Much more than a fad, diet, or trend, veganism is a way of life for thousands of people around the world. According to statistics in 2022, the number of vegans at present is 79 million – making up only 1% of the world population. In fact, Vancouver is ranked amongst the top five most popular cities for vegans. Vegan food and vegan products in Vancouver are universally a must-try! Surveys have also shown the growth of vegan food is “rapid” and there will be a 40% increase in the coming years.
Whether the cause is based on environment, ethics, or health, the rising demand for plant-based and organic foods concludes it to be the need of the hour, as is the conservation of our planet. Planet and palette-friendly, here are some vegan food products that have been and will be seen reigning 2022:
1. Legumes
Searching for a nutritious alternative to meat? Legumes will be your best friend. Peas, pulses, and lentils make the holy trinity for all vegans. Rich in minerals and iron, legumes are also diverse ingredients you can mix and match in many ways to fulfill your diet needs.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Whether you are craving something binge-worthy or need a quick office snack to accompany you for the day. Nuts and seeds are of high nutritional value and satisfying. Hemp, flax, and chia seeds make for great additions to salads while nuts like almonds, cashews, and avocados will almost always find their way into a vegan diet.
3. Mushrooms
One of the only non-animal sources of Vitamin D, mushrooms are today a staple for vegans. They are rich in fiber and protein and can be cooked in a multitude of delicious ways. It’s no surprise they are called earth-meat and can be easily consumed as alternatives to your preferred meat.
4. Fruits
While many might be concerned about the “fruits are high in sugar” debate, researchers conclude that their nutritional value outweighs their sugar counterparts. So, feel free to include a bountiful of fruits in your vegan diet. Apples, pears, guavas, berries, grapes, plums, apricots, and such are on the rise.
5. Plant-based meats
You don’t have to go cold turkey on meat, as the market is now brimming with healthy vegan alternatives. Some of the most popular ones are plant-based chicken, bacon, tofu, seitan, jackfruit, and soy. In fact, the global plant-based meat market is estimated to reach USD 24.8 billion in revenue from today’s 6.023 billion.
6. Milk Alternatives
Offering a variety of flavors and nutritional elements, milk alternatives are often marked as the beginning of the vegan revolution. Almond, oat, and soy milk are already a huge demand in the world, whereas rice, coconut, cashew, and even hemp are beginning to establish themselves in the market today. Saying no to dairy and dairy products is considered ideal for lactose intolerant vegans.
7. Chocolates
For the longest time vegans have been questioned about their love for chocolates. Can vegans eat them, or can they not? The answer is yes, and no! While the majority of the brands contain dairy in their products, dozens of indulgent vegan options have now surfaced in the market. Some of the most common vegan chocolates as suggested by PETA include Hershey’s, Alter Eco, Theo Chocolate, VGAN, and CASSE-COU.
8. Seafood
Following the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, The Growth of vegan food is significant in the seafood market, we appear to be entering a new age of fishless fish. And the trend could very well revolutionize the food industry. Vegans can now enjoy fish filets and sauces, shrimp, lobsters, crab cakes, tuna, and even caviar which are made with vegan ingredients.
Brands like Beyondmeat, Amy’s Kitchen, Gardein, BeLeaf, Jinka, and Sophie’s Kitchen are spearheading the vegan seafood wave. The future of vegan food will be seen growing exponentially in the sphere of seafood.
Plant-based fish has been gaining traction as a tasty and readily available option, for example. Consumers prefer plant-based fish products due to the fact they’re typically allergen-free, 100% vegan, and highly nutritional.
The best part about vegan food? Everything can be paired with anything! The vegan world is your oyster – quite literally.
