The Most Popular Vegan Food, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the vegan food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 07:43
In the bustling world of culinary delights, the rise of vegan cuisine has sparked a flavorful revolution, inviting diners of all preferences to savor its creative concoctions. With so many vegan dishes popping up, it can be a true challenge to figure out which ones truly resonate with the taste buds of the wider public.
Here, each user’s vote helps paint a clearer picture of top-tier vegan favorites, guiding new and seasoned vegans alike towards crowd-approved delights. By participating, not only do you contribute to a broader culinary database, but you also get to influence the rankings, ensuring your top picks get the recognition they deserve.
What Is the Most Popular Vegan Food?
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160votesTofu is a popular vegan food that is made from soy milk. It is high in protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies.Tofu is a popular vegan food made from condensed soy milk that is pressed into solid white blocks. Its texture ranges from soft and silky to firm and dense, depending on the type. Tofu is often used as a meat substitute in various dishes.
- Nutritional Value: Tofu is a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and various minerals. It is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.
- Types: There are different types of tofu, including silken tofu, firm tofu, extra-firm tofu, and tofu skin (yuba).
- Texture: Tofu can have a range of textures, from soft and smooth (silken tofu), to slightly firm (regular tofu), to very firm and dense (extra-firm tofu).
- Versatility: Tofu is highly versatile and can be used in various cooking methods, such as frying, sautéing, grilling, baking, or blending into sauces and dressings.
- Cuisine: Tofu is widely used in East Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes.
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243votesLentils are a versatile legume that can be used in soups, stews, and salads. They are rich in protein, fiber, and iron, making them a great addition to a vegan diet.Lentils are small edible legumes that belong to the family of Fabaceae. They are commonly cultivated for their nutritious seeds which have a distinctive lens-like shape. Lentils come in various colors such as brown, green, red, and yellow, each with slightly different flavor and texture. They are a staple food in many cultures around the world and are known for their high protein and fiber content.
- Protein content: High
- Fiber content: High
- Nutritional value: Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Calories: Low
- Cooking time: Relatively quick
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320votesChickpeas are a type of legume that are commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a great choice for vegans.Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that belong to the Fabaceae family. They are widely popular around the world for their nutty flavor, versatile nature, and numerous health benefits. Chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.
- Appearance: Small, round, cream-colored
- Flavor: Nutty, creamy
- Texture: Soft yet slightly firm
- Nutrition: High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Culinary Uses: Commonly used in various cuisines, especially in hummus, falafel, curries, and salads
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422votesQuinoa is a gluten-free grain that is high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It can be used in salads, soups, and as a side dish.Quinoa is a nutritious food that is commonly referred to as a grain but is actually a seed. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits and versatility in cooking. Quinoa has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Quinoa is also high in protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Quinoa is easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, and side dishes.
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Protein Content: High
- Amino Acids: Complete (all nine essential amino acids)
- Fiber Content: High
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin E
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511votesAvocado is a fruit that is high in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. It is often used as a vegan substitute for butter or mayonnaise.Avocado is a luxury mattress brand known for its exceptional quality and comfort. Created with sustainability in mind, Avocado mattresses are handmade using natural and organic materials. They are designed to provide optimal support and pressure relief for a restful night's sleep.
- Material: Made with natural latex, organic cotton, and wool
- Support: Offers excellent support and spinal alignment
- Comfort: Provides a balanced and luxurious feel
- Breathability: Allows for a cool and comfortable sleep
- Durability: Known for its long-lasting quality
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620votesAlmonds are a popular vegan snack that is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can also be used in baking and as a topping for salads.Almonds are a versatile and delicious nut with a mildly sweet taste and a delicate crunch. They have a creamy texture that makes them great for snacking on their own or for adding to various dishes. Almonds are known for their health benefits, often considered a superfood due to their high nutrient content. They are a popular choice among nut lovers due to their incredible taste and versatility in culinary applications.
- Origin: The Middle East
- Shape: Oval
- Color: Light tan
- Taste: Mildly sweet
- Texture: Creamy
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76votesSpinach is a leafy green vegetable that is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin K. It can be used in salads, smoothies, and as a side dish.Spinach is a popular pizza topping that adds a delightful and healthy twist to any pizza. It is made from fresh spinach leaves that are either sautéed or blanched before being placed on the pizza. The spinach leaves are packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a favorite choice for those looking for a nutritious and delicious pizza topping.
- Texture: Tender and slightly wilted
- Flavor: Mild and earthy
- Color: Vibrant green
- Nutrition: Rich in iron, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants
- Versatility: Pairs well with various toppings like feta cheese, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes
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84votesVegan cheese is a popular alternative to traditional cheese that is made from plant-based ingredients. It can be used in sandwiches, pizzas, and as a topping for salads.Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese. It is designed to mimic the taste, texture, and melting properties of cheese, while being free from animal products. It is commonly made from nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or macadamias, or soybeans and tapioca starch. Vegan cheese can be enjoyed by those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle or anyone looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.
- Ingredients: Typically made from nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or macadamias, or soybeans and tapioca starch.
- Texture: Varies from soft and creamy to firm and sliceable, depending on the type and brand of vegan cheese.
- Taste: Offers a range of flavors, from mild and nutty to tangy and sharp, imitating the taste of dairy cheese.
- Meltability: Some vegan cheeses are designed to melt and stretch like traditional cheese, making them suitable for pizzas, grilled sandwiches, and cheesy dishes.
- Allergen-friendly: Vegan cheese is free from dairy, lactose, and cholesterol, making it suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
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95votes
Nutritional yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNutritional yeast is a vegan-friendly ingredient that is often used as a cheese substitute. It is high in protein, fiber, and B vitamins.Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses. It is known for its cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor, making it a popular ingredient among vegans as a dairy cheese replacement. Nutritional yeast is also a significant source of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, and minerals like zinc and selenium. It is available in the form of yellow flakes or powder.- Type: Deactivated yeast
- Flavor: Cheesy, nutty, and savory
- Source: Molasses
- Vegan: Yes
- Protein Content: Around 8 grams per serving
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107votesSeitan is a vegan meat substitute that is made from wheat gluten. It is high in protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to sandwiches.Seitan, also known as wheat meat or wheat gluten, is a high-protein vegan food made primarily from gluten, the main protein found in wheat. It has a chewy texture and a savory flavor, making it a popular meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian diets. Seitan is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes such as stir-fries, sandwiches, and stews.
- Protein Content: Seitan is high in protein, with an average content of about 25-30 grams per 100 grams.
- Gluten Content: Seitan is primarily made from gluten, the protein found in wheat.
- Caloric Value: Seitan is relatively low in calories, with approximately 120-150 calories per 100 grams.
- Fat Content: Seitan is low in fat, containing less than 5 grams of fat per 100 grams.
- Iron: Seitan is a good source of iron, providing about 15-20% of the recommended daily intake in a 100-gram serving.
Missing your favorite vegan food?
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Ranking factors for popular vegan food
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Health benefitsMany people choose vegan foods for their health benefits. So, a popular vegan food should be nutritious, low in fat, and high in fiber.
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Taste and flavorThe taste and flavor of vegan foods play a significant role in popularity. The food should have a pleasant and appealing taste so that it is enjoyable to eat.
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AccessibilityVeganism has become a popular lifestyle choice, and hence, vegan foods should be easy to find and accessible to everyone.
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AffordabilityVegan foods should be reasonably priced so that people can afford them.
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SustainabilityPeople today are concerned about the environment and choosing vegan foods that use eco-friendly ingredients and are sustainably sourced.
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InnovationAs competition among vegan brands is high, innovation stands out as a crucial factor. Vegan companies that offer new and unique products may experience higher popularity levels.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular vegan food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or vegan is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2139 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each vegan once every 24 hours. The rank of each vegan is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular vegan food
Veganism has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more people opting for a plant-based lifestyle. This dietary choice not only benefits the environment but also has numerous health benefits. However, one of the biggest challenges of following a vegan diet is finding delicious and nutritious food options. Fortunately, there are plenty of vegan-friendly foods to choose from, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. In this article, we will explore the most popular vegan foods and dishes, as voted by our community on StrawPoll. So, whether you're a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, read on to discover the best vegan foods to incorporate into your diet.
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