Knowing what to get in the grocery store when you’ve just gone plant-based is no small task. So much of what’s sold contains animal by-products in them, even products you’d never think would need them. There are so many alternative milks, it’s impossible to know which one is best. And what protein should you start cooking with? What sugar treats are available to satisfy your sweet tooth? 

This list is designed to give you some basic ingredients to help you along your plant-based journey.

When it comes to eating plant-based, excluding dairy has often been seen as a separate battle from excluding meat. Many can support the idea of reducing their meat consumption; the same can’t always be said for their milk or cheese. Vegetarians draw the line at giving up dairy. Milk and other dairy products are also found in a wide variety of foods you wouldn’t think of (breads, candies, etc.) that not consuming it at all feels herculean, and perhaps even a bit silly.

Many lambast tofu as a disgusting, slimy, mushy, flavorless protein that could never stand up to animal proteins. Though I loathe to admit it, this line of thinking isn’t entirely false. Tofu is slimy and mushy, particularly right out of the package. Tofu often finds its way into soups where it wallows as a flavorless, unexciting clump of protein. Or in other cases, it’s cooked right away without adding any seasoning or other accompanying flavors to zazz it up.

The vast American landscape is almost begging to be explored by car. Ours is a large country. There are landmarks and storied architecture almost everywhere you go. Crossing the plains or farms or cityscapes reminds one of times past where pilgrims, explorers, those attempting to find Manifest Destiny crossed great stretches of land for something better. Roads and interstates are designed to be easy to follow. Gas stations and motels dot our country. Numerous fast-food restaurants pop up every few miles. Unless you’re driving through the Mojave Desert, you’ll find food anywhere you go in America.

That is, so long as you enjoy meat and dairy.

Of all the vegan ingredients to come on the market, nutritional yeast (also called “nooch”) is perhaps the strangest. From a distance, it looks

Grilling season is upon us, and burgers will soon be on the menu for a countless number of summer get-togethers. Who doesn’t love a good burger?

An all too common concern among those contemplating a plant-based diet is whether they’ll consume the necessary amount of protein to be healthy.

Black American food has fallen into several false stereotypes, many of which deem the cuisine as greasy, unhealthy, and deep-fried. Think about southern cuisine and what comes to mind?

If you’re a carnivore, or someone who eats a good deal of meat, it can be difficult to see vegetables as anything other than a side dish. When we think of a ‘typical’ American meal, meat is quite often the centerpiece of the plate…

Walking down the dairy aisle of the supermarket can sometimes feel… well, confusing. What was once an easy stroll to get your whole milk, yogurt, and butter has now become a sea of alternative dairy products.

One of the biggest ironies in the food world is that the term ‘plant-based’ does not mean what it sounds like it should mean.

Confused about vegan ingredients? Look no further! Here’s a list of six of the most common ones…