Powered by Plants: 6 Vegan Products We Love
Veganism is very much alive and well! From faux meats and cheeses that taste like the real deal to non-dairy desserts, cruelty-free beauty brands, and eco-friendly fashion, there’s a plant-powered offering for all. In honor of National Vegan Month, we rounded up 6 vegan products we’re currently crushing on (and craving!).
ABE'S
A muffin a day keeps the grumpy away—especially if it’s made by the first, and only nationally branded, vegan muffin: Abe’s. Perfect for school celebrations—all products are made in a peanut, tree nut (other than coconut), sesame, soy, and dairy-free facility; and contain no egg, pea protein, artificial flavors, dairy, or preservatives—they’re as delicious as they are nutritious. Whether you prefer eating plant-based or not, these “treats” will please all palates. And in addition to tasting great (perfectly moist, flavorful…) and their commitment to inclusive ingredients, the brand is sustainable in other ways, too—think transitioning from plastic to paper boxes, donating organic waste to farmers, and contributing to One Tree Planted. If you haven’t met our new favorite muffin man, it's time you introduce yourself soon!
Their polishes might be bold, beautiful, and available in every cleverly named color under the sun, but when it comes to the ingredients, Essie is transparent. Since the end of 2020, they’ve formulated and distributed their full portfolio as 100% vegan—no animal-derived ingredients and “8-free” (meaning it’s made without formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate). The go-to nail brand for salon professionals, beauty junkies, industry insiders, celebrities, and fashion icons around the world—since 1981!—essie is constantly introducing new hues (our current color crushes include “Handmade With Love,” “Homework It,” “Paintbrush It Off,” and “Study Tips”) that glide on easily for quick, even application and staying power.
Uptons Soup
Soup season is officially here! And while we love making our own, sometimes opening a can is what’s in the cards. Thankfully, the salt bombs with processed, mechanically separated proteins and impossible-to-pronounce ingredients of yesteryear have been replaced with better-tasting, and better-for-you options—like the offerings from Upton’s Naturals. Crafted with generous cuts of veggies, pasta, beans, and spices, the plant-based, savory soups (pick from flavors like minestrone, crimson lentil, chicken tortilla, and Italian wedding) deliver hearty texture and protein (8-14 grams per serving!) in every mouthwatering bite. Ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, they’ll keep you, and the kiddos, satisfied long after the last spoonful.
Acure cleansing gel
With a mission to “take skin and hair from blah to brilliant by boosting their performance with powerful combinations of amazing ingredients”—free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, and mineral oil—Acure is one of the most raved about vegan beauty brands on the market. But they don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk, too. Super nutrients aside, all the products work wonders and leave you feeling, and smelling, fresh, too—from the facial serums, scrubs, and cleansers; to the shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, scrubs, and deodorants.
Veja shoes
When it comes to
footwear, “vegan” may not be the first word that comes to mind. But when it
comes to animal welfare and the environment, they’re certainly a wise choice.
The first sustainable sneaker brand on the market, Veja, is worth the hype—and
price. Why? Made with high-quality recycled materials, organic cotton, and
sustainably sourced “leather,” their kicks are fashionable (and even have a
famous following with fans like Meghan Markle, Reese Witherspoon, and Emma
Watson), designed and crafted with extreme attention to detail, and made to
stand the test of time. Don’t walk—run!—and get yourself a pair (we love the
lightweight, super supportive Impala style), stat.
I scream. You scream. We all scream for (plant-based) ice cream! These gluten-free, dairy-free sorbet bars—crafted from clean ingredients and available in a rainbow of flavors, like jammy wild berry crisp dipped in dark chocolate and tropical mango coconut crunch—will have even the biggest dairy devotees and ice cream addicts fooled. What’s more, in case you couldn’t guess, SorBabes is a babe-owned brand; the founders, Deborah and Nicole, are as bold as the bars themselves. After recently sampling all the offerings (four in all!), we only found one downside: trying to devour only one. We dare you to try!
By Megan Wiskus