The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving

Working on transitioning to a primarily plant-based diet has meant finding substitutes for things that were once staples in my diet. While I initially thought the switch would be difficult, it’s actually been surprisingly easier than I anticipated. Fortunately for me, plant-based food has come a LONG way and there are so many easy, healthy plant-based swaps for pretty much anything you are craving. Gone are the days of relying on french fries and Oreos as a vegan option in the grocery store or at restaurants. If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based foods in your diet and don’t know where to begin, read on for easy plant-based swaps for common foods and cravings.

The Best Plant Based Substitutes for Common Foods & Cravings

+ Eggs

This one is hard for me and I’ll admit I haven’t cut out eggs entirely. I have always loved the convenience of eggs for a protein packed meal or snack. They are on pretty much every menu and usually a safe bet for a healthy breakfast. If you’re used to having scrambled eggs for breakfast, try scrambled tofu as an easy swap. I’m still working on perfecting my own recipe, but this one has been an easy one to follow on the weekends.

+ Chocolate

I am obsessed with Hu Chocolate, which is vegan and paleo but doesn’t taste like any of those things. In fact, everyone that has tried it becomes instantly obsessed and has remarked how it “doesn’t even taste vegan.” The cashew butter + vanilla bean dark chocolate is my favorite, and I always keep some on hand, especially for *that* time of month. To be honest, I like it better than normal chocolate. Hershey’s tastes gross in comparison.

+ Burgers

Veggie burgers don’t have to taste like cardboard. If you’re feeling up for it, you can make a pretty tasty and easy version at home – we’ve made black bean and quinoa burgers at home and really liked them. I tend to buy frozen patties to keep in the freezer and cook when I’m in a bind – I love stocking up on ones from Trader Joe’s or a Beyond Meat burger if I want something heartier. If you’re trying to avoid carbs, you can throw a patty over a bed of lettuce and add sliced avocado and you have a healthy meal with a balance of good fats and protein. If veggie burgers freak you out, I can tell you a portobello mushroom cap makes a killer substitute as well.

+ Store Bought Dressings & Sauces

Homemade is best, but for the convenience factor we keep some pre made ones on hand. Follow Your Heart makes some of my favorites – they have a killer ranch dressing that I put on everything. I’m also obsessed with B*tchin’ Sauce – it’s a hummus like sauce made out of almonds and it tastes so good with everything. The spicy version is my favorite with raw veggies or as a marinade for tofu (perfect for stir fry!). YUM.

+ Milk

I’m not the biggest dairy fan, so I was happy to find out that pretty much all grocery stores carry decent dairy replacements. There are so many non dairy milk alternatives available – almond, cashew, oat, soy milk, etc. Oat milk is super trendy right now and it’s for good reason – if you like the thickness of dairy milk in your coffee you will love oat milk. For smoothies and protein shakes at home, I usually use almond milk.

+ Cheese

Vegan cheeses have come a long way but they still aren’t as close to the real thing. That said, I’ve had some amazing vegan mac & cheese over the past year so I am convinced they will get there! There are some nut based cheese substitutes that are creamy and delicious, but keep in mind these are very calorically dense from all of the ground nuts. Not a reason to avoid them, but just keep that in mind – remember, eating plant based foods does not give you a free pass to eat whatever you want!! Nutritional yeast is also a vegan pantry essential for giving a rich umami flavor to plant-based dishes.

+ Ice cream

if you like coconut you are in luck. Coconut ice cream is delicious – the texture is as creamy as dairy based ice cream. Of course, even vegan ice cream is still ice cream, so this is better consumed in moderation.

+ Ground Meat

If you like to cook at home, you will want some convincing meat substitutes. A lot of recipes call for ground meat, and we have been experimenting with lentils, chopped mushrooms, and crumbled tempeh and other meat substitutes. Trader Joe’s has a surprisingly delicious soyrizo (meatless chorizo) that is amazing in breakfast wraps and vegan chili.

+ Seafood

Coconut makes a very convincing seafood substitute. I’ve made coconut ceviche at home before – perfect for the summer – but I recently also had coconut calamari at Cafe Gratitude in Los Angeles, and it was honestly some of the best calamari I’ve ever had.

+ Butter

Coconut oil is your best friend for cooking or baking. If you want more a butter taste and texture, Earth Balance also comes in handy when you want to bake.

For the times when we don’t feel like cooking at home, we also have some go-to spots for a plant based meal. Here are some of my favorite plant-based restaurants in Los Angeles.

Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles for Plant-Based Options

+ The Butcher’s Daughter

My go-to pick for breakfast or lunch in Venice. Not only is the restaurant super Instagram worthy, the coffee is strong and the food is healthy and delicious. Also great for people watching on Abbot Kinney.

+ Cafe Gratitude

With locations all around LA, Cafe Gratitude is a vegan staple. Some of my favorite dishes – the salads, pad thai, coconut ceviche, and smoothies. The location in Beverly Hills has a “chicken” and waffles that is to DIE for.

+ Gracias Madre

From the same owners as Cafe Gratitude but with a Mexican menu. I’ve always found the food to be slightly overpriced and mediocre (sorry!!), but their spicy margaritas are some of my favorite and the patio is a great spot to catch up with friends over a drink and some chips and guacamole.

+ Monty’s Good Burger

Basically vegan In-n-Out. This burger is legit vegan fast food at its finest. It’s almost freaky how much this burger tastes like the real thing, but everything on the menu is 100% vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan cheat meal, this is it.

+ Green Table Cafe

Just discovered this cute cafe on Pico and it might be one of my new favorite spots to work and hang out for the day. Their smoothie bowls (pictured above) are filling and the salads are vibrant and fresh. Everything you would want in a neighborhood cafe.

+ Vegan Glory

When my boyfriend and I are craving Asian food, this is our go-to. The food comes out quickly and you leave without the greasy feeling of Chinese food. The menu is massive and slightly overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with one of the rice or noodle dishes.

+ Araya’s

Comforting vegan Thai food. This cozy neighborhood spot makes the best Tom Yum soup, curries, and stir fried noodles,

+ Erewhon

Not technically a restaurant but I frequent this place more than I care to admit. The hot food bar is my go-to, you can pick from a variety of salads and entrees, but the most notable vegan options are the buffalo cauliflower (I could eat this every damn day) and the vegan lasagna. Wander the store for every vegan snack and ingredient imaginable – it is a wellness junkie’s heaven.

+ Van Leeuwen

Can’t forget about dessert!! Most ice cream shops in Los Angeles will have a vegan option, these are usually coconut cream based. Van Leeuwen has my favorite flavors that don’t all seem to have the same coconut base but you should not have too hard of a time finding a sweet vegan treat in this city.

A vegetarian or plant-based diet does not have to be difficult! You can still eat a balanced, satisfying diet without having any cravings. Whether you are looking for store bought options or want to enjoy a nice meal out of the home, eating a plant-based diet has never been easier or tastier. What are some of your go-to restaurants or cooking tips for a plant-based meal?