Vegetarian Zen

Whether you are a “sweet” or “salty” type of snacker, there are really a LOT of choices available to you when it comes to vegan snacks!

Here is a list of the top 15 vegan snacks we’re noshing on in 2024. This will be a mix of off-the-shelf prepackaged snacks as well as ones you can easily make yourself at home. There is also a mix of the healthy and not-so-healthy list since some are processed food on our list but an indulgence every now and then is not the end of the world! As we always say, it’s not all or nothing!

You can listen to the episode of our podcast below to hear us discuss some of our favorite vegan snacks read on for a quick summary.

Please note, the article below has been updated for 2023 so you may hear some different snacks mentioned on the accompanying podcast. We strive to always bring you the most up-to-date information.

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

Let’s not waste ANY time sharing our top nom-noms.

The first thing you notice when you pop a few pieces of Angie’s Boom Chickapop in your mouth is how light the pieces feel in your mouth.

That’s because there aren’t a whole lot of ingredients in this snack. They keep it simple which keeps it delicious and one of the healthier off-the-shelf snacks.

You can also make your own air-popped popcorn at home which we sometimes do when we are out of Boom Chickapop. One of my favorite ways to add some great flavor to air-popped popcorn is to sprinkle it with nutritional yeast.

• Whole grain energy
• 80 calories per cup
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Certified Gluten-free
• Real, simple ingredients. Nothing fake.

We were big fans of beef jerky before going plant-based in 2013. Luckily it wasn’t too long before we discovered the deliciousness of vegan jerky!  Primal Spirits offers some great flavors you can check out. I recommend trying out their sampler pack to find your favorite!

We love Earth Balance products and their Cheddar Squares are definitely on our list of top 5 products from them.  These are awesome for movie night or anytime you’re craving something a bit salty.

• Vegan, non-GMO and Kosher, these crackers are for everyone
• Enjoy these vegan snacks for movie night, office snacks or anytime salty goodness
• Stock up on these plant-based vegan crackers today

Pumpkin seeds, where have you been all my life? Not only are pumpkin seeds nutritious but they are full of antioxidants. They have also been linked to reducing certain types of cancers.  What else could you ask for in a snack?

• Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas), 2 Pounds
• USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Raw, Gluten-Free, Vegan

Sour Patch Kids candies are one of Larissa’s FAVORITE treats s one of the first questions she had when we became plant-based was, “Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan?” The answer is an emphatic YES,! Sour Patch Kids are vegan!

While the makers did not necessarily intend for these delicious morsels to be vegan, they (thankfully), do not contain any gelatin or other animal byproducts.

Sour Patch Kids candy is mischief-filled sour-then-sweet treats. Soft, chewy, and oh-so-fun, these tasty candies come in playful fruity flavors to help you escape the everydayness of your day.

In episode 280 of the podcast, we talked all about chickpeas and what a GREAT source of plant-based protein they are! While you can certainly buy hummus off the shelf, you can also easily make it at home. Check out our recipe for easy homemade hummus!

I love to eat hummus with pita chips or bread!

In episode 286 of our podcast, we answered the question “Are Fritos Vegan?” that not only answered this question but also provided a list of other accidentally vegan foods (spoiler alert: YES, Fritos ARE vegan!).

I grew up with Fritos and Fritos Bean Dip as a frequent snack in my house. It’s still one of my favorite game-time snacks and luckily for me,  both Fritos AND Fritos Bean Dip are vegan!

• Jalapeno peppers dip contains pinto beans
• All-natural
• Refrigerate after opening

Chickpeas aren’t all about hummus! These  Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas.  are loaded with protein and will satisfy any sweet tooth!

I am a big fan of Cheetos but don’t like all of the added ingredients. These Earth Balance White Cheddar Puffs are so light and delicious they just melt in your mouth!

Vegan Cheddar Puffs are simply unbelievable. You have to do a double-take to make sure these are truly Vegan. Careful you'll eat the entire bag in one sitting!

Applesauce is a great healthy vegan snack. Whether you make your own or buy it off-the-shelf, applesauce satisfies any sweet tooth or late afternoon cravings.

Yes, Oreos! Believe it or not, these childhood favorites are what we call “accidentally vegan” which means, the makers didn’t necessarily intend for them to contain zero animal products but nevertheless, they are free of dairy and any other animal-derived products. How do we eat these? With a big glass of plant-based milk of course!

If you’ve listened to our podcast for any length of time, you know that I (Vickie) am a big fan of Mexican food! That’s one reason why guacamole and chips is one of my favorite go-to snacks. Since Larissa doesn’t like guacamole, I usually save the homemade recipe for family/ friend get-togethers and buy it ready-made in the store. Here’s where it can get a little tricky. Be sure to look at the ingredients. As with most things, the few the better!

Some commercial brands might sneak in some dairy to make it more of a dip so if you’re strictly vegan, be sure to eye those ingredients. Personally, I like the Wholly Guacamole brand to be pretty good! They have mini snack sizes too!

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars are one of my favorite snacks to grab on the way out the door. I just slip these into my bag if I’m running errands in between meals so they’re ready for me should hunger strike.

Not all flavors of these bars are vegan so be sure you check the ingredients for any signs of animal products (such as whey).

Here’s a quiz for you. How are Pringles chips like an episode of Sex and the City? Answer: There is no way you’re consuming just one! Pringles have been one of my favorite snacks for a long time but I can’t keep them in my house every week or they’d be gone faster than Che Ramirez from “And Just Like That” haha. If you’re a fan you know what I mean.

Like many of our snacks, be sure to read the ingredients as not all of their flavors are vegan but the classic chips are and that’s fine with me!

As a kid, I didn’t care much for Triscuit crackers but as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate these healthy vegan crackers a lot more! What I really appreciate about them is how they’re filling and versatile. Spread some of your favorite vegan cream cheese on them for a delicious healthy vegan snack.

And there you have it! 15 snacks we’re noshing this year! If you’re looking for more deliciousness, check out:

The post 15 of Our FAVORITE Vegan Snacks (Updated 2024) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Books and the Internet aren’t the only way to learn about plant-based recipes and tips or cruelty-free products. Magazines can be great resources as well. Let’s take a look at some of the best vegetarian and vegan magazines available.

At the tip of our list of one of the best vegetarian and vegan magazines is VegNews. VegNews is a publication that quickly became a “go-to” for Larissa and me when we became vegetarians AND when we created the podcast! You can read more about when our vegetarian journey began here.

What we really like about this publication is that it provides diverse topics such as news, recipes, interviews, product reviews, and lifestyle topics.

VegNews is a quarterly publication that has both print and digital options available.

When we became vegetarians in 2013, the Forks Over Knives documentary was one of the first films we watched. It helped us get off of the “junk food vegetarian” path and on track to eating healthier.

I was so inspired that I also took the Forks Over Knives Cooking class offered by Rouxbe. Check out My 5 Biggest Take-Aways from the Forks Over Knives Cooking Course for more info and a review.

Just like the film, the Forks Over Knives magazine offers health and nutrition information, delicious recipes, tips from experts, and real-life success stories for healthful, happy living.

When Larissa and I first became vegetarians in 2013, the Vegetarian Times Magazine was one of our ultimate go-to guides for all things veg!

They used to have a print edition but most recently moved to online only with an ad-free premium option of $3.99 per month (as of 2019).

We LOVE that the recipes are “real” meaning that most of the ingredients can be bought in our local grocery store and that they look totally doable by anyone.

In addition to recipes, they also have articles for:

If you’re not interested in a subscription, they also have a great cookbook where you can get some of their best recipes!

Chickpea Magazine is an indie publication that stands out in the world of vegan lifestyle guides. Catering to the anti-consumerist home cook, Chickpea is more than just a magazine; it’s a manifesto for living a more mindful and sustainable life. Each issue is filled with evergreen content, including recipes, DIY projects, personal stories, how-to guides, and thoughtful articles on important topics.

Vegan Health & Fitness Magazine (VHF) stands out as a groundbreaking publication in the world of health, fitness, and veganism. It holds the distinction of being the first internationally distributed magazine with “vegan” prominently in its title, seamlessly integrating plant-based living with health and fitness insights. The magazine’s mission, as articulated by Editor In Chief Brenda Carey, is straightforward yet profound: “To make the world a healthier, more compassionate place.”

Launched in 2012, VHF has been a consistent frontrunner in vegan media, earning recognition and nominations almost yearly. In 2013, it was honored with the award for Outstanding Vegan Media Outlet, a testament to its impact and quality. Moreover, it has been nominated as the best magazine annually since its inception by UK VegFest, further solidifying its standing in the vegan community.

VHF is not just a magazine; it’s a movement towards a healthier and more ethically conscious lifestyle. By focusing on veganism in the context of health and fitness, it offers a unique and compelling perspective, inspiring readers to embrace a lifestyle that benefits both personal well-being and the broader world. The magazine is a testament to the passion and dedication of its creators, and clicking on the links below their profiles will reveal more about the people who bring this visionary publication to life.

Vegan Life is a monthly magazine that covers recipes and all things vegan lifestyle to include products, travel, restaurants, health, and beauty.

Both print and online versions are available as well as an app where you can read the publication through Pocket Mags.

We hope this list of some of the best vegetarian and vegan magazines around today has provided you with some great periodicals to check out!

To listen to us discuss some of these periodicals check out episode 179 of our podcast below. Please note that the post for this accompanying podcast has been updated to provide you with the most recent information so some additional vegan and vegetarian magazines may be included which we did not discuss on the show. Thanks!

Looking for some more plant-based recipe “veg-spiration”? Check out these Forks Over Knives Cookbooks which are based on a powerful documentary.

If you’re looking to UP your cooking game even further, be sure to check out Rouxbe‘s Forks Over Knives cooking course. I graduated from this course in 2018. You can read my review here.

• Learn to master knife skills
• Cooking without oil and creating healthy stocks/ sauces
• Time-Saving cooking strategies
• Virtual Q&A's and instructor support

Vegan Stroganoff

I’m concentrating on staying healthy, having peace, being happy, remembering what is important, taking in nature and animals, spending time reading, trying to understand the universe, where science and the spiritual meet.

— Joan Jett

The post Best Vegetarian and Vegan Magazines (Updated 2024) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Recently in the Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group, a member posted a question asking, “What is nooch?” What followed was an AMAZING discussion among members about these mysterious yellow flakes, including some really yummy-sounding and creative ways to use them.

You can listen to us discuss nutritional yeast here or read on for a quick summary.

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast related to brewer’s yeast which is used as a fermentation agent in beer making.

Some brands use molasses, then harvest, heat, dry, and crumble for the final product. Nutritional yeast has a nutty savory taste which makes it such a great substitute for dairy cheese. We consider it one of our veg pantry staples!

Nutritional yeast is a great source of:

Additionally, it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It’s also typically gluten-free but you should check the label just to be sure!

Nutritional yeast is easy to find. You can find it at most grocery stores or you can order it online.

We usually use Bragg’s brand of nooch but there are several others on the market such as:

Here are 5 recipes to get you started cooking with nutritional yeast.

We hope this has helped demystify nooch for you and offered you some great ideas for using it in your recipes.

The post What is Nooch? Benefits and 5 Yummy Recipes appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss the possibility of being a low carb vegetarian (yep…you can totally do it). Special thanks goes out to Andrea Gaietto and Elizabeth McGrath for suggesting this topic in response to a request for topic ideas that Vickie posted in the Peas and Carrots group on Facebook!

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

Carbohydrates from the Latin, carbo which means “yummy” and hydrates which means “cinnamon bun,” are not something I can eliminate or even drastically cut back on.

— Celia Rivenbark

Question: Are you interested in eating a low carb vegetarian diet?

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post The Low Carb Vegetarian appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we reflect on the 199 episodes that have come before and share some of our listeners’ favorite things about the podcast.

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided. We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves, and our ultimate goal is to provide helpful products and advice to you, our readers and listeners.

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.

— Julie Andrews

Question What’s YOUR favorite thing about the Vegetarian Zen podcast?

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post Celebrating 200 Episodes of Vegetarian Zen (VZ 200) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we’ll share some ways to make creamy vegan sauces without using nuts. The idea for this topic came from a question posed by a member of the Peas & Carrots Society on Facebook!

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided.  We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves or that come from a trusted resource. Our ultimate goal is to provide helpful products and advice to you, our readers, and listeners.

When the Man waked up he said, ‘What is Wild Dog doing here?’ And the Woman said, ‘His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.

— Rudyard Kipling, from the short story “The Cat That Walked By Himself”

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post How to Make Creamy Vegan Sauces WITHOUT Nuts! (VZ 199) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we share some tips to organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer to make it easier to prepare and store healthy meals and snacks.

Want more tips? Check out our latest episodes:

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.

— A. A. Milne

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post Organize Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer for Easier Healthy Eating appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

Back in November of 2015, we did an episode called Ask Vegetarian Zen Anything. Since it’s been a long time since then, we thought we’d do another installment. We asked members of the Peas & Carrots Society for their questions…here they are, along with our best responses.

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided. We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves, and our ultimate goal is to provide helpful products and advice to you, our readers and listeners.

• Patreon is a simple way for listeners to contribute to Vegetarian Zen every month.
• Pledge levels start as low as $1 a month. Pledge $5 or more and you’ll receive some sweet Veg Zen swag…t-shirts, stickers, magnets, grocery bags, and more!
• By becoming a sponsor on Patreon, you are automatically inducted into our prestigious Golden Apple Roundtable!

Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.

— William Butler Yeats

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post Another Round of “Ask Vegetarian Zen Anything” (VZ 197) appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

The idea for this episode came from a member of the Peas and Carrots Society, our closed Facebook group, who asked for ideas for meat replacements for filling plant-based lunches to take to work. In our discussion, we focus more on the “staying full” aspect, and not exactly on replacing meat with “meat substitutes,” simply because there are so many wonderful, filling plant foods out there to choose from!

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

— J.R.R. Tolkien

Question: What do you eat for lunch that keeps you feeling full?

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,

The post Plant Based Lunches That Will Keep You Fuller Longer appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.

In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about the merits of using green cleaning products above conventional ones and share a few green cleaning tips. (Next week, we’ll be talking about making your own green cleaners, so be sure to stay tuned!)

Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.

• Patreon is a simple way for listeners to contribute to Vegetarian Zen every month.
• Pledge levels start as low as $1 a month. Pledge $5 or more and you’ll receive some sweet Veg Zen swag…t-shirts, stickers, magnets, grocery bags, and more!
• By becoming a sponsor on Patreon, you are automatically inducted into our prestigious Golden Apple Roundtable!

Here’s what we mention in this episode:

You don’t get anything clean without getting something else dirty.

— Cecil Baxter

The post Spring Cleaning? Green Cleaning! appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.