26 Plant-Based Snacks, Shakes And Meals For Busy Lifestyles

With the pandemic prompting us to reflect on our priorities, many are returning to school and work this fall with a new set of intentions when it comes to the way we treat our bodies and the planet. It’s no surprise then, that plant-based eating—considered one of the most impactful lifestyle changes a person can make to combat climate change—is on the rise. With grocery sales increasing by 27 percent last year and a market now valued at $7 billion, the plant-based diet is clearly more than a trend.

But as the world reopens and our calendars begin to fill up, sticking to new dietary choices in the kitchen can be especially challenging. Thankfully, there have never been more plant-based eats created with convenience in mind—even Hershey’s is making oat milk-based chocolate bars now. As vegan offerings become increasingly approachable and less intimidating to the meat-eating crowd, it’s now easier than ever to incorporate more plant-based foods into your busy schedule.

Whether you’re craving a spicy West African microwaveable meal, creamy post-workout milkshake (without the milk of course) or a snack to satisfy your crunch cravings, these easy plant-based products ensure you don’t have to compromise your health or the planet when life gets busy.

 

Sweet Earth Bowls

Made with soy-based proteins, gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower rice, and plenty of vegetables, Sweet Earth’s colorful meals will satisfy any diet. From Butter Chik’n to Korean Japchae to Borderless Enchilada—their international flavors prove vegan microwavable meals don’t have to be boring. Busy snackers will want to check out their burritos, empanadas and jerky, while those with more time will want to try creative meat alternatives like the Kimchi Cashew Burger and Green Chile Chedd’r Sausage.

Noodie Instant Ramen

Instant ramen might be the quintessential convenient meal, but few are health- and planet-conscious. Noodie founder Isabel Khoo is reimagining the classic dish, by replacing all the sacrifices that usually come with “instant” ramen—like artificial ingredients and noodles fried in oil—and instead creating a low sodium, high protein alternative. Spirulina jade noodles serve as the base for umami-rich vegetarian broths that range from smoky garlic to spicy Sichuan, plus kale, bok choy and broccoli for a hearty dose of greens. All you have to do is add hot water.

Yolélé Foods Fonio Pilaf

Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam’s line of easy pilaf packs use fonio as the star ingredient—a tiny, gluten-free West African grain that’s been gaining popularity for its nutritional benefits. And convenience—the grain cooks in just five minutes in the microwave or on the stove. Available in five unique flavors—like the earthy, mushroom-forward Afro-Funk and bright, superfood-packed Greens!—they make a memorable meal, with real impact—every purchase supports smallholder farmers in West Africa who use regenerative techniques.

Koia Protein Shakes

From a keto cake batter elixir to protein caramel frappe to fruity green smoothie—Koia offers no shortage of inventive ready-to-drink shakes. Their protein line enhances almond milk with 18 grams of protein sourced from brown rice, pea and chickpeas for a creamy, smooth drink that provides lasting energy. Currently available in seven addictive flavors like Cinnamon Horchata and Chocolate Banana, they’ll be adding a seasonal Pumpkin Spice rendition to the lineup this month.

Veggies Made Great Frittatas

Ready in less than a minute in the microwave, these flavorful mini-frittatas are perfect for foodies with busy schedules. And for getting more vegetables into your day—it’s the first ingredient in all of their products. From the kale and cauliflower-based Superfood Veggie Cakes to the Sausage and Pepper Frittata featuring Beyond Meat to the Chocolate Muffin made with zucchini and carrots, Veggies Made Great surely lives up to their name.

Huel Hot & Savory Meals

Known for their fuelling powders and ready-to-drink beverages, Huel’s latest Hot & Savory line prevents the palate fatigue many experience when swapping their meals for drinks. Like all their protein-packed products, the risotto-like meals are made from sustainable ingredients like oats, peas, sunflower and flaxseed, and provide 27 essential vitamins and minerals. Available in six globally-inspired flavors—think, Mexican Chili and Thai Green Curry—the umami-rich, five-minute hot meals are ideal for the planet- and health-conscious who are pressed for time.

ONO Overnight Oats

Breakfast prep takes less than ten seconds with these overnight oats—all you have to do is pour milk into the package. Containing 25mg of plant-based protein per serving—two to three times more than the typical oat breakfast—flax and chia seeds for healthy fats, plus lion’s mane to boost focus, they make a nutritionally complete breakfast. But with decadent flavors like Rocky Road, Mocha Chip and Peanut Butter Banana Split, it’ll be hard to resist not eating them throughout the day too.

Garden of Life Organic Meal

Whether you’re following a keto, vegan or mediterranean diet, looking to boost your protein with immunity supporting probiotics, or in need of a plant-based performance bar, Garden of Life has a protein supplement suited for every lifestyle. But their Raw Organic Meal Replacement is a standout. Available in four not-too-sweet flavors, the formula relies on 44 superfoods to provide 21 vitamins and minerals; 13 organic sprouted grains and seeds for 20 grams of plant-based protein, plus probiotics and enzymes for digestion. Better yet, it comes in pre-portioned travel packets, for an easy meal on-the-go.

AYO Foods Ready-Made Meals

Top Chef Eric Adjepong brings his Ghanaian heritage to the frozen food aisle in his latest collaboration with AYO Foods—a line of West African microwavable meals. While not everything is vegan, dishes like Adjepong’s Waakye—red peas and rice slow cooked with coconut oil and sorghum leaves—make comforting plant-based eats that will keep you warm and energized as the season cools.

Good Catch Fish-Free Tuna Packs

Ready-to-eat, marinated tuna packs have become a household staple when it comes to staying fueled on-the-go, but few are designed with ocean sustainability in mind. This plant-based brand is saving the seas by using a blend of six legumes—peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans—to replicate the texture of fish. Whether you like your tuna chunky and au natural or flakey and marinated in herbs—you won’t miss the traditional can with these convenient, convincing tuna pouches.

Soylent Complete Meal Drink

This food tech company has come a long way since their infamous meal replacement powder catapulted them to fame back in 2013—now offering a diverse range of bars and ready-to-drink shakes, Soylent has become a go-to for anyone trying to be kinder to the planet while pursuing their health goals. Available in six delicious flavors—like Cafe Chai and Mint Chocolate—the Complete Meal is a nutritional powerhouse. With slow-burning carbohydrates, 20 grams of plant-based protein and 28 immunity-supporting vitamins and minerals, plus a thick, creamy consistency, it’s certainly not your average ready-to-drink shake.

Field Roast Mac ‘n Chao

The classic comfort dish is made vegan with Field Roast’s dairy-free Chao cheese slices and fermented tofu, plus nutritional yeast, spices and a hint of hot sauce for added umami. Spice-lovers will want to opt for their spicy rendition—a creamy mac and cheese smothered in a zesty tomato chili sauce. The full line of vegan burgers, deli slices, sausages and cheeses are equally as satisfying, and it’s no surprise—the chef-led company has specialized in plant-based cooking for over 20 years.

Mooala Keto Mylk

The planet-friendly brand known for creating the world’s first dairy-free banana milk has since expanded their line of plant-based milks to include the first-ever keto milk. Containing five grams of MCTs per serving and vitamins like calcium and vitamin D, the thick milk makes a nutritious addition to cereals, smoothies or coffee. But with decadent flavors like Cinnamon Roll and Chocolatey Chip, a glass of the dairy-free milk makes a sweet standalone snack too.

Sweet Nothings Spoonable Smoothies

Created by mom-trepreneur Beth Porter, these ready-to-eat spoonable smoothies were designed specifically for busy lifestyles. All your smoothie ingredients—think, flax and chia seeds, dates and organic fruits—have been mixed into an ice-cream-like consistency and packed into convenient cups, complete with a mini-spoon under the lid. Plant-based snackers will also want to try their new Superfood Nut Butter Bites, made in collaboration with wellness influencer Rachel Mansfield.

Mings Bings Veggie-Filled Patties

These Guy Fieri-endorsed savory patties are a plant-based spin on Bing—a Chinese street food traditionally made with eggs, coriander and chopped scallions. James Beard and Emmy award winner Ming Tsai makes the flatbread nutritious and planet-friendly by swapping animal protein for soy-based Italian sausage and tofu, and filling them with vegetables like shiitake mushrooms and cauliflower. With flavors like Buffalo Cauliflower and Cheeseburger, the East-meets-West dish makes an exciting appetizer or midday snack without the fuss—all you have to do is heat and eat, no oil required.

Biochem Plant Protein 

While most plant-based protein powders are made from grains, legumes and seeds, Biochem is one of the few brands sourcing their protein from mushroom mycelium. Processed in vertical tanks requiring less land and resources, it represents a growing movement towards using mushroom-based protein as a more sustainable protein alternative. With 20 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, plus omega-3’s and turmeric to support bone and joint health, the vanilla-flavored powder is ideal for those seeking a protein with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Bada Bean Bada Boom Snacks

Packed with protein and fiber, broad beans are a star superfood when it comes to healthy snacking. Bada Bean roasts theirs with sunflower oil and coats them in flavorful seasoning blends like Everything But The Bagel, Buffalo Wing and Sweet Sriracha. With at least six grams of protein and upwards of 5 grams of fiber per serving, the crunchy beans are a gluten-free alternative to potato chips that will keep you fuelled throughout the day.

365 by Whole Foods Market Peanut Butter & Jelly Chewy Protein Bites

The classic PB&J gets a nutritional upgrade with these convenient, chewy sweet balls made from freeze-dried berries. Containing dates, egg whites and pea protein, their high fiber and protein content ensure you stay fuelled on-the-go. When you don’t have the time to make the quintessential vegan snack that is the peanut butter and jelly sandwich—these protein bites will surely satisfy your cravings.

Truvani Protein Travel Kits

While protein formulas can often present a dizzying list of unknown ingredients, Truvani keeps it simple with just seven ingredients in each mix. Peas deliver 20 grams of protein, chia and pumpkin seeds serve up omega-3 fats, and flavors like the Banana Cinnamon and Chocolate are sourced from organic banana powder and alkalized cocoa. The convenient travel kits include 10 single-serving packets that easily mix with water, making it easy to get a boost of protein on-the-go.

Off The Path Provisions Dehydrated Meals

Often bland and filled with preservatives, it’s no wonder camping grub is rarely eaten off the trails. These plant-based, dehydrated meals are a rare exception—they’re so delicious and nutritious people are eating them at home too. Available in three Asian-inspired flavors—Fried Rice, Thai Green Curry and Bibimbap—and packed with vegetables, all you have to do is add hot water to the pouch for an energizing, umami-packed meal anytime you need a refuel.

 

Gainful Protein

While there are countless protein powders to choose from, Gainful stands apart for their personalized approach. All you have to do is take a short quiz, and you’ve got a protein powder formula tailored to your diet, body composition and health goals. The personalization extends to your taste preferences too: each unflavored protein mix comes with your choices of nine flavors—like Cinnamon Toast, Caffe Mocha or Cookies & Cream. While not all their products are vegan, they do offer plant-based formulas for their protein and hydration powders.

Orga Super Crisps

Made from five seeds—chia, flax, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin—prized for their high fiber, protein and omega-3 content, these crisps make a crunchy snack that provides lasting energy. Savory flavors like Garlic & Onion and Vegan Cheese add umami to salads and soups, but unique renditions like the Spirulina and Cacao & Coconut are just as satisfying on their own too.

PBFit Vegan Plus Chocolate

Known for their powder alternative to peanut butter, PBFit are experts when it comes to making nutritious snacks for peanut butter lovers. Here, they’ve blended their signature PBFit powder with 20 grams of pea protein, organic cocoa and coconut sugar to make a chocolatey, peanut butter powder that can be used to boost sweet recipes or simply mixed with water for a quick refuel.

Prime Roots Meals

Known for making vegan bacon that has more protein and less sodium than its conventional counterparts, Prime Roots is now making plant-based eating even more convenient with their microwavable meals. The star ingredient is koji—a prebiotic and fiber-rich fungus used for centuries across Asia that makes a filling and convincing meat substitute. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of bacon mac and cheese or something more spicy, like Kung Pao Chicken or Thai Lemongrass Larb—these vegetable-forward dishes are sure to satisfy your palate.

Brami Lupini Beans

While most bean snacks are made of chickpeas or fava beans, these are sourced from nutritionally dense lupini beans, which contain two times more fiber than soy beans and 50 percent more protein than eggs. They can be used to elevate salads and sandwiches, but flavors like Chili & Lime and Garlic & Rosemary make them just as enjoyable on their own too. Unlike their dry counterparts, Brami beans are lightly pickled, so they won’t leave you thirsty.

Good To Go Baked Bars

With 12 to 14 grams of plant-based fats per serving, these energizing bars are the ideal fuel for those following the Keto diet. But with almond flour and ground chia seeds delivering eight grams of fiber and at least five grams of protein per bar, they make a satiating snack for anyone on-the-go. The vegan, sustainable brand makes the soft-baked bars in eight flavors—think, Cinnamon Pecan and Chocolate Mint—plus a convenient cake in the cup and two new grain-free granolas.

Click here to view original web page at 26 Plant-Based Snacks, Shakes And Meals For Busy Lifestyles

Also Read: From Junk Food to Plant-Based Eating: How I Made the Switch in 5 Steps