Whole Foods Just Made Vegan Holiday Cooking A Lot Easier

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, most people are looking forward to enjoying the festivities, relaxing with family and friends, and eating the delicious holiday meal. Of course, when it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey is the main event – that is, unless you are among the five percent of American adults who identified as vegetarians in 2019 (via Gallup.)

Not eating animal products generally means crossing a lot of classic Thanksgiving dishes off the menu. Turkey is the most obvious suspect, but most gravies, stuffings, and even beloved sides like sweet potatoes with marshmallows are not vegan friendly. For this reason, most vegans and vegetarians are used to hearing the question: "What does a meatless Thanksgiving look like?"

This year, Whole Foods is giving vegans a new way to answer that question. The popular supermarket chain has announced the release of its own completely plant-based vegan holiday roast. Whole Foods' 365 brand's new Holiday Plant-Based Roast will be hitting stores just in time for Thanksgiving.

The holiday meal packs 13 grams of protein and just 180 calories per serving, and is completely kosher, meatless, and dairy-free, per Whole Foods. The roast uses soy-based ingredients instead of meat, and each package includes a side of vegan gravy and vegan bread stuffing made with cranberry, onions, and celery. In most participating stores, the retail cost is only around $11.99.

This isn't the brand's only foray into the vegan holiday meal world. The launch of their vegan roast goes hand in hand with their holiday collaboration with vegan chef, Chloe Coscarelli. She will be preparing a full, pre-made vegan Thanksgiving meal that will be available for pickup at Whole Foods the week of Thanksgiving for just $39.99, according to VegNews. This year, Whole Foods is making it easier than ever to create a plant-based Thanksgiving meal that is tasty enough for both vegans and meat-eaters alike to enjoy.