Do you think vegetables, kale, and brown rice are the only things you can eat as a vegan? Perhaps social media platforms show you that!

However, a lot of other foods are coincidentally vegan. And, luckily those living in Dubai, they can have a ton of alternatives easily available due to the growing trend of vegan food in Dubai and all over the Middle East.

Here are 10 shocking vegan food alternatives that are scrumptious, rich in nutrition, and can easily be used as a substitute for your favorite food in Dubai.

1. Oat Milk

It is not only regarded as the powerhouse of protein but is also rich in carbohydrates with no cholesterol and saturated fats. You can make use of this healthy item as an ingredient in creamy soups, baked goods, and smoothies

2. Rice Milk

Undoubtedly, rice milk is a common vegan food in Dubai, UAE, for its hypoallergenic and nutritious qualities. Surprisingly, rice milk works well for savory recipes, light sauces, soups, and can be poured on cereals as well.

3. Almond Cheese

Almond cheese is a dairy-free option that is not only loaded with good fats but also rich in vitamins and proteins. This vegan cheese can help in keeping your heart healthy. Use it as a unique flavor to your soups, or as a topping on your salads.

4. Tofu Gouda

This dairy-free Tofu Gouda – made from potatoes and tofu, is a kind of cheese that has the same nutty, buttery taste like the real thing. It contains eight essential amino acids, minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B1, and a good amount of protein.

Tofu Gouda can be added to lasagna, paninis or sandwiches. It can also be spread on vegan pizza.

5. Tempeh

Tempeh is a great source of protein, fibers, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. Try this wonderful meat alternative in recipes such as Vegan and Gluten-Free Tempeh Meatballs, Balsamic BBQ Tempeh Ribs, Vegan Tempeh Gyros, and Reuben Sandwiches.

6. Pureed Avocado

Not a great replacement for butter; but it shockingly does a great job as a substitute to fats found in butter. Rich in monounsaturated fats, this alternative has a rich texture and taste, highly recommended for burgers, chips, tartare, tacos and some other vegan baked goods.

7. Flegg

Made from flax meal and water – Flegg can be added to your daily diet as a substitute for eggs. You can definitely use it in yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and smoothies.

Also, many vegans prefer to use it for baking vegan rolls, muffins, and pancakes.

8. Mustard

Mustard is a favorite vegan alternative that can be used for vegan sausages, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Mustard not only provides a substantial amount of minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, and calcium, but it also has a high level of antioxidants that helps prevent DNA mutation and cell damage.

9. Hummus

Hummus helps balance cholesterol levels and prevents hypertension and heart disease. There are multiple healthier variants available in Dubai that can be used as a dip for tomatoes or as a spread on vegan bread & frozen pizza dough.

10. Guacamole

Made from nature’s butter – avocados, it has a creamy texture and a pleasant taste. For Guacamole, you need ripe avocados and lemon that can easily be bought online from NRTC fresh – the online fresh vegetable providers in Dubai, and a small quantity of salt to balance the avocado’s richness.

Guacamole can be used in sandwiches or use as a creamy dressing on salads.

Conclusion

The vegan alternatives mentioned above are options for people who want to cut out allergens such as dairy, meat, eggs, and gluten from their diet.

If you are interested to try out the dishes discussed above but do not have the required ingredients, try out NRTC fresh- the leading platform for online vegetable shopping in Dubai. They deliver pre-cut & pre-packed fruit, vegetables and other ingredients at your doorstep. Happy eating, healthy vegans!