We don't rely on store-bought faux dairy and meat products a ton here at Oh My Veggies, but there are a few out there that we really love. (Hey, sometimes even vegans just want mac and cheese from a box.) We've rounded up 16 of our recent favorites here. Note that we received samples of products marked with an asterisk.
1. Upton's Naturals Jackfruit*
If you're looking to jump on the jackfruit trend (we love it slathered in sauce on a sandwich, pulled-pork style), Upton's is the way to go. Choose from BBQ or chili-lime flavors.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: uptonsnaturals.com
2. Sweet Earth Natural Foods Bacon*
Veggie bacon is hit or miss, and this seitan-based one is definitely a hit. The seitan makes it chewy, not overly crispy like some other brands.
Learn more: sweetearthfoods.com
Check availability at target.com or buy it at veganessentials.com
3. The Herbivorous Butcher Meat-Free Meats
A brother-sister duo started the world's first vegan butcher shop. They've been selling out of their better-than-meat meats (they also make vegan cheeses) at farmers markets in the Minneapolis area, and later this year they'll begin shipping nationwide.
Learn more: theherbivorousbutcher.com
4. Field Roast Vegan Sausages
We love Field Roast's vegan sausages because they're so versatile! Throw 'em on the grill (they won't dry out), serve them in a bun, or slice them up for a breakfast hash, pasta or whatever you're making.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: fieldroast.com
Also buy it at veganessentials.com
5. Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese*
FYH's shredded "cheeses" have the familiar taste and melt of shredded cheese-without the rubbery texture. They're also GMO-, gluten- and soy-free! (We love the fiesta blend for tacos, burritos and enchiladas.) If gooey grilled cheese-or just grabbing a slice out of the fridge-is what you miss, the company has just launched new slices and blocks that are also GMO-, gluten- and soy-free. Follow Your Heart also has a brand new egg replacer in the works that scrambles, bakes and cooks just like eggs-which is pretty rare in the faux-egg world. VeganEgg isn't available in stores yet, but look for it on amazon.com within the next few months.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: followyourheart.com
We're giving away a prize pack of Follow Your Heart sliced vegan "cheeses." Click here to enter the giveaway-it runs through November 23, 2015.
6. Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread
Miss bagels and cream cheese? You can have 'em again, thanks to this velvety, perfectly tangy almond-based substitute. Try it as a sour cream substitution, too.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: kite-hill.com
7. So Delicious Dairy Free Coco Whip*
Desserts just aren't the same without a dollop of whipped cream. This new coconut whipped cream from So Delicious tastes exactly like the Cool Whip of my youth (but better obviously, and without all the weird chemicals). It's especially lovely on pie, or atop So Delicious' many frozen desserts.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: sodeliciousdairyfree.com
8. Melt Organic Buttery Spread*
The chocolate and honey flavors of Melt aren't vegan (because of the honey), but the Rich & Creamy original flavor is-and it's to die for on toast, for baking or sautéing veggies. Plus, it's soy-free, GMO-free, organic, and made with fair-trade virgin coconut oil, sustainably sourced palm oil and flaxseed oil, so you know you're getting lots of good fats!
Learn more + find out where to buy it: meltorganic.com
9. Louisville Vegan Jerky
Come on, admit it: even longtime vegans miss jerky. Sure, you can make your own with eggplant, mushrooms or tofu, but when you need a quick-and-easy smoky snack, Louisville's vegan jerky is a must-have.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: louisvilleveganjerkycompany.com
10. Hampton Creek Just Mayo
Avocado makes a great mayo replacement, but it's not always possible to have avocados in the house-and sometimes you just want that familiar creamy texture and subtle taste. Sans eggs, Just Mayo works seamlessly with your favorite pasta salad and sandwich recipes. It's amazing on a vegan BLT!
Learn more + find out where to buy it: hamptoncreek.com
11. Miyoko's Kitchen Artisan Cultured Vegan Cheese*
The cheese tray is a thing of the past if you're not doing dairy, but with California-based Miyoko's Kitchen cultured nut products (a.k.a. vegan cheese), you can build an impressive cheese tray that's just as fancy and nuanced as one with regular cheese. The Classic Double Cream Chive is definitely our favorite (it makes for a wonderful sandwich spread, too), while the Aged English Smoked Farmhouse is perfect paired with baguette and apple slices.
Learn more + buy it: miyokoskitchen.com
12. Daiya Cheezecakes*
A cheesecake that's dairy-free? And gluten-free? And soy-free? And that you don't have to make? Daiya hit it out of the park with this one. We like the Key Lime, but the New York Style, Chocolate and Strawberry are great, too!
Learn more + find out where to buy it: daiyafoods.com
13. So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert*
I can never decide whether I like the almond milk, cashew milk or coconut milk So Delicious desserts best, but the brand new Oregon Berry coconut milk variety is one of my favorites for sure. I gave my friend's toddlers (who are the pickiest people I know) mini-sundaes with Oregon Berry, Coco Whip and diced strawberries, and they were begging for seconds!
Learn more + find out where to buy it: sodeliciousdairyfree.com
14. Daiya Cheezy Mac*
The only mac and cheese I have ever liked is the old-school blue-box kind-you know, with the neon cheese powder? So I was extra surprised that not only did I like Daiya's Deluxe Cheddar Style Cheezy Mac, I ate the entire box myself. Dangerous, but tasty. (Hey, I did put some broccoli in it.)
Learn more + find out where to buy it: daiyafoods.com
15. Upton's Naturals Seitan*
Seitan's come a long way, baby. This formerly-only-for-hippies meat sub is getting a flavor and texture upgrade thanks to Upton's Naturals. It's available in ground, chorizo-style, bacon-style and many other varieties.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: uptonsnaturals.com
16. Field Roast Chao Slices
Chao doesn't purport to be cheese at all; it's actually fermented soybean curd akin to the "cheese" that's typically consumed in Asia. Instead of trying to imitate typical cheese flavors, Field Roast has gone with combos like Coconut Herb with Black Pepper.
Learn more + find out where to buy it: fieldroast.com
