5 Easy Ways to Add Plant-Based Options to Your Summer Barbecue
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Summer is here and that means one thing: barbecues! But a new study into summer hosting habits conducted by OnePoll in association with Sabra reveals that 47 percent of hosts get nervous when planning an event with vegan guests. Of the 2,000 Americans polled, 70 percent said they hoped vegan guests would “get by” with celery sticks and what would already be offered at their barbecues!
Sure, celery sticks are fine, but what many barbecue hosts don’t realize is that adding delicious plant-based options is easy. Here are five simple ways to please any vegan at your next barbecue.
1. Make Vegan Versions
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel! Serving hamburgers? Grab some fantastic plant-based burgers and throw them on the grill. Having hot dogs? Same deal. Some of our favorites are the Beyond Burger, MorningStar Farms Veggie Lovers burger, Beyond Sausage, and Field Roast sausages, but there are tons of other options. Just make sure the buns you buy are dairy-free by checking the ingredients.
2. Choose Plant-Based Sides
You can make sure your barbecue has something for everyone by choosing sides that are vegan. For example, many potato chips are already dairy-free; just check the ingredients (barbecue or salt and vinegar are usually safe!). Tiny things like picking a dairy-free dressing for the salad or grabbing vegan-friendly dips like hummus can make all the difference.
3. Shop Dairy-Free
One of the simplest things you can do to make your barbecue vegan-friendly is buying dairy-free versions of cookout staples. It’s easier than ever to find a delicious vegan butter from brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s at your local grocery store or dairy-free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. With these products, you can enjoy your corn on the cob with that familiar buttery taste and serve a delicious dessert that both vegans and non-vegans will adore.
4. Try a New Recipe (or Two)
Why not get creative? There are endless plant-based barbecue options that all your guests will love. Whether you serve seitan skewers, beet burgers, or grilled stuffed avocados, this is an exciting chance to expose guests to foods they may never have tried.
5. Ask in Advance
A good rule of thumb is to check with your guests in advance about their dietary preferences, thereby avoiding any last-minute panic. You shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by accommodating vegan guests; just keep their food choices in mind when planning your menu.
While adding plant-based foods is a simple way to satisfy all your guests, it could also be a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. Evidence shows that raising animals for meat, eggs, and dairy uses 30 percent of the planet’s ice-free land and makes up nearly 15 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Not only will making your summer barbecue plant-based help the environment; it will show your guests how delicious vegan food truly is.
Learn more and receive easy vegan meal ideas and recipes by downloading our How to Eat Veg Guide today.