The 7 Best Vegan Items to Buy Next Time You’re at BJ’s

Most people think that eating vegan or plant-based means shopping at fancy food marts and being stuck paying double for what you think is reasonable for alternative cheeses, milks and organic veggies. Not so! The truth is, you can find delicious plant-based products at big-box stores designed around savings such as BJ’s Wholesale Club. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular vegan items they sell so you can eat more plant-based meals without burning a hole in your wallet. (Remember: Not all BJs carry the same stock nationwide, but you’re likely to find one if not more of the below to toss in your cart during your next trip.)

Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Meatless Tenders: The meat alternatives on the market can be pretty hit or miss, but Gardein doesn’t disappoint with their Seven Grain Crispy Meatless Tenders. These vegan 'chick’n' strips are made from a blend of soy, wheat, vegetables and a mix of seasonings that add some serious flavor. Throw them on top of a salad, put them in a wrap, enjoy them with some dip, or include them in a dish entirely of your own creation.

Gardein Meatless Meatballs: Another vegan food favorite of Gardein’s product line can also be found at BJ’s: Meatless meatballs. Similar to its meatless tenders, these are made from soy, wheat, and vegetables so they’re a solid source of plant-based protein. Vegan meatballs make a perfect pair with pasta and tomato sauce, but they also work well in meatless meatball subs or as a crowd-pleasing quick appetizer. (Stick with toothpicks and pair with a tomato sauce for dipping.) They’re an easy, and tasty, way to cut back on red meat without sacrificing the taste or texture.

Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread: This buttery vegan spread offers that irresistible buttery taste but one that is completely created from plants. Light and creamy, it’s delicious on bagels or toasts, but you can also use it to add some rich flavor when frying or baking. (Check out The Beet Meter for the full taste test deets.) As an extra bonus, this smooth vegetable-based spread is free of MSG and contains zero trans fats, so there’s no guilt when you lather it onto your food or use it in your cooking.

Amy's Organic Lentil Soups: Even if you’ve only been recently eating plant-based or vegan, chances are you’ve run into some of Amy’s products at the grocery store. And if you’ve never seen this brand before, commit it to memory because its lineup contains a number of flavorful plant-based foods, including these organic soups. Made from organic lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes it tastes fresh without the fuss of making soup from scratch. What this soup won’t have are preservatives while also being relatively low in sodium for canned food. Grab a pack of these so you always have a quick, vegan meal at the ready when hunger strikes or you just aren't in the mood to meal prep.

Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Lavash Bread: Lavash bread is a type of thin, unleavened flatbread that’s great for making wraps. These slices are a fast way of adding more protein into your plant-based diet in addition to getting a dose of omega-3s and whole grains. This means not only will you curb your carb craving in a healthier way, you’ll be getting some anti-inflammatory fats in the process, too.

Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted Green Pea Snack Crisps: Sometimes you just need a crunchy snack. With 70% of this baked product being made from the whole pea, you’ll get plenty of fiber with every bite. And if you’re trying to introduce more plant-based foods into your kid’s diet, these crispy, lightly salted snacks are a nutritious swap for many of those other chips out there as they have less fat and fewer calories. (Though to be honest, we think adults will find them pretty addicting and may not want to share!)

Caramel Naturel Medjool Dates: Dates aren’t just a delicious snack full of antioxidants. They’re also a great way to add a rich, sweet kick to any vegan or plant-based food (or dessert) without having to rely on added sugar. Try throwing a handful of dates in your salad, using them to make homemade energy balls, or adding them to your morning smoothie for a natural, subtle sweetness that doesn’t taste artificial.

Got a favorite plant-based food that you buy at BJ's Wholesale Club? Share it and we'll add it to this lineup of options. Email us at info@thebeet.com.