot them in stores, it’s worth stocking up while you can. It won’t be long before they disappear for good. And don’t worry, the oat milk bars aren’t going anywhere. 

Takis’ new Fuego Pix are a vegan-friendly take on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. | Takis

New snack from Takis is a vegan dupe for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Takis has dropped a new snack: Pix. And according to early reviews, the puffed bites taste strikingly similar to Cheetos. In fact, Sporked called them “the closest thing to a Cheetos knock-off we’ll probably ever get.”

Pix is launching with two flavours: Cheezy Blast and Fuego. While Cheezy Blast contains milk, Fuego is vegan-friendly. One reviewer for Delish even said they taste just like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Intrigued? You can taste test them for yourself, as they’re already hitting shelves at Walmart, Ralphs, and more.

Nature’s Charm’s new ube-flavoured sweetened condensed milk is perfect for vegan desserts. | VegNews

Nature’s Charm’s new product line includes ube condensed milk

Nature’s Charm has unveiled a new range of products in refreshed packaging—including its standout Ube Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, which might just be the ultimate topping for desserts and sweet breakfasts. A drizzle over morning pancakes? Absolutely.

The lineup also features tartar sauce (perfect for pairing with our go-to vegan fish sticks recipe), vegan mayo, and a variety of canned sauces in indulgent flavors like salted caramel, matcha, and chocolate fudge.

Joolies’ Date Sours combine good-for-you dates with the flavours of sour candy. | Joolies

Joolies’ Date Sours will level up your snack game

Dates are one of the healthiest snacks around—they’re packed with fibre, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also boast a naturally sweet, caramel-like flavour that almost feels too good to be true.

While dates are already delicious on their own, Joolies believes they have even more potential. That’s why the brand, which specializes in date snacks, launched Date Sours. They keep the classic sweetness and chewy texture of traditional dates but add a tangy twist with flavours like Blue Raspberry, Peachy, Watermelon, and Cherry Cola.

“We’re taking an age-old fruit people already trust and seasoning it with a little Joolies magic to give it cultural relevance—without losing what makes it a date,” said Amanda Sains-Harris, VP of Marketing at Joolies.

If you’re keen to try them, Date Sours are set to hit Sprouts Farmers Markets this May.

Vegan hot dogs are on the menu at Timeless Coffee, a plant-based café in Oakland, CA. | Loma Linda

Oakland’s famed vegan coffee shop turns into a weekday hot dog spot

What do you usually pair with your coffee—a croissant, maybe a slice of toast? Or perhaps … a hot dog?

Oakland’s popular vegan café, Timeless Coffee, is shaking things up with a new venture called Webster’s Wieners. Every weekday from 11am to 2pm, the downtown spot is serving up Vegan Big Franks Hot Dogs, topped with house-made Violife cheese sauce.

If you’re in the mood for a combo, there are a couple of options: grab a meal and soda for $10.25, or go all in with a specialty drink combo for $15.50, which includes a house-made cookie and a crafted bar drink.

Hotel Chocolat’s new vegan chocolate egg pulls out all the stops for Easter.

Hotel Chocolat rolls out Unbelievably Vegan Extra-Thick Easter Eggs

Easter is just around the corner—which, of course, means candy. And lots of it.

If you’re going all-out this year, Hotel Chocolat has a showstopper: Unbelievably Vegan Extra-Thick Easter Eggs (yes, that’s really the name). Each one is made with 45 percent Nutmilk chocolate and packed with indulgent vegan truffles, pralines, and caramels.

Feeling tempted? You’re not alone. We might be drooling a little bit.

Wales is getting its first-ever vegan hotel 

If Wales wasn’t already on your Euro summer bucket list, consider this your sign to add it. The team behind England’s first fully vegan hotel, Beck Hall, is set to open a brand-new retreat: Ffarm Hall, launching this spring.

The countryside hotel will feature 14 ensuite rooms—charmingly dubbed “snuggeries.” Guests can expect hearty Sunday roasts, indulgent afternoon teas, and generous breakfast feasts. Rustic vibes, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of history woven into the experience are also guaranteed. 

“Our hope is to create the same warm, welcoming atmosphere many of you know from Beck Hall, with delicious plant-based food, cosy places to unwind, and nature all around,” founders Andy and Louise Macbeth shared.

https://vegnews.com/food-news-takis-lindt-truffles

Scientists Just Discovered A Way To Make Your French Fries Healthier

From plantbasednews.org

The secret to healthier french fries could be "microwave frying" 

Scientists may have figured out how to make french fries healthier.

New research suggests that combining microwaving with traditional frying could reduce oil absorption when making french fries, without sacrificing texture.

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) studied how “microwave frying” affects the texture, water content, and oil absorption of fries.

Their first paper, “The Effect of Conventional and Microwave Frying on the Quality Characteristics of French Fries,” was published by the Journal of Food Science last year, while their new paper was published by Current Research in Food Science.

Fried food is delicious and popular, but eating too much comes with certain health risks - Media Credit: Adobe Stock

The researchers initially worked with colleagues at Washington State University to develop a special microwave fryer. The fryer combined a ceramic container to contain the oil and a rope made from fibre optic material to raise and lower a nylon sample holder. They then cooked several batches of fries using this prototype while measuring temperature, pressure, volume, texture, moisture, and oil content.

Microwaving alone results in soggy food, and frying increases oilyness, but the team found that combining the two technologies resulted in a desirable compromise between health and texture. Microwave cooking heats cut potato from the inside out, creating positive pressure and thereby reducing the amount of oil it absorbs as the fries crisp up. As a result, the researchers found that microwave frying resulted in a shorter cooking time and less oily french fries, but still retained a crispy texture.

Fried foods, fat content, texture, and french fries

The Journal of Food Science / ElsevierThe microwave fryer incorporates ceramic, nylon, and other metal-free materials

Fried foods are some of the most popular dishes in the world, and deep frying accounts for a significant proportion of global caloric intake. French fries are the most popular American dish in the US, and are even preferred to chips in the UK.

While delicious, the high fat content of fried foods means that frequent consumption can increase the risk of health issues and non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality.

“Consumers want healthy foods, but at the time of purchase, their cravings often take over,” said Pawan Singh Takhar, the principal investigator on the microwave frying research project and a professor of food engineering in UIUC’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. “High oil content adds flavour, but it also contains a lot of energy and calories. My research team studies frying with the aim of obtaining lower fat content without significant differences in taste and texture.”

https://plantbasednews.org/news/science/scientists-make-your-french-fries-healthier/