Why You’ll Score Big With This Vegan Football Appetizer

Finger food is always your best bet when it comes to party starters. Forget the forks and fall in love with this catch!

• Meant for a crowd. Each batch easily makes 15 – 20 mini football pastries, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. It’s a great way to stretch your ingredients and make sure no one walks away hungry.
• Fast and easy. They only take 20 minutes to bake and come together in a flash. You can even enlist the kids to help with the assembly process to speed things along.
• High in protein. Vegan ground meat tastes just like conventional beef and is an equally rich source of complete protein. That means you could turn these appetizers into a meal with some veggies to round out your plate!

Key Ingredients

Just eight ingredients, not counting water, stand between you and snacking satisfaction. Here are the essentials you need to stock up on:

Vegan ground meat: One of the most popular meat alternatives on the market, there’s no end to vegan options for ground beef! Use any brand you prefer, fresh or frozen and thawed, or make your own from TVP, crumbled tempeh, seitan, lentils, and/or nuts.

Onion: Start by sautéing an onion and your kitchen will instantly smell amazing. Yellow is fine here, but you can use white or red, or switch things up with shallots or leeks for a change of pace.

Garlic: There’s no thing as too much garlic. Consider the two cloves listed here as a starting suggestion; add to taste.

Green peas: For a pop of color and vegetable infusion, frozen peas are the perfect mix-in. Kids won’t even know they’re eating their veggies hidden inside these vegan super bowl snacks!

Puff pastry: The real star of the show, frozen puff pastry takes all the hassle out of prep work. Read on to learn more about this essential staple.

Flour: Regular all-purpose will do the trick here unless you need a gluten-free option. You can use white rice flour or potato starch in that case, since it only takes a small amount to prevent the pastry from getting too sticky.

Coconut oil: Add richness and shine with just a little dab! You could substitute melted vegan butter or simply olive oil if you’d prefer.

Is Puff Pastry Vegan?

Traditionally, puff pastry is a type of laminated dough, made with many thin layers of butter. This is still true for some high-end bakeries and gourmet grocers, but many more storebought options are now “accidentally” vegan! Always read labels to verify, since formulas are liable to change at any time.

Brands Of Vegan Puff Pastry

Availability will vary depending on your location and the season, since some view puff pastry as a holiday item only. Here are the best vegan choices found in the US:

• Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry
• Jus-Rol Puff Pastry
• Schar Puff Pastry (Gluten Free)
• Aussie Bakery Puff Pastry
• Pampas Puff Pastry Sheets

Where to Buy Vegan Puff Pastry

Most mainstream grocery stores should have at least one option readily available in the freezer section, while more specialized varieties and brands can be purchased online. When in doubt, start your hunt here:

• Target
• Walmart
• Whole Foods
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Safeway/Randall’s
• Albertson’s
• HEB
• Amazon Fresh

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here’s the rundown on how to make these vegan game day puff pastry footballs!

Step 1: Prepare the vegan ground meat according to the package instructions. In a sauté pan, heat oil, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add frozen peas and cook until warmed. Add the vegan ground meat, cook for 4 minutes, remove from heat, and set aside.

Step 2: Sprinkle flour over a flat surface, and using a rolling pin, roll puff pastry sheets until they are twice their original size. Cut out football shapes of uniform size and place half on a lined or greased baking sheet.

Step 3: Brush a thin layer of melted coconut oil along the edges of the dough on the baking sheet. Spoon taco meat onto the center of each pastry piece, leaving a 1/2-inch border for sealing.

Step 4: Cut lace marks into the remaining football-shaped pastry pieces (these will be the tops). Place them atop the bottom dough, covering the plant-based meat filling, and seal tightly using a fork to crimp the edges together. Brush the tops with coconut oil and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and enjoy as soon as they cool!

Tips For Success

Puff pastry is the Swiss army knife of appetizers and desserts, savory and sweet. You don’t need any baking experience to transform it into impressive treats! If this is your first time working with it, here’s how to use puff pastry like a pro:

1. Let the package of frozen puff pastry thaw completely before working with it; either in the fridge overnight, or on the counter for 1 – 2 hours. If it’s still partially frozen when you unfold it, it’s more likely to crack or tear.
2. Lightly flour both the counter and the top of the dough so it doesn’t stick to either your working surface or the rolling pin. You may need to reapply as you work.
3. Be careful not to over-stuff each football hand pie. Make sure the edges are sealed with a fork all the way around to prevent the filling from leaking out.
4. Brush the tops with coconut oil right before baking to ensure a brilliant golden-brown finish.

Flavor Ideas And Adaptations

The real beauty of such a simple, foolproof formula is that it’s ideal for putting your own unique spin on. Here are a few winning ideas to pump up the flavor:

• Cheese pizza: Add shredded vegan mozzarella and marinara sauce or sundried tomatoes.
• Smoky BBQ: Add smoked paprika and your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Yellow curry: Add madras curry powder and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Breakfast bites: Swap the vegan ground meat for crumbled or chopped vegan breakfast sausage and use diced potatoes or shredded hash browns instead of peas.

Alternate Shapes

If it’s not game day, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like, not just footballs! In fact, you don’t need cookie cutters at all. You can simply cut squares with your knife or use a drinking glass as a template to make circles. For more festive ideas, consider:

• Hearts for Valentine’s Day
• Trees for Christmas
• Stars for Hanukkah
• Four-leaf clovers for St. Patrick’s Day

More Vegan Super Bowl Snacks You’ll Love

• Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
• Vegan Bagel Bites
• Poppin’ Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
• Vegan Soft Pretzels with Cheese Dip
• Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Print

Football Puff Pastries

Get ready for game day with these football puff pastries! Fill vegan puff pastry with vegan ground meat and veggies and you'll score big in the flavor department!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword football hand pie, football puff pastry, vegan hand pie, vegan puff pastries

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 15 pastries

Calories 210kcal

Author Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan

Equipment

• football cookie cutters

Ingredients

• 1 package vegan ground meat any brand will work
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• ½ yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 sheets puff pastry one standard package (most are accidentally vegan), thawed according to package instructions
• Flour for dusting surface
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted

Instructions

• Prepare vegan ground meat per package instructions.
• In a saute pan, heat oil, add onion and garlic, and cook until translucent. Add frozen peas and cook until warm. Add vegan ground meat and cook for 4 minutes, remove from heat, and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 400F. Sprinkle flour over a flat surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out puff pastry sheets until they’re 2x as large as its original size. Cut football shapes (any size as long as they’re uniform) out of the dough and lay half of the footballs on a lined or greased baking sheet.
• Using your finger, rub a very thin layer of melted coconut oil along the edges of the dough on the baking sheet. Add taco meat to the center of each piece of pastry dough leaving 1/2 inch clear for sealing the bottom dough to the top.
• Slice football lace marks into the remaining football-shaped pastry dough pieces (these will be the tops). Place on top of the bottom pastry dough, covering the plant meat filling, and seal tightly using a fork. Push down hard with the fork prongs to crimp or the dough may not stay closed. Brush top with coconut oil and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and enjoy as soon as they cool!

Notes

This recipe makes about 15-20 football puff pastries depending on your football cookie cutter and how thin you roll the puff pastry. We used the big and medium size of these cookie cutters.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Photos by Michelle Cehn, all rights reserved.

The post Football Puff Pastries (Easy Vegan Game Day Appetizer) appeared first on World of Vegan.

If you’re planning a trip here or just love learning about regional foods, this NYC vegan guide will give you a tiny taste of the city’s many offerings!

Best Vegan Delis in NYC

The bustling city of New York is known for many things and while you’d be right to think pizza and bagels right off the bat, deli food is also a vital New York City staple, especially late at night. While there are a few places to get super late-night vegan options around Gotham such as at the occasional vegan-friendly bodega, we’re focusing on deli spots that are 100% vegan here.

Orchard Grocer

Located in the deli-lined streets of the Lower East Side, Orchard Grocer is an all-vegan market with a deli counter! On their menu, you can expect to find a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and best of all, vegan soft serve with seasonal flavors (mmm). They also feature products from an extensive selection of vegan favorites including The Herbivorous Butcher, Vegan Rob’s, Yeah Dawg, and Miyoko’s in addition to more unique items such as vegan caviar, local vegan cheeses, and a wide variety of dairy-free sweets. They also feature a daily special on their deli menu! Past specials have included double-decker Beyond Burgers, tofu-fried chick’n sandwiches, and JUST Egg on a vegan croissant!

Seitan’s Helper

Across the bridge in the neighborhood of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn is Seitan’s Helper. This queer and worker-owned vegan deli specializes in incredible house-made vegan meats and sandwiches. Vegan versions of pepperoni, mortadella, ham, and much more are available by the ½ pound if you want to enjoy their delicious seitan at home. In their deli case, you can also find veganized comfort classics such as pasta or potato salad along with other savory specials. On a budget and in a rush? Their grab-and-go sandwiches are pay-what-you-wish! How awesome!

Vegan Asian Food in New York City

Our NYC vegan guide could be solely dedicated to all of the incredible vegan Asian restaurant options available around the city! With delicious dim sum spots and no shortage of sriracha-heavy dishes, NYC is a haven for amazing Asian cuisine. Below we’ve included two spots that are very much worth your time in different parts of the city. Plus, you can find delicious vegan options on most Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Cambodian, and other asian restaurant menus.

Amituofo

Located in the same area of Brooklyn as Seitan Rising, Amituofo serves a wide variety of delicious vegan dishes. My personal favorites include their Traditional Fried Rice and Grilled “Fish” Banh Mi. And once it starts to cool down, their Curry “Chicken” Noodle Soup is an absolute must! You can also find Chinese classes such as Smashed Cucumbers and Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns. You can also get Kimchi Fries, which are a delight all on their own! Want to have a Beyond Burger with a side of Spring Rolls? You can do that here at Amituofo!

Spicy Moon

Looking for a little spice in your life? Vegan Szechuan restaurant Spicy Moon features a menu full of vegan spins on traditional dishes such as Zha Jiang Noodles, Mapo Tofu with Beyond Beef, and much, much more. And no worries if your spice meter is on the lower end—you can ask for lightly spiced!

Beyond Sushi

New York City vegan sushi chain Beyond Sushi has evolved their menu quite a bit since their inception in 2012. In addition to vegan sushi made with ingredients like hijiki, vegan tuna, and eggplant, you can now also enjoy dishes such as Glazed Impossible Meatballs, Nori Tacos, and Ube Cashew Cheesecake. They even have four locations to choose from depending on where you are in the city!

Lily’s Vegan Pantry

In NYC’s Chinatown area lives Lily’s Vegan Pantry, formerly known as May Wah Vegetarian Market. This vegan Asian market features a huge variety of spices, snacks, and more mock meats than you can shake a leaf at. If you’ve ever wanted to try vegan abalone, or a vegan lobster shaped like one, this is the spot to hit up! They also partner with local vegan vendors such as Kozy Toasts and Veggie Grub.

NYC Vegan Cafés

The beauty of the Big Apple is that there’s room for a little bit of everything. If you’re craving something on the greener side or need a quick caffeine fix, we’ve got great news! These vegan cafés in NYC will hit just the spot.

Peacefood Cafe

With locations in downtown and uptown Manhattan, Peacefood Cafe offers a variety of fresh dishes, juices, and desserts for the whole family. An absolute must-try is their award-winning Chickpea Fries, which are among some of the only ones you can find in New York! Other notable dishes include their Seitan Medallion Panini, Pumpkin Quiche, and Fluffy Quinoa Salad.

Jungle Cafe

Nestled in the cozy neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Jungle Cafe features a delicious list of juices, smoothies, burgers, tacos, and more! They also have a vegan buffet with a rotating weekly menu so if you want a little bit of everything, you can have it! They even offer a children’s menu, which is a rare feature of many independent restaurants in New York!

NYC Vegan Fast Casual Restaurants

Sometimes you just want to grab your veggie burger and then get on with your day! Luckily there’s no need to settle for measly vegan options in the City of New York when it comes to fast food. With more spots opening up every day, you can truly have it your way in this bustling and brilliant city.

Marty’s V Burger

From their Original World Famous burger to their gluten-free Crabby Patty, Marty’s V Burger delivers veganized fast food classics with an authentic flair. While you can substitute a Beyond Burger or Impossible patty, what truly sets Marty’s V Burger apart from the competition is their delicious house-made patties! Made from a mix of seitan, black beans, and brown rice, you can enjoy their patties as a single or double burger along with a side of fries, coleslaw, or vegan mac n’ cheese. Find them in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan or order delivery!

Beatnic

Beatnic is a fast casual chain around NYC that serves plant-based burgers, fries, sweet potato mac and cheeze and more! Formerly by CHLOE., Beatnic rebranded in 2021 after a years-long legal battle with renowned chef Chloe Coscarelli who was originally behind by CHLOE but was ousted from her own business in 2017.

HipCityVeg

Philadelphia-based vegan fast casual chain HipCityVeg made their NYC debut in October 2021 and features favorites like their Blackened Chipotle Fajita Wrap and Ziggy Burger. Tasty breakfast specials include veganized versions of BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) along with other sweet and savory sandwiches. Be sure not to sleep on their banana whip or seasonal shakes!

Vegan Brunch Options in New York City

Sometimes finding vegan-friendly brunch options can be a little tricky. It’s easy to get stuck with a basic bowl of fruit or some dry toast and little else. But here in NYC, vegan brunch options are not only plentiful but they’re absolutely delicious! Whether you’re in the mood for a plant-based scramble or vegan crêpes, The City That Never Sleeps is here to help you wake up.

Little Choc Apothecary

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take someone on a date or need a relaxing afternoon to yourself, look no further than Little Choc Apothecary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Famous for their incredible vegan and gluten-free crêpes, Little Choc also features a huge menu of custom tea blends, açaí bowls, pastries, and an extensive drink list. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory Pizza crêpe or a glass of rosé, you are in for quite the treat at this adorable apothecary.

Vegan Fine Dining Restaurants

It’s no surprise that NYC is home to several upscale vegan restaurants. Some of them are even Michelin star-rated, so you know their food and flavors will be exceptional!

Eleven Park Madison

Considered one of the top restaurants in the world, this Michelin-Starred restaurant went entirely plant-based just a few years ago, thanks to celebrated chef Daniel Humm embarking on a mission to protect the environment one plate at a time. You can expect dishes that make you feel as satisfied as a meal with meat would. Rice porridge with celtuce, a brightly flavorful beet dish, and an amaranth-seed-and-sweet-pea served with a creamy fermented almond cream and pea-miso puree are just a few of the many amazing dishes on the menu.

Dirt Candy

Serving nothing but vegetables, this restaurant managed to acquire a Michelin Star, and for good reason. Their single tasting menu changes seasonally but their quality is consistently out of this world with bold and beautiful flavors.

Ladybird

This vegan tapas and wine bar has a seasonally rotating menu that highlights fresh produce alongside its classic offerings. Whether you want brunch or dinner, both menus feature mouthwatering options from matcha waffles and Just Egg frittatas to potato au gratin and truffle mac & cheese.

Flavorful House-Made Flair — Vegan Meats & Cheeses in New York City

With more than 23 restaurants per square mile, the chances of you finding a vegan restaurant that features house-made vegan meats and cheeses is higher than in most places. These two restaurants have totally raised the bar for excellent vegan fare that won’t break the bank.

Delice & Sarrasin

In the vibrant West Village tucked between Gay Street and Waverly Place is Delice & Sarrasin, a completely vegan French restaurant that serves traditional fare with a plant-based twist. You can find French classics such as veganized escargot, buckwheat crêpes, coq au vin made from pea protein, steak tartare, and much more. They also feature a house-made vegan cheese plate which is absolutely divine. If there’s one restaurant not to miss on a trip to NYC, this is it.

Modern Love Brooklyn

Owned by the incomparable Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Modern Love offers comfort classes with an elevated touch. Vegan mozzarella sticks, seitan burgers, and “Mac & Shews” are among the many delicious items on Modern Love’s meticulous menu. Looking for a Beyond or Impossible patty? You won’t find it here! If you ever find yourself in Omaha, you can also visit their flagship restaurant!

Vegan Mexican Food

Vegan Mexican food in NYC? This city truly has it all! While you may not find as wide an array of restaurants compared to cities such as Austin or San Diego, New York does have some truly appetizing options when it comes to vegan Mexican fare.

Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas

With locations throughout NYC, Jajaja delivers serious south of the border flavor with delicious Mexican dishes such as jackfruit tamales, enchiladas mole, and Mexican street corn. You can also find all day brunch options including chilaquiles and brunch tacos along with an impressive drink menu. Looking for vegan churros? You’ll find them here!

Bar Verde

100% soy and gluten-free, this Matthew Kenney restaurant is perfect for those who are looking for vegan Mexican fare rooted in truly whole foods. Items such as quinoa chorizo, napolitos, and maitake enmolada can be found on the menu along with delicious desserts such as flan and churros with chocolate.

NYC Vegan Soul Food

You don’t need to search far for some excellent vegan soul food in the City of New York. Home to large a large Black population with roots in the West Indies, Africa, and Puerto Rico, New York serves up some fantastic Southern fare.

Uptown Veg

Located in historic Harlem, Uptown Veg is a casual vegan soul food restaurant that features delicious plant-based spins on classic dishes. You can enjoy items from their buffet such as vegan mac’n’cheese, chick’n drumsticks, and chickpea curry, and much more. They also feature signature Jamaican patties filled with soy chicken, soy fish, kale, callaloo or lentil. Don’t sleep on their “chicken” wrap or macaroni salad!

Greedi Vegan

In the neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is Black and woman-owned Greedi Vegan, a soul food restaurant with an intentional touch. Menu highlights include the Greedi Beef Burger, Crab Cake Sandwich, Watermelon Arugula Salad, and Fried Okra Bites. They also have a robust juice menu and even serve a gluten-free mac’n’cheese! In the mood for drinks and dessert? Greedi Vegan has it all!

Plant-Based Pizza in NYC

No NYC vegan guide would be complete without the mention of pizza! The city is home to two 100% vegan pizzerias in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Screamer’s Pizza

The brainchild of the owners behind Brooklyn’s Champs and Philly’s Blackbird Pizza, Screamer’s serves some of the finest slices in NYC. With locations in Greenpoint and Crown Heights, Screamer’s features pizzas with toppings like housemade seitan, Violife cheese, garlic oil, and more. There are slightly different items available depending on which location you’re in. Crown Heights has a more extensive menu, featuring sandwiches such as a Philly Cheesesteak, a Kale Caesar Salad, and fried items.

Double Zero

Matthew Kenney’s Double Zero features an extensive menu of wood fired pizzas and finely crafted Italian staples in the East Village. They can also make any pizza free of gluten and nuts! Pizzas such as Pepperoni or Squash Blossom are served with artisan cashew cheese by default but can be made with rice cheese upon request. They also serve a variety of pastas, antipasti, and salads along with a really nice brunch menu.

Vegan Desserts in New York City

Our NYC vegan guide would not be complete without a dessert list! From vegan soft serve to raw cakes, here is are just a few of many vegan dessert spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Erin McKenna’s BabyCakes

Completely gluten-free and utterly delicious, this Lower East Side bakery is 100% worth a visit! Get cookies, madeleines, bagels, and so many other amazing treats.

Happy Zoe Vegan Bakery

Did someone say lavender almond cookies? Why, yes! This Greenpoint bakery has that and much more.

Rawsome Treats

Find raw revisions of tiramisu, peanut butter cups, strawberry shortcake, and beyond at this Lower East Side shop.

Dun-Well Donuts

Located just down the street from CHAMPS, Dun-Well Donuts makes completely divine artisinal donuts. Get flavors such as chocolate, sprinkle, jelly, and rotating specials such as apple cheesecake!

Confectionery!

Queer and woman-owned chocolate shop in the East Village that has some seriously amazing sweets including macarons, chocolate truffles, and even vegan dog treats!

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

Black and woman-owned vegan ice creamery offering delicious oat-based ice creams with a variety of toppings! Located in the Lower East Side.

Clementine Bakery

Brooklyn bakery with pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more!

Even More Vegan Spots

New York City has a lot of vegan spots and this guide would be over 10,000 words long if we were to list them all. We asked the Vegan NYC Food group on Facebook and here are other vegan locations locals recommended:

• Caravan of Dreams
• Next Stop Vegan
• Organic Grill
• PLNT Burger
• Urban Vegan Kitchen
• Vegan Grill
• Willow

Vegan-Friendly & Vegetarian Restaurant Options in NYC

The following restaurants are our honorable mentions! These establishments aren’t 100% vegan but still offer substantial plant-based options and are totally worth a visit!

• Superiority Burger – Vegetarian restaurant serving housemade veggie burgers, praiseworthy yuba sandwiches with incredibly crafted sides and desserts.
• Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant – Kosher Chinese Cantonese style restaurant with an incredible array of dim sum, vegan meats, sushi, and traditional dishes.
• Natural Blend – A juice bar and cafe with loads of fresh vegan options.

We hope you found this New York City vegan guide to be helpful in planning where to eat during your next vacation or neighborhood outing!

More Vegan Restaurant Guides & City Guides

• Top Vegan Restaurants in London, UK
• Guide to Eating Vegan in Austin, Texas
• Chicago Vegan Restaurants
• Houston Vegan Restaurants
• Cleveland Vegan Restaurants
• Kauaii Vegan Restaurants
• San Francisco Vegan Restaurants
• Berkeley Vegan Restaurants
• Oakland Vegan Restaurants
• The Republic of Chile Vegan Restaurant Guide
• Vegan Fast Food Restaurants Guide
• 15 Best Vegan Resorts and Hotels

We hope you love exploring every vegan and vegetarian restaurant NYC has to offer! We’d love to hear from you in the comments below: What are the best vegan restaurants in NYC, in your opinion? Show them some love! Be sure to check online for the latest restaurant menu updates and hours of operation.

New York City cover photo from Canva designed by Michelle Cehn. Featured image credit: Marty V Burger. 

The post NYC Vegan Guide: The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in New York City appeared first on World of Vegan.

When the holidays roll around, the first thing that comes to mind is decorating…or maybe food. Either way, both food and decorations can transform a festive event into something even more magical and memorable. (Although this DIY clay recipe is technically edible, we don’t recommend giving it a try. The amount of salt would be overwhelming!)

If you have kiddies at home who become bored easily (or if the weather is wonky), use this opportunity to create an at-home Art Camp for Kids! This is the perfect time for children (or adults!) to allow their creativity to flow freely. Spend the day mixing up the salt dough (a super sensory activity opportunity) and decorating with delight after the ornaments are done.

Let’s get started!

DIY Clay Tips

Creating your own homemade clay is easier than you think! Although this project may get a little messy, it’s totally worth it. These salt dough ornaments can be exquisite and elegant or super chill and cheezy. They can be cute and cuddly, classic or contemporary, and even silly or scary. There are no rules once the dough is ready.

Before you get started, here are few suggestions to keep the clutter in check:

• Cover Your Space – Find an area in your home (possibly the kitchen) where you can add easy-to-clean cloths or newspaper to spread over your working surface. It might be a good idea to cover your clothing, as well. A kitchen apron or old clothes would work well.
• Collect Creative Tools – Fill small cardboard boxes or plastic containers with a variety of art supplies such as paints, paintbrushes, crayons, markers, small items (rocks, seashells, bells, etc.), glue, and hanging materials (twine, ribbon, lace, etc.). This will make organization less chaotic and can help to keep things contained.
• Cleaning Supplies – Even the neatest person will appreciate having some wet cloths, reusable paper towels, wipes, or perhaps a little brush and dust pan to minimize the mess. Washing hands before and after this project is a must. Especially before adding decorations to your lovely salt dough ornaments.

Holiday Ornament Shape Suggestions

This homemade clay recipe isn’t only for the winter holidays. There are endless ways in which you can personalize this dough to make ornaments of any shape, size, or color. Here is a small list of shape suggestions for every season or celebration. We’d love to hear your ideas, too! Make sure to add them to the comments below.

• Celebrate the Seasons – Be inspired by the myriad of colors in each season. For Fall, make leaf shapes in red, yellow, brown, and orange. In Spring, cut out and paint flowers, umbrellas and birds in soft, pastel shades. The Summer months can be swimsuits, sunshine, and flip flops in the brightest jewel tones. Finally, Winter symbols of snowflakes, snowmen, and candles in soft blues, yellow, and white.
• Best Birthday Ever – Pick out shapes that match the person whose birthday it is. Think about their favorite hobbies, colors, and foods when creating their ornaments. They can be given as mini paperweight gifts, hung together in a row as a bunting in their favorite place, or ask friends and family to write a little loving note on the back in paint or marker as a birthday token.
• Make Festive Days Extra Fancy – These adorable ornaments can be made for any yearly holiday. For instance: Valentine’s Day (hearts, cupids, lips), Easter (bunnies, baskets, birds), New Year’s (champagne bottle, horns, year numbers), Halloween (pumpkins, witches, candy), Thanksgiving (corn, friends, pie), or even the First Day of School (pencils, letters, school bus). The ideas are endless!

How To Decorate Your Salt Dough Ornaments

This is the most thrilling part! Use your brain power to come up with your best and most brilliant ideas. You can do it! These are only some suggestions for decorating. The ideas are infinite!

To double check whether the art supplies you’re using are vegan-friendly, make sure to consult our Vegan Art Supply Guide!

• Glitter (or, better yet, Eco Glitter!)
• Acrylic Paint
• Dried Flowers or Herbs (lavender buds, bay leaves, dried flowers, cloves, etc.)
• Sprinkles
• Markers
• Edible Spray Paint
• Add a Printed Photo
• Lace, Yarn or Ribbons
• Sea Glass
• Googly Eyes
• Beads
• Stamps or stencils
• Embossing letters
• Little Bells
• Natural Items (small needles, leaves, sticks, etc.)

Helpful Hint: If you wish for your salt dough ornaments to last more than a year, consider spraying them with a clear acrylic sealer or painting on a layer or two of Mod Podge. Remember to let dry thoroughly before storing.

Scented Salt Dough Ornaments

Why not add a little something special to your ornament before baking? Include several drops (or sprinkles) of a natural scent to the unbaked dough to boost these salt dough decorations up a notch. Here a few scent recipes to get you started:

• Lavender & Rosemary – 9 drops of lavender essential oil + 6 drops of rosemary essential oil or extract. Wonderfully herbal!
• Orange & Cinnamon – 15 drops of orange essential oil (or extract) + ½-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will give your ornament a delicious, spicy scent, as well as a warm, light brown shade.
• Peppermint & Vanilla – 5 drops of peppermint + 10 drops of vanilla essential oil or extract. Sweet and cool, just like a candy cane!

Note: Make sure to mix in the scented oils, extracts, or spices well into the dough before cutting and baking. If the scent is not strong enough when done, you can always use a paintbrush to brush more onto the back of the salt dough ornament (in case of staining) and let dry.

Four Tips For Hanging Up Your Salt Dough Ornaments

Hanging an ornament (for any occasion) should be fun, not frustrating and fiddly. If you follow these tips, you’ll find yourself looking forward to this step every year. No need to worry!

Use Strong, Reliable Materials

Skimping on the string or using ratty, old ribbon won’t do, friends! If it looks worn out or is breaking apart, put it in the compost or leave out for the birds. Go for good stuff such as: kitchen cotton string, hemp twine, linen cord, satin ribbon, metal ornament hooks (not the flimsy kind), or even rubber bands.

Be Careful About the Hole Placement

When adding the hole to the unbaked ornament, make sure that the hole is not too close to the top. If it is, chances are that the hole may either close up or not be sturdy enough to hold the ornament’s weight once out of the oven. Place the hole at least ¼-½ inch down from the tippy top.

Hang To Your Heart’s Content

Choose between a tree (either natural, artificial or even a small, metal tabletop tree just for ornaments), a wooden, expandable hat rack, or simply anywhere in your home that can hold a little bit of weight. Other unique ideas include door knobs, chair arms, banana trees, chandeliers, mug rack, or even your rear view car mirror! Find that special place and make it a tradition to add it there every year.

Bring Out The Bunting

Instead of arranging the ornaments individually on a tree, hook, or stand, you can tie or sew them onto a sturdy cord (like a cotton clothesline) or to a long length of seam binding (you can find it at any fabric store). Then, simply attach each end securely to the edges of a doorway, across a fireplace mantle or over a window curtain rod. Bunting makes everything more exciting!

Handprint Clay Creations

Make your own homemade clay handprint at home! Swap out cookie cutters for fingers, hands, or paws! These can be such wonderful and thoughtful gifts for family members and friends, as well as to commemorate significant life events and occasions.

• New Baby
• Pets
• First Day of School
• Anniversaries
• Birthdays

To create these lovely, personalized clay pieces, make the salt dough as usual. But, instead of cutting out small, individual shapes, roll out the dough into one large shape. Place on a sheet of parchment paper. Try to keep the dough to around ½” thickness. Clean and dry the selected hand, finger, thumb, or paw (or item) well. Press the chosen part into the dough so that there’s a definite depression, but not all the way to the bottom. Remove very gently.

Lift the parchment paper off of the counter and place onto a baking sheet. Bake as for the salt dough ornaments. You may choose not to flip the piece over in the middle of baking. If you feel nervous that your creation might crack or break, simply turn the baking sheet around 180 degrees and continue baking. It’s not completely necessary for it to be flipped onto the other side. When done, let cool as directed and decorate!

Step-By-Step Tutorial

To make these easy homemade clay ornaments all you need are three simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, and water! That’s it!

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F or the lowest temperature your oven will go to.

In a medium to large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and water and mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands. Once a dough forms, keep kneading it for a few minutes, adding a sprinkle of flour as needed if the dough becomes too sticky.

Step 2:

Once the dough has a soft, mostly dry texture, allow it to rest in the bowl for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3:

When ready, sprinkle a little flour on the counter top or cutting board and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.

Step 4:

Press cookie cutters into the dough surface, spacing them in a way that allows you to use up as much space as possible. Carefully peel away excess dough and transfer the cut shapes to a parchment lined baking sheet. Continue cutting out ornaments (occasionally reforming dough and rolling it back out when you only have scraps left) and placing them on the baking sheet until all of the dough has been used up.

Step 5:

Use a straw or large wooden skewer to make a clearly defined hole near the top of the cut shapes.

This is also the time to use any stamps or embossing letters if you have them.

Step 6:

Place on a middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Using a spatula, carefully flip the ornaments over and bake for another 30 minutes or until the shapes feel firm. Depending on your oven, it may take more or less than 30 minutes. Keep checking every 5 minutes or so. Don’t let the ornaments become brown.

Step 7:

Take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the ornaments to cool completely before removing from the tray.

Step 8:

Decorate any way you like (adding paint, glitter, accessories, etc.) and thread a piece of ribbon or string through the top hole of the ornament. Enjoy!

Salt Dough Ornament Q&A

More Arts & Crafts Ideas and Vegan Recipes for Kids

Being creative can be hard work, so here is additional inspiration for both vegan art supplies and vegan kids’ snacks. Once you’re done filling their minds with amazing art, fill up their bellies with healthy, delicious vegan snacks. These Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies are an art project and fun food in one recipe—give them a try!

• Vegan Art Supplies
• Homemade Playdough
• Kids Activity Book and Printable Maze
• DIY Summer Camp for Kids
• Vegan Coloring Page
• Are Crayola Markers Vegan?
• Are Crayola Crayons Vegan?
• Cloud Dough

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Salt Dough Ornaments

Celebrate extra special occasions with these nostalgic, salt dough ornaments! Simple ingredients, easy to make and fun to decorate. These make wonderful keepsakes for future holidays and is a lovely tradition to start with your family. 

Course Craft

Cuisine American

Keyword Christmas, Easter, holidays

Prep Time 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Servings 15 3″ ornaments

Author Gina House

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Spatula (for flipping ornaments over)
• Cookie Cutters (any shapes and sizes you wish)

Ingredients

• 2 cups All purpose flour (plus an extra 1/2 cup for rolling out dough)
• 1 cup Table Salt (not Kosher salt or other chunkier salts)
• 1 cup Warm Water (should be a little warmer than room temperature)
• Twine or other string for hanging the ornaments

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F or the lowest temperature your oven will go to.
• In a medium to large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of flour, salt, and water. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands. Keep kneading the dough in the bowl for a few minutes. Add a sprinkle of extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Once the dough has a soft, mostly dry texture, let the dough sit in the bowl for 20-30 minutes.
• Sprinkle a little flour on the counter top or cutting board and roll out the dough to ¼” thickness.
• Press cookie cutters into the dough surface, making sure to arrange them in a way so that you can use up as much space as possible. Peel away excess dough and carefully add the cut shapes to a parchment lined baking sheet. Continue cutting out ornaments (occasionally reforming dough and rolling it back out when you only have scraps left) and placing them on the baking sheet until all of the dough has been used up.
• Use a straw to make a clearly defined hole near the top of the cut shapes.
• Place on a middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
• Using the spatula, carefully flip the ornaments over and bake for another 30 minutes or until the shapes feel firm. Depending on your oven, it may take more or less than 30 minutes. Keep checking every 5 minutes or so. Don't let the ornaments become brown.
• Take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the ornaments to rest on the baking sheet until completely cool.
• Decorate any way you like (adding paint, glitter, accessories, etc.) and thread a piece of ribbon or string through the top hole of the ornament. Enjoy!

Notes

Use lengths of raffia, cotton kitchen string, twine, yarn, metal ornament hooks, or anything you like for hanging the ornament securely.

This salt dough ornament recipe was developed and written by Gina House and edited by Rachel Lessenden. Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

The post Salt Dough Ornaments appeared first on World of Vegan.

Whether you’re a passionate vegan or searching for the perfect gift for a vegan friend or loved one, you’ll be delighted to discover the world of luxury vegan gift ideas. From exquisite fashion accessories to cruelty-free cosmetics and gourmet treats, this article explores a range of lavish options for those who appreciate the finer things in life while staying true to their ethical values.

Sustainable Leather-Free Vegan Watch

Timepieces can be both elegant and cruelty-free. Consider gifting a stylish vegan watch from companies like Votch, Hurtig Lane, or Corkor. These brands offer exquisite watches made from eco-friendly materials such as Piñatex (pineapple leather) or cork, combining fashion and sustainability in one stunning accessory.

Designer Vegan Handbag

For the fashion-forward vegan in your life, consider gifting a luxurious vegan handbag from renowned brands like Stella McCartney, Matt & Nat, or JW PEI. These designers have mastered the art of creating high-quality, stylish handbags without using any animal-derived materials. From classic to contemporary styles, there’s a vegan handbag to match every taste, and dozens of vegan handbag brands to explore.

A Subscription to A Vegan Subscription Box

This is the gift that keeps on giving. By gifting a 3-month, 6-month, or one-year subscription to one of the many vegan subscription boxes out there (such as the Vegan Cuts Snack Box or Vegan Beauty Box), you’re giving a surprise dose of happiness every single month. Explore our guide to vegan subscription boxes to help you choose!

Handcrafted Pottery

Elevate your gifting game with exquisite, handcrafted vegan pottery pieces. Artisans around the world create unique ceramic works of art that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. These pieces add a touch of rustic elegance to any home, making them the perfect gift for those who appreciate the beauty of sustainable craftsmanship.

Professional-Quality Chef’s Knife

For the culinary connoisseur in your life, a high-quality chef’s knife is an essential luxury. Precision, balance, and durability are the hallmarks of these kitchen tools, ensuring that every culinary creation is a masterpiece. Whether you’re shopping for a home chef or a professional, a chef’s knife is a gift that will be cherished for years to come.

An Almond Cow Plant Milk Maker

What’s an Almond Cow? Only the hottest new kitchen appliance that makes it crazy-easy to make your own nut milk from scratch in moments! This is a perfect gift for a sustainability-advocate or anyone who wants to save money and reduce packaging waste. They can say farewell to single-use milk cartons forever!

A High-Speed Blender

A brand-new high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix) wrapped up with a bow sits high on this list. It’s the gift that can be used almost every day for years to come. A high-speed blender is a godsend, especially for vegans who dream of making the creamiest cashew cheese sauce and most perfectly smooth green smoothies. The price tag keeps many from investing in this themselves, but if you really want to make a friend or loved one squeal, this will do it! Unless they already have one, that is. In that case, read on, dear friend.

A Beautiful Vegan Outerwear Piece

One of the beauties of choosing a cruelty-free lifestyle is that suddenly clothing, shoes, and jackets become a lot more affordable. With leather and wool off the table, shopping might typically take place at stores like Target because they use mostly man-made materials.

But guess what? High-end vegan pieces are out there, and the relative rarity makes them that much more special! Several companies exist that make luxury vegan outerwear that any gal or guy would cherish.

Ethical Jewelry

If you’re going to get your loved one a piece of jewelry, you’ll get infinite bonus points for going the extra mile and getting it from a conscious retailer. I’m talkin’ about a vegan jeweler (yes, they exist!). A great vegan jewelry shop option is Christy Robinson Design (stamped vegan jewelry) and there are lots of makers on Etsy.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Products

Pamper your loved one with a selection of vegan beauty products that are not only cruelty-free but also luxurious. Brands like Fenty Beauty, Tarte Cosmetics, and Too Faced offer a wide range of vegan makeup and skincare items. From silky foundations to shimmering eyeshadows, these products are sure to make any beauty enthusiast smile.

Vegan-Friendly Fragrances

A luxurious scent can make a memorable gift. Many high-end perfume brands have embraced veganism by offering fragrances that exclude animal-derived ingredients and animal testing. Brands that make exclusively vegan perfume are also growing and offer a dazzling array of perfumes that come in beautifully designed bottles. If you want to make the gift extra-special, make your own vegan perfume!

Artisanal Vegan Chocolates

Indulge your loved ones’ taste buds with gourmet vegan chocolates from artisanal chocolatiers. Brands like Hu Chocolate, Raaka Chocolate, and Alter Eco offer a variety of delectable options, from dark chocolate bars to truffles. These vegan chocolates are crafted with care, making them the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Vegan-Friendly Wine and Champagne

Toast to special occasions with vegan-friendly wines and champagnes. Many wineries now produce wine without using animal-derived fining agents, making it easier than ever to find a bottle of exquisite vegan wine or bubbly. Brands like Frey Vineyards and Domaine Carneros offer a wide selection of vegan options that are perfect for celebrations.

A Vegan Meal Delivery or Meal Kit Service

We could all use more delicious home cooked meals with less effort, right? Today there are tons of vegan meal delivery services that could be a wonderful treat for someone special. Some of the services send frozen meals to your doorstep that you can simply heat and eat, while others send recipes with all the pre-measured ingredients so you can follow the instructions and make a dish at home from scratch.

The first is a great option for the busy mama who would give anything for a little more time in life, and the latter is great for the novice chef who is eager to practice home cooking (vegan-style).

A Fun Trip to a Vegan-Friendly Destination (Like Portland)

One of the best gifts one can give is an experience, and travel to a vegan-friendly city is bound to be an amazing one. The memories you’ll share on a trip to a vegan metropolis like Portland, Los Angeles, New York City or Berlin will be unforgettable. Make it extra-special by making reservations at a fancy vegan restaurant and planning a surprise visit to a local animal sanctuary!

If you’re unable to plan the trip yourself, you can give your loved on a certificate to airbnb or their favorite airline so they can book it themselves.

The Ultimate Vegan Getaway

How about a blissful vegan getaway? You can book a stay at an all-vegan resort such as The Stanford Inn By The Sea (in Northern California). Colleen Patrick-Goudreau also hosts annual vegan trips for the most adventurous among us. Others vegan retreats to look out for include: VegNews Vacations and Holistic Holiday at Sea.

A Generous Gift Certificate

A gift card makes a great gift option when you want to splurge on someone special, but don’t know exactly what they like. You can get a gift card to a vegan restaurant, a spa, or one of their favorite shops. Who doesn’t a shopping spree?

Luxury vegan gift options are on the rise, catering to those who want to enjoy the finer things in life while upholding their ethical principles. From designer handbags to sustainable watches, cruelty-free beauty products to artisanal chocolates, there’s a luxurious vegan gift for everyone. By choosing these thoughtful presents, you not only show your appreciation for your loved ones but also support the growing movement toward a more compassionate and sustainable world. So, go ahead and indulge in luxury while staying true to your vegan values – it’s a win-win for all!

The post 16 Luxury Vegan Gift Ideas That Any Herbivore Will Love appeared first on World of Vegan.

The method is very simple. Chop all of the vegetables and herbs and add them to a large baking pan. Toss them to coat with fresh herbs and bake. Simple as that! I really love those “set it and forget it” recipes. These delicious roasted fall vegetables can be used in many ways. Add them to grain bowls, eat them as a side for your lunch or dinner, make a breakfast hash, add them to a salad, your Thanksgiving table, and much, much more. You can even get creative and use them as a pizza topping! I love adding fun ingredients like these to pizza.  

Feel free to substitute some of these veggies for others. You could also use turnips, parsnips, celeriac root, squash, and more, all of which are also very healthy. Shop local if you can! Nothing beats the flavor of fresh, local, seasonal produce. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: A Nutritional Marvel

Root vegetables are chock full of micronutrients and phytochemicals. The dark pigment in beets are powerful antioxidants that can promote heart health, sustained energy, fresh skin, and more. Sweet potatoes and carrots are packed with carotenoids that are fantastic for eye and skin health. Even organic yellow potatoes have a ton of nutrition, boasting more potassium than bananas!

And never underestimate the power of fresh herbs. Thyme is one of the most underrated herbs out there. It’s actually highly medicinal, has antiseptic properties, and has high levels of vitamin A, iron, calcium, and more.

Key Ingredients

This recipe is simple, using ingredients readily available at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Potatoes: With their thin, golden skin and creamy texture, yellow potatoes bring a buttery richness to the dish. When roasted, they develop a crispy exterior that complements the soft interior, creating a perfect balance of textures.

Sweet Potatoes: Characterized by their vibrant orange flesh, sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that intensifies during roasting. Their tender consistency and caramelized edges contribute a delightful contrast to the overall medley of flavors.

Beets: With their deep, jewel-toned hue, beets add both visual appeal and a subtle earthiness to the dish. When roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a sweet and tender result that complements the savory notes of other vegetables.

Carrots: Sliced into disks, carrots bring a natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the dish. Roasting enhances its inherent sweetness while maintaining a slightly firm texture, contributing to the overall diversity of flavors and textures.

Red Onions: When sliced and roasted, red onions provide a mild sweetness and a beautiful burst of color. Their layers separate and caramelize, adding a touch of savory complexity to the dish.

Garlic: Roughly chopped and roasted, garlic infuses the dish with a robust, savory flavor. As it roasts, garlic becomes mellow and aromatic, enhancing the overall richness of the vegetable ensemble.

Fresh Rosemary: When finely chopped, rosemary imparts a fragrant and earthy aroma to the vegetables. Its piney and citrusy notes elevate the dish, adding a refreshing herbal dimension to the overall flavor profile.

Fresh Thyme: When fresh thyme is finely chopped, it contributes a subtle, herby essence to the vegetables. With its slightly peppery and lemony undertones, thyme complements the other flavors while bringing a hint of freshness to each bite.

Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil imparts a delicate tropical flavor to the vegetables. Its light sweetness enhances the natural sugars in the fall vegetables, adding a unique and delightful twist to the dish.

How To Make This Recipe

This roasted fall vegetable medley is so easy and simple! After you’ve chopped your vegetables, you’ve done most of the work! All you have to do after that is wait and smell the amazing aroma as your root vegetables roast and caramelize to perfection!

Prep Your Vegetables

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Next, chop all the vegetables to your desired size and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking pan. You can choose to peel the vegetables, but I often keep the skin on for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.

Season Your Vegetables

Sprinkle the fresh herbs, coconut oil, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, giving everything a good toss to ensure an even coating.

Roast Your Vegetables

Position the pan on the bottom rack of the oven and let the vegetables bake for 20 minutes. After this initial bake, flip the veggies to ensure uniform cooking and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve Your Dish!

Once perfectly roasted, remove the pan from the oven. Serve the vegetables immediately for a delicious side dish, or allow them to cool before storing them in the fridge for convenient meal prep. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your roasted root vegetables!

Serving Suggestions

These roasted fall vegetables make for a perfect side dish to any holiday dinner table. Serve them alongside your favorite centerpiece like this Mushroom Wellington, Shepherd’s Pie, or this Stuffed Acorn Squash. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and gravy, plus a big slice of pumpkin pie! Check out our Vegan Thanksgiving Guide for more holiday inspiration!

Need more veggies in your weekly rotation? Pair it with a creamy Tomato Soup, Pasta with Vegan Meatballs, or Mushroom Ravioli.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the roasted fall vegetables to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and they can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

For extended storage time, you can freeze your veggies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Keep in mind that freezing can change the texture of the vegetables.

When ready to enjoy again, reheat the roasted fall vegetables in an oven or toaster oven for the best results. This will help them regain their crispiness and enhance their flavor.

More Fantastic Fall Recipes

Fall is a great season for enjoying fresh vegetables! Here are some other great vegetable recipes:

• These Fall Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are so healthy and perfect on a crisp fall day.
• Make this Vegan Pesto Gnocchi & Roasted Veggies recipe for a hearty, earthy, and filling meal.
• This Vegan Green Bean Casserole is so comforting! Cashews, broth, and plant-based butter add so much richness without any dairy!
• This Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash is so fun to prep and make. It is so colorful and delicious!
• This Arugula Salad With Butternut Squash is so fresh and hearty. You’ll absolutely love the green dressing!

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Roasted Fall Vegetables

There are endless ways to prepare fall veggies, and if you’re looking to up your nutrition and eat the rainbow, these roasted root vegetables are a great way to enjoy eating your veggies! 

Course dinner, Side

Cuisine American

Keyword how to roast vegetables, roasted root vegetables, roasted vegetables

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 141kcal

Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups yellow potatoes diced into medium chunks
• 1½ cups sweet potatoes diced into medium chunks
• 1½ cups beets diced into medium chunks
• 1 cup carrots sliced into disks
• ½ cup red onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Chop all of the veggies and place them on the baking pan. You’re welcome to peel them first, but I usually leave the skin on mine because I like the adder fiber and nutrients.
• Add the fresh herbs, coconut oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies.
• Place the pan on the bottom rack and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the veggies and bake for another 15 minutes.
• Remove them from the oven and serve immediately, or cool them down and store in the fridge for meal prep. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 453mg | Potassium: 658mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8360IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy, copyright of World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

The post Roasted Fall Vegetables appeared first on World of Vegan.

With notes of buttered toast, hazelnuts, vanilla beans, molasses, bourbon, and so much more, caramel pairs beautifully with pretty much any ingredient you can imagine—even savory ones!  

Not long ago, vegan caramel was very hard to find, and the most devout caramel lovers learned how to make their own at home. But times are changing. Now you can find vegan caramel candies, dairy-free caramel sauces, and beyond.

Popular chocolate candy company OCHO is just one brand bringing plant-based caramel options to life. They made a splash with their recent launch of four chocolate-covered caramels, which might just be the most ooey-gooey vegan caramel to date.

However, if you’re struggling to find options in stores or just love trying new recipes at home, we have a luscious vegan caramel sauce recipe from Zacchary Bird’s new cookbook The Vegan Baker to share with you! It only requires 3 ingredients and is mostly hands-off!

What Is Caramel?

The only consistent, mandatory ingredient in caramel is sugar. That sugar is cooked over high heat until it dissolves and browns when it reaches 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Things start to get interesting when other components come into play.

• If nothing else is added at that point, the caramel will harden into a brittle hard candy when it cools.
• If a small amount of butter and cream is added, it can be turned into soft caramel candies.
• If a larger amount of butter, and especially cream, is added, it will remain a pourable liquid and become caramel sauce.

Most caramel recipes also include a liquid sweetener to prevent crystallization while cooking, in addition to vanilla and salt to accentuate the natural flavors.

A Brief History Of Caramel

The origins of caramel are murky and hotly debated, but it’s generally believed to be an Arabic invention that came about around 1000 CE. At that time, it was known as kurat al milh, which translates to “sweet ball of salt.” Made with simply boiled water and sugar, the resulting candy was hard and brittle. Americans are credited with being the first to add milk and fat around 1850, producing the soft, rich treats most beloved today.

Given its versatility, today you’re likely to find caramel as an option on coffee shop and dessert menus across the globe.

Is Caramel Vegan?

Caramel can be vegan, but it’s usually not. Beneath those amber brown waves, a lot goes into making this sweet treat. So, how can you tell if caramel is vegan?

Traditional caramel is not vegan, since it’s made with a ton of dairy; conventional butter and heavy cream, which are animal products.

However, more fine confectioners and candy companies are making conscious, compassionate choices to source plant-based alternatives instead. Full-fat coconut milk is a natural substitute for cream and there are numerous vegan butters now available too.

A good rule of thumb that unless it clearly says “vegan” on the label, it’s safe to assume that it isn’t. One notable exception is at Starbucks, where the caramel syrup is accidentally vegan, so you can still get your fix by swapping it for the non-vegan caramel sauce.

Read on to see a wide array of vegan caramel brands!

Vegan Caramel Candies

When sugar cravings hit, don’t worry, you have plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth! A wide range of plant-based caramel treats can be found online, and increasingly at both natural and high-end grocery stores. These are the decadent vegan caramel candy brands you want to add to your cart ASAP!

Cocomels (100% Vegan)

One of the first mainstream vegan caramel candies, this humble coconut milk-based confection is now available in many flavors, such as espresso, pumpkin spice, and maple, plus chocolate-covered squares, bites, and even sugar-free options.

Smart Sweets

If you’re looking for a low-sugar caramel option, Smart Sweets makes one that’s fully plant-based! We’re talking just 1 gram of sugar for the entire bag. Instead of sugar, these golden nuggets are sweetened with allulose and stevia. They’re also gluten-free!

No Whey! (100% Vegan)

Though primarily a chocolate company, they offer a few classic candy bar look-alikes that include caramel fillings enrobed in a chocolate-y coating. The “No Tricks” bar is like a Twix, with a crisp cookie, while the “PeaNOT” includes nougat and velvety, vegan caramel.

OCHO (Look for the “Plant-Based” Label)

The new line of vegan caramels from the Oakland-based company OCHO has generated lots of buzz—and for good reason. They are a must try for caramel lovers. The OCHO plant-based caramel line includes four flavors: Classic, Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Coffee, which all come wrapped in a chocolate shell.

Each caramel square is individually wrapped so they’re perfect for sharing, adding to Easter baskets, and giving away for Halloween. Just be sure to look for the plant-based label, as they do also carry dairy-based products!

AvenueSweets

Made the old-fashioned way in giant copper kettles, these caramels are the real deal. Their plant-based options are the best sellers by far, for good reason! There are 16 different flavors to choose from so you can always snack happy.

Vegan Caramel Sauce Brands

Good caramel sauce is like the little black dress of the dessert world; it works for every occasion and never goes out of style. Here are the best brands to stock your pantry with to be always party-ready.

Hey Boo – Billed as an artisan product, this is the good stuff you’ll want to hide from the kids. It fully embraces its coconut base with a fragrant tropical aroma.

Date Lady – Coconut Date Sauce may not sound like much, but it’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Each thick, gooey spoonful will have you coming back for more.

Bloom Caramel – Made in Oregon but turning heads across the US, these golden elixirs are award winning for a reason. Take your pick from vanilla, cardamom, or salted coconut caramel sauce… Or don’! Try one of each for the full experience.

Walden Farms – Your milage may vary in terms of taste here, but if you’re trying to cut sugar, fat, or carbs, this might be the answer to your prayers. The Caramel Dessert dip is primarily made from corn fiber and erythritol.

Nature’s Charm – Whether you go with plain Coconut Caramel Sauce or Salted Coconut Caramel Sauce, your dessert will thank you. A touch of coconut sugar is added in at the end for an extra malty richness.

Homemade Vegan Caramel Sauce

Vegan caramel sauce can be made exactly like the traditional version by simply swapping out the dairy with coconut products. It’s an easy process but may take some practice to perfect.

How To Make Vegan Caramel Sauce

1. Heat sugar with a small amount of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan to combine and avoid stirring with a spatula, as this can make the sugar crystalize, creating a grainy texture.
2. Eventually, the sugar will dissolve. The sugar syrup will be clear at first. Continue to cook, swirling the pan periodically, until it slowly develops a golden-brown color. When it’s dark, add either coconut oil or vegan butter along with full-fat coconut milk. Be careful as it may splatter.
3. Remove from the heat and add in salt and vanilla, if desired. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Bubbling hot sugar syrup can be daunting for the uninitiated but fear not! There are other ways to make delicious, luxurious caramel sauce from dates, maple syrup, and brown sugar. You can find countless recipes online! Check out the full recipe in the recipe card below!

Recipes Featuring Vegan Caramel

Caramel Apples

Few foods are quite as nostalgic as caramel apples. The very sight of them can transport most people right back to memories of a childhood carnival or fair. This healthier spin on caramel apples is just as sweet, but without the sticky cavity-causing effect of traditional caramel apples. This caramel is made with Medjool dates and coconut milk!

Homemade Vegan Snickers Candy Bars

A caramel guide wouldn’t be complete without a nod to America’s favorite caramel-y candy, Snickers! While old-school Snickers certainly aren’t vegan or dairy-free, you can make your own that taste even better with this recipe!

Scotcharoos

Scotcharoos are a wildly popular midwestern treat that we’ve veganized. They are similar to Rice Krispies Treats, except that they are made with a caramel-like sauce instead of marshmallows, and they’re covered in butterscotch chocolate. They are easy to make and absolutely divine.

No-Bake Caramel Squares

These divine chewy caramel-y squares are like the healthier sibling of Scotcharoos (above). They take a little more effort to make, but they taste incredible and are also packed with nutrition.

Vegan Crème Brûlée

Create a fine-dining French dessert in your own kitchen with this Crème Brûlée recipe. The brown sugar on top caramelizes to create a crispy sweet shell that you’ll knock through with your spoon to get to the silky smooth interior. Bon appetit!

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Vegan Caramel Sauce (3 Ingredients)

Heating sugar in cream to high temperatures creates rich, complex flavors. This is a wet caramel, where sugar is mixed with a liquid before cooking. It's a hands-off process, but it requires close monitoring. Be cautious, as it can quickly turn from blonde to burnt; consider removing it from the heat slightly lighter in color, as the sugars continue to cook off the stove. An ice bath can also be used to stop the cooking process when it reaches the perfect amber color.

Course Condiment, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword dairy-free caramel, vegan caramel, vegan caramel sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 187kcal

Author Zacchary Bird | The Vegan Baker

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup vegan cream (300 ml)
• 1 cup brown sugar (200 g)
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter (60 g)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional

Instructions

• In a saucepan, whisk together the cream, sugar, butter, and vanilla, if using, over medium heat. Lightly slosh the liquid around the pan as it dissolves, then avoid stirring the solution once it comes to the boil.
• Maintain a simmer to keep it gently bubbling for 10-15 minutes, until the caramel turns from a light blonde to brown – don’t make it too dark! – and begins to thicken.

Notes

Keep the caramel in a jar in the fridge for up to a month. Gently reheat and give it a good stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was written with support from OCHO, a phenomenally vegan-friendly candy company that makes some of the best vegan caramel candies on the planet. We only feature brands we sincerely adore, and we very much hope you have a chance to try them.

Vegan Caramel Sauce recipe shared with permission from The Vegan Baker by Zacchary Bird, published by Smith Street Books, October 3 2023. 

The post 15+ Vegan Caramel Candies, Sauces, and Recipes appeared first on World of Vegan.

Shop smart and chose from a wide range of ethical, plant-based bundles carefully curated for discerning tastes. There’s a mind-boggling number of companies offering completely vegan options at every price point, which makes the biggest challenge simply deciding which one is best.

The following vegan gift boxes are perfect for:

• Holiday gifts (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.)
• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter
• Get Well Gifts
• Sympathy
• Thank You Gift
• Congratulations Gift
• Host/Hostess Gift
• College students
• Corporate gifts

For even more gift-giving resources, don’t miss our Vegan Gift Guide and our Vegan Store, where you’ll find over a hundred gift ideas.

What Goes Into A Vegan Gift Basket?

Every unique basket typically has a theme that unites the items within. In terms of specifically vegan options, that simply means that no animal products make the cut. That excludes anything containing meat, dairy, eggs, and honey when you consider consumables, and silk, wool, leather, and other derivatives in terms of household goods, clothing, cosmetics, and beyond.

These are great options when shopping for someone with intolerances, a limited diet, or ethical concerns. Just be sure to double-check the contents of each item if it’s a severe or life-threatening allergy.

This is especially true for companies that aren’t exclusively vegan, and even more so for those producing food themselves, as cross contamination is a very real concern. When it comes to packaged goods, not every company lists exactly what goes into each bundle, or the individual ingredients they use. It’s worth sending them an email or giving them a phone call to be safe.

What Are The Best Food Gift Baskets?

Food is the most popular types focus for gift baskets, since everyone enjoys a sweet or savory treat. It’s a universal language that every speaks and can appreciate! Choose from a wide range of options from the comfort of your home, available for direct delivery with just a few days’ notice.

Harry & David‘s Gourmet Dried Fruit & Charcuterie

World renown for their luxurious selection of gourmet fruits, it all began with the idea of selling fresh pears by mail. This was almost one hundred years ago, ages before online shopping was even remotely possible, putting the innovative businessmen well ahead of their time. They continue to innovate with all sorts of snack assortments, including wine pairing for a truly indulgent experience. You can even find a Vegan Charcuterie Collection worthy of the fanciest five-star restaurants!  

Feel Better Gift Basket

If you know someone who could use a little extra comfort, whether they’re facing life’s challenges, recovering from an injury, or coping with loss, our “Sending Hugs” care package is the perfect way to show you care. Available for quick shipping on Amazon, this thoughtful gift includes a pair of plush cloud socks, soothing herbal tea, a calming soy candle, nourishing vegan hand cream, a fragrant sachet of dried lavender for relaxation, and a charming ceramic mug. It’s a spa-like retreat in a box, designed to make them feel better and brighter.

Edible Arrangements Fruit Bouquets

Food gifts are often indulgent affairs, which is tough for anyone on a restricted diet. You can still give a healthy edible present that will brighten anyone’s day when you start with fresh fruit! Edible arrangements can turn whole berries, melons, and grapes into works of healthy art, carving them to look like brilliant bouquets of flowers.

Keep in mind that the chocolate-dipped options all contain milk, but you can search specifically by dietary restriction to filter out any unsavory ingredients.

Beautiful Collection of Soy Candles

Give the gift of warmth to a cherished friend with this beautifully designed selection of hand-poured soy candles. These cruelty-free candles are elegantly encased in decorative tins suitable for any occasion, be it a birthday celebration, holiday festivity, or a thoughtful gesture to lift spirits during recovery. You can easily find them on Amazon for your convenience.

Vegan Baked Goods from Online Vegan Bakeries

A box of cookies, brownies, cake, cupcakes, cakesickes, cake pops, or any other sweet treat is one of the most guaranteed ways to send a dose of happiness right to someone’s doorstep. This round-up of vegan bakeries that ship provides many options to choose from.

Fat Badger Bakery makes it easy to ship individually-wrapped cookies that you’d never know are vegan. If you’re looking for an even more decadent and creative delivery, Karma Baker has some of the most fun vegan treats around.

Holiday Popcorn Tin

If you thought going vegan meant missing out on those festive super-sized holiday tins of sweet and savory popcorn and kettle corn, think again! Popinsanity Artisanal Popcorn has every size, flavor, and combination imaginable, and all of their flavors except for three are vegan! The non-vegan flavors to avoid are: S’mores, Rocky Road and Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Wine Lover’s Organic Vegan Box of Wine

If you have a wine lover in your life, send them a box of organic vegan wines! There are several vegan-friendly wine brands sprouting up that can ship. Kind of Wild is one of the most notable, loved for their gorgeous wine labels and gift packages that come in a pack of three or six different bottles. Take a look at our Vegan Wine Guide for excellent ethical brands for any occasion.

Maple Lover’s Gift Box

Everyone loves maple syrup, right? But many people have never tried (or even heard of) other maple products, making this gift box is both fun and a very unique surprise.

This vegan maple gift box includes pure maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, maple sugar, and vegan pancake mix. Maple candy and maple cream are both so incredibly tasty it’s hard to believe they’re real—and vegan!

Olive Oil Gift Box

One of the best things about vegan gift boxes, is that they contain products the recipient will actually use! Olive oil is an essential staple in most households, so a set of quality olive oil varieties or olive oil and vinegars makes for a great gift, especially for a host or hostess, or the foodies in your life. Splurge on a fancy brand with a very flavorful olive oil, like those from Wild Groves, Brightland, or this gift set on Amazon.

Spoonful of Comfort

Share a heartwarming meal of comfort food with those you love, even if you can’t be there to cook it in person. Soup is good for the heart and soul, which is why it’s the focus of these cozy gourmet bundles. The vegan meal is complete with vegetable soup, dinner rolls, cookies, and even a shiny new ladle to serve it in style. There’s enough to feed a family, so everyone can appreciate such a thoughtful, inclusive gift.

PlantBelly

PlantBelly is an online vegan grocery store that offers some of the coolest vegan grocery products available. If you want to gift a box of plant-based deliciousness to a special someone, they put together special gift packages you can order. They come in themed bundles like Snack Attack, Bar Cart, and Plant Meats.

Vegan Box of Chocolate

Whether you’re surprising your lucky love for Valentine’s Day, or sending much-needed chocolate to a grieving friend, you have many vegan chocolate boxes to choose from. Visit our Vegan Chocolate Guide to explore the vast array of brands making vegan chocolates easy-to-find.

Sjaak’s makes some of the most divine chocolate around, including elegantly boxed vegan chocolate truffles—and they are a fully vegan brand. No Whey! Foods is another dairy-free brand with lots of options to choose from.

Vegan Subscription Box (Snack, Beauty, or Lifestyle)

For the adventurous, ethical foodie, companies like Vegan Cuts offer monthly snack boxes comprised of exciting new vegan products from both established and startup brands. Discover the hottest flavor innovations before they hit store shelves, without worrying about sending potential animal ingredients.

You can also find cruelty-free beauty boxes, home boxes, lifestyle boxes, and more.

Plant-Based Meal Delivery

A meal delivery package makes a great gift option for anyone who is in a particularly difficult or overwhelming chapter of life. Fresh cooked and frozen meals will be delivered to the recipients doorstep so they can simply heat-and-enjoy when they’re ready.

Best Vegan Lifestyle Gift Baskets

There’s no one-size-fits all option when it comes to gift-giving. There are choices to suit the specific needs and wants for people of every walk of life, specifically tailored to more personal passions.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Box (Kinder Beauty, Petit Vour, Vegan Cuts, etc.)

Pamper your loved ones with a monthly beauty box, filled with full-sized high-end products that are guaranteed non-toxic, cruelty-free, and plant-based. The retail value could be over $100, which makes any combination of makeup, hair care, body and skincare products a real steal at the much lower box price.

Lovevery Kids Play Kits

If you’re looking for a great gift for kids, order one of their play kits! They are organized by age, so you can easily pick out the perfect box for your recipient even if you know very little about kids and what they like.

Plant Box Co

For the succulent-lover in your life, send them a gift that will stay with them for years to come. Choose from a curated bundle of drought-resistant xerophytes with cozy scented candles or build your own bespoke combination. Even for those that don’t have a naturally green thumb, care instructions ensure success for gardeners of all skill sets.

Attach A Sweet Gift Tag

Add a whimsical personal touch to any gift basket with World of Vegan’s animal-inspired gift tags! Just print them out on cardstock or printer paper, punch a hold, and attach them to your gift!

Gifting Thoughtfully for a Kinder World

As we wrap up our exploration of the wonderful world of vegan gift baskets, we hope you’ve been inspired to share the joy of cruelty-free and eco-conscious giving with your loved ones. These thoughtfully curated vegan gift baskets are not only a delightful way to express your love and appreciation but also a way to support compassionate living and sustainable choices.

Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to spread some vegan goodness, there’s a perfect vegan gift basket or option for every situation. Gratitude for delivery drivers and postal carriers can also be shared through snack carts right outside your door. You can also explore the World of Vegan Gift Guide for more than 100 gift ideas for everyone in your life. Happy gifting!

The post Vegan Gift Baskets for Every Occasion appeared first on World of Vegan.

From earthy greens and golden yellows to bright pinks, deep reds, and soft purples, we guarantee that you’ll be blown away by these creative culinary possibilities. It’s amazing how fun it can be if you allow nature to take center stage in the kitchen.

Are you ready to discover all the earth has to offer when it comes to rainbow colors? Keep reading!

Is Food Coloring Vegan?

Like many everyday kitchen staples, there are some that simply fly by our radar and are not vegan-friendly. Vegan food dye can be created from either natural or synthetic, animal-free ingredients. While synthetics are seemingly less expensive, it’s been found that large quantities can be harmful to our bodies. If you’re able to find dyes based on more natural, plant-based ingredients, all the better!

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients:

• Inks (Octopus, Scuttlefish, and Squid are used for their black excretions.)
• Insects (Cochineal beetle and lac are crushed to obtain red coloring.)
• Snails (Murex sea snails are often used for their purple color.)

Living creatures are not only killed needlessly for the incidental dye that they produce but the finished products are usually tested on other animals, causing even more harm. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on animal-based dyes anymore. There are much better, more humane plant-based options!

Best 100% Vegan Food Coloring Brands

We’re lucky that the current market for vegan food coloring has a variety of exceptional brands that cater to both your creative and culinary needs. These brands offer a wide range of ravishing colors to brighten up your recipes. From vegan gel food coloring to vegan food dye, we’ve got you covered!

RawNice

This phenomenal fully vegan brand offer a rainbow of colorful superfood powders that can be used as natural food coloring agents in baking and cooking.

Color Garden

Color Garden food coloring is a natural and plant-based option, celebrated for its commitment to using real fruits, vegetables, and plant extracts to achieve delightful and vibrant shades. With a focus on wholesome ingredients, Color Garden provides a guilt-free and creative way to add enchanting colors to your culinary endeavors.

Watkins

Watkins is a time-tested favorite, celebrated for its long-standing tradition of producing high-quality, plant-based colorings using pure and simple ingredients. With a reputation for delivering consistent and vibrant colors, Watkins offers a touch of culinary nostalgia while bringing out the best in modern creations with reliable and versatile color options.

Americolor

This brand is a popular choice among bakers and decorators, known for its concentrated gel formula that delivers vibrant hues without altering the consistency of your creations. With a wide range of shades available, Americolor offers precise control over color intensity, making it a versatile tool for adding eye-catching colors to cakes, cookies, and other treats. Though this is a chemical-based food coloring, it’s free of animal-derived ingredients and is cruelty-free.

Chefmaster

This brand is a trusted companion for culinary artists and bakers alike, valued for their high-quality, plant-based Natural Liqua-Gel that infuses baked goods and confections with vivid, consistent colors. Chefmaster is known for its fade-resistant and easy-to-blend formula, allowing home bakers to craft visually stunning creations that everyone will love.

Nature’s Flavors

This standout choice is perfect for anyone seeking organic and natural options, as it features a wide selection of USDA-certified organic and vegan-friendly colorings derived from real sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices. With a dedication to purity and sustainability, Nature’s Flavors inspires chefs and home cooks to elevate their dishes with colors that reflect a commitment to both taste and ethics.

TruColor

TruColor sets itself apart with its unique water-based powder formula, designed to effortlessly blend into many different recipes while maintaining their texture and flavor. Well-known for their consistency and versatility, TruColor also offers a large spectrum of vibrant and fade-resistant shades, which we love.

Value Talks

This economical brand offers reliable color to any of your cooking and baking recipes. ValueTalks focuses on affordability and variety, making it a budget-friendly choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Though primarily chemical-based, they are free of animal-derived ingredients and animal testing.

Brands with Vegan-Friendly Food Coloring Options

If you’re out and about grocery shopping or scrambling for a last minute food coloring option on Amazon, these are the brands to search for. Though they are not entirely vegan, they may be more accessible. These are your best bets:

• Betty Crocker (Decorating Gel Food Color)
• Colour Mill (All colors except the following are vegan: Baby Pink, Raspberry, Rose, Lilac, Lavender, Burgundy, Blue Bell, and Midnight)
• Sugarflair Colours (Pastel Paste line is vegan)
• Sweetapolita (set of vegan gel food coloring in seven bright and bold colors)

Natural Food Coloring Ingredients

Food coloring can vary in its vegan-friendliness, with some synthetic options containing animal-derived ingredients. Plant-based sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices are popular alternatives, ensuring vibrant and ethical hues for your dishes.

Here are some easy-to-find colors in your kitchen pantry:

• Beets – vibrant pink or maroon
• Blueberries – lilac shade
• Matcha Tea – soft green
• Spinach – olive color
• Turmeric – sunny golden yellow

Beets, Beet Juice, Beet Puree, or Beet Powder

Beets, nature’s vibrant pink gem, yield a rich and captivating pink or maroon hue that adds an exciting pop of color to your dishes. Whether you’re aiming for a bold dessert or a colorful salad, beet juice or purée can be your go-to vegan food coloring option. Incorporate it into frosting for cakes, salad dressings, smoothies, or even pasta dough for an enticing and natural touch of vibrancy.

Example: the pink frosting on this vegan birthday cake made by blending beet powder into vanilla (white) frosting.

Matcha Tea

Elevate your culinary endeavors with matcha tea, offering a soft and serene green tone that can transform your recipes into edible works of art. Beyond its distinct flavor, matcha contributes a soothing green color to cakes, cookies, smoothies, and even savory dishes like noodles or sauces, ensuring a visually appealing and appetizing experience.

Our Matcha Buttercream Cupcakes are a perfect example!

Spinach (or Spinach Powder)

Unveil the earthy beauty of spinach by utilizing its natural olive hue to invigorate your dishes. Blended spinach provides a subtle, muted green that pairs exceptionally well with savory creations such as pasta, dips, bread, and even dumplings. This vegan food coloring option not only enhances the color palette but also enriches your meals with an extra dose of nutrients.

Example: our secretly healthy Green Blender Muffins made with spinach!

Blue Spirulina Powder

Harness the captivating power of blue spirulina to infuse your creations with a mesmerizing azure hue. Sourced from nutrient-rich blue-green algae, blue spirulina offers a natural and vibrant color that elevates everything from smoothie bowls to baked goods. Its stunning blue shade adds a touch of aquatic enchantment to your dishes, making it a sought-after choice for those looking to create visually striking and healthful culinary masterpieces.

Whether you’re blending it into frostings, beverages, or homemade energy bars, blue spirulina promises not only a stunning color but also a nutritional boost that aligns perfectly with your wellness journey.

Turmeric

Infuse a radiant burst of sunshine into your recipes with the golden magic of turmeric. Renowned for its vibrant color and health benefits, turmeric can be used to create an inviting golden yellow shade in a variety of dishes.

Whether it’s curries, rice, sauces, tofu scramble, or even plant-based cheeses, turmeric adds a warm and cheerful touch while delighting your taste buds.

Butterfly Pea Flower Powder

Derived from butterfly pea flowers, this powder produces a mesmerizing blue color that can shift to purple with changes in pH. It’s commonly used in beverages, desserts, and cocktails.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder can be used to create deep brown shades in baked goods, desserts, and other dishes.

Blueberries

Transforming your culinary creations into shades of lilac is made simple with the delightful blueberry. These small but potent berries lend a gentle and inviting color to a variety of treats. From muffins and pancakes to yogurt and ice cream, blueberry juice or purée introduces a delicate lilac tint while infusing a burst of natural flavor.

Superfood Powders That Are Natural Food Coloring Superheros

Using superfood powders and herbs is definitely the key to the best natural food coloring. Brands that we love to use to enhance color include:

• Ellie’s Best (Blue spirulina, pink pitaya, barley grass, turmeric, butterfly pea, and beetroot)
• LaTerra (Butterfly pea flowers)
• RawNice (Spirulina, pitaya, butterfly pea, activated charcoal, beet, matcha, purple sweet potato, curcumin, black carrot, black goji, black cacao, and acai berry)
• Suncore (Spirulina, butterfly pea, taro yam, purple sweet potato, ebony carrot, prickly pear, pitaya, raddish, beet, pandan leaf, matcha, passionfruit, golden berry, sweet potato, elderberry, red cabbage, acai berry, bluebery, maqui berry, and purple corn)
• Unicorn Superfoods (Blue spirulina, pink pitaya, acai berry, beetroot, black goji berry, and matcha)

Remember, experimentation is key when using natural food colorings. Adjust the quantities to achieve your desired shades, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of creating visually appealing and appetizing vegan dishes without relying on artificial dyes.

5 Fun Ways to Use Vegan Food Coloring

Besides creating fantastic food coloring formulations for baking or making super colorful smoothies, there are several other ways to use vegan food coloring. All of these can be entertaining for both adults and children alike. If you’re crafty, you may even come up with more interesting ideas!

• Vegan Easter Egg Dyeing: Since you wouldn’t use animal eggs for this project, consider substitutes such as chalk or porcelain eggs instead.
• Vibrant Vegan Frosting: Whether store-bought or homemade, you can always add a few drops of your favorite color to match the occasion. Mix up a number of small batches of colored frosting to create a layered rainbow effect!
• Plant Experiments: Fill a few tall glasses with water. Add a different color to each. Add a flower (or plant) to each glass. Check if there’s any change in the flower’s color after 3-5 days. Keep notes as you go along. Lots of fun for kids, especially during the spring and summer months.
• Homemade Water Colors: Add several drops of food coloring to a few ice cube trays, particularly red, yellow, and blue. Once frozen, add each ice cube to a small glass or plastic cup. Either wait until the ice cube melts or add a little bit of warm water to help liquify the ice cube. Use as you would any watercolor paint. The color may be lighter, but it will still work well.
• DIY Beauty Recipes: Consider adding vegan food coloring to scrubs, lip balms, and even lotions! The dazzling color can truly enhance an otherwise neutral-colored recipe.

Plant-Based Food Coloring FAQs

More Brilliant Baking Links to Love

• Add another level of awesomeness to your next delicious cake (or cupcakes!) with a decorative dose of sassy Vegan Sprinkles.
• Looking to add some chocolatey goodness to your next batch of cookies or brownies? Then, you’ll love these guides on Vegan Chocolate Chips and White Chocolate Chips.
• Ever wonder if Cream of Tartar, Marshmallows, or Cocoa Powder are vegan? Click to find out!
• Have you been itching to make some vegan-friendly meringues, but have no idea where to start? How about checking out this guide to Aquafaba and make the most mouthwatering plant-based almond meringues you’ve ever had?

As you dive into the world of vegan food coloring, don’t just add color—add a splash of your own personality to every dish! So go ahead, let your inner artist roam free in the kitchen, and paint your plates with the joyful shades of nature, creating not just meals but edible expressions of your values and tastes.

The post 20+ Vegan Food Coloring Options (Plant-Based & Natural) appeared first on World of Vegan.

If you’re someone who eagerly anticipates Christmas (just like me!), you’re likely familiar with the delightful tradition of the advent calendar. And if you’re not, get ready to discover and fall in love with this enchanting practice that enhances the holiday season.

But the question arises: Where can you find the perfect vegan advent calendar, or perhaps, how can you craft one yourself?”

What is an Advent Calendar and Where Does It Originate From?

The advent calendar is an opportunity to celebrate the exciting countdown to the holiday by bringing even more festivity throughout the month of December.

This tradition goes all the way back tot he 19th century! German protestants used to mark their doors with chalk counting the days until Christmas and slowly this tradition morphed into what it is today. Like many other customs, it started spreading to other countries and it became a ritual even for those who are not religious.

Psst…They’re Not Just For Christmas!

These festive calendars aren’t limited to Christmas—you can make your own version for Hanukkah or other fun events or seasons too. Here are a few countdown calendar ideas!

• Hanukkah countdown calendar
• Birthday countdown calendar
• New season countdown (summer, fall, winter, spring)
• Vegan wedding countdown
• Travel excursion countdown calendar
• Pregnancy countdown calendar
• Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving countdown calendars

…the sky is the limit!

How Do Advent Calendars Work?

The purpose of the calendar is to count the days leading up to Christmas—and here’s how they work. Every day from December 1st until December 24th you (or your children) open a mini-surprise present or treat to commemorate each day until Christmas Eve (or any holiday you’re celebrating). So fun!

So, How Do I Start This Awesome Tradition?

There are many options to choose from! You can buy pre-made vegan advent calendars that are already filled with surprises, or you can make your own.

Vegan Advent Calendars (Store-Bought)

If you’re short on time and don’t want to add more hustle to your (already crazy) Christmas prep schedule, you can choose a store-bought vegan advent calendar. There are so many options out there these days, and below you can explore a curated collection of our favorite vegan options.

Chocolate Advent Calendars

Moo-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Advent Calendar: This delightful vegan advent calendar offers a daily dose of mouthwatering milk chocolate treasures that are not only dairy-free but also made with a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. With playful and festive designs, it’s perfect for kids who love creamier milk chocolates (rather than dark).

Monty Bojangles Vegan Advent Calendar: This luxurious vegan calendar promises a daily dose of irresistible cocoa creations, carefully crafted to tickle your taste buds and delight your senses. Monty Bojangles is renowned for its decadent chocolates, and this calendar is no exception, offering a curated selection of indulgent treats that capture the spirit of the season.

No Whey Foods Vegan Chocolate Advent Calendar: Discover a worry-free, chocolate-filled countdown to Christmas with the No Whey Foods Chocolate Advent Calendar. Designed with allergen-conscious consumers in mind, this vegan chocolate calendar is entirely free from the top eight allergens, including dairy, nuts, and gluten. Each day brings a delicious and safe chocolate delight, making it the perfect choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Nomo Dairy-Free Advent Calendar: This advent calendar is filled with 12 drip-shaped creamy chocolates, and 12 drip-shaped caramel and sea salt chocolates.

PETA’s Peace on Earth Vegan Advent Calendar: A beautiful way to enjoy daily treats throughout December while also supporting a nonprofit organization. This advent calendar is filled with 25 unique chocolate truffles and treats from the brand Divine Treasures, and would make a fantastic gift idea.

Divine Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar: While this is one of the most budget-friendly advent calendar options on the market, it’s less exciting than the others because all of the chocolates are the same, and are simple dark chocolate rather than filled truffles. Designed with adults in mind, this calendar offers a sophisticated daily treat for dark chocolate enthusiasts.

Plamil So Free Vegan Oat Milk Advent Calendar: With a fun hot-pink box decorated with modern snowflakes and proudly vegan messaging, this option comes from the UK but is also available in the United Stated through Amazon.

Advent Calendars for Adults

Tea Countdown Calendar: This creative advent calendar from Numi unfolds to reveal a different organic and fair-trade tea for each day leading up to Christmas. It’s a great option for tea lovers or anyone who needs to relax and practice self-care.

Popcorn Shed Gourmet Popcorn Christmas Calendar: For salty snack lovers, this calendar is filled with vegan and gluten-free single serve popcorn packets for each day in December leading up to Christmas. Delicious!

Vegan Yarn Advent calendar: The perfect gift for any knitter or crafter in your life! The lovely kit comes with 24 colorful mini-skeins of vegan yarn for each day of December until Christmas. Choose to buy a pattern that goes along with the set or use the yarn to knit or crochet your own beautiful creation. The most wonderful earth and animal-friendly yarn you’ll ever try!

Alcohol Advent calendars: Indulge in the holiday spirit with calendars featuring vegan beer, wine, whiskey, or other delightful beverages. You can even craft your own personalized version.

Best Advent Calendars for Kids

National Geographic’s Gemstone Excavation Advent Calendar: A treasure-filled adventure awaits! Kids can open the door to a new gemstone daily, with one dig kit at the end! This is one of our favorites, filled with educational stones that kids can can keep forever, or give as gifts to friends.

Lego Advent Calendar: Ignite creativity and learning with this insect-building Lego-style calendar. It’s not just fun; it’s also a STEM-inspired experience. Look out for vehicle-themed versions too!

Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Calendar: For an eco-conscious twist, opt for this reusable wooden calendar. It shifts the focus from treats to educational fun, promoting learning and creativity.

Or unleash your creativity and personalize your own advent calendar with these inspiring ideas.

Best Advent Calendar for Teens

DIY Vegan Bath and Beauty Advent Calendar: Give your teens the gift of self-care with a cruelty-free advent calendar filled with cruelty-free lip balm, nail polish, skincare, and more. It’s the perfect way to promote wellness and indulgence in a vegan-friendly way.

Make Your Own DIY Advent Calendar

Another option is to buy an empty reusable advent calendar and customize it yourself! Here are a few examples of gorgeous advent calendars you can purchase (or make yourself) and reuse for years to come.

Advent Calendars With Little Drawers

These are usually made out of wood and they are beyond beautiful! A bit like something taken out of a winter wonderland. There are 24 mini drawers where you can place your little treat or mini-gift. These can be a bit pricier but they will certainly last for years to come. This one is especially gorgeous!

Pocket Advent Calendars

These are simple and easy! It’s usually a rectangle made of fabric with 24 pockets on one side. You can hang it on the wall or from a bedroom door. This could a super fun project for those of you who are crafty.

Advent Calendars Made With Hanging Bags

A row of hanging single bags is also a great idea! Each bag with its number from 1 to 24 and each with a lovely surprise treat. These kinds of calendars can also be easily made at home with a few simple materials. 

Fill Them Up!

Now onto the fun part! Filling the calendars with some yummy or special vegan surprises. Advent calendars are most often filled with chocolate or candy, which is certainly possible to make vegan. But you can get so much more creative than that!

What I love the most about advent calendars is the simplicity of the gifts. You could get anything from a mandarin to a vegan keychain, a vegan chocolate coin or a note with a love message (my personal favorite).

Getting the idea? Let’s get to the specifics. 

Vegan Advent Calendar Fillings

Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Candy, Snacks, Tea, or Cookies

We love buying a variety of vegan treats like dairy-free chocolate coins, vegan marshmallows or some gingersnaps and placing them in a few of the days. No need to give candy or chocolate every day!

Small Vegan Gifts (extra points if they’re sustainable too)

Anything from bamboo straws, to vegan nail polish or vegan lip balm, to special rocks or crystals, to fun stickers! Peruse our vegan gift guide for hundreds of ideas.

Sweet or Inspirational Notes

There’s no need to spend lots of money on your advent calendar. Sweet, simple notes to remind your loved ones how special they are or with words of inspiration can be the most meaningful surprises of all! I love taking advantage of every special occasion to write a letter about how proud I am of my kids and how they give my life meaning. They can keep those letters and compare them year after year as they grow an amazing collection of love.

Seasonal Activities & Experiences

Write the activity you’ll do that day on a card and pop it in the calendar. So what could it be? Anything from watching a Christmas movie to doing a coloring page to building snowmen. So many cozy and enjoyable choices—check out some of our favorites below!

Advent Calendar Activity Ideas

• Enjoy some plant-based hot cocoa.
• Watch a Christmas movie or documentary while munching on some vegan popcorn (did someone say Love Actually?).
• Go ice skating or sledding.
• Bake Christmas cookies and decorate them together with vegan royal icing and sprinkles.
• Cook something special for dinner together (perhaps try a new recipe from your favorite cookbook). 
• Go to a Christmas concert (look into your local churches or town halls—they have so many free events with beautiful Christmas music to enjoy).
• Head out as a family to pick a Christmas tree!
• Decorate the tree with ornaments and lights. Consider making your own salt dough ornaments instead!
• Build a snowman.
• Write a card to someone special.
• Light a fire in the fireplace, cozy up with a good book, and read.
• Shop for a gift to donate to a family in need.
• Make a donation to an animal sanctuary or favorite charity.
• Go on a neighborhood walk and look at all the Christmas lights. 

The options are endless and this can help inspire you to make more unforgettable memories than you would have otherwise. That’s what life’s all about, isn’t it?

We hope this guide gives you some great vegan advent calendar ideas to use this holiday season. Happy holidays from all of us at World of Vegan!

The post Best Vegan Advent Calendars: Store Bought and Homemade appeared first on World of Vegan.

How to Use This Coloring Page

Whether you’re a parent or just looking for a relaxing activity for yourself, we hope this coloring page provides some joy. You can use it for:

• at-home learning for kids
• a weekend or after-school activity
• home schooling
• sensory play
• adult mindfulness activity

Coloring Reduces Stress

You’ve probably heard about this new trend of adults coloring to reduce their stress and anxiety levels. It only makes sense that this is applicable to children also. But, how?

The prolonged action of coloring induces a state very similar to the one induced by meditation. It helps us quiet some of those thoughts that are always rushing through our minds. In other words, it helps us be in the here-and-now instead of thinking about the past or the future which is not an easy feat.

The amazing success of adult coloring books like “The Secret Garden” is only a reflection of how much we are craving to ground ourselves to the “now” and stop stressing about our to-do lists and all the “what ifs.” That’s why this printable coloring sheet is so valuable for our little ones—we have the opportunity to give them tools that they will forever value.

Teaching Kindness & Empathy Through Play

Kindness and empathy come naturally to small children but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to cultivate it. We certainly do!

Small kids are intuitively loving and caring toward animals but they also have trouble processing their (sometimes) intense emotions. Giving them the chance to slow down while appreciating the beauty of farmed animals and quieting down their busy little minds is a true gift.

Plus, it will give you a moment to sit back and relax while your kiddo is occupied. A parenting win-win!

This gorgeous coloring page was created by talented artist, Bailie Waters, and is the perfect “semi” quiet activity to do on a rainy day—or 30 minutes before going to sleep to help them manage that energy surge before bed. (Moms, I know you know which one I’m talking about!). Give it a try and let us know how it goes!

Eat More Plants Coloring Page

Protect Our Planet Coloring Page

Make Earth Day every day with this free printable coloring page that celebrates animals and all life on Planet Earth.

“You’re My Favorite Herbivore” Dinosaur Coloring Page

Celebrate the original herbivores with this dinosaur-themed coloring page. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or just for showing love to your favorite plant-eater!

Holiday Woodland Animals Coloring Page

Get in the winter holiday spirit with this cozy winter animal scene! This is a perfect DIY holiday card for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.

More Free Vegan Coloring Pages

We love providing free resources for vegan parents and vegan kids, and will continue releasing new printable coloring pages over time! Here are the other that are currently available for download:

• Vegan Zentangle Coloring Page
• Fruit Coloring Page (With Hidden Objects)

If you have any ideas for vegan artwork or topics you’d like to see us cover in our future coloring pages, please leave your ideas in the comment box below!

Color Indoors or Outdoors

When the weather permits it, we can take the chance to enjoy this activity while being outdoors in our garden or balcony. Coloring outdoors can be even more relaxing as you accompany it with bird songs and fresh air breeze. Give it a try and take your little ones to your garden, balcony, window sill or a small lawn patch in front of your apartment building while filling in the page with those beautiful bright colors!

Vegan Coloring & Art Tools

Many colored pencils, markers, paint, and crayons are vegan by default (or “accidentally vegan”). But if you’d prefer to get your art tools from vegan-conscious brands, there are some pretty cool ones coming to life! And we have several guides to help you find the best options.

• Vegan Art Supplies Guide
• Are Crayons Vegan (and Best Vegan Brands)
• Are Markers Vegan? (and Best Vegan Marker Brands)
• Vegan Yarn (most yarn is not vegan, so here’s a great place to turn for yarn-based art projects and activities)
• DIY Salt Dough Ornaments (Easy Christmas Craft Activity)

Engage Your Kids in Mindful Conversation

Another great opportunity this beautiful coloring activity gives us is the chance to engage in a conversation with our kids about animals and what they mean to us. As they color the ridges we can start asking them simple questions like:

• “What’s your favorite animal?”
• “Do you think all animals should be able to be free outdoors?”
• “Do you know cow mamas love their babies just like I love you?”

This simple conversation starter is a great way to make what could be a very inwards activity, be a lovely exchange of opinions while also giving them an opportunity to reason with their own thoughts.

Working on being more mindful doesn’t have to be an isolated activity, it can easily be done collectively.

Don’t Miss Our Other Kids Activity Resources!

• Earth Day Coloring Page
• Kids Activity Book & Printable Maze
• Vegan Children’s Books Guide
• DIY Vegan Summer Camp for Kids
• Fun Pasta Fundraising
• My Toddler Won’t Eat Veggies—Help!

The post Printable Vegan Coloring Page—A Mindfulness Activity for Kids! appeared first on World of Vegan.

Made with simple ingredients I always have on hand, I love that I can easily whip up a batch of these muffins any time. After several iterations to perfect these, I’m excited that this recipe is finally ready for you! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your whisk and get in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Banana Crumb Muffins

• Irresistible Banana Bliss: These vegan banana muffins are infused with the rich and comforting flavors of ripe bananas, offering a delightful taste that’s both naturally sweet and satisfying.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made entirely without any animal products, these muffins are a guilt-free treat for vegans and those seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Enjoy every scrumptious bite knowing you’re making a compassionate choice for animals and the planet.
• Crumbly Cinnamon Sugar Topping: The delectable crumbly cinnamon sugar layer on top adds a tantalizing crunch and a warm, aromatic touch to each muffin, elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Easy and Quick to Make: With a simple and straightforward recipe, these vegan banana muffins can be whipped up in no time, making them a perfect go-to treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You’ll love how effortlessly they come together!

The Perfect Crumbly Muffin Top

Once you make muffins with that sweet crumb topping, you may never go back! For the longest time I was intimidated by the crumb top, but that was just silly. It’s easy, and it takes just a few additional minutes of prep to dramatically increase the wow-factor of your homemade muffins.

The trick to the perfect crumb topping is “cutting in” the butter without melting it. There are several different techniques you can use to do this. The simplest way is using a pastry blender, but if you don’t own one, don’t fret. You can use a sharp knife, a fork, and even your hands if they’re dry, not too warm, and you work quickly to avoid melting the butter.

You’ll know you’ve achieved the perfect crumb topping mixture when it comes together when squeezed between your thumb and forefinger but otherwise crumbles apart. When you’re adding it to the top of the muffin batter, make sure you pat it into the batter so it sticks. It’s okay if it’s very powdery, just load on a good amount!

It’s so satisfying pulling them out of the oven, feeling like a master baker. You’ll feel like a contestant on The Great British Bake Off! Don’t worry, there will be no soggy bottoms here. I’m sure even Paul Hollywood would approve.

Star Ingredients

For The Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: For a healthier twist, you can replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Mashed Banana: Two medium-sized ripe spotty bananas, mashed well with a fork, lend the primary flavor and moisture to the muffins, making them irresistibly moist and naturally sweet.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the muffins to complement the natural sweetness from the bananas. You can substitute coconut sugar, just keep in mind it will make the baked muffins appear darker.
• Soymilk: Other non-dairy milk options like almond milk or oat milk will work equally well in this recipe.
• Fuji apple: Adding a delightful burst of flavor and texture, diced Fuji apples complement the bananas and offer a subtle tartness to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have Fuji apples you can use other varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, but make sure they are diced into small pieces for even distribution in the muffins.

For The Crumb Topping

• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adding warmth and depth to the muffins, ground cinnamon complements the banana flavor and provides the signature touch of aromatic spiciness.
• Vegan Butter: Chilled vegan butter is key to creating a crumbly texture for the topping. You can also use vegetable shortening as an alternative, keep in mind the result may be slightly different in taste and texture but will still yield a delicious crumb topping.

Top Tips

• Chill the vegan butter. When making the crumb topping, it’s essential to keep the butter or substitute cold, as this helps create the desired crumbly texture. If the butter becomes too soft while mixing, refrigerate the topping mixture for a short while before sprinkling it over the muffins.
• Choose ripe bananas. Use ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas are ideal as they mash easily and add a more intense banana taste to the muffins.
• Don’t over-mix the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Over-mixing can lead to tough and dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined and no large lumps remain.

How To Store

To maintain freshness, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight, then microwave for 15-second increments until warmed through.

Perfect For Any Occasion

These muffins are super versatile, and you can dress them up with fun cupcake liners and other accouterments. Here are some of the celebrations and everyday uses they would be perfect for:

• Vegan Easter Brunch
• Vegan Valentine’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Birthday Celebration (instead of cupcakes)
• School or work events
• Meal prepping
• Everyday breakfast or dessert

I just had a baby and I love making a batch of these vegan banana muffins while my little one is sleeping, and then freezing most of them so that I have quick treats to turn to throughout the week. It’s a great recipe for busy moms, vegan professionals, vegan students, and kiddos alike!

More Vegan Baking Recipes

You can’t go wrong with a batch of traditional and wildly tasty Vegan Crumpets, Vegan Cinnamon Rolls, or Raspberry White Chocolate Scones to accompany a tasty tea party or brunch buffet. For the young-at-heart, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins and Vegan Chocolate Chips Cookies are always a hit.

Sweetly spiced Vegan Pumpkin Muffins and whole food, plant-based Homemade Granola Bars are an excellent choice for lunchtime treats, hiking snacks, or anyone who is on-the-run most days.

These fresh and fruity Blackberry Muffins are moist and bursting with blackberries. You’ll fall in love with the flavor!

Print

Vegan Banana Muffins + Easy Crumble Topping

These vegan banana crumb muffins are a favorite in my house. Made with banana, apple, and cinnamon, they carry a banana bread vibe with cinnamon-sugary goodness that will have you reaching for seconds. Good thing they're so easy to make!

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine Amercan

Keyword crumb muffin recipe, vegan banana muffins, vegan crumb muffins

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 10 muffins

Calories 280kcal

Author Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup mashed banana approximately two medium-sized ripe spotty bananas mashed well with a fork
• ½ cup canola oil
• ⅓ cup soymilk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup diced Fuji apple skin can be left on

Crumb Topping

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons chilled vegan butter

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder and mix well.
• Form a well in the flour mixture and add the mashed banana, canola oil, soymilk, and vanilla extract. Gently mix together with a fork or spoon. Fold in the diced apple chunks.
• Prepare your crumb topping. Add the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and mix well. Cut in the cold butter. To do this, slice the butter into small pieces with a knife, add it to the bowl, and then using a fork, mash the butter in with the dry mixture until combined. If necessary, you may use your hands briefly to combine, but you don't want the butter to warm and melt. The resulting crumb topping should be crumbly just barely sticking together when squeezed.
• Fill your cupcake liners with batter (all the way to the top, which should make 10 muffins). Top with crumb topping, pushing it firmly into the top of the batter so it adheres to the muffin.
• Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until the muffins start to get lightly golden on top and a toothpick comes out of the center of the muffin clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before enjoying!

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg

Vegan banana crumb muffin recipe and photos by Michelle Cehn, copyright of World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

The post Vegan Banana Muffins with Easy Crumble Topping appeared first on World of Vegan.

As far back as 2000 BCE, ancient Egyptians were making treats from honey, nuts, and dried fruits like dates and figs. Not long after, dried sugarcane was used in India to create the world’s first granulated sweetener, and there’s been no end to confectionery innovation since then.

Now, candies come in all colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors imaginable, which is both good and bad news for discerning eaters. All too often, undesirable ingredients make it into the mix, including animal products. How can you avoid them while still satisfying your sweet tooth as a vegan? It’s easy when you know what to look for!

What Makes Some Candy Not Vegan?

Animal products have been historically used as cheaper shortcuts to make mass production possible. You may not recognize the names at first, and to make matters worse, it’s almost impossible to read all that fine print on such a tiny label. When in doubt, consult the brand’s website for a closer look. Keep an eye out for the following:

Milk, whey, butter, butterfat, or casein: Though this may seem obvious, dairy can show up in some surprising places. Beware that “lactose-free” doesn’t necessarily mean dairy-free, too.

Eggs, egg whites, or egg albumin: Often used to bind sugary substances together, egg derivatives can be found in sweets such as meringue.

Gelatin: Made from ground hooves and bones, this is what gives many old-fashioned gummies their chew and marshmallows their springy texture.

Beeswax: There are many other perfectly good food grade waxes that will prevent candies from sticking to one another, but this option is harvested from bees that really need it more than we do.

Honey: As a ploy to give sugary treats a health halo, honey is sometimes used as a supposedly more natural alternative to white sugar. It’s too bad it’s inherently cruel on a commercial scale, and definitely not vegan.

Confectioner’s glaze or shellac: This sounds so innocent, and it’s included for purely aesthetic reasons. This substance gives many candies a shiny outer shell, but unfortunately, it’s the product of bug secretions. (Ewww!)

Carmine or cochneal: Waiter, there’s a bug in my candy! That’s right, this red coloring comes from the natural pigments found in various insects.

Bone char: This is quite possibly the worst offender on this list because unlike the others, manufacturers don’t need to list this as an ingredient, so it’s very hard to know when it has or hasn’t been used. It’s part of the process used to bleach sugar bright white, using cattle bones.

100% Vegan Candy Brands

Are you ready for a sweet revolution? Vegan candy brands are taking the world by storm with their delicious and ethical treats! Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for something new and exciting, these candy bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Gourmet, high-end ingredients, fancy flavors, and dedicated vegan brands are elevating the art of confectionary as we know it. These are truly special treats, some of which may need to be ordered online, but are worth the extra effort.

Vegan Candy Bars

Go Max Go – With Go Max Go’s vegan candy bars, you don’t have to miss out on the classic chocolate bar experience. They make vegan spins on the most popular classic candy bars like Snickers, Almond Joys, and 3 Musketeers.

Sjaak’s (Eli’s Earth) – Sjaak’s is known for its high-quality, organic, and fair trade chocolates, which are made using only the finest natural ingredients. From their classic chocolate bars to their unique truffles and seasonal treats, Sjaak’s is a favorite among vegan and chocolate lovers alike.

Gigantic – Gigantic’s vegan candy bars are so deliciously huge, they’re practically mythical! Made with all-natural ingredients and free from dairy, gluten, and soy, they’re perfect for ethical snackers who like their treats gigantic.

Trupo Treats – Trupo Treats is a vegan candy company that makes chocolate dipped wafer candy bars, chocolate bars, vegan Crunch-style bars, and more. So go ahead, treat yourself to Trupo Treats and see why they’re making waves in the vegan candy world!

Misfits – Embrace your inner misfit with these vegan candy bars made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Perfect for candy lovers who want to try something different and fun without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vego – Vego’s vegan chocolate bars are so big, they’re practically a meal! Made with fair-trade ingredients and available in flavors like Hazelnut, Almond Bliss, and Dark Nuts and Berries, they’re perfect for sharing (or not!).

Vegan Chocolate Candies

Don’t worry, there’s a ton of options for you ethical chocoholics, too! Check out our complete guide to vegan chocolate.

• Enjoy Life Foods
• Go Max Go
• Hu Kitchen
• Lagusta’s Lucious
• Nelly’s Organics
• Notty
• No Whey Foods
• Raaka Chocolate
• Panda Chocolates
• Sjaak’s
• Pascha Chocolate
• Charm School Chocolate
• Taza Chocolate
• Vego

Vegan Gummies

These chewy and delightful treats come in an endless array of shapes, sizes, and flavors, with options ranging from classic fruit flavors to more daring and exciting varieties. Think juicy watermelon, tangy pineapple, or even zesty grapefruit. Plus, with brands like Katjes making rainbow gummies and Annie’s dropping kid-friendly minis, you can snack guilt-free without compromising on taste. And who says gummies are just for snacking? Add them to your next smoothie bowl, use them as toppings on your cupcakes, or even melt them down and turn them into a creative and colorful glaze.

To help you on your quest for the best vegan gummies out there, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the most delicious and ethical brands around. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in the most fun and ethical way possible!

• Annie’s Fruit Snacks
• Better Bears
• Candy Kittens
• Funtasty
• Katjes
• Project 7
• SmartSweets (Sweet Fish, Sour Blast Buddies, Peach Rings, Sourmelon Bites, Cola Gummies, Red Twists and Lollipops)
• Surf Sweets (DelishFish, Fruit Bears, Fruity Rings, and Cinnamon Bears)
• The Gummy Project (low-sugar gummies benefiting endangered keystone species)

Vegan Chewy Candies & Caramels

• Chimes Gourmet Ginger Chews
• Cocomels
• Lovely Candy Co. (Chewy Candies, Hard Candies, and Lollipops)
• Torie & Howard
• YumEarth (Everything EXCEPT for Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms, and Candy Corn)
• Vegan Marshmallow Brands

And so much more! The great news is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller, local producers that are just getting started. Always seek out these sweet, inventive individuals and support small business!

Mainstream Candies That are “Accidentally” Vegan

When you want an accessible, affordable treat to share with everyone for holidays like Halloween or Easter, or just need to satisfy a craving while on the road, there are lots of great candies on the market that are perfectly suitable for vegans.

As always, formulas can change without notice, so make sure you check labels before you purchase.

Chewy Vegan Candies

• Airheads
• Fruit By the Foot and Fruit Roll-Ups
• Mamba Fruit Chews
• Mary Janes
• Now and Later
• Skittles

Soft & Gummy Candies

• Dots
• Jolly Ranchers Lollipops and Hard Candy
• Jujubes
• Laffy Taffy
• Panda Licorice
• Red Vines
• Smart Sweets (all flavors except fruit gummy bears)
• Sour Patch Kids
• Swedish Fish
• Twizzlers

Vegan Hard Candies

• Bottlecaps
• Brach’s Cinnamon Hard Candy, Hi-C Fruit Slices, Hi-C Orange Slices, Beer Barrels, and Star Brites
• Charm Lollipops
• Chick-O-Sticks
• Dum-Dums
• Fireballs
• Fun Dip
• Gobstoppers
• Lemonheads
• Nerds
• Pez
• Pixy Stix
• Ring Pops
• Smarties (made in the US only)
• Sweet Tarts
• Zotz

Nutty Candies

• Atkins Peanut Butter Bar
• Chew-et’s Peanut Chews
• Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
• Lance Peanut Bar
• OCHO (peanut butter, coconut, and caramel chocolate candy bars)

Vegan Bubblegum

• Big League Chew
• Blow Pops
• Cry Babies
• Hubba Bubba Bubblegum
• Super Bubble

Homemade Vegan Candy Recipes

If you prefer a DIY approach, you have even more options when it comes to vegan candy, both simple and complex. Here are some sweet ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Snickers Recipe
• Vegan Almond Joy Bars
• Stuffed Dates With Peanut Butter
• Vegan Chocolate Truffles
• Superfood Chocolate Bark

Fun Facts and Candy Trivia

• National Candy Day is celebrated every year on November 4th.
• Americans consume an average of 22 – 25 pounds of candy per person each year, and yet that’s still less than Germans, who eat roughly twice that amount!
• Sees Candy created the world’s largest lollipop on July 18, 2012, in Burlingame, California, which weighed 7,003 pounds.
• Despite being a controversial selection for some, candy corn is the bestselling non-chocolate candy in the US, to the tune of 20 million pounds per year. Clearly, someone must be eating it! But is candy corn vegan? No, sadly candy corn is not vegan.
• A growing number of small-scale, artisanal candy makers are specializing in vegan candy, offering unique and creative flavors and ingredients that cater to the vegan community.

The Ethics of Chocolate

While many people turn to vegan chocolate as an ethical alternative to traditional chocolate, it is important to remember that not all vegan chocolate is ethically sourced. In fact, the chocolate industry has a long history of exploitative labor practices, including child labor and slavery.

To ensure that the chocolate you purchase is ethically sourced, it’s essential to do your own research and look for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ. Additionally, the Food Empowerment Project’s chocolate list provides a helpful resource for evaluating the ethics of various chocolate brands. This comprehensive list takes into account factors like child labor, slavery, and environmental impact, and can be a useful tool for consumers who want to ensure their chocolate purchases are truly harmless. By using resources like the Food Empowerment Project’s chocolate list, consumers can make informed choices and support companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and labor practices.

More Vegan Candy Resources

• Are Skittles Vegan?
• Sour Patch Kids: Are They Vegan?
• The Vegan Scoop on Swedish Fish
• Are Starbursts Vegan?
• Vegan Halloween Candy Guide

May this vegan candy guide bring some sweetness to your life! If we missed any of your favorite vegetarian candies, feel free to mention them in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you again!

The post Vegan Candy Guide: A Roadmap to the Best Ethical Sweets appeared first on World of Vegan.