Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas roasts are baked into the American holiday experience, literally and figuratively, as are side dishes loaded with animal products like butter, cream, and cheese. For consumers committed to a vegan lifestyle, and even those just dabbling, this could make attending holiday meals a stressful affair.

Luckily, a wide array of food manufacturers and restaurateurs in recent years have found ways to meet the accelerating demand for plant-based alternatives year-round, including the feast-heavy holiday season. Which dishes and ingredients are likely to make an appearance on holiday tables this year?

Turkey

Brands like Tofurkey, Gardein, and Field Roast have Thanksgiving covered for vegan diners with turkey substitutes that may not look like a bird (more like roast-shaped loaf) but certainly hit the mark for flavor and texture. Gardein gets high marks for tenderness and a seasoned breading that adds a satisfying crunch in place of crispy skin.

It also features a vegan gravy packet, as does the Field Roast garlic and sage Celebration Roast, which comes with a porcini mushroom gravy. Unlike the bread stuffing found in these two, Tofurkey’s roast features wild rice and bread stuffing for added texture and flavor.

Related: Holiday Food Trends for 2024: What’s Shaping Festive Menus in North America?

Roast

Substitutes for red meat have hit a pinnacle in terms of flavor and texture, and rich, hearty pot roast is no exception. Plant-based meat and cheese company Field Roast may have the easiest substitute for holiday favorite pot roast with their hazelnut and cranberry roast, complete with a flaky, puff pastry coating.

While this pre-made roast doesn’t cater to gluten-free diets, it is entirely vegan, and one-pound roasts go for roughly $10, depending on where you purchase them. For comparison, chuck roast (pot roast) and brisket at Ralph’s supermarket are in the $7-$8 per pound range, while ribeye roast (prime rib) is about double that.

Another option for roast lovers is the portobello pot roast. This economical option can be had for about $4 per three mushrooms. For those in the food industry, grabbing consumer attention during the holidays could be about showing hungry diners and shoppers what’s possible with plant-based ingredients, creative seasoning, and innovative pairings.

 Side Dishes

One of the hallmarks of holiday meals is the wealth of dishes, with sides and sauces galore to fill a plate. Stuffing and mashed potatoes are staples of U.S. holiday feasts, and although the main ingredients are vegan, the add-ins (primarily butter and milk) often aren’t.

With options for creamy nut milks, vegan butter and cheese substitutes, and easy swaps like vegetable broth, it’s not hard to reimagine these classics in ways that even non-vegan diners can get on board with. 

Squash can also offer interesting alternatives with roasted, pureed butternut squash serving as an appealing stand-in for the cheese in mac and cheese, for example.

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Desserts

Baking has recently taken off in a big way, with TikTok trends like cloud bread, dessert boards, and cinnamon rolls dominating. Vegans weren’t to be outdone, though, with searches for vegan chocolate recipes increasing by over 30% in 2020 alone.

There’s no shortage of options for plant-based desserts for consumers to try when the holidays roll around, from vegan coffee cake to peppermint bark. Vegan fruit pies can be made from scratch or with ready-made, frozen vegan pie crust from the supermarket.

Marie Callender’s offers a vegan crust option, while Wholly Wholesome has a vegan and gluten-free product. Pumpkin pie filling goes vegan with the simple swap of coconut milk for dairy.

Meeting Consumers Where They’re At

No longer the sole domain of vegetarians and vegans, plant-based foods have become a mainstream option associated with health and environmental benefits. Even brands that offer meat and animal products can diversify with inclusive, plant-based offerings that appeal to a wide range of consumers for the holidays and all year long.

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