Great Food Discoveries of 2023

2023 has been a banner year in my kitchen with 8 really great plant-based food discoveries made throughout the year including ice cream, chocolate, soup, cheese, granola, nuts, and salami.  All 8 of these companies deserve a food Oscar for their healthy and delicious creations.

Cado Ice Cream

At the top of the list is Cado Ice Cream – a non-dairy ice cream made primarily with avocado. Who knew? Most non-dairy ice creams are made with nut milks and lots of sugar and additives but not Cado who relies on avocados as a foundation for flavors that include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Lemon, Deep Dark Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Java Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cherry Amaretto, and Salted Caramel. My personal favorites include Chocolate Peanut Butter and Lemon.  All are luscious, creamy, and delicious. Buy on-line at www.cadoicecream.com.  The company has the shipping down pat…buy up to 8 pints with shipping of $14.99 and your Cado arrives perfectly frozen on dry ice within days.

Fames Chocolates

Chocolate is near and dear to most people and there are a lot of great options to chose from out there. But, a small company in Brooklyn called Fames Chocolates specializes in traditional dairy-free chocolates that are totally addicting. Try the Caramel Chew Nuts (truly yummy), Pecan Clusters, and Almond Patties. Good things do come from small batches.  Buy at www.fameschocolate.com.Reine Vegan Cheese

I’ve had mixed feelings about dairy-free cheese because most are made with coconut milk or coconut oil, both high in saturated fat.  Finding a creamy, delicious and healthier dairy-free cheese made primarily from cashews has been a challenge until recently when I discovered  Reine Vegan Cuisine, a California-based company that makes the best vegan cheese I’ve ever tasted.  Try the Cranberry Citrus on a seeded cracker and you will experience true bliss.  www.reinevegancuisine.com

18 Chestnuts Soups

Most shelf stable soups are made with additives and way too much sodium but not soups made by Asheville, NC- based 18 Chestnuts. Try the Roasted Cauliflower (top with a few small pieces of roasted cauliflower), Tuscan Tomato  (top with homemade croutons), or the Mountain Mushroom (top with sautéed mushrooms).  All are dairy-free and delicious.  But at www.18Chestnuts.com

Good Planet Cheese

Most non-dairy cheeses are made with coconut oil or coconut milk so I rarely buy these products because they are filled with saturated fat.  Good Planet Food offers an alternative that is both healthier and more flavorful with  vegan cheese made with olive oil  in shreds, blocks, or cubes.  Try the Cheddar, Mexican or Mozzarella Shreds, the Mexican Style Monterrey Jack block, and the Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cubes. Available at Whole Foods.

Eleven Madison Park Granola

The granola market is saturated with options but at the top stands Eleven Madison Park Granola. It’s nothing short of 3 Michelin Stars (which is what the New York City-based restaurant has been awarded).  The granola comes in three flavors, although seasonal variations are often offered, with my personal favorite Cherry Pistachio.  Buy at www.elevenmadisonhome.com.

Hellenic Farms Fig Salami

Salami or faux sausage has never been on my grocery list but Hellenic Farms Fig Salami will make your charcuterie board sizzle. Made with figs, dried fruits, and spices, the collection incudes flavors like Figs with Pistachio and Cinnamon, Figs with Almonds and Black Pepper, Fig Salami with Orange Zest (a favorite), Fig Salami with Tikka Masala and Onion, and Fig Salami with Pistachios and Pepper.  Buy at www.helenicfarms.com. Ahualoa Family Farms Macadamia Nuts

Not all macadamia nuts are the same.  Try going directly to the source – Ahualoa Family Farms – where the best roasted macadamia nuts that are grown, processed, and packaged in Hawaii.  Crunchy, buttery, and delicious, these macadamia nuts are the top of the crop.  Spend $100 and get free shipping.  Order at www.ahualoafamilyfarms.com.