The popularity of vegan food has been steadily rising over the past few years. More and more people are adopting a vegan lifestyle for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. However, transitioning to a vegan diet may seem challenging at first, especially if you are used to cooking and eating animal-based products. But fear not! There are several vegan food hacks that can make your transition easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a compilation of our top vegan food hacks you need to know:

1. Nutritional Yeast: This magical ingredient is a staple in the vegan kitchen. With its cheesy, nutty flavor, nutritional yeast is often used as a cheese substitute in plant-based dishes. Sprinkle it on popcorn, pasta, or even roasted vegetables for an extra savory kick.

2. Cashew Cream: Soaking raw cashews in water overnight and then blending them creates a creamy base that can be used in various recipes like creamy pasta sauces or vegan cheesecakes. Cashew cream provides richness and depth without relying on dairy.

3. Tofu Pressing: Many people struggle with tofu because it tends to be watery or lacks flavor. To enhance both texture and taste, invest in a tofu press or simply wrap tofu blocks in paper towels and place something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes. This step removes excess moisture, allowing tofu to absorb marinades better and have a firmer texture when cooked.

4. Aquafaba: Say goodbye to egg whites and hello to aquafaba – the liquid found in canned chickpeas. This viscous substitute works wonders when whipped into peaks for meringues or incorporated into baked goods as an egg replacer.

5. Flaxseed Eggs: Don’t have any aquafaba on hand? No problem! Mixing ground flaxseeds with water creates an egg-like consistency suitable for binding ingredients together in baking. One tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with three tablespoons of water equals one “flax egg.”

6. Veggie Broth Ice Cubes: Never let leftover vegetable broth go to waste again! Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use in soups, stews, or sautés. These convenient broth cubes also add flavor and depth when melted into rice or quinoa.

7. Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Store-bought vegan ice creams are becoming more readily available, but they can be costly. Making your own coconut milk ice cream is not only cheaper but also incredibly easy. Simply blend coconut milk, your sweetener of choice, and flavorings like cocoa powder or fruit, then churn it in an ice cream maker.

8. Jackfruit Pulled “Pork”: For a satisfying and meaty texture without using animal products, young jackfruit is a fantastic substitute for pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. Once cooked and shredded, its fibrous consistency resembles pulled meat while taking on the flavors of your favorite seasonings and barbecue sauces.

9. Nut Butter Flavors: Elevate your favorite nut butter flavors by mixing in various ingredients like cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or cinnamon and raisins for a classic PB&J taste. These creative combinations will give your sandwiches or smoothies a burst of new flavors without much effort.

10. DIY Veggie Burgers: Skip the store-bought vegan burgers filled with additives by making your own at home. Combining cooked beans with grains like quinoa or oats, along with herbs, spices, vegetables, and binding agents like flaxseeds or breadcrumbs results in delicious homemade veggie burgers that you can customize to your liking.

With these vegan food hacks up your sleeve, transitioning to a plant-based diet will become much easier and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques; the world of vegan cooking is full of possibilities. Happy vegan food hacking!