If you love sweet-and-sour tofu, this recipe delivers the same sticky, flavorful sauce with tender tofu and caramelized pineapple. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this plant-based meal is high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PINEAPPLE TOFU

• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
• Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor
• Better than takeout tofu at home
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Packed with plant-based protein
• Easy to customize with veggies or spice
• Add the sauce to Kid Friendly Tofu Bites (tofu for kids)
• Create Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls ( think meal prep!).

🧠 TOFU BASICS

What is tofu?

Tofu is a plant-based protein made from soybeans. It’s naturally gluten-free and absorbs the flavors of sauces and seasonings, making it perfect for recipes like pineapple ginger tofu.

Tofu is generally made by:

• Soaking soybeans in water, then blending them up.
• Straining out the pulp leaves you with soy milk.
• Adding a coagulant (lemon juice works well) to curdle the milk and create curds.
• Straining again and keeping the solids.
• Pressing the curds to create a block of tofu.

What type of tofu should I use?

For this recipe, extra-firm tofu works best. It holds its shape when frying and creates a better texture when coated in sauce.

There are many types of tofu, but here are the ones that you will probably see at the store.

• Silken Tofu -Silken tofu is made differently than block tofu, in that the soy milk is coagulated, but without curds forming. This means the end product is smooth, with no lumps or bumps. These tofu styles require delicate handling to avoid turning it to mush.
• Firm Block Tofu - Slightly softer than extra-firm, firm block tofu is a very versatile style that will hold up to most types of cooking. Try it fried, stuffed, boiled, or pan-fried in any savory dish.
• Extra Firm Block Tofu -This tofu is, as its name suggests, the firmest and heartiest of the block tofu varieties. The curds are tightly pressed together, and the tofu is chewy and dense. Extra-firm tofu is the best choice if you’d like to make crispy, fried tofu, or for any meal that requires a hearty bite.

How do you prepare tofu?

To prepare tofu:

• Remove excess moisture by pressing it
• Cut into even cubes
• Cook until lightly golden before adding the sauce

This helps the tofu absorb flavor and improve texture.

Pressing Your Tofu

• Press your tofu block, regardless of how you choose to cook it.
• Start with firm or extra-firm block tofu, and before adding heat, remove some of the liquid.
• If the tofu is too liquidy, you won’t get good browning or any crispiness – and you definitely want both in your final dish!
• This step takes about 15 minutes if you’re using a tofu press.

I use an EZ Tofu Press to press my tofu before I cook it. I’ve had mine for years, and it is by far my favorite kitchen tool. This press is unique in that it is made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, so it won’t rust and will keep pressing for years to come.

Reasons WHY I LOVE my EZ Tofu Press:

• It can press virtually all sizes of firm and extra-firm tofu.
• The pressing can be achieved in 15 minutes or less. (Talk about a huge time saver!)  
• The press is substantially faster than spring-based tofu presses.
• The press is easy to clean!

You can pick up your own on Amazon. I promise you’ll love it! ❤

🛒 INGREDIENTS

• Extra firm tofu – best for holding its shape after pressing and frying
• Coconut aminos – gives the sauce savory depth while keeping it gluten-free
• Pineapple juice and pineapple chunks – add fruity sweetness and bright flavor
• Maple syrup – balances the savory and tangy notes
• Fresh ginger – adds the bold ginger flavor that defines the dish
• Gluten-free flour or cornstarch – thickens the sauce
• Cooked rice – makes this a complete gluten-free dinner
• Option for toppings: Cilantro, Sesame Seeds and Diced Green Onion

The sauce on this pineapple ginger tofu is delicious. It is simple to make and just might bring back some memories from your meat-eating days. (If you used to consume meat:  Think pineapple ginger chicken, but a vegan way!)

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE GINGER TOFU

1. Press the tofu

Press extra-firm tofu for 10–12 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the pineapple ginger sauce

Blend together until smooth in a blender:

• water
• coconut aminos
• pineapple juice
• pineapple chunks
• maple syrup
• fresh ginger

3. Cook the tofu

Cut tofu into cubes and cook in oil until lightly golden on all sides.

4. Thicken the sauce

Heat the sauce in a pan, then whisk in cornstarch until thickened.

5. Combine

Add tofu to the sauce and toss until fully coated.

6. Serve

Serve warm over cooked rice and add toppings as desired.

🔥 TEXTURE TIP

For better texture, cook tofu in a single layer so it browns evenly before adding the sauce.

🍍Pineapple Ginger Tofu Tips

• The exact amount of juice and pineapple chunks equals one snack-sized (pre-made) cup of pineapple. Think kid snacks!
• Learn more about how tofu is made (even try it at home if you like!) and what the different types of tofu mean. Understanding Tofu – a beginner's guide
• Read about the health benefits of adding tofu to your meal plan. Benefits of Tofu
• Tofu is gluten-free. Tofu is made from soy. You need to always read ingredient labels just to double-check. If you are purchasing tofu with added flavorings, you might find some hidden gluten! Just be a label-reading watchdog, and you should be fine! As always, shoot me a message if you need help!

Pin this pineapple ginger tofu for later:

🍽️ WHAT TO SERVE WITH PINEAPPLE GINGER TOFU

This gluten-free tofu dinner pairs perfectly with:

• White or brown rice
• Quinoa
• Simple vegetables

❓ FAQ

Is pineapple ginger tofu gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free when made with coconut aminos.

What type of tofu works best?

Extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape during cooking.

How do you thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks and juice work well in this recipe.

How do I improve tofu texture?

Pressing the tofu and cooking it until lightly golden helps improve texture.

⁉Check out these easy tofu recipes:

• Orange Tofu
• Sweet and Sour Tofu
• Sweet Thai Chili Tofu Bowls (think meal prep!)
• Buffalo Tofu Bites
• BBQ Tofu Marinade
• Kid Friendly Tofu Bites (tofu for kids)
• Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls ( think meal prep!)

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! If you make this recipe, I'd love for you to give it a quick review and star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

Don't forget to subscribe to our EMAIL newsletter.

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Pineapple Ginger Tofu

Pineapple Ginger Tofu is a vegan play on a pineapple ginger chicken recipe. This tofu recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword pineapple ginger tofu

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 141kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

• 1 EZ Tofu Press

Ingredients

• block tofu extra firm
• 2 T oil for frying
• ½ c water
• ½ c coconut aminos
• ¼ c pineapple juice
• ¼ c pineapple chunks
• 1 T maple syrup
• 1 T flour gluten free or cornstarch
• 3 c rice cooked
• 1 inch fresh ginger peeled

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Press your tofu using the tofu press for 10-12 minutes. Turning the knobs tighter every 4 minutes.
• Place the water, coconut aminos, pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, maple syrup and ginger  (peeled) into a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Once tofu has been pressed, cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat over in pan over medium heat and fry until golden brown on each side.
• Using a new pan heat sauce ingredients, whisk in flour (or cornstarch) until smooth.  Heat until sauce thickens.
• Place cooked tofu cubes into the sauce pan. Toss gently to coat.
• Divide cooked rice into 4 plates, then divide tofu onto plates.  Top with optional toppings if you wish. ENJOY

Notes

Pineapple Ginger Tofu Tips

• The exact amount of juice and pineapple chunks is equal to ONE snack sized (pre-made) cup of pineapples.  Think kid snacks!
• Learn more about how tofu is made (even try it at home if you like!) and what the different types of tofu mean. Understanding Tofu – a beginners guide
• Read about the health benefits of adding tofu into your meal plan. Benefits of Tofu
• Tofu is gluten-free. Tofu is made from soy. You need to always read ingredient labels just to double check. If you are purchasing a tofu that has added flavorings, you might find some hidden gluten! Just be a label reading watch dog and you should be fine! As always, shoot me a message if you need help!

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 681mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Let's talk! Drop me a comment below to let me know if you've had pineapple ginger sauce before.

The post Pineapple Tofu (Sweet & Savory, Gluten-Free + Easy Dinner Recipe) appeared first on .

Looking for a delicious lentil and rice dish packed with flavor? You won't want to miss out on this! 

This Judara recipe is our Americanized take on the delicious Middle Eastern lentil-and-rice dish, traditionally Mujadara.

The dish is both filling and satisfying, thanks to the hearty combination of lentils and fluffy rice. The vibrant cucumber-tomato salad served alongside adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the lentils. Together, these elements create a delightful harmony that has become one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations!

What I love about this lentil and rice dish is its versatility. It's perfect for any time of the year! In the summer, you can incorporate garden herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. In the winter, it offers a warm, hearty meal!

Preparing this meal is quick and effortless, making it a perfect choice for busy days. Once you savor the first bite, you'll find yourself craving more, likely returning for seconds, thirds, and possibly even fourths.

Lentils and Rice - Variation with Carmelized Onions

Another way to enhance your lentils-and-rice dish is to use caramelized onions instead of cucumbers and tomatoes, which more closely resemble the traditional Lebanese recipe.

Lentils and rice are supposed to be a really basic dish with few steps. The Lemon Bowl has the complete recipe. 

Steps for making Judara (lentils and rice)

1. Prepare the lentils and rice per the package directions. Alternatively, you can cook both at the same time in a rice cooker.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft.
3. When rice and lentils are done cooking, stir them with the sautéed onions.
4. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice.
5. When plating this dish, put the lentil-rice mixture on the bottom and top with the tomato salad.

Can you add more spices to this lentil and rice recipe?

You absolutely can do that. It will change the flavor, but trust me, it will still be delicious. For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper or top it with freshly chopped jalapeños.

Do you use brown rice or white rice for this recipe?

You should choose any type of rice that you enjoy. Brown rice is undoubtedly the healthier option, while white rice delivers a delightful stickiness. I recommend trying both to discover which one you like best!

What else can you serve with this lentil and rice meal?

While it makes an already complete meal pretty much on its own, you can always add in some of these great dishes to complement:

• Cheesy Olive Bread
• Medeterian Quinoa Salad
• White Bean and Kale Soup

Don't forget to leave a bit of room for dessert as well! These Soft and Chewy Air Fryer Cookies (Gluten Free) recipe just might be your new favorite treat! 

How to Make Middle Eastern Lentils and Rice

Here’s our recipe! We’re using the Americanized name of Judara, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely incredible. This dish is quick to prepare, so by the time the rice and lentils are fully cooked, dinner will be ready. If you enjoy yogurt and don’t have a dairy restriction, don’t hesitate to add a generous dollop of yogurt to your bowl before topping it with cucumber and tomatoes. Enjoy!

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Judara - Our take on middle eastern lentils and rice

Judara is our Americanized take on the delicious middle eastern lentil and rice dish which is typically called Mujadara.

This dish is very hearty with the lentil and rice combination. The cucumber tomato salad that dresses the lentils elevates the dish.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword Judara

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 416kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

• 1 Rice Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 ½ c lentils
• ½ c rice
• 2 medium onions diced
• 1 T Olive Oil
• 2 c tomatoes diced
• 1 ½ c cucumber diced
• 4 T fresh mint leaves diced
• 4 T parsley diced
• juice of one lemon

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Prepare the lentils and rice per the package directions. Alternatively, you can cook both at the same time in a rice cooker.
• In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Saute the diced onions until warm.
• When rice and lentils are done cooking stir with sauteed onions.
• In a small bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber, herbs and lemon juice.
• When plating this dish, put the lentil rice mixture on the bottom and top with the tomato salad.
• ENJOY!

Notes

Notes: 

• If you don't have a dairy restriction, add a dollop before you add the tomato salad. 

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 1090mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1235IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 7mg

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! If you make this recipe, I'd love for you to give it a quick review and star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

Don't forget to subscribe to our EMAIL newsletter.

More Allergy-Friendly Recipes

Looking for other allergy-friendly recipes? All of our recipes are nut-free and gluten-free. We also have vegan recipes, too!

Other recipes:

• Vegetable Ragu - a perfect dish for your dinner table
• Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
• Air Fryer Fried Rice
• Instant Pot Brown Rice

Let's talk! Leave me a comment telling me if you've ever renamed a dish.

The post Judara - An Americanized version of Mujadara. appeared first on .

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup is a delicious, easy meal you can make quickly for your family! Pair with a salad, and you won’t believe how simple this pressure cooker leek and potato soup is! 

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup - An easy dinner!

Here’s the deal about this soup. Not only is it an excellent vegetable broth, but it’s also one of those potato soup recipes that you’ll remember for a very long time.

Many people tend to shy away from using russet potatoes in a soup, but don’t be one of those people! Once you add in the vegetarian stock and prepare leeks, you’ll see just how simple this vegan leek and potato soup truly is.

If you have 15 minutes, you can prepare this soup! Trust me!

We are HUGE soup fans at our house! No matter the time of the year! I love this simple-to-make Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup.

Stovetop Option or Instant Pot

It can easily be made on the stovetop, too. You can check out our Potato Leek Soup recipe for stove-top directions! (Stay reading if you want to get the recipe for this pressure cooker leek and potato soup!)

As you know, we recently joined the Instant Pot craze. We were a little late to the game, but we are quickly coming up to full speed. Also, my husband enjoys connecting all his devices to our ALEXA so he can command them with his voice. If you are technologically inclined, the linked Instant Pot  has an app with many recipes.

I’m seriously in awe of all the free time that I have when I use my Instant Pot. It’s a game-changer in my house. I find that when I use it to cook anything, I have about 15-20 extra minutes to do something else….and that time to me is priceless! It allows me to catch up on other work, read a bit in Scott W. Cook's book, or have some family time. I love having the flexibility rather than having to stand over a stove, watching dinner like a hawk!

I am amazed at all the things that I have been able to cook in my Instant Pot. Have you gotten one yet? You can make all sorts of meals in it!

Even breakfast! Check out this Instant Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal by Meaningful Eats! You have options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the Instant Pot!

Understanding the Instant Pot lingo for this leek soup recipe

One thing I've learned with my Instant Pot Recipes is that, while it says it takes 12 minutes for your Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup, it actually takes a touch longer.

You see, when you use the Pressure mode, it has to reach the set pressure. THEN the 12 minutes start to tick away.

Once your 12 minutes are up, you have to release the pressure, and THEN it is time to eat.

Not hard, I think sometimes people think it is actually quicker than it really is. However, it is still faster than the stove-top method! (and less work, too!)

What are leeks and how do you slice a leek?

A leek is a vegetable many cooks add to recipes for flavor and texture. If you add the leeks to your soup, you’ll need to understand that you aren’t going to want to put the entire leek into your soup. Instead, cut off the end, then slice the white part into pieces to add to your soup. It is edible, but it varies from person to person, as some people don’t like the texture when eaten in larger pieces.

Remember to clean and wash leeks as well before slicing. If you don’t want to slice them longways, you can always cut them into smaller circles as well, in the same way that you would chop chives. That way, the pieces are not as long, and the flavor may not come through as strongly if you don’t want it to. If you’re wondering how to cut leeks for soup, those are two methods that many people use.

Can you add cheddar cheese to this Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup?

Of course you can. If you don’t live a dairy-free lifestyle, you can add in cheese, sour cream, or even heavy cream as well. We omit items like this because of our eating habits, but feel free to change it up or add it as well. Just know you’ll need to research how to cook those dairy items over medium heat, or when to add them to the Instant Pot.

When seasoning with salt and pepper, what happens if you add too much?

Be very careful when using your seasonings. Too much salt will make your soup too salty, but too little will leave your taste buds craving more. Follow the directions and measure out accordingly. If, after you make the soup, you feel you need more salt, you can add a little at a time to your own bowl.

The same process applies to adding the pepper as well. You don’t want too much pepper because it may be too spicy at that point in time!

Love instant pot recipes? If you are a meat eater, you need to check out these Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Beef Short Ribs from the Gluten Free Palate!

Vegetarian? Or maybe wondering more about vegetarian life or meatless cooking? There are several different types of vegetarians.

Basic types of vegetarians are:

• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
• Lacto Vegetarian
• Ovo Vegetarian
• The Flexitarian
• PescoVegetarian
• Pollo-Vegetarian

If you want to learn more about the different types of vegetarians, you can visit our vegetarian educational posts.

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup

I bet you are getting hungry! Let's check out this recipe and see JUST how easy it is! I bet you won't be able to believe it!

Do you have a favorite Instant Pot Soup recipe? I'd love to hear about it!

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Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup - An easy dinner!

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup is a delicious and easy meal that you can quickly create for your family! Pair with a salad and rolls and you won’t believe how simple this pressure cooker leek and potato soup is! 

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword instant pot potato leek soup

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Calories 53kcal

Author Alysen

Equipment

• 1 Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 2 T butter or olive oil
• 2 large leek white and pale green parts, sliced thinly
• 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
• 6 cups of veggie broth
• salt and pepper to season
• fresh parsley to garnish

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Turn on the SAUTE feature of your Instant Pot. Melt the butter and saute the leeks.
• When leeks are soft add in the potatoes and broth.
• Turn your Instant Pot to Manual, then HIGH pressure and set for 12 minutes. After the 12 minute timer is complete, carefully use the steam release to remove the pressure.
• Place into bowls, season with salt and pepper and parsley.
• ENJOY!

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 710mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 746IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Thanks for stopping by and checking out this recipe. Whether you are here because you want to eat more meatless meals, you are a vegetarian or a vegan, whatever brought you here, you are welcome here! We are happy to have you! If you are looking for some meatless main dishes, I would suggest you check out: Vegetarian Meatloaf, Vegan Zucchini Fritters, Instant Pot Pad Thai, Vegetarian Potato Soup Recipe and Mediterranean Rice Bowl.

I told you that was easy! Looking for other allergy-friendly recipes?

All our recipes are nut-free and gluten-free. We also have vegan recipes too!

Let's talk! Do you have an Instant Pot? Have you made soup yet? If you haven't gotten an Instant Pot what is holding you back? For me, it was price but they finally went on sale! SCORE!

** This post contains an affiliate link.

The post Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup - An easy dinner! appeared first on .

What makes these Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk so good?

• They are super comforting! Mashed Potatoes are 100% a comfort food in our book.
• You will not miss the dairy in these Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk. They are perfectly seasoned and ridiculously easy to make!
• These mashed potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it is the holidays or Sunday supper, these Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk will be the star of the table!

Tips and Tricks for Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk

• Not an almond milk fan? That is okay, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk in its place. I prefer to use coconut milk, but it sometimes overpowers recipes.
• Salt and Pepper! Remember to season generously with salt and pepper, it helps to bring out the flavor in this dish!
• Need more fluff in your potatoes? Gently mash over a low heat for fluffy mashed potatoes!
• Not moist enough? We have all different preferences, if this mixture is too dry for you, simply add 1-2 tbsp of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency!

Other Holiday Recipes

We have some of the best vegan recipes here! Try some of our favorite holiday side dishes next:

• Vegan Pumpkin Soup
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Vegan Zucchini Fritters
• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey, if you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review and star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

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Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk

These Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk are rich, creamy and flavorful! These comforting vegan mashed potatoes are foolproof!  

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword mashed potatoes with almond milk

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 44kcal

Author Alysen

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes large, white baking potatoes
• ⅔ cup almond milk
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley optional garnish

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Peel and roughly chop the potatoes.
  
• Add the potatoes to a large pan of boiling water and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until fork tender, then drain.
  
• Return the potatoes to the pan and mash roughly.
  
• Add the vegan butter, almond milk and some seasoning to taste. Stir to combine then mash until completely smooth.
  
• Transfer to your serving dish of choice and garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and extra vegan butter (optional).
  

Notes

Tips and Tricks for Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk

• Not an almond milk fan? That is okay, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk in its place.
• Salt and Pepper! Remember to season generously with salt and pepper; it helps bring out the dish's flavor!
• Need more fluff in your potatoes? Gently mash over a low heat for fluffy mashed potatoes!
• Not moist enough? We all have different preferences. If this mixture is too dry for you, add 1-2 tbsp of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency!

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Calcium: 25mg

The post Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk appeared first on .

Xantham Gum is a food additive that is made by fermenting sugars (mostly corn). When mixed with water, xanthan gum creates a gooey binding substance.

On our website, you may see we reference xantham gum quite a bit when it comes to gluten-free flour. For example, most gluten-free all-purpose flour already contains xantham gum or another type of gum. When baking and using flour that doesn't have a gum, you generally need to add some to your ingredient list.

Knowing how frequently xanthan gum is used, you might be wondering if Xanthan Gum is Vegan?

QUICK ANSWER: IS XANTHAM GUM VEGAN?

Here is the quick answer, Xantham Gum IS Vegan. Xantham Gum does not contain any animal products. It is made from plant-based sugars.

There are rare occasions where xantham gum is cultivated on milk sugars, but this process does not yield great results and is not as cost-effective as plant-based sugars, therefore it is usually avoided. To be 100% sure xantham gum is vegan, you can contact the manufacturer to verify the source it is cultivated on.

Xantham Gum is in so much at the grocery store. Vegan products that might contain xantham gum: baked goods, frozen foods, salad dressings, egg substitutes, beverages, sauces, and meat alternatives.

You can find Xantham Gum at your local grocery store, big box store (like Target or Walmart) and online (think Amazon!)

Judee's Xanthan Gum - This is a great brand for many products and we like their xantham gum. It is also gluten-free and nut-free, and they have dedicated practices to keeping their products allergy-free.

Anthony's - We also like Anthony's Premium Xantham Gum. It is labeled as vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-gom, and keto friendly. It is another brand for many products, so check out their entire line!

IS XANTHAM GUM GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes, xantham gum is gluten-free. While it may have a funny name, it is made from naturally gluten-free sources.

MORE ARTICLES ON VEGAN LIVING

Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Molasses Vegan? and Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Olive Oil Vegan? Is Red 40 Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out Vegan Hot Chocolate,  Protein Balls, and Air Fryer Artichoke.

RECAP: IS XANTHAM GUM VEGAN?

The quick answer, Xantham Gum is Vegan. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, but when it comes to Xantham Gum, it is vegan and gluten-free.

The post Is Xanthan Gum Vegan? appeared first on .

Molasses is a very versatile ingredient, you can use it to create both sweet and savory dishes, though it is mostly used for sweet dishes. Molasses is a very dark syrup that is a by-product of milling sugar and beets.

There are several varieties of molasses: light molasses, medium/dark molasses and backstrap molasses. You can use molasses to make such delicious recipes as gingerbread men cookies, instant pot baked beans and so much more!

Knowing how tasty molasses is, you might be wondering if molasses is vegan.

QUICK ANSWER: IS MOLASSES VEGAN?

Here is the quick answer, molasses is Vegan as it contains NO animal products. It is questionable or uncertain if it meets the ethical standards of being considered vegan. Let's break that down! Sometimes when sugar is refined, the process involves bone char to get that ultra whiteness to the sugar. It is said that there is no bone char that goes into the product, it's just used as part of the filtration process. So that makes this NOT cruelty free.

While there are no animal products in molasses, many vegans do not feel comfortable consuming it because it is not cruelty-free. With that in mind, we wanted to share a vegan molasses option. That means that the sugar used in the making of it did not undergo the filtration process that uses bone char.

Wholesome - This is our go-to for many products. This molasses is fair trade, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan It is sustainably grown and harvested without chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

IS MOLASSES GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes, molasses is gluten-free. It is gluten-free because it does not contain any gluten protein.

MORE ARTICLES ON VEGAN LIVING

Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Pectin Vegan? Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Olive Oil Vegan? Is Red 40 Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out Pumpkin Curry and Air Fried Potato Wedges.

RECAP: IS MOLASSES VEGAN?

The quick answer is, Molasses is Vegan it contains no animal products. It is not however considered cruetly free. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, but when it comes to molasses, it is vegan.

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Pectin is a thickening and gelling agent used in foods. It performs a similar job to gelatin. We all know that gelatin is not vegan, but is pectin vegan?

Pectin is made from the skins of fruits and vegetables. Most commercially available pectin is made from apple pulp and citrus peel.

Knowing how frequently pectin is used, you might be wondering if pectin is vegan.

QUICK ANSWER: IS PECTIN VEGAN?

Here is the quick answer, pectin is Vegan.  Since pectin is made from plants (fruits and vegetables) it works for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Pectin is pretty easy to find, you should be able to purchase it from any grocery store, big box store (like Target or Walmart), or Amazon. Here are a few brands to check out on Amazon.

Kate Naturals - This fruit pectin powder has an extra smooth texture as compared to other brands. It comes in a resealable bag and the company makes several other vegan products you might like.

Judee's Fruit Pectin Powder - This pectin is 100% Non-GMO and carries a gluten-free and nut-free label. We are kinda partial to this one as it is an Ohio Brand! You know we love Ohio products!

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Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Italian Dressing Vegan?  Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Olive Oil Vegan? Is Red 40 Vegan? Is Gatorade Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out Vegan Macaroni Salad,  Mug Brownie, and Air Fryer Plantains.

RECAP: IS PECTIN VEGAN?

The quick answer, YES, pectin is Vegan. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, but when it comes to pectin, it is vegan!

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Gatorade is known as a "sports drink". It is widely used at professional and recreational sporting events. It contains electrolytes that help to replenish and rehydrate the body.

We all see Gatorade in ads, the grocery store and at sporting events, so you might be wondering if Gatorade is vegan. Here is the quick answer, traditional gatorade is vegan.

QUICK ANSWER: IS GATORADE VEGAN?

So we have established that traditional Gatorade is Vegan. Let's look at this a little deeper. PETA officially lists Gatorade as a vegan beverage, so that gives reassurance to many vegans. There are no animal products or by-products added to Gatorade. It is listed as Kosher so we know that its filtration processes are vegan. What it doesn't say is if the filtration process uses bone char. If it does that would make it not cruelty-free, however, the filtration process would remove that so you are not consuming it.

Gatorade has expanded into other food avenues like protein bars, gummies, shakes, and more. Many of these items contain milk so be sure to read the labels. Below are some vegan sport drink options.

Barcode Sports Drink - These drinks are sold on Amazon and are packed full of electrolytes but no added sugar. There are several yummy flavors and they are packed with vitamins.

Nooma - This brand has several types of drinks. They have pre-workout drinks that are very popular. They are sold on Amazon.

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Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Italian Dressing Vegan? and Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Olive Oil Vegan? Is Red 40 Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out Pumpkin Curry,  Bean Recipe, and Air Fried Potato Wedges.

RECAP: IS GATORADE VEGAN?

The quick answer, Gatorade is Vegan. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, but when it comes to Gatorade, it is vegan!

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Canola oil is made from seeds of the Rape Plant, which comes from the mustard family. This type of oil is very cheap to produce and is widely used in many food establishments. It came to the US in the 1980's.

Knowing how widely canola oil is used, you might be wondering if canola oil is vegan. Here is the quick answer, is vegan. Sometimes it is hard to tell if a food is vegan, so it is good to double-check.

QUICK ANSWER: IS CANOLA OIL VEGAN?

So we have established that canola oil is Vegan. Canola oil contains NO animal products or by-products.

There are so many types of oil on the market to cook with. If you are looking for cooking oil you can easily find it as your local grocery store, big box store (like Target), or online (like Amazon).

Happy Belly Canola Oil - is an Amazon brand of canola oil that you can have shipped to your house. It averages out to be about .09 cents per oz.

Chosen Foods Avocado Oil - while not canola oil, this brand of avocado oil is my go-to when it comes to cooking. Great for baking and even high-heat frying!

Be sure to read our article on "Is Olive Oil Vegan"!

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Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Italian Dressing Vegan? and Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Red 40 Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out: Strawberry Almond Milk, Turmeric Drinks and Air Fried Potato Wedges.

RECAP: IS CANO VEGAN?

The quick answer is, yes, canola oil is Vegan. This type of oil isn't the best for you, but its also not the worst. Be sure to read up more on canola oil to determine if it meets your health needs.

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Red 40 is pretty controversial as an ingredient. If you've consumed any red candies or maybe even a red sports drink chances are you have consumed Red 40. Red 40 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum.

Here is the quick answer, RED 40 is considered Vegan by some, but not cruelty-free. Red 40 does NOT contain any animal products.

QUICK ANSWER: IS RED 40 VEGAN?

So we have established that RED 40 is Vegan, because it does not contain any animal products. However, many vegans do not consume red 40 because it is often involved with animal testing. So while it does not contain any animal product it does sometimes involve animal cruelty. It comes down to how YOU exactly define vegan.

Red 40 has no animal products. Red 40 is NOT cruelty-free.

Red 40 falls into that yes/no category when it comes to determining if red 40 is vegan. It really comes down to your personal beliefs. Aside from the animal piece, it is worth mentioning that red 40 also carries some possible serious health implications that one should also research.

If you are looking for alternatives that are more natural, vegan, and cruelty-free you can try:

Supernatural Food Colors - these are 100% plant-based food colors that are vegan, gluten-free, and do not contain anything artificial. You can find it at your local health foods store or on Amazon.

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Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Is Italian Dressing Vegan? and Is White Chocolate Vegan? Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Is Olive Oil Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out: Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots, Tofu, and Air Fried Potato Wedges.

RECAP: IS RED 40 VEGAN?

The quick answer is, red 40 does not contain any animal products, but it is NOT cruelty-free. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, and in this case, also explore any health implications that may occur when consuming this ingredient.

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Olive Oil has a deep history rooted in the Mediterranean culture. Olive oil is made from the small green fruits of the olive tree.

Knowing how tasty olive oil is, you might be wondering if olive oil is vegan. Here is the quick answer: Yes Olive Oil IS Vegan.

QUICK ANSWER: IS OLIVE OIL VEGAN?

So we have established that Olive Oil IS Vegan. Nowhere in the process of making olive oil, do we see the use of animal products or by-products.

Some vegans do avoid olive oil due to what they view as the harsh environmental impact that comes from the manufacturing of olive oil.

You can find olive oil at any grocery store, major big box store, and online (think Amazon). Here are some brands to consider:

California Olive Ranch - We love any olive oil that comes in glass bottles and a bonus if they are dark bottles! This olive oil can be found at whole foods and on Amazon.

Madhava Organic Olive Oil - This olive oil comes in a tin, which in our mind is still better than plastic, but not as good as glass! Short story, it works for us!

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Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out: Vegan Cookies, Fall Syrup, and Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.

RECAP: IS OLIVE OIL VEGAN?

The quick answer, YES olive oil IS Vegan. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, but when it comes to olive oil, it is vegan!

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Mike and Ikes Candies have been around for quite some time, they actually were introduced to the public around 1940! These oblong fruit-flavored candies quickly became a favorite among children and adults. But, are they vegan?

Mike and Ikes comes in all types of flavors ranging from the original fruity flavors, to tropical, to sour and even lemonade flavored!

Knowing how tasty Mike and Ikes are, you might be wondering are Mike and Ikes Vegan? Here is the quick answer, No, but could be yes depending on your views.

QUICK ANSWER: ARE MIKE AND IKES VEGAN?

So we have established that MIKE AND IKES are considered vegan by some and not by others. That may be kinda confusing, so let's break that down. Candy is a tricky item when it comes to considering a "vegan" label.

Some varieties of Mike and Ikes Candy are vegan and contain no animal products or by-products. However, some varieties are NOT vegan.

Mike and Ikes contain Confectioner's Glaze: The "hot spot" of debate is the confectioner's glaze, which is the shiny coating. One ingredient (resin) in that coating is produced by a female lac beetle. This is an animal by-product. So depending on your beliefs, this ingredient could make it "not vegan" for you. The resin is left after the bug crawls on a surface. The resin is then harvested and turned into products. Want to learn more about this process? You can read more here.

Mike and Ikes contain Cane Sugar: Cane sugar is another "hot spot" ingredient for many vegans. Yes, sugar comes from a plant, but often the process of refining sugar uses a bone char, which would make it not cruelty-free.

Mike and Ikes contain artificial colors - Artificial colors sometimes pose ethical issues for vegans. In the past, there have been animal testing involved when it comes to artificial colors.

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Wanting to learn more about vegan living, what foods and products are or are not vegan? We have got you covered, check out: Are Dum Dums Vegan? Is Italian Dressing Vegan? and Is White Chocolate Vegan?

Whether you are new to vegan living or a seasoned pro, you might also be looking for easy vegan recipes! Below are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! Check out: Vegan Sugar Cookies, Vegan Soup and Air Fried Potato Wedges.

RECAP: ARE MIKE AND IKES VEGAN?

The quick answer is no AND yes when it comes to the question are Mike and Ikes Vegan. It is important to read the labels of all the food you eat, to make your own informed decisions.

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