Trader Joe's Vegan Wine

Every go to Trader Joe's and wish you knew which wines were vegan (since a lot of them aren't on Barnivore)? Well I have the complete list for you!

Vegan Products - June 2018

Apologies, it's been months since I last did product reviews but life gets hectic with three kids and at least it means I have plenty saved up for you ;)

So a bit late, I know but at Easter I found these plastic, biodegradable eggs at Walmart for only a couple of dollars. I didn't see in any ingredients in the dyes that would not be vegan so assuming all synthetic. Loved the way they turned out though!

Also at Easter time check out World Market or anywhere selling Lindt chocolate bunnies because the dark chocolate ones with the brown ribbon are vegan!

Recently found the extremely sort after Beyond Meat Sausages in Original and Hot Italian at Whole Foods Market, Jacksonville. Have only tried the original so far but YUM. Can already think of a dozen recipes this will help me recreate!

Random entry but did you know that Native Sun, Jacksonville (Baymeadows is where I found them) had GF vegan chocolate chip cookies and slices of cake for sale every day in their bakery??? Neither did I, I was probably better off living in ignorance but so delicious!

Found these Farmhouse Culture Dill Pickle probiotic Kraut Krisps corn chips at Solomon's Ventures, Jax and they were so addictive!

Found these America organic pasta sauces in Solomon's Ventures too and they were delicious!!

I know Daiya got bought out by a Canadian dairy company and frankly I usually never buy it anyway because I don't like the taste much. HOWEVER...I have been looking for the Pepperoni Style pizza for forever and finally found it and needed to try it and I had tried all the other flavors. It was pretty good, I have to say. Would love to see someone selling the pepperoni separately! (Sidebar - still totally pissed at Tofurky for discontinuing their vegan pizzas - they were the bomb!)

Recently was put onto these two Trader Joe's seasonings, Everyday Seasoning - perfect for just about everything but magical on potatoes and avocado and Everything but the Bagel which I assume is meant for bagels but is really good on vegetables.

On the subject of Trader Joe's. These vegan chocolate bars I found there are AMAZING!!! So creamy. I found them above the frozen section.

I think this Tribe ranch hummus (yes vegan ranch!) came from Earth Fare because they had someone giving out samples. All their hummus were really good

Can't remember where I got these Harvest Stone Crackers (problem with waiting four months to do product reviews!) but they were really nice and sturdy which I like in a cracker ;)

Tried these Kite Hill fruit yogurts because they were on sale and I haven't liked the soy or coconut based ones. These are almond based and although they aren't perfect they are very creamy and taste close to the real thing. Toddler loved them as well!

Pretty sure I got these Terra Sweets & Beets chips from Solomon's Ventures and they were so good! We even had a guest at our cook out ask where we got them because they loved them so much. 

I don't know where to start with this Frik & Frak mariana sauce. I don't want to peek to soon but THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING MARIANA SAUCE I'VE EVER TASTED!!!!!! Seriously the first time my BFF brought it to me I ate the whole thing with a spoon, sad? Yes, but this is worse. I went and bought some myself and again proceeded to eat the whole thing with a spoon. That's very sad. It's from Lucky's Market and the only thing bad is that it's $8.99 so definitely an occasional treat...really the price is saving me from myself. Also it's almost got a seafood hint to it (somehow??) and so might be great for recreate seafood bisque or pasta dishes.

So I saw these Earth Balance Vegan Aged White Cheddar Flavor Puffs for the first time in Southern Roots Filling Station but then since have seen them at Earth Fare and Whole Foods Market. They are so addictive. They remind me of before I went vegan Quakers did these mini ranch rice snacks that went perfect with beer. This is an amazing substitute. I always say I'll just eat half the bag but always eat the whole thing. 

So recently Walmart started carrying Bolthouse Farms pea protein milk and charging less than the health stores so I was stoked because it's a staple in our house! I had to try the chocolate flavor and it was so good!!! Really thick and creamy.

UPDATE: Walmart doesn't seem to be carrying the large Bolthouse Farms milks anymore - BOO WALMART!!!! Back to Publix :(

After discovering Bolthouse farms at Walmart I also noticed that they have Milkadamia - macadamia based milks which taste really nice and are great for cooking since they are thicker that other nut milks but not as thick as coconut milk. And the taste is very mild.

So I've had Bobo's Bites before and I and toddler both love them so I thought I'd try the Apple Pie flavor. Pretty delicious I have to say! A little on the pricer side but for an occasional treat they are great. Like mini muffins, individually wrapped so great for on the go.

I quite like So Delicious products so I thought I'd try this Cheddar Jack shreds but they weren't the best. Probably on par with most of the shredded cheese on the market and didn't melt well. :(

I'm not sure who normally stocks these Reese Flavorful Artichoke Sauce but I found it at Solomon's Ventures and it was SO GOOD! It suggests for pizza or pasta but honestly it was great just as a dip with crackers. 

I had heard these SOL Cuisine Breakfast sausage patties were GF but I'd never seen then, now I'm seeing them everywhere and they are delicious!

Thanks to a recommendation on the Jacksonville Vegan/Vegetarian page I went to check out Hung Thinh Asian Supermarket on Normandy Ave, Jax and I was not disappointed!! They had all the fake meat you can think of and some of it was actually GF too! So here's what I got...

This was supposed to be faux chicken but it taste just like soy bean curd. Great for flaking into chicken noodle soup though!

I loved seafood before I went vegan so it's great to have a substitute occasional for certain recipes. I love these Mushroom Balls, and faux shrimp (sorry no pic!) and the faux fish pictured below in Thai Curry and Malaysian Laksa.

And the most important reason I went was for vegan ham!!

This first one with the Black Pepper was my favorite (the most expensive as well!).

This was my second favorite.

This one was ok.

I didn't love this one, it seemed to be injected with water or something, the consistency was a little too spongy.

Australia Trip - 2017

I was lucky enough to get to see family and friends this November in Sydney, Australia. It's my favourite time of year there, the Jacaranda trees are still in bloom, there is a plethora of flowers (I love the smell of Jasmine everywhere) and wildlife and the weather is perfect.

Here are the vegan eats and treats I found during my stay...

Places to Eat

The Australian Hotel - I usually like this place for two reason; they always have GF vegan options and they have a "Ladies Lounge" which is perfect when you have a toddler and don't want to disturb other patrons! I went twice this trip and they had two gluten free beers on offer, this Wilde one was pretty good and I had never seen it before.

They don't have a vegan pizza on the menu but you can ask them to make it for you, they might resist at first but they will make it ;)

Their fries/chips and garden salad are also delicious, my toddler definitely got a taste for pub chips while we were away!

I went into Chippendale (just near Central Station) to a friends gallery opening and had dinner afterwards at this charming little secret gem...Spice Alley! It's on Kensington St, off Broadway next to Central Park Towers which are pretty good in themselves with all their greenery!

Basically it's like a replica of Asian street food, so cute!!! There were a few different places with vegan options and you can bring you're own alcohol which you can get from Central Park Mall. 

IKU is always a great go to eatery when you're out and about. Dotted around Sydney in food courts it's 100% plant based and mostly GF as well. I love the Balls!

My dad took me to Last Train to Bombay and they are great with showing you what's vegan/GF on the menu and making things especially for you.

That impressive looking chickpea pancake is called Dosa.

Japanese is one of my favourites and HaNa Ju-Rin in Crows Nest was on the nicer end of the Japanese restaurant spectrum, quite a few vegan options though!

I had the avocado rolls, plum & cucumber rolls, edamame, spinach salad, Nasuden (eggplant) and maybe some sneaky sake ;)

The Sunflower Lounge on Spofforth St, Cremorne was a place we went to a couple of times because it was in walking distance of our house, was close to a fenced in kid's park, had a good selection of vegan/GF options and had a box of toys for the kids! I had the breakfast plate one morning and just asked them for all the sides and GF bread and the next time had the Falafel Plate that has quinoa falafel.

Oh Newtown, oh Newtown, you have my vegan heart! This is the vegan hub of Sydney and I'd been dying to visit Bliss & Chips and all vegan seafood take away. Almost everything on their menu was GF too, and really wasn't pricey.

I had (wait for it); Seafood Basket (2 fish cocktails, 2 calamaris, 1 crabstick), 2 garlic prawn skewers (AMAZING), 2 potato scallops, chips, tartare sauce and a vegan gozleme for later.

Gelato Blue in Newtown is now a completely vegan gelato place! It was seriously amazing! I can't remember the flavours I got and they don't have a website but from memory it was coconut, choc mint and the last one was a an amazing mix that had caramel in it.

Saw this sign outside a store - even though I didn't get any Coco Whip I was very excited LOL

I love Vegan's Choice grocery in Newtown, their vegan yum cha (dim sum) place next door called Green Gourmet is amazing too and does lots of GF options. 

They have vegan baked goods, their own vegan meats (the ham is still the best I've tasted) and a few pantry items. I got the vegan Jelly packets for my son's upcoming second birthday. I've been wanting to try the mushroom

THIS is the reason I trek to Newtown every time I'm in Sydney. The Vegan's Choice Vegan Fish Sauce is AMAZEBALLS! I just wish I could carry more of it home. It's so essential for making all your Thai favourites like Red/Yellow Curry and Pad Thai!

Was very impressed to see these posters on almost every bus I got on! Nice work Animal Liberation Australia!

Grocery Items

Very importantly, wine!

I tried these three wines while in OZ and I have to say I miss Aussie/NZ wine so much. The stuff they send to the States is miserable and I miss being able to just read the back of the label to know if it's vegan!!

My favourite was the Catalina Sounds (NZ) SB, but the No Evil (AUS) Organic SB & La Boheme (AUS) Pinot Gris were gorgeous too. I also had a lovely vegan SB at a wedding at Ripples, Chowder Bay while I was in Oz called Aramis Pinot Gris.

I love, and toddler loved these Fry's vegan GF chicken nuggets. I've had them before and begged the company to sell in the States were there aren't many GF vegan foods but to no avail :(

Taste Organic in Crows Nest have been carrying these Addiction Food GF vegan brownies for as long as I can remember (at least 8 years) and there's a reason. And it tells you why in the company name, they are SO addictive!

Got this Lo Bros Organic Kombucha on sale from IGA and it was really good, tasted like ginger beer so went down a treat!

My brother and sister-in-law always have me over for dinner while I'm visiting and are so sweet to get me a plethora of vegan items for my enjoyment. 

Dessert is of course a staple LOL

These Weiss Dairy Free Dark Chocolare & Coconut bars were heavenly!!!

They also got me these Smooze Coconut Milk based ice blocks too because I had loved them last time I was there. At least these are available in the States...in theory.

I got this Paw Paw Ointment from Aldi and it tasted horrible so probably fine for cuts/nappy rash etc but not nice for lips which is what I like Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment for. I know a lot of people don't like Lucas' because of the petroleum but I like the way it works. 

This Organic Suvana Paw Paw & Coconut Balm was recommended to me when I went into the pharmacy to get Lucas' well loved version. I didn't love it honestly, it was much thinner and oilier than Lucas'  and tasted sweet and I didn't like it on my lips at all. Back to old faithful!

Got these Syndian Curried Pumpkin Bites from either Coles or Woolworths. They felt a bit dry but other than that were fairly tasty. Toddler didn't like them though.

I've always loved this Japense style tofu by Soyco. It's just perfect for stir fries and my favourite Japanese Tofu & Carrot dish

Had a hard time finding something suitable for my toddler to drink but I did really like these Nutty Bruce organic nut milks, especially the almond/coconut blend which is what we normally like to drink by Califia Farms.

I found these Tasti Smooshed Wholefood Balls (from NZ) in Aldi or IGA (sorry I can't remember!!)

The Berry, Cashew & Cacao were my favourite - tasted like Cherry Ripe bars, definitely going to try to replicate!

Found these Moser Roth dark chocolates in Aldi - LOVED orange almond - so creamy! I loved that inside it wasn't a block but individually wrapped portions. Not very environmental of me, I know but it made it easier for travel!

Found these Blackstone Gourmet Snack Co. Rosemary & Garlic kettle chips at Aldi - SO GOOD!!!!

Choceur Mint Thins from Aldi - these do contain a small amount of gluten but I decided to take the risk and they were so amazing!

These Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips, Nacho Flavour were from Woolworths. So delicious. Can't remember when I last had cheesy corn chips!

Vege Deli Crisps - Chia tasted like prawn crackers to me. Really addictive! From Woolworths also.

These are the vegan cheeses I go while in Australia from IGA, Coles and Woolworths.

Bio Cheese is always good, a nice block/sliced cheese for sandwiches or crackers. 

Sprout & Kernel tree nut cheese - Herb Nut Cheese was a nice spreadable cheese from Thomas Dux.

I don't remember where I got the Follow Your Heart Parmesan but I prefer the shredded version they have in the States.

With cheese must go a fruit paste of course! This Tuckers Fruit Paste from IGA was even marked vegan and had two separate serves which was great.

Toddler/Baby Items

The Baby Puffs went down fairly well but he wasn't loving the Rice cakes, not sure why. They were overly sweet which maybe he didn't like as much as savoury.

I always eat my body weight in vegan chocolate biscuits when I'm back in my homeland because the States really doesn't offer anything like these in terms of gluten free & vegan. The Woolworths brand is now doing a Tim Tam, Mint Slice & Oreo version and of course the go to is always Leda's version of Tim Tams and Mint Slice (IGA) which I prefer but only slightly ;)

I ALWAYS get Suzy Spoons vegan meats when I'm in Sydney. They are now available in a few health stores which is where I got mine but honestly at the prices they were charging it would have been cheaper to buy them directly from Suzy and pay the postage costs! Live and Learn! And eat lots of delicious vegan food ;)

A friend bought me these Blooming Beautiful bath bombs by Lush which was very sweet and were marked "vegan" :)

I saw someone post about these Alternative Meat Co. faux meats from Woolworths so I thought I'd give them a try. They are already pre-flavoured. I didn't love any of them because of the texture but the seasonings they used were nice. I think my preference would be the chicken, followed by the beef. I think the shredded pork should be left to mushroom or jackfruit!

Hand luggage full of snacks!!