Veganism might feel a little austere for those who grew up dutifully eating their “meat and two veg” at dinner. Sadly, people have developed a significant dependence on meat due to conditioning that tells them animal products are the only source of protein or iron that’s available to them. However, this isn’t true. Plant-based options are available in plentiful supply at large grocery stores like Kroger, Walmart, ShopRite, and even Amazon Fresh. As always, health-conscious retailers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods stock tasty, responsible options.

Another perception has been that plant-based and vegan food is somehow lacking in flavor or that a meat-eater will finish their meal only to discover they’ve been enjoying Soylent Green. There are no conspiracies to fear with plant-based foods. Vegan cuisine is clean, healthy, and cruelty-free. So how does one make a lifelong meat-eater veg out? The trick is to find near-perfect substitutes for popular dishes so they don’t feel like they’re missing out or giving up their favorites. 

Take the most popular items on everyone’s list: pizza, burgers, fish and chips, wings, and tacos. For pizza, there are countless vegan and gluten-free dough recipes online. Pair your favorite with toppings like Treeline plant-based mozzarella cheese shreds and an array of summer vegetables like fresh basil, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Add slices of Gardein plant-based Italian sausage for a supreme pizza fix. Substitute chicken wings for cauliflower wings. The texture and spice make this a hit with even the most finicky eaters. Drizzle with Hidden Valley Plant-Powered Dairy-Free Ranch Topping and Dressing to complete the switch. 

Good veggie burgers are never hard to find. Whether a black bean burger is your favorite or you prefer something that tastes like traditional fast food, several brands have you covered. MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger is a winner when served on a wheat bun with Violife plant-based provolone slices, onion rings, and a generous covering of barbecue sauce. Plant-based meats ranging from Beyond Burger (which has a smoky taste and is soy-free) to Impossible cook up like a traditional patty and can be flavored to taste.

Plant-based meats also work well in taco recipes. Substitute any brand for ground beef, then add seasonal vegetable toppings. Treeline makes cheddar cheese shreds for a delicious old-school taco experience. Even the pub mainstay fish and chips has gotten a vegan makeover. Gardein’s plant-based F’sh Filets are flaky, crunchy, and pair well with waffle fries. Now, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy to load up on processed foods. Balancing plant-based proteins with whole grains and fresh produce is still paramount.

Friends and family members who don’t support a plant-based lifestyle can make it harder to stay rooted in veganism, particularly when it comes to dining out or observing celebrations. Cultural diets also leave people skittish about going vegan. However, food FOMO (fear of missing out) is a thing of the past. So many companies have perfected the taste and texture of plant-based options. When in doubt, just remember: Even one vegan meal saves a life, cuts down on the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and mitigates the onset and worsening of some chronic illnesses.