As much as I love to cook, making everything from scratch and by hand, all the time, is just not always an option. Therefore, the pure convenience of pre-made condiments become my necessary crutch in a pinch. In a sea of vegan friendly condiments, not all are created equal. You’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince and I did all the heavy kissing for you!
Below is a hit list of my 9 favorite vegan condiments which have been “Pip Tested, and Taste Approved.”
**All products below are available at one of these major food stores: Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Wholefoods or Publix (Atlanta, Ga) and of course Pip tested, and taste approved!
I don’t normally like salted butter, but this is a great spreadable and meltable option with true butter taste. Some vegan butters separate when heated but Milkadamia melted smoothly and tasted great. Just be careful not to over salt your food if you’re not used to cooking with salted butter. I fell victim a few times and it’s very unpleasant.
#8. Victoria Vegan Alfredo Red Pepper Sauce
Coming in at #8 is this “creamy” red pepper sauce. I loved this sauces’ red pepper tang and velvety texture. Pour it over any shaped pasta with fresh herbs and you’ve got a quick meal with little to no prep time. Also, great heated up with a side baguette for dipping.
#7. kite hill Garden Veggie Cream Cheese
When you’re a dairy fiend it’s a must to have some craving satisfiers. This one did the trick and is a perfect schemer for your morning bagel fix. Coming in at #7 is kite hill Garden Veggie Cream Cheese has authentic texture and the ‘garden veggie’ flavor keeps it from tasting like an imposter. Probably the least clean product on the list. Still has some gums and acid’s added to it, but in moderation…
6. Sir Kensington Golden Citrus Dressing & Marinade
Bright citrus, but not too tangy, #6 is delicious over fresh lettuce blends. I loved the combination in my salad with some toasted pepitas and dehydrated assorted oranges. Marinate your favorite veggies for 30 minutes before tossing them on the grill this summer!
5. NutPods Almond + Coconut Creamer (Original)
Finding the right nut milk for coffee is like finding the perfect bra. Always close, but never perfect. Ha. By far the biggest challenge during my 3 Month Vegan Challenge was treating my morning coffee with the appropriate and respectable ‘cream’. If you’re looking for with the proper texture, the ones that check that box are usually full of junky ingredients. I’m always on the prowl for a good half & half coffee alternative and that’s why nut pods sparked my interested out of the, I don’t know, 45 ‘milks’ I’ve tried. It’s been a challenge but this one is pretty solid and fairly (not perfectly) “clean.” Beware though, a lot of these nut milks are filled with crap that probably make them worse for you than actual dairy. Although it doesn’t froth as much as real cream, you do get more froth than other category options.
4. Sir Kensington Classic Vegan Mayo
I know all you die hard Dukes or Hellmans fans will disagree but this vegan mayo is a great alternative for sandwiches or as a base to pasta salads and coleslaws. It’s tangier than most non-vegan mayos but not as tangy as Miracle whip and pretty darn clean ingredients. Sir Kensington also make an Avocado Vegan Mayo.
This sauce is pretty terrific! Spicy with lots of warm Mediterranean flare. I love this on roasted vegetables especially sweet potatoes and not an artificial ingredient in sight. Perfect with hummus and pita platters as well!
2. Trader Joe’s Organic “Dairy-Free” 63% Dark Chocolate (Sea Salt & Nibs)
There are quite a few vegan chocolate bars out there to satisfy your sweet tooth but this one with the crunch nibs was one of my personal favorites. Great texture without being grainy and the perfect amount of sea salt. It’s also broken into smaller mini squares for more moderate snacking.
1. Treeline Plant-Based French-Style Cheese (Herb Garlic)
When I needed a cheese fix this was my go-to grab. This Boursin herbed cheese. I tried this with several non-vegans and they all liked it. I ate it with crackers, crudités and pretzel chips. It’s the perfect amount of herb and garlic without giving you dragon breath!
- Thinking about living a plant-based lifestyle? Check out my 3 Month Vegan Challenge
- Looking for great vegan meals around my hometown Atlanta? Here are my favorite vegan dishes around Atlanta
What do you think?