This may sound crazy but I find immense joy when I'm shopping in the supermarket. It might be because of my OCD but I feel so relaxed scanning the aisles and seeing all the products in their proper places. I literally could spend hours reading nutrition labels and learning about new products. This odd habit of mine has lead me to encounter numerous snacks that you'd be surprised to know are actually vegan.
1. Betty Crocker Whipped Frosting
For my birthday this year, I wanted a normal homemade cake topped with frosting, but vegan. Rather than settling for a cake with unique ingredients that would not appeal to the people I was celebrating with, I found that Betty Crocker's Whipped Frosting is actually vegan. (Perfect for anyone who is dairy free too!) It tastes the same as normal frosting just with all vegan ingredients.
2. Earth Balance Butter
My mom actually found this product by accident when she was grocery shopping one weekend. She thought she was purchasing a healthier, more natural butter just because of the brand name, but it turned out to be vegan. I swear that you can not tell the difference between Earth Balance butter and normal butter. I recommend you give it a try ontop of toast or a bagel for an easy vegan snack.
3. Dark Chocolate
Not all, but some dark chocolate doesn't contain milk. Even though cocoa butter may be on the ingredients list, that doesn't mean it contains dairy. I find most of my dairy free dark chocolate at Trader Joes, but I bet Whole Foods or any other grocery store with an abundance of products may have some too.
4. Just Mayo
I was never a big fan of mayo even before I went vegan, but I know so many people that love Just Mayo products. Their mayonnaise is incredibly creamy and almost a replica of the actual product. Just Mayo also has other condiments that are just as tasty.
5. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
My mom has been baking Pillsbury Cresent Rolls for my sister and I for years. They were a weekly staple in our diet at one point. Strangely enough, they are actually vegan. This discovery was so relieving because I knew I could enjoy my favorite childhood snack today.
6. Hershey's Syrup
I would have never guessed that Hershey's syrup is actually vegan. Now I did not find this out on my own, but through some research I've learned that this delicious chocolatey syrup is PETA approved. Yea, I know, I questioned what was actually in it too.
7. Clif Bars
Most Clif Bars are vegan. My favorite is Clif Mini Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch. Many people don't realize that just because the bar has chocolate in it's name, doesn't mean its not a vegan snack. This applies to their protein product line too.
8. Nesquik Chocolate and Strawberry Syrup
I remember the days when my parents would let me have chocolate milk for dessert. I'd sit at the table with a giant straw and the biggest glass of chocolate milk I could find. I was also one of those kids that would blow bubbles until my glass over filled and spilled everywhere. It's good to know on those days when I want to reminisce about the easier life I lived then, that I can run into any grocery store and pick up a bottle of Nesquik syrup without any guilt.
Most people think that vegan food is lame, bland, or limited. However, this is far from the truth. If these surprising vegan discoveries weren't enough to convince you otherwise, then I don't know what is.