Is This Vegan?

50+ Plant-Based Swaps You Can Find at Whole Foods

Is This Vegan?

50+ Plant-Based Swaps You Can Find at Whole Foods

Is This Vegan?

50+ Plant-Based Swaps You Can Find at Whole Foods

Your Guide to the Best Vegan Swaps at
Whole Foods Market

Whether you’re hopping on the Veganuary band wagon or are just considering a more plant-centric diet, one of your first questions may be about where to find plant-based alternatives. If you’re seeking unique, delectable vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than Whole Foods Market.

With aisles of cheeses, milk, burgers, sausages, bacon, and egg replacements — all made from plants — Whole Foods has something to offer for every plant-based palate. Let’s explore why so many people are moving toward a plant-based diet, and explore some of the Whole Foods vegan products you’ll find so you can start planning your trip.

Your Guide to the Best Vegan Swaps at Whole Foods Market

Your Guide to the Best Vegan Swaps at
Whole Foods Market

Whether you’re hopping on the Veganuary band wagon or are just considering a more plant-centric diet, one of your first questions may be about where to find plant-based alternatives. If you’re seeking unique, delectable vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than Whole Foods Market.

With aisles of cheeses, milk, burgers, sausages, bacon, and egg replacements — all made from plants — Whole Foods has something to offer for every plant-based palate. Let’s explore why so many people are moving toward a plant-based diet, and explore some of the Whole Foods vegan products you’ll find so you can start planning your trip.

Whether you’re hopping on the Veganuary band wagon or are just considering a more plant-centric diet, one of your first questions may be about where to find plant-based alternatives. If you’re seeking unique, delectable vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than Whole Foods Market.

With aisles of cheeses, milk, burgers, sausages, bacon, and egg replacements — all made from plants — Whole Foods has something to offer for every plant-based palate. Let’s explore why so many people are moving toward a plant-based diet, and explore some of the Whole Foods vegan products you’ll find so you can start planning your trip.

Your Guide to the Best Vegan Swaps at Whole Foods Market

Your Guide to the Best Vegan Swaps at Whole Foods Market

Whether you’re hopping on the Veganuary band wagon or are just considering a more plant-centric diet, one of your first questions may be about where to find plant-based alternatives. If you’re seeking unique, delectable vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than Whole Foods Market.

With aisles of cheeses, milk, burgers, sausages, bacon, and egg replacements — all made from plants — Whole Foods has something to offer for every plant-based palate. Let’s explore why so many people are moving toward a plant-based diet, and explore some of the Whole Foods vegan products you’ll find so you can start planning your trip.

Whether you’re hopping on the Veganuary band wagon or are just considering a more plant-centric diet, one of your first questions may be about where to find plant-based alternatives. If you’re seeking unique, delectable vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than Whole Foods Market.

With aisles of cheeses, milk, burgers, sausages, bacon, and egg replacements — all made from plants — Whole Foods has something to offer for every plant-based palate. Let’s explore why so many people are moving toward a plant-based diet, and explore some of the Whole Foods vegan products you’ll find so you can start planning your trip.

Why Plant-Based?

People have been vegan for decades, but a more widespread and inclusive plant-based movement has evolved more recently. While many people are still adopting a fully vegan diet, many others are getting their toes wet with Meatless Monday. Countless others would say they subscribe to a flexitarian or predominantly plant-based way of eating that allows for personal variation.

But why are so many people ditching animal products in the first place? Most people who are switching to plants will tell you that they did so for at least one of three main reasons: to improve their personal health, practice environmental stewardship with their food choices, or support animal welfare.

There’s plenty of evidence to show that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk for, or even reverse, a number of chronic health conditions. Industrial animal agriculture harms the environment through its natural resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, not eating animals means animal lives are spared from the modern food system.

If this piques your interest, keep reading to discover just how far plant-based food has come with these Whole Foods vegan swaps!

Why Plant-Based?

People have been vegan for decades, but a more widespread and inclusive plant-based movement has evolved more recently. While many people are still adopting a fully vegan diet, many others are getting their toes wet with Meatless Monday. Countless others would say they subscribe to a flexitarian or predominantly plant-based way of eating that allows for personal variation.

But why are so many people ditching animal products in the first place? Most people who are switching to plants will tell you that they did so for at least one of three main reasons: to improve their personal health, practice environmental stewardship with their food choices, or support animal welfare.

There’s plenty of evidence to show that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk for, or even reverse, a number of chronic health conditions. Industrial animal agriculture harms the environment through its natural resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, not eating animals means animal lives are spared from the modern food system.

If this piques your interest, keep reading to discover just how far plant-based food has come with these Whole Foods vegan swaps!

Plant-based milk you can find at Whole foods
Egg Salad sandwich with Vegan Eggs from Whole foods Market

Plant-Based Dairy

There’s no lack of vegan milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, or condiments at Whole Foods Market.

Plant Milk

Dairy is a far cry from the only milk option anymore. Plant milks made using soy, rice, almond, oat, coconut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, and even peas are becoming easier to find. These are naturally lactose-free and come in unsweetened, sweetened plain, vanilla, and chocolate varieties.

Give these plant milks from Whole Foods a try:

- Oatly Original Oat Milk
- West Soy Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk
- Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
- NotCo NotMilk 2% Plant Based Milk Alternative
- Ripple Original Plant Based Milk

Plant-based milk you can find at Whole foods
Egg Salad sandwich with Vegan Eggs from Whole foods Market

Plant-Based Egg Replacers

You may be surprised to learn just how many great options there are for vegan eggs today. While they’re not the same as a conventional egg with a white and a yolk, vegan egg replacements can still be used to make an omelet and bake muffins, depending on which kind you buy. Some are liquids made with legumes like mung beans, while others are dry and best used in baking recipes.

Whole Foods carries several varieties of plant-based eggs, including:

- Just Egg
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Egg Replacer
- Hodo Vegan All-Day Egg Scramble

Vegan Cheese

Free from animal products, vegan cheeses are made from ingredients like cashews, almonds, seeds, soy, coconut, and legumes. You can find gouda, Swiss, provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, and more. These are suitable for plant-based diets and people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy — just check the ingredient label if you have other allergies.

Some of the best Whole Foods vegan cheese swaps include:

- Kite Hill Plain Almond Milk Cream Cheese Style Spread
- Miyoko's Creamery Fresh VeganMozz Artisan Cheese
- Violife Just Like Smoked Provolone Slices
- Daiya Cutting Board Cheddar Shreds
- Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles

Plant Butter

Vegan butter is made with plant oils, such as coconut, olive, avocado, and palm oil.

Unlike dairy butter, vegan butter is free from cholesterol, lactose, and trans fat. You can use them in the same ways, such as baking, sautéing, and spreading on toast.

Whole Foods carries these vegan butters:

- Miyoko's Creamery Organic Salted Vegan Butter
- Kite Hill European Style Plant-Based Butter
- Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread 

Plant-Based Yogurt

Just as plant milks have taken over the refrigerators at stores, plant-based yogurts have established themselves nicely in the dairy coolers. Instead of cow’s milk, these yogurts crafted with plant-based milks like soy, oat, rice, cashew, almond, and coconut. Many still provide the protein and active probiotic cultures you may seek in a yogurt snack. Plus, they come in all the tasty flavors you’re used to, and more.

Here are some of the plant yogurts carried at Whole Foods:

- Siggi's Plant-Based Coconut Blend, Mixed Berry
- So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Yogurt Alternative, Vanilla
- Kite Hill Strawberry Almond Milk Yogurt
- Forager Project Organic Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt, Blueberry

Plant-Based Dairy

There’s no lack of vegan milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, or condiments at Whole Foods Market.

Plant Milk

Plant-based milk you can find at Whole foods

Dairy is a far cry from the only milk option anymore. Plant milks made using soy, rice, almond, oat, coconut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, and even peas are becoming easier to find. These are naturally lactose-free and come in unsweetened, sweetened plain, vanilla, and chocolate varieties.

Give these plant milks from Whole Foods a try:

- Oatly Original Oat Milk
- West Soy Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk
- Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
- NotCo NotMilk 2% Plant Based Milk Alternative
- Ripple Original Plant Based Milk

Plant-Based Egg Replacers

Egg Salad sandwich with Vegan Eggs from Whole foods Market

You may be surprised to learn just how many great options there are for vegan eggs today. While they’re not the same as a conventional egg with a white and a yolk, vegan egg replacements can still be used to make an omelet and bake muffins, depending on which kind you buy. Some are liquids made with legumes like mung beans, while others are dry and best used in baking recipes.

Whole Foods carries several varieties of plant-based eggs, including:

- Just Egg
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Egg Replacer
- Hodo Vegan All-Day Egg Scramble

Vegan Cheese

Free from animal products, vegan cheeses are made from ingredients like cashews, almonds, seeds, soy, coconut, and legumes. You can find gouda, Swiss, provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, and more. These are suitable for plant-based diets and people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy — just check the ingredient label if you have other allergies.

Some of the best Whole Foods vegan cheese swaps include:

- Kite Hill Plain Almond Milk Cream Cheese Style Spread
- Miyoko's Creamery Fresh VeganMozz Artisan Cheese
- Violife Just Like Smoked Provolone Slices
- Daiya Cutting Board Cheddar Shreds
- Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles

Plant Butter

Vegan butter is made with plant oils, such as coconut, olive, avocado, and palm oil.

Unlike dairy butter, vegan butter is free from cholesterol, lactose, and trans fat. You can use them in the same ways, such as baking, sautéing, and spreading on toast.

Whole Foods carries these vegan butters:

- Miyoko's Creamery Organic Salted Vegan Butter
- Kite Hill European Style Plant-Based Butter
- Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread 

Plant-Based Yogurt

Just as plant milks have taken over the refrigerators at stores, plant-based yogurts have established themselves nicely in the dairy coolers. Instead of cow’s milk, these yogurts crafted with plant-based milks like soy, oat, rice, cashew, almond, and coconut. Many still provide the protein and active probiotic cultures you may seek in a yogurt snack. Plus, they come in all the tasty flavors you’re used to, and more.

Here are some of the plant yogurts carried at Whole Foods:

- Siggi's Plant-Based Coconut Blend, Mixed Berry
- So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Yogurt Alternative, Vanilla
- Kite Hill Strawberry Almond Milk Yogurt
- Forager Project Organic Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt, Blueberry

Plant-based and Vegan Meats Alternatives at Whole Foods

Look no further than prepared meatless meats for meat alternatives that require minimal prep. While fat content varies depending on the types of oils used, meatless meats tend to be high in protein and fiber. 

- Lightlife Organic Smoky Bacon Tempeh Strips
- Tofurky Oven Roasted Plant-Based Deli Slices
- El Burrito Organic Meatless Soy Chorizo
- Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
- Field Roast Classic Smoked Plant-Based Frankfurters
- Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Tenders
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Meatless Plant-Based Meatballs

Pronounced “say-tahn”, seitan is a meat alternative made with vital wheat gluten, the primary protein in wheat. This means it’s not suitable for people with a wheat allergy or who require a gluten-free diet.

However, seitan is high in protein and low in fat and calories. It has a chewy texture and savory flavor that make it work well in place of beef, pork, and chicken in many recipes. You can find both plain and flavored seitan, sold in chunks, strips, and even deli slices.

- Upton's Naturals Italian Seitan
- Upton's Naturals Chorizo Seitan
- Sweet Earth Traditional Seitan Strips

Meat Alternatives

Plant-based protein alternatives have come a long way over the years.  Gone are the days when beans and tofu are your only options. Most of today’s meatless meats are made using soy, wheat, and pea protein, and are designed to have a similar texture and flavor to their animal-based counterparts.

Whether you are craving burgers, sausage, bacon or chicken tenders - you can find a plant-based alternative at Whole Foods Market.

Plant-based and Vegan Meats Alternatives at Whole Foods

Meatless Meat

Look no further than prepared meatless meats for meat alternatives that require minimal prep. While fat content varies depending on the types of oils used, meatless meats tend to be high in protein and fiber. 

- Lightlife Organic Smoky Bacon Tempeh Strips
- Tofurky Oven Roasted Plant-Based Deli Slices
- El Burrito Organic Meatless Soy Chorizo
- Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
- Field Roast Classic Smoked Plant-Based Frankfurters
- Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Tenders
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Meatless Plant-Based Meatballs

Seitan

Pronounced “say-tahn”, seitan is a meat alternative made with vital wheat gluten, the primary protein in wheat. This means it’s not suitable for people with a wheat allergy or who require a gluten-free diet.

However, seitan is high in protein and low in fat and calories. It has a chewy texture and savory flavor that make it work well in place of beef, pork, and chicken in many recipes. You can find both plain and flavored seitan, sold in chunks, strips, and even deli slices.

- Upton's Naturals Italian Seitan
- Upton's Naturals Chorizo Seitan
- Sweet Earth Traditional Seitan Strips

Meat Alternatives

Plant-based protein alternatives have come a long way over the years.  Gone are the days when beans and tofu are your only options. Most of today’s meatless meats are made using soy, wheat, and pea protein, and are designed to have a similar texture and flavor to their animal-based counterparts.

Whether you are craving burgers, sausage, bacon or chicken tenders - you can find a plant-based alternative at Whole Foods Market.

Plant-based and Vegan Meats Alternatives at Whole Foods

Meatless Meat

Look no further than prepared meatless meats for meat alternatives that require minimal prep. While fat content varies depending on the types of oils used, meatless meats tend to be high in protein and fiber. 

- Lightlife Organic Smoky Bacon Tempeh Strips
- Tofurky Oven Roasted Plant-Based Deli Slices
- El Burrito Organic Meatless Soy Chorizo
- Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
- Field Roast Classic Smoked Plant-Based Frankfurters
- Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Tenders
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Meatless Plant-Based Meatballs

Seitan

Pronounced “say-tahn”, seitan is a meat alternative made with vital wheat gluten, the primary protein in wheat. This means it’s not suitable for people with a wheat allergy or who require a gluten-free diet.

However, seitan is high in protein and low in fat and calories. It has a chewy texture and savory flavor that make it work well in place of beef, pork, and chicken in many recipes. You can find both plain and flavored seitan, sold in chunks, strips, and even deli slices.

- Upton's Naturals Italian Seitan
- Upton's Naturals Chorizo Seitan
- Sweet Earth Traditional Seitan Strips

Vegan Chips you can finds at Wholefoods
Vegan protein shakes you can finds at Wholefoods

Plant-Based Snacks

Salty Snacks

If you’re a crunchy snack fan, veggie puffs, roasted chickpeas, and legume crisps are here to help. Many of these are made with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and legumes like peas, chickpeas, and edamame, providing fiber and protein.

They don’t disappoint when it comes to flavor and texture, including ranch, BBQ, and nacho cheese.

- Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs
- Siete Nacho Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
- LesserEvil Organic No Cheddar Paleo Puffs
- Saffron Road Organic Sea Salt Crunchy Chickpeas
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Rosemary & Sea Salt
- Quinn Cheezy Style Filled Pretzel Nuggets
- Enjoy Life Foods Dill and Sour Cream Lentil Chips

Vegan Chips you can finds at Wholefoods
Vegan protein shakes you can finds at Wholefoods

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are a nice option between meals, after a workout, or when you need a quick breakfast on the go. Vegan protein shakes are made with plant protein from soy, pea, and hemp and come in flavors like chocolate, mint, berry, and peanut butter.

And don’t worry — vegan protein shakes still pack just as much protein as most of their dairy-based counterparts.

Whole Foods carries several varieties of ready-to-drink vegan protein shakes, as well as vegan protein powders for smoothies:

- Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean
- Koia Ready To Drink Plant Protein Shakes
- OWYN Pro Elite High Protein Shakes
- Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein, Chocolate

Plant-Based Snacks

Vegan Chips you can finds at Wholefoods

Salty Snacks

If you’re a crunchy snack fan, veggie puffs, roasted chickpeas, and legume crisps are here to help. Many of these are made with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and legumes like peas, chickpeas, and edamame, providing fiber and protein.

They don’t disappoint when it comes to flavor and texture, including ranch, BBQ, and nacho cheese.

- Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs
- Siete Nacho Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
- LesserEvil Organic No Cheddar Paleo Puffs
- Saffron Road Organic Sea Salt Crunchy Chickpeas
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Rosemary & Sea Salt
- Quinn Cheezy Style Filled Pretzel Nuggets
- Enjoy Life Foods Dill and Sour Cream Lentil Chips

Vegan protein shakes you can finds at Wholefoods

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are a nice option between meals, after a workout, or when you need a quick breakfast on the go. Vegan protein shakes are made with plant protein from soy, pea, and hemp and come in flavors like chocolate, mint, berry, and peanut butter.

And don’t worry — vegan protein shakes still pack just as much protein as most of their dairy-based counterparts.

Whole Foods carries several varieties of ready-to-drink vegan protein shakes, as well as vegan protein powders for smoothies:

- Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean
- Koia Ready To Drink Plant Protein Shakes
- OWYN Pro Elite High Protein Shakes
- Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein, Chocolate

Hail Merry Vegan Key Lime Pie Cups in front of Whole Foods Market
Plant-based and Vegan Sweet Treats like ice cream and Hail Merry dessert cups

Plant-Based Sweets

Tiny Treats

Individual-sized desserts are a great joy in life. Lucky for you, there’s also a growing number of vegan options. Whether you’re craving chocolate bars or candy, plant-based options are a plenty.

Give these tiny vegan treats a try:

- Hail Merry Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
- Hail Merry Key Lime Pie Cups - Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
- Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar
- Dandies Vegan Marshmallows

Hail Merry Vegan Key Lime Pie Cups in front of Whole Foods Market
Plant-based and Vegan Sweet Treats like ice cream and Hail Merry dessert cups

Vegan Ice Cream

Between their unique flavors, creamy texture, and ethical production, vegan ice cream never disappoints. In place of cow’s milk, vegan ice cream contains soy, coconut, oat, almond, rice, or cashew milk. Find every flavor you can imagine, ranging from mint chocolate chip to Neapolitan to cookies and cream.

You won’t want to miss these vegan ice creams at Whole Foods:

- So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut milk Frozen Dessert
- Ben & Jerry's Netflix & Chilll'd Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
- Van Leeuwen Sicilian Pistachio Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
- Oatly Fudge Brownie Frozen Dessert

Plant-Based Sweets

Hail Merry Vegan Key Lime Pie Cups in front of Whole Foods Market

Tiny Treats

Individual-sized desserts are a great joy in life. Lucky for you, there’s also a growing number of vegan options. Whether you’re craving chocolate bars or candy, plant-based options are a plenty.

Give these tiny vegan treats a try:

- Hail Merry Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
- Hail Merry Key Lime Pie Cups - Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
- Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar
- Dandies Vegan Marshmallows

Plant-based and Vegan Sweet Treats like ice cream and Hail Merry dessert cups

Vegan Ice Cream

Between their unique flavors, creamy texture, and ethical production, vegan ice cream never disappoints. In place of cow’s milk, vegan ice cream contains soy, coconut, oat, almond, rice, or cashew milk. Find every flavor you can imagine, ranging from mint chocolate chip to Neapolitan to cookies and cream.

You won’t want to miss these vegan ice creams at Whole Foods:

- So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut milk Frozen Dessert
- Ben & Jerry's Netflix & Chilll'd Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
- Van Leeuwen Sicilian Pistachio Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
- Oatly Fudge Brownie Frozen Dessert

Next time you’re out and about, stop at Whole Foods Market to stock up on all your newest plant-based favorites. Aisle by aisle, you can easily find dairy products, meats, snacks, and desserts that are entirely made with plants instead of animal-derived ingredients.

Whether you’re new to a plant-based diet or simply looking for new plant-based items, Whole Foods is a one-stop shop. 

References

Melina V, Craig W, Levin S. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(12):1970-1980. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025

Craig WJ, Mangels AR, Fresán U, et al. The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4144. doi:10.3390/nu13114144

Back to the Blog

Whole Foods Market Makes Going Vegan Easy

Next time you’re out and about, stop at Whole Foods Market to stock up on all your newest plant-based favorites. Aisle by aisle, you can easily find dairy products, meats, snacks, and desserts that are entirely made with plants instead of animal-derived ingredients.

Whether you’re new to a plant-based diet or simply looking for new plant-based items, Whole Foods is a one-stop shop. 

References

Melina V, Craig W, Levin S. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(12):1970-1980. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025

Craig WJ, Mangels AR, Fresán U, et al. The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4144. doi:10.3390/nu13114144

Back to the Blog

Whole Foods Market Makes Going Vegan Easy

Next time you’re out and about, stop at Whole Foods Market to stock up on all your newest plant-based favorites. Aisle by aisle, you can easily find dairy products, meats, snacks, and desserts that are entirely made with plants instead of animal-derived ingredients.

Whether you’re new to a plant-based diet or simply looking for new plant-based items, Whole Foods is a one-stop shop. 

References

Melina V, Craig W, Levin S. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(12):1970-1980. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025

Craig WJ, Mangels AR, Fresán U, et al. The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4144. doi:10.3390/nu13114144

Back to the Blog
Back to the Blog

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