I once brought a tub of vegan queso to game night without mentioning the “v” word. By the third round of Cards Against Humanity, it was gone—scraped clean with broken tortilla chips and pinky fingers.
No one noticed it was dairy-free. No one cared.
That was my first taste (literally) of a delicious truth: some vegan products are so good, even the most burger-devoted omnivores secretly buy them.
Whether it’s the creamy oat milk that became your roommate’s coffee ride-or-die or that salty-sweet snack your dad thinks is “just a really good granola bar,” these plant-based products have crossed the aisle.
Here’s a list of 9 vegan items that non-vegans love—sometimes without even realizing it.
Each one proves that plant-based living isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about flavor, convenience, and feel-good choices that just happen to be good for the planet, too.
1. Oatly Oat Milk
The appeal: Silky texture. Neutral flavor. Foam-friendly for latte art newbies.
Why it works: Oatly’s barista blend doesn’t scream “oats!” It just makes your coffee better. No aftertaste. No clumps. Just a smooth sip.
Bigger why: Producing oat milk emits about 80% less greenhouse gases than dairy milk. Add to cart, save the planet.
Pro tip: Stock the shelf-stable version to avoid milk runs.
2. Just Egg
The appeal: Fluffy, golden, and totally egg-free.
Why it works: Whether you’re making a breakfast burrito or sneaking it into your stir-fry, Just Egg cooks up creamy and satisfying—no chickens required.
Bigger why: It’s all about comfort food with a modern twist. Same texture, same sizzle, none of the usual baggage.
Pro tip: Whisk it with a splash of plant milk and cinnamon for the dreamiest vegan French toast.
3. Earth Balance Buttery Spread
The appeal: Spreads smooth. Melts golden. Even your grandma might not notice.
Why it works: Unlike some alt-butters that feel like margarine’s awkward cousin, Earth Balance tastes rich—salty, creamy, spreadable on toast.
Bigger why: No cholesterol, and it’s free of palm oil in select varieties (a win for orangutans).
Pro tip: Use it in your next batch of chocolate chip cookies. Watch them disappear.
4. Hippeas Chickpea Puffs
The appeal: Crunchy, puffy, and wildly addictive.
Why it works: Reminiscent of a childhood snack but with a grown-up nutrition label. Plus, they leave way less orange dust on your fingers.
Bigger why: Chickpeas are nitrogen-fixing crops, meaning they actually improve soil health. Snack like you mean it.
Pro tip: Pair the Sriracha Sunshine flavor with your next Netflix binge.
5. Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Cheese
The appeal: Cheese-lovers whisper about it like a secret weapon.
Why it works: Cashew-based, cultured, and convincingly creamy, Miyoko’s double cream chive and smoked farmhouse are gateway cheeses to a better future.
Bigger why: Dairy farming contributes heavily to methane emissions. Swapping for cashew-based cheese lowers your footprint dramatically.
Pro tip: Serve it on a charcuterie board. Let the compliments roll in before revealing it’s vegan.
6. Trader Joe’s Vegan Pesto
The appeal: A cult-favorite with basil-heavy flavor and no dairy bloat.
Why it works: No cheese. No problem. Nutritional yeast brings the umami, and the olive oil keeps it luscious.
Bigger why: Dairy-free = less land use and fewer emissions. Plus, no animals milked in the making.
Pro tip: Mix it with pasta or use it as a sandwich spread.
7. Gardein Crispy Tenders
The appeal: Convincing crunch. Familiar bite. Fry-ready for the hangriest eater.
Why it works: Gardein nailed the texture—crispy outside, chewy center. Dipped in sauce, it’s game over.
Bigger why: A go-to for picky eaters, midnight snackers, and anyone trying to skip meat without skipping the fun. It hits the nostalgic comfort-food zone—with none of the chicken.
Pro tip: Air fry for peak crispiness. Serve with buffalo sauce and celery. Instant bar food vibes.
8. Hu Chocolate Bars
The appeal: Clean ingredients, big chocolate energy.
Why it works: No dairy, no soy lecithin, no weird additives. Just pure cocoa and creamy texture. Dark chocolate with a secret soft center.
Bigger why: Ethical sourcing + fewer additives = better for the planet and your insides.
Pro tip: Freeze it for a satisfying snap and a longer savor.
9. Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
The appeal: Light, crispy, and somehow feel fancy.
Why it works: Made with cassava and avocado oil, they’re naturally vegan and gluten-free. But what steals the show is that satisfying crunch.
Bigger why: Siete is family-owned and puts sustainability into practice—less water use, better soil preservation.
Pro tip: Pair with guac and don’t mention the ingredients. Watch your BBQ guests devour the bag.
So, why does this matter?
Here’s the kicker: these products aren’t just “good for a vegan option.” They’re just good. Period. They sneak into non-vegan homes, office fridges, and pantry drawers because they deliver on flavor, convenience, and vibe.
And here’s the upshot—every time someone unknowingly chooses a plant-based product, it counts. Health-wise. Climate-wise. Community-wise.
- A Brigham Young University study found that employees with unhealthy diets were 66% more likely to report productivity loss. Good snacks? Good brain.
- According to Healthline, plant-forward diets can slash your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
So whether you’re vegan, vegan-curious, or just someone who eats whatever’s on sale at Trader Joe’s (no shame), these 9 items prove that plant-based shopping isn’t a niche club.
It’s already mainstream. Secretly, deliciously, and sustainably so.
