The Convenient Vegan

As I unpacked my groceries from my monthly “stock up” trip to Clark’s Nutrition Center yesterday, I noted how ironic it is that my shopping trip to a health food store was done mainly because they carry the vegan convenience foods that I can’t find easily anywhere else.

It’s true! When I shop closer to home, I make the rounds, looking for the best selection and the best prices as much as possible. Fresh and organic produce from Sprouts, a variety of items from Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s only because it is a mile from my house and carries a modest selection of vegan items (at exorbitant prices–$6.99 for Daiya!), Von’s, Stater Brothers, and even Target (they have Silk Soy Creamer for $1.39-compare that to $2.99 at Ralph’s!).

But, when I want a store that carries it all, I head the few miles out of my way and go to Clark’s. While certainly not inexpensive, most of their prices for organic produce, flours and grains, spices, and other necessities are at least competitive. So I found myself at Clark’s yesterday, not for the full board shopping trip, but to stock up on items that can’t be found elsewhere in the Valley. Like:

Gardein Chick’n Filets, perfect for veganizing any chicken recipe (like Chick’n Cacciatore!)

Daiya,  cheddar and mozzarella, my favorite vegan cheese, great for pizza, quesadillas, burgers (I could go on and on) at a full $2.00 less than Ralph’s prices. I did not by the pepper jack, not because I don’t love it, but because even I have my limits.

Follow Your Heart Creamy Garlic Dressing. I frequently make my own salad dressing, but I love this and it’s great to have on hand

Westsoy Seitan. Yes, I can make my own. But, like the dressing, sometimes it is nice to have it ready to go.

I also bought this:

Isabella’s V-Chip Cookie. Which is what you do when you are hungry at the grocery store and by the checkout line they have cookies that have a big V on them (and they were totally worth it, too). Note: Not all their varieties are vegan.

And my new fave treat:

Alan found the Trader Joe’s brand of these little ice cream sandwiches, which were good, so I just had to try the So Delicious version. Yes, they were good, too.

Just in case you think that all I purchased was vegan junk food, this was also in my grocery bag:

I guess what I’m saying is, that sometimes it is okay to be a convenient vegan. As long as you eat a variety of foods, focus on fresh, unprocessed choices, it won’t hurt to add a little Daiya to your life now and then. Plus sometimes you start with a little prepared seitan, add lots of fresh veggies, beans, rice, sprinkle with a little Daiya and wrap it all in a warm tortilla, you end up with whole food. (Recipe for that seitan burrito.)