Non-Dairy

Anyone who follows a vegan diet knows how important it is to have those go-to vegan staples stocked in the kitchen. Here at Tacoma Boys, we recognize various dietary needs and the importance of vegan staples. From fresh produce to dairy free milks, nuts and seeds, legumes, grains, and other necessities and specialities such as tofu. For those who don’t know, a vegan diet refrains from consumption of animal products. This includes meat, dairy, eggs, and any foods containing these ingredients.

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Vegan Staples

Tacoma Boys has a wide variety of essentials to a vegan diet, but a few stick out as go-to favorites. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes or grains, you’ll find what you need for a well-rounded vegan diet. Even those that do not follow a vegan diet will be tempted to mix up their shopping list with a spread of these plant-based foods!

Fruits And Vegetables

Though necessary for any diet, the vegan diet relies heavily on fruits and vegetables for fiber and protein, which generally make up the bulk of a day’s eating. Vegetables like broccoli and spinach contain more protein than most people realize! Also, mushrooms tend to be included more in plant-based diets because of their rich, umami, almost “meaty” taste and texture. Mushrooms are great meat substitutes for meals that typically use beef! 

Mushrooms

• Ponderosa Dried Mushrooms including Chanterelle, Morel, Oyster, Portabella, and a few more varieties.
• White Mushrooms, Brown Crimini Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms

Other Go To Produce

• Squash
• Leafy Greens like Kale
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Bananas
• Apples

When possible, buy locally grown produce.

Dairy Free Milks

Tacoma Boys is proud to offer a vast selection of dairy free “milks” made from nuts but also from many other foods like coconut and oats.

Find a couple different kinds in the refrigerated section, like Califia Farms Oatmilk and Mooala Plant-Based Creamer for coffee. A few more are shelf-stable like Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk, So Delicious Coconut Milk, Milkadamia Macadamia Milk, Pacific Foods Hemp, Hazelnut, Almond, Soy, and Coconut Milk, and much more to choose from.

Nuts And Seeds

Nuts and seeds are another essential vegan staple and source of protein and fiber.

Along with Northwest Delights Roasted Cashews and Almonds, vegans can enjoy dozens of nut and seed butters, from the traditional Field Day Organic Natural Peanut Butter, to SunButter Sunflower Butter, or Justin’s Almond Butter.

Legumes And Grains

The duo is often a backbone of a vegan diet because of the complete proteins. Whole grains with legumes deliver necessary amino acids that come together to create “complete protein,” which the body then uses for energy. In a vegan diet, this is important because complete proteins are mainly found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Read up more on plant-based and complete proteins here.

• Bob’s Red Mill is a popular brand among vegans because of its wide variety of whole grains and legumes, including Rolled Oats, Quinoa, Lentils, Cannellini Beans, Cracked Freekeh, and much more
• Farmer Direct Organics Black Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas or Split Green Peas

Other Vegan Staples

Everyone has a few go-to ingredients they like to use in their day-to-day cooking, vegans included! Here are some of our favorite specialty ingredients made from plants:

• Mori-Nu Silken and Extra Firm Tofu
• Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt Tzatziki Dip
• Follow Your Heart has a long line of vegan salad dressings and dips in variations like Caesar, Vegan Mayonnaise, and Thousand Island
• Good Planet Foods Plant-Based Cheese comes in flavors like Garlic & Herb, Cheddar, and Smoked Provolone

Vegan Recipes

All you need is a few vegan staples and a bit of creativity to create delicious vegan recipes and meals. These vegan recipe ideas can get you started.

• This list of vegan recipes utilizing mushrooms is far from comprehensive, but a good look at how versatile the “meaty” vegetable is
• Blend So Delicious Coconut Milk with Frozen Berries found in the freezer section for a refreshing smoothie.
• Northwest Delights Cashews can be incorporated into several vegan recipes because they are super smooth and creamy when blended. You can easily make sweet or savory cream, use them in an alfredo sauce, or thicken up soups with blended cashews. The Vegan Alfredo Sauce by Nora Cooks is a delicious example on how you can transform cashews. 
• This Lentil Rice Soup by Veggie Inspired is a great way to enjoy legumes and grains.
• Pan-fry pressed firm tofu with spices for a crispy source of protein.

Shopping for Plant Based Alternatives

It doesn’t have to be difficult to find vegan staples and plant based alternatives to common foods at Tacoma Boys. You can even get a hold of pre made Vegan Desserts, many of which are locally produced! If you need help finding your favorite vegan staple or plant based alternatives, just ask and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list! 

When it comes to plant-based sweets, we’ve got all of the goods with none of the bad. With Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s wide selection of vegan desserts, you can “treat yo’ self” while treating your body—and the environment—right.

Considering going vegan? You’re not alone! Veganism is a rising tide in the United States today, and Washington State is among the frontrunners. Why the upswing in numbers of people making this somewhat counter-cultural choice? The reasons are numerous and all pretty great. Some choose a vegan lifestyle in protest and to prevent animal cruelty. Others see the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Still more see the impact animal products and byproducts have on the environment, and are interested in doing their part to reduce that carbon footprint. Maybe you find yourself in one of these camps and go all vegan all the time. Or perhaps you’re not so hard core, but still like to make occasional vegan choices here and there. Either way, the question of sweet treats remains: What’s a vegan to do when he or she wants a dessert without all the dairy and guilt?

Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce has the answer. Lots of answers, actually! As your local specialty food store, we work with local companies who are committed to the things you care about, and have already gone about asking the same question. And they’ve come up with some delicious and convenient solutions to the desert problem. Many of the vegan products we carry are locally produced, and most of our partners go above and beyond to source their products responsibly. So you don’t have to compromise your morals or disappoint your taste buds. We’ve rounded up some of the best vegan treats you can find on our shelves any time! 

Tacoma Boys’ Best Vegan Treats

Olivia Superfree Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Want a quick and delicious breakfast on the go? Grab a carton of Olivia Superfree Blueberry Lemon Muffins! Olivia Superfree is a local company, based right here in Washington. From dinner rolls to apple pie, they’re experts at creating food that actually tastes good. In addition to being vegan, they also avoid common allergens found in most foods. Besides muffins, in our freezer section, you’ll find their cupcakes (Double Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough), fudge brownies, and pie (Dutch Apple and Blackberry), all vegan, all ready to serve at your next summer gathering! 

PNW Cookie Peanut Butter cookie

If you love the soft melt in your mouth texture of a great peanut butter cookie, you’ll love this peanut butter cookie from the PNW Cookie Company! PNW Cookie Company makes gluten free, soy free and vegan cookies right here in the PNW! Not a peanut butter lover? No problem! On our shelves, you’ll find Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Molasses, Oatmeal & Raisin, and Snickerdoodle flavors, and they’re all certified began! So, stock up and enjoy a locally made cookie that fits your lifestyle like peanut butter fits with jelly!

Divine Pie Oregon Berry Cheesecake

Love cheesecake? Love PNW grown berries? Well then, this vegan cheesecake is the treat for you! Divine Pie is a woman started and owned bakery based in Oregon. They specialize in dairy-free, gluten-free desserts. This includes their Oregon Berry Cheesecake as well as Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Hazelnut pie, which you’ll find in our gluten-free refrigerated section. 

Chloe’s Oatmilk Salted Caramel Pops

If you crave ice cream, but struggle to find a vegan option that’s worth eating, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Chloe’s Oatmilk Caramel Pops. At 110 calories per pop, you won’t be breaking the calorie budget by indulging in this sweet and savory combo. Perfect as a mid afternoon summer snack, this pop won Delicious Living’s Consumer Choice Gold Award in 2020. Join the club and enjoy this guilt-free summer treat!

Eat PastryⓇ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

You know how your mom said not to eat the cookie dough or else you’d get sick? You did anyway back then, and you can do it again now, but without the impending risk of salmonella. Eat Pastry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, found in our refrigerated section, is made without eggs and with heat treated flour, so it’s safe to eat raw. If you INSIST on baking it, it also makes delicious cookies, but…why? The dough is better, and we all know it. And this dough has the added benefit of being completely vegan. So grab a spoon and dig in.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth, Vegan Style!

Whatever your reason for making the admirable choice to go vegan, you shouldn’t be penalized with sub-par desserts or treats. And with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, you don’t have to! With a great selection of vegan products, we’re confident you’ll find your new favorite vegan treat at one of our locations. Stop in today and ask one of our store associates to point you in the direction of some of our amazing vegan options!

According to statistics, between 30 and 50 million Americans are dairy intolerant.

If you are someone who cannot tolerate dairy, you might feel like you are missing out on some of the best dishes! However, nowadays creamy mains, melt-in-your-mouth sauces, and frozen desserts do not have to be off-limits.

You just need to have the right recipes up your sleeve!

If you want to whip up some incredibly delicious dairy-free recipes that are simple and easy to make—read on. Because we are about to share with you 4 lactose-free recipes that you won’t believe don’t have dairy.

1. No-Bake Cheesecake

Cheesecake. One of the dishes missed most by those who have dairy intolerances.

Fortunately, there are many dairy-free cheesecake recipes that you can try. One of them is this no-bake cheesecake from Minimalist Baker.

To make the crust, place 1 cup pitted dates in a food processor and blend until you can make a ball with the mix. Remove and place 1 cup raw walnuts into the food processor. Blend into a meal.

Then add the dates back and process until a dough forms.

Grease a muffin pan and press 1 tbsp of crust into each depression.

Then combine 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (flash soaked in hot water), juice of one large lemon, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, and 1/2 cup agave nectar in a blender. Blend until smooth.  And our Tacoma Boys raw nuts come in bulk, so you can toss them into other recipes as well!

Next, simply scoop the filling into your muffin pan. At this stage, you can add any toppings/flavoring of your choice, such as fresh blueberries, or caramel sauce.

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 4-6 hours.

2. Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

Having a good dairy-free cheese sauce recipe on hand is invaluable for anybody who is lactose intolerant. Try this simple rendition from Ela Vegan.

To start, combine 3/4 cup coconut milk, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp tapioca flour, and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan. You can also choose to include onion powder, garlic powder, and/or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Bring up to boil and simmer for 1 minute while stirring. Once the sauce is stretchy, voilà!

You can use this cheese sauce as a dip, in dairy-free lasagnas, or even on top of pizzas in place of melted cheese.

3. Creamy Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce

This basic recipe from Simply Whisked can be used on its own with fettuccine pasta, or as a base into which you can add chicken or veggies.

To begin, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp garlic in a skillet and sauté. Add 2 tbsp flour, and stir. Then whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth.

Lastly, whisk in 3/4 cup cashew cream, 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk 1/2–1 tsp salt, 1 tsp nutritional yeast, and black pepper to taste. Simmer until thick.

Try These Dairy-Free Recipes With Our Premium Ingredients

Now that you have this list of delicious and indispensable dairy-free recipes, all that you need is some quality ingredients to make them with.  We’ve got a wide variety of dairy-free options in store, 24 hours per day.  As a specialty grocer, if you can’t find it, we can likely get it!

Here at Tacoma Boys, we pride ourselves stocking only the best and freshest goods every day. Because we know that good cooking starts with the freshest and the highest quality ingredients. Check out our store locations and come and visit us today. You won’t be disappointed.

If you are hungry for more tasty dairy-free recipes, take a look at our this Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice recipe!