vegan products (online only!) // hot for food approved ep #5 | hot for food by Lauren Toyota

[@abbieburke5297]

the Nuggs review we all needed 🙌

[@SlackerSounds]

Nothing makes me want to eat something less than them describing it as "the Tesla of vegan meat "

[@hotforfood]

i know :/

[@purplecarrot8982]

😂

[@oilersgirl3]

“It’s not a pleasant experience” She said it and I felt it 😂

[@kimcote8653]

I felt it too.. LOL

[@Vegeholic]

Liege waffles are literally the best food on earth when they are freshly made from the waffle stands!! -Born and spent my childhood in Brussels, never had the chance to eat this again after going vegan!!

[@suz7196]

$29 for 3 measly packets of sauce! That is a rip-off, for that price you could buy all the ingredients to mix up your own sauces and have plenty left over to keep in your pantry for another time.

[@wishforinfinity]

It's 6 packs of sauce, not 3 (2 of each flavor, I think).

[@kimcote8653]

Oh I love your honesty so much.. the facial expressions say it all. Love you woman!

[@janelle.evangelista999]

im obsessed with these videos!

[@0n3c3nt]

I love these! I always trust ur judgment. I have ur cookbook and have been a foodie for YEARS! I think maybe 5/6 now. And u have never posted/written a recipe I didn’t like. Your channel helped me go vegan! Best decision I have ever made! Love ya Lauren! Thank you for doing these videos 🥰

[@stephkuehn9978]

I'm eating the onion rings you recommended while watching this lol

[@cassie2857]

this channel has been such a source of comfort for me for so long, i feel like you're one of my irl friends lmao 😂. i have been watching since i was 17 and now i'm almost 23! thanks for sharing the past few years w/ me! p.s: you look like a goddess in this video (and always)

[@LindseyObrooke]

🤣🤣Lauren shoving the chicken nugget pieces in with both hands after the other. I LOVE YOU, LAUREN. I could watch you eat and judge things ALL DAY!!💜

[@hotforfood]

😁

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

Everything by Follow Your Heart, I have to hide in the back of the fridge. They're too good.

[@muriellebanackissa]

I love how honest you are Lauren! Loved watching this so much!

[@hotforfood]

thank you so much :D

[@jatvirginmega]

Had a shitty day the past couple days so Lauren's new upload is everything to me. Thank you for always making me smile, Lauren!!

[@hotforfood]

awwwww :D welcome!

[@sandramuoio6756]

Nuggs are in wholefoods and Shoprite. So they are available offline, just not as big of a box.

[@darkwalker19]

Omg thank you so much for doing the nuggs review!

[@hotforfood]

No problem!! 😂

[@wishforinfinity]

Nuggs and Vafels are actually available in person here in Portland!

[@radhikadhaipule3297]

I've heard a lot about the Atlas Monroe Fried Vegan chicken. It was named the best chicken at a fried chicken festival. I am yet to try it but thought you might be interested in reviewing it :)

[@marielespinosaa]

Always appreciate how thorough your taste tests and reviews are.. So much better than everyones usual "yum, these are good' or "no these taste bad"

[@hotforfood]

haha thank you :D

[@ginsoakedgirl4]

For some reason I can buy Nuggs at my local store (in Brooklyn)... I agree that when you follow package directions they get too dry and lose what little substance they have!

[@kayleighkearnan]

same! i came to look for this comment lol

[@steffanycamila]

the simulate spicy nuggs are to die for... i havent had the regular but target has both!

[@nancyplants757]

Could you try out a bunch of the new Aldi vegan products?

[@saskiavisser8988]

YES!!!!

[@jazzimilz]

I am LOVING this series. I tried the Chipotle Lime tenders and I AM OBSESSED! I may or may not have multiple bags in my freezer.... You never let us down, Lauren!

[@hotforfood]

UGH TOO GOOD! My FAVE!

[@jazzimilz]

@@hotforfood I dip them in thai sweet chili sauce & oooo girl! Praise! HAHAHA

[@yumikofujikura262]

Malasada is a Portuguese donut popular in Hawaii.

[@LulusMom1220]

Love these product reviews! Your personality shines ...just fun to follow along with you! Big Gardein fan here! And adore PAUL HOLLYWOOD! PS. Birch Benders has a plant waffle pancake product you mix with water...maybe add a little oil for the waffle, but I never do! Love ❤️ you, Lauren! You’re just a good person!

[@hotforfood]

Oh thank you! I will check out that waffle mix.

[@deeRex56786]

I love the Deliciou chicken. I mix pesto or other sauces in and use less water/oil. I make them into thin strip's and bake them, don't get the weird spongey texture when I do that. They are a bit of work. But here in Australia we have less faux meat options (especially ones that are affordable) than America so for what's available here they're on par

[@A-Michele]

I got some Belgian Brothers brand waffles that seem to be made the same way. I like them as a grab 'n go snack but not warmed or with syrup.

[@cdog26hh]

I recently trying jada plant based chicken and pork that are similar to the deliciou boxed chicken and pork. Those are great.

[@JJL3EE]

...the sale Nuggs at my locate grocrey store. Not the 2lb box but... if you look you can find them.

[@darrisnelson5223]

Cannot wait to get my cookbook in March! Love your honest reviews Lauren and the faces you make tell it all!🤣❤️

[@hotforfood]

thank you thank you :D

[@MarryWine]

Beware of the Omsom sauces and make sure you get the Vegan set! My husband got me them and the South Asian Sampler had ones with fish sauce in them :-/

[@debbiehowell5354]

Lol at your face when you tried the mince. So glad I didn’t buy them and let you try them out first 😊

[@liv.in.the.clouds.]

My wife and I love the nuggs, the spicy and regular are both good, we have them as nuggs just dipped or cut up in a Buffalo wrap or BBQ chicken salad.

[@reginalemoine5809]

The thinness of the Nuggs is a selling point for me. I’m not fond of thick nuggets. I noticed that they are available at one of my local grocery stores now.

[@yukjellybeans]

Ooo is it a chain store? I'd love to buy them from store

[@reginalemoine5809]

Jeny D It’s a local chain, Rouses in Louisiana. I haven’t seen them anywhere else.

[@Holachinola]

They are at my Whole Foods!!

[@yukjellybeans]

@@Holachinola thanks !!!

[@kaywhite6195]

I got them from Earth Fare today

[@georgiabroderick4467]

I love the judgment!! Thank you for being honest!

[@dee-dees.3635]

I don't know... I really like the Delicou products. Yes, you have to season them. I kind of appreciate that they don't ladle the dry product with salt. I probably wouldn't do the balls like you did - doesn't seem like a good fit.. I have done them as strips and fried them to do a chikn salad. Pretty darned good. I also love their bacon seasonings -- I use them for tacos, chili, etc. Very good. I will still be ordering this brand. Love your comments and observations, though!

[@misszagswag]

Love the idea of getting an opinion before I buy but hattting listening to you eat lol

[@0n3c3nt]

We bought the spicy nuggs and didn’t like them. I’m with Lauren simple truth(you get more for cheaper and I think I like those better) or gardien. The gardien chipotle lime is #1! But I thought the nuggs tasted like straight up cardboard. We bought them around thanksgiving. Have they reformulated since then?

[@mskym2268]

I just subscribed! I love your honesty and you will save me money! Also, you're not being brought for a dishonesty opinion!

[@hotforfood]

thanks for joining the crew!

[@TheKart52]

This is why I love you Lauren! Your so honest. Keep it up❤️

[@hotforfood]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Gothmother78]

What do you think of Kite Hill ricotta? Also vegan jerky, they also have mushroom jerky somewhere online. Lol they all sound good but hard to find!

[@lonniegabbie]

to me the gardein tenders aren’t good and the skin falls off and barely has flavor to me. Im surprised some people think they’re the best.

[@hotforfood]

the skin didn't used to fall off... I still think they're the best of all I've had

[@britneyhache1648]

I’m not sure if they had them in Canada when you were living there but PC came out with chicken fingers they’re my favourite !!!

[@hotforfood]

I MISS THE PC BLUE MENU VEGAN CHICKEN BREASTS! OMG BEST PRODUCT EVER MADE #RIP

[@feechlamana-n7m]

Omg try the new yves... they’re way better!!!

[@britneyhache1648]

@@feechlamana-n7m really !?!? I’ve always been sceptical of the brand but I’ll have to try them out thanks !

[@feechlamana-n7m]

@@britneyhache1648 yess trust me the ancient grains chicken tenders are so good... I’m a gardein convert

[@madddoll8685]

Psssst: If you ever for whatever reason wanted to give the Deliciou another try, I found that I like it in a "chicken salad" type meal (bunch of mayo, green onion, spices, in a wrap. It's yum). I have two boxes left of that stuff, and when I made "chicken balls" with them with BBQ sauce on top I had this same reaction...yughh!

[@hotforfood]

ya I realize now that it needs A TON of stuff added to it in that "raw" state to make it taste good when cooked, but then I still kinda don't see the point of it.

[@citruscolette]

Super excited for this one!!!! ✨ I always see new vegan things online and don’t know whether it’s worth it.

[@frankie7723]

yves nuggets are my fave- have u had them ?

[@liasnclr]

Have you had the 365 nuggets? They’re not bad and pretty affordable

[@sammysam312]

I agree! I think they're a good option.

[@hotforfood]

I did and I didn't like them

[@kamil5550]

Checkout Neokit! They're the Canadian delicou and I like them way more than deliciou, and they're gluten free!!

[@jessicaarlene4335]

Damn, I feel lame. Lol. I love that Deliciou chicken so much 😭 I mixed mine with some adobo and sazon and threw it on some nachos. I also shaped one into a chicken burger: so good. But maybe that was just me, haha.

[@hotforfood]

I think it might be better if it was mixed with more stuff into it before cooking. Because you really have to mask the flavor of it. I didn't do that as it doesn't really say to do that in the basic instructions. There are more ideas on their website though.

[@jessicaarlene4335]

@@hotforfood I agree! It’s very bland. I feel like it’s a good dupe for shredded chicken (as opposed to ground chicken). Seasoned and stuffed into enchiladas, it would be good I think. Also, inside steamed dumplings or something like that, maybe?? I gotta get another box and experiment! I love your channel and your recipes!

[@SamElle]

OOOO you should try Grabanzos!!! Their dark chocolate flavor is a vegan whoppers / maltesers!!

[@makeupjunkiejoce]

omg i interviewed for nuggs last year for my first post-grad job and mentioned that i wanted to work for them bc i am plant-based and care about the environment and animals and they made it very clear that they never use those words in their mission and that that was not their goal, to promote veganism... it's literally just a tech company started by bros lol

[@hotforfood]

I don't get it haha

[@hannahm3126]

Nuggs was founded by an Aussie kid Ben Pasternak who moved to NYC and has since I believe started 3 companies? Simulate being one of them. He has a very interesting back story! A crazy kid with lots of success from a young age.

[@hotforfood]

its so crazy!

[@suupanoova]

Have you tried the daiya ranch? I bought it but have yet to use it lol

[@ShaneTheGeek]

Haha... These are RAW! More like Rawfuls... am I right? I had Nuggs probably a year ago at this point and they were in a different box so likely 1.2 or 1.5 either way I didn't care for them at all. I would rather eat Morningstar Farms Nuggets and I usually do because I can get them everywhere. I agree with you on the Simple Truth Chicken stuff is decent and usually out of stock at my local Ralphs/Kroger.

[@CSondie]

I bought the Nuggs and they were pretty good and you get a lot in the box....but it’s not something you can pick up at the store so you have to buy it online and take the time! But still taste pretty good!

[@hotforfood]

so many ppl are commenting that they find them in various grocery stores! I didn't know!

[@CSondie]

@@hotforfood wow I need to look!!! Thank you

[@opal777]

I find it ironic that there is the saying when asked what something tastes like, the answer is often...it tastes like chicken. And yet, in my opinion, nobody has yet cornered the vegan chicken market unless it is heavily covered in sauce to try to trick the taste buds,

[@ymb6987]

Oh man Lauren - we should cash app you to recoup those dollars! Thank you for trying these items; I was grossed out by that mince tbh

[@heartinacagex3]

i've actually seen nuggs at my local grocery. they intrigued me, but also kinda rubbed me the wrong way at the same time so at least now i feel validated

[@hotforfood]

no way! What store?

[@krystlekaye638]

@@hotforfood I have seen them in my Whole Foods in Philadelphia

[@heartinacagex3]

@hot for food Berry Fresh in Queens, NY. Not a chain or anything, but they have a nice array of vegan options!

[@MichaelN80]

You should try jack and Annie’s brand chicken nuggets made from jackfruit!! They’re by far the best vegan chicken I’ve had :)

[@LydiaKurnia]

Thank you for doing this! I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt like that about the Deliciou products! 😬

[@hotforfood]

Right?!

[@tinyjungle_]

Have you tried the Tyson Foods vegan chicken nuggets? My Costco has them.

[@anthonyflores9798]

You need to try the new vegan nuggets from target! They are there in store brand and they were REALLY GOOD!!

[@marieellis8047]

I do like the Deliciou mince! I've ordered a bunch of it. I think it's much more similar to crab though, I've been meaning to try a crab cake recipe with it. It's definitely much better as a patty shape.

[@hotforfood]

I bet if you added breadcrumbs and fried it it might be better, and add all the mixings like my actual crab cake recipe. haha it tastes disgusting so it def needs stuff mixed into it

[@marieellis8047]

@@hotforfood Ha, that's my plan! I was going to use your recipe as a base and sub this mix in. :) The mix definitely needs some help - but I think it's a great versatile ingredient. It for sure helps rehydrating it with the no-chicken better than bouillon, and frying with a breading. Using it for a katsu curry tonight!

[@LittlebigJessica]

Have you tried their meal bases at all? I was looking at them and thought they'd be good for camping, but also didn't want to commit in case it was funky.

[@DollyJohanne]

Love your honesty 😍

[@hotforfood]

😊 thank you

[@tammyebee9648]

Would the Deliciou chicken be used for something like chicken salad? 🤔

[@jessicaarlene4335]

I see that a lot on Instagram, but I’m afraid to try it that way tbh lol

[@brisaeu.s]

Lauren!!!! please please PLEASE review the vegan salmon/tuna from vegan zea star!!!!!!!!! PLEASE

[@dibamoca9885]

Pearl sugar is very European. I loved the big chunks of sugar in desserts. Also, why does Delicou’s packaging look like Vivo life’s? Is that just me?

[@hotforfood]

I guess I had never experienced the crystal sugar chunks... not a fan! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@robind.phillips2129]

Before I try any of those products, I have to know what's in the ingredients, where, and how it is processed. I have horrible food sensitivities. Processed food is a land mine field of allergens.

[@theveganhack7804]

I received two varieties of the omsam flavor boxes, so so good!

[@hotforfood]

yummm

[@fuzzydot0413]

Try alpha nugs!!! They’re better than gardein

[@hotforfood]

I didn't like those

[@nicolelynch9952]

Ok I’m so sad because I bought the gardein plain tenders from Whole Foods today and they’re DEF thinner and they don’t taste as good :/:/ I think they changed the formula

[@kellymello8971]

I thought nuggs were a rip off. The Trader Joe’s ones are so much better

[@dezzie1.0]

Oh yes! They are my fav “fast food nugget” to make

[@Nadyamantra]

The prices are painful! The plate of waffles 10$ ? 35$ for a bag of chikin nuggs? Thank goodness for you and all of the home made cooking you have taught us all.

[@Joshsmoove]

Nuggs are probably the best chicken nuggets out there outside of the version I've tried from Quorn. They are just expensive so I won't be ordering anymore until they put them in supermarkets.

[@rosieposie5415]

I saw nuggs in my local Whole Foods. I have yet to try them, but was surprised to see them there.

[@hotforfood]

oh wow. How come I've never seen them anywhere!

[@hannahkt23]

Not a fan of the chicken packaging 😬 I have seen them at a local grocery store though. I buy the simple truth chicken and love that like you mentioned

[@hipsie6587]

“Vegan chicken people” 😂

[@ginad3655]

Appreciate your honesty! It's a shame these companies charge sooo much for the vegan products - I'm sure it's a reason some will use for not going vegan (especially if they don't cook).

[@lindsaytoussaint]

Oooh the chickn mix looks good for chickn salad sandwiches! Do you have to cook it or is it ok raw?

[@hotforfood]

no you gotta cook it. I didn't like it :/

[@sadiesparrow5484]

I personally like it. It's good as more of a mince in tacos imo. I like that it's shelf stable and doesn't take up space in my fridge or freezer too.

[@VampPyra09]

I feel like the nuggs are overpriced, but they are good with sauce. The Decliciou is good as a pattie with all sides cripsy, but I heavily seasoned mines first. I gaven't tries them in meatball form. I don't like bland weirdly mushy food. Thanks for this video! I won't waste money on the waffles, it doesn't look like my cup of tea.

[@ViCT0RiA6]

Lauren SOS what is the best vegan bacon to buy 👀

[@hotforfood]

I use lightlife. But I still prefer any of my homemade versions from Vegan Comfort Classics!

[@ViCT0RiA6]

@@hotforfood thank you for your reply 😍❤ both are on my to buy list thank you

[@lostandfound2024]

Lauren, if you can't take spicy food, you might want to be careful with the mala flavoured sauce. Mala literally means numbing hot spice. I believe it originates from Taiwan and it is extremely popular as a base for hot pot soup and it contains those lethal peppers that will numb your tongue when you eat it. I love it though but just thought you might appreciate the caution. Enjoy!

[@hotforfood]

OH gosh, thanks for the heads up! hahaa

[@nipendrasingh2707]

Nice kitchen recipe

[@Mmmelisssa]

Love these videos!!

[@hotforfood]

Glad you like them!

[@bethanylivesfree]

Raised and Rooted plant based nuggets are the closest thing to McDonald’s nuggets I’ve found. Their original ones had egg white in them, but now they don’t.

[@hotforfood]

I heard. I am going to look at Aldi soon :D

[@bethanylivesfree]

I was buying them at Costco until they ran out. Now I can’t find the vegan ones anywhere. It seems they just rolled out the vegan ones recently and they haven’t arrived in other stores yet.

[@MsRose00]

I think the “mince” for the deliciou would to “better” with chicken tacos. I saw Tabitha Brown use this brand once to make tacos.

[@hotforfood]

it's nasty tasting though 😬

[@ElinevanderLaan]

The Liège waffles are supposed to have the sugar "chunks". :)

[@barrbuff]

I tried the #Nuggs too. Same opinion, meh. I also tried version 1 when they first came out, they were bad. Very mushy inside, no texture at all. Version 2 was better but still not good enough for buying again when there's better alternatives in the supermarket .

[@hotforfood]

ya I heard version 1 was awful :/

[@sarahdee374]

Nugg's, so price is like $17 per pound? For me to pay that it would need to be super, smokin' delicious. I'll stick with Gardein.

[@itskylelucas]

I don’t agree with her on this one. I’m not a fan of the Gardein tenders she tried recently (which are imitating tenders, not nuggets...), but the Nugg’s are super close to actual chicken nuggets. Maybe make them in the oven instead of the air fryer?

[@triasmchenry5742]

Wait I love the morning star Buffalo nuggs

[@BLink1ADIE2]

You should actually be a judge on a vegan cooking show competition.

[@hotforfood]

YES, that's what I'm saying! haha

[@BLink1ADIE2]

@@hotforfood after covid you should start a KZbin show and have vegan influencers compete!

[@purplecarrot8982]

Ouu try 'mac&yease'!!! Also online only. ❤️

[@N-the-Kitchen-with-Markus]

Nice I was looking for this

[@SimplySami13]

i love how harsh you are lol thats how i know the hotforfood approved items are real!! keep being honest bc we need this in the vegan community! ❤

[@hotforfood]

Yes! Thank you!

[@kathleenswenning9915]

Thanks Lauren!!!!!!

[@hoon75]

Nuggs just remind me of wet cat food with a delicious crispy exterior lol. I wish I could take the Gardein chickun and have it breaded in the Nuggs breading. I appreciate your honesty in these reviews. You're not mean, just honest! ;)

[@hirondelle398]

Liège is a known city in Belgium, it's beautiful! 🌟

[@mathildetheconqueror6910]

I was looking for this comment

[@pattilee6076]

Whole Foods 365 nuggets are really good! IMO

[@powerofpizzazz]

you need to try root 9 baking company!!! vegan giant amazing delectable fantasy worthy cookies. omg literally the cookies of my dreams. BROWNIE BATTER STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP. not a drill

[@jelatinosa]

😮😮😮 that sounds amazing 🤤

[@loverofmysoul8742]

I was concerned about the Deliciou chicken. I was given a box and I procrastinated making it because I didn't think I would like it.

[@sadiesparrow5484]

Idk why she was so negative about it. I actually really like it 🤷 it's good as more of a mince in tacos