Unboxed: 8 plant-based foods for holiday charcuterie and cheese boards

As the days grow shorter, the United States now enters the season of entertaining. Picnics are out, and dinner parties are in. The lead-up to Thanksgiving often sparks gatherings, and between that holiday and New Year’s Day, people wander from event to event, picking up shrimp from passed plates, downing cocktails and mocktails and savoring every bite of that Linzer torte.

And then there’s those made-for-Instagram charcuterie and cheese plates. They sing for omnivores. For vegans? Maybe there’s some nuts scattered on the board, a handful of grapes, a clutch of crackers.

It doesn’t have be so deflating. Thanks to mad innovation within the natural and organic food industry, many brands now craft salami, tuna, chocolate and Gouda—all vegan-style. Rather suddenly, vegans now can thrill to charcuterie and cheese offerings with the same enthusiasm as those who slather real foie gras and Camembert on their baguette slices. And for those who also steer clear of booze, non-alcoholic brands are crushing it today—including those that ferment and bottle sparkling wine.

New Hope Network staff members receive loads of news about fresh finds across the thriving natural and organic products marketplace. And thanks to events like Natural Products Expo and the NEXTY Awards, we also sample a wide array of the culinary pleasures landing on shelves, and that includes many vegan brands.

Get ready to assemble a winning charcuterie and cheese board for your next get together—without the animal products.