As you walk around Natural Products Expo trying all the innovative new vegan products, you get the palpable sense that vegan lifestyles are more prevalent than ever. So many companies are creating products that don't support the cruel meat and dairy industries. Many of the same brands are also thinking about sustainability and health, so it's a win-win-win.
Check out some of the terrific vegan food and beauty products that we discovered at this year's event:
Dairy-Free Yums
Daiya Cheese Sticks
These sticks are unlike anything that you've ever had. They're a must-have in any respectable lunch bag.
Daiya Ice Cream Bars
A picture is worth a thousand words in this case.
Field Roast Chao Dressings and Dips
Field Roast's new dressings come in Caesar, Ranch and Thousand Island flavors. Use them on salads or burgers or as a dip.
Good Planet Foods Dairy Free Cheese
This company is perfecting the taste and texture of nondairy cheese.
Loving Earth Chocolate
This vegan chocolate company is sustainable and fair trade, and it uses non-GMO ingredients. We recommend the mouthwatering creamy chocolate bar.
Miyoko's Kitchen 'Un-Lox Your Dreams' Cream Cheese
The queen of nondairy products strikes again! Miyoko's Kitchen is unveiling new flavors of vegan cream cheese, and they're simply divine.
Violife Mediterranean Style and Just Like Feta Vegan Cheeses
These vegan cheeses might just transport you to a Grecian isle.
Meatless Picks
Beyond Meat Beyond Sausage
This isn't the first time that we've sung the praises of this vegan sausage—now go out and try it!
Good Catch Foods Vegan Crab Cakes
Good Catch products are some of our new favorites, and these crab cakes are no exception.
Good Catch Foods Fish-Free Burger
And don't forget about this burger.
No Evil Foods
Vegan chorizo, sausage, chicken and ham roasts are some of the deliciously innovative new products by No Evil Foods.
Most Unique Product
Vegan Fish Sauce by 24Vegan
Try it in sauces, homemade kimchi and more.
Convenience Foods
Daiya Burritos
The Santa Fe is extra-cheesy and has a kick of spice! We love it.
Enjoy Life Foods Dipped Banana Protein Bites
Enjoy Life prides itself on creating allergy-friendly snacks. These bites are ready to be thrown in your gym bag. They pack 6 grams of protein and are palm oil–free. Oh, and they're delicious.
Field Roast Chili Mac 'n Chao
This year, Field Roast introduced a version with macaroni pasta instead of penne, and we must say, it's perfect.
Gardein Skillet Meals
Ready-made vegan meals are great for super-busy days when cooking isn't an option.
Beauty Brands
ACURE ORGANICS
ACURE—one of our favorite 100 percent vegan companies—has a new biocellulose mask that's definitely worth a try.
Pacifica
So many items to try, so little time at the expo. From facial masks to hydrating mists, we love that Pacifica's products are 100 percent vegan and available at both Target and Ulta stores.
Of course, these are just a few of the amazing vegan products coming to store shelves near you. Keep an eye out for them, and remember: None of these delicious options would be available if compassionate consumers didn't keep asking for them.