Whole Foods' 5 plant-based favorites for summer

There's no better time than summer to break out of the ordinary routine and explore the aisles to try something new. As plant-based products continue to expand into new areas of our store, our Trends Council has predicted the plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy and even seafood will fill shoppers' carts this summer and beyond. These plant-based products also meet our Quality Standards, which prohibit 100+ ingredients in food, so pop open a refreshing beverage and lighten up your summer staples with these plant-based finds.

Alternative cheeses go gourmet

Give your summer charcuterie board an upgraded, plant-based twist with a distinctive assortment of cheese alternatives that are all dairy free. While using nut-based milks and ingredients like black garlic truffle, dill Havarti and chive is unique, plant-based cheesemakers are also replicating the methods used to make dairy cheeses for more authentic textures and flavors. Including a plant-based cheese will be sure to take your picnic basket to the next level.

Try the trend: Miyoko's Creamery Artisan Vegan Cheese: Semi-Firm Smoked English Farmhouse, Semi-Soft Double Cream Classic Chive; Treeline Sea Salt & Pepper Soft French-Style Nut Cheese; Kite Hill Spreadable Cheese: Garlic & Herb, Cracked Black Pepper; Cheeze & Thank You: Vegan Dill Havarti, Vegan Black Garlic Truffle Fontina (available only in Illinois stores)

Related:US plant-based food retail sales jumped 27% in 2020

BBQ for all—even vegans

Remember when corn ribs broke the internet? Buckle up for more plants hitting the grill this summer that go far beyond the veggie burger: Think plant-based products like hot dogs, Italian-style sausages and even jackfruit BBQ. From algae-based casing to hickory smoke concentrate, these vegetarian options have unique ingredients making it easy (and flavorful) to incorporate more plants into your cookout. Mixing up your classic grilling go-tos will leave meat lovers and vegetarians alike wanting more.

Try the trend: Field Roast Signature Stadium Dog; Upton's Naturals: Updog Vegan Hot Dog, Bar-B-Que Jackfruit; Lightlife Plant-Based Italian Sausages; recipe for Spicy Grilled Tempeh from Whole Foods Market

Pint-sized and plant-based

Gone are the days of pleading with your kids to eat their fruits and veggies. For the littlest of eaters, brands are providing plant-forward options that come in kid-approved forms like nuggets, yogurt tubes and ice pops (did we mention they're superhero themed?). These products are perfect for sneaking fruits and veggies into their meal and great for on-the-go backyard explorations.

Related:Move flexitarians to the (plant-based) meat of the matter

Try the trend: Ripple Kids Non-Dairy Milk; Miyoko's Creamery Plant Milk Cheddar Sticks; 365 by Whole Foods Market Plant-Based Nuggets; Kite Hill Kids Strawberry Banana Almond & Coconut Milk Yogurt Tubes; Chloe's Plant-Based Kids Pops: Avengers, Spider-Man

Plant-based catch of the day

Get ready for a new wave of seafood substitutes that will be sure to surprise and impress! Ingredients like legumes and banana blossoms are being used to mimic the flaky texture of the real thing. This means alternative fish sticks, no-tuna sandwiches and a whole new depth of flavor in an otherwise simple fish dinner. So pop open some bubbly and wow your friends with this fresh, new take on seafood.

Try the trend: Upton's Naturals Banana Blossom (a flower that is a fish alternative); Good Catch Fish-Free Tuna: Mediterranean, Oil & Herbs, Naked in Water; Vegan Tuna in Whole Foods Market's Chef's Case; Trumpet Mushrooms for recipes like Vallops (vegan scallops) made by one of our go-to vegans, Tabitha Brown.

Dairy-free dips in disguise

Searching for a creamy dip to pair with your summer crudités spread? Look no further than these buttery-smooth and spreadable dips and cream cheese alternatives. Highlighting traditionally milky flavors like French onion, ranch and queso, they're a fun and effortless way to enhance any starter course. They're not just for dipping: smear on bagels, spread on sandwiches or dollop on crusty bread for a midday snack.

Try the trend: Kite Hill Dairy-Free Dips: Queso, French Onion, Ranch, Tzatziki; Siete Cashew Queso: Mild Nacho, Spicy Blanco; Credo Plant-Based Strawberry Cashew Cream Cheese (available only in the Southwest region); Whole Foods Market Plant-Based Queso; Bitchin' Sauce: Original, Chipotle, Cilantro Chili

Source: Whole Foods Market