5 easy plant-based substitutes
Plant-based eating is often viewed as eating just the greens, but the truth is that there is plenty of room for delicious plant-based treats and savory foods as well. In fact, many plant-based alternatives to things like meat, eggs, and dairy, may even taste better than the real thing.
We’re sharing easy plant-based substitutes to some common staples and favorite foods to show you just how easy and delicious plant-based eating can be.
Easy Plant-based Substitutes to Commonly Enjoyed Foods
#1 Eggs
There are so many delicious, plant-based ways to substitute eggs in things like pancakes, homemade waffles, and healthier baked goods.
Here are some of our favorite plant-based egg replacements.
- Flax or chia eggs: 1 tbsp flaxseeds or chia seeds + 3 tbsp warm water, whisked together and allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes to turn into a gel-like consistency.
- Applesauce can be a great egg replacement in baking recipes.
- Store-bought plant-based egg replacers like Bob’s Red Mills or Namaste Egg Replacer.
#2 Meat
There are tons of ways to get your protein in without eating meat. Some delicious and nourishing plant-based meat replacers include:
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Lentils
- Veggie burger patties
- Walnuts — use as a base in taco recipes!
#3 Cheese
You don’t have to have dairy to enjoy “cheese”, in fact, plant-based cheeses taste pretty darn good. We love almond or cashew-based shredded style “cheese’, or you can even add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast over your foods for a cheesy taste.
Want to make homemade parmesan cheese? Try blending up some raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of sea salt… yum!
#4 Yogurt
Yogurt can be enjoyed on a plant-based diet, so long as it’s dairy-free, and good news — the dairy-free options taste pretty close to the real thing.
Here are some yummy dairy-free plant-based yogurt options:
- Coconut, cashew, almond-milk yogurt
- Homemade! If you’re adventurous enough, you can make your own homemade yogurt using a dairy-free milk of choice.
#5 Ice Cream
Who says you can’t enjoy an all-time favorite dessert on a plant-based diet? There are more dairy-free, vegan ice cream varieties now than ever before.
From coconut to almond, cashew, and even avocado-based, the dairy-free ice cream options are truly endless and oh so delicious.
And if you want to stick to something healthier, try making banana nice cream with a frozen banana and a splash of coconut milk topped with raw cacao nibs and a drizzle of almond butter— super yummy!
Make Plant-based Eating Easy & Delicious With These Delicious Substitutes
Plant-based eating doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of some of your favorite foods. There are so many vegan food options out there, and really the best place to start is going to be with whole and real foods.
You would be surprised at how well a flax egg works as an egg replacer, and how satisfying a bowl of banana nice cream can be, proving just how delicious plant-based eating is.
