ecoVegan mock meat

While at the recent ExpoWest Natural Foods Expo in Anaheim, CA, we met with a new mock meat provider called ecoVegan.  Aside from doing an amazing job of imitating meat (even too close to the real thing for some!), this vegan owned company also produces these products in an exclusively vegan facility, so there is no chance for cross-contamination. Great to know, especially after such investigations like “Operation Pancake” done by QuarryGirl in 2009/10.  What follows is a short interview with Sharon Lu (EV) , Vice President, and Business Development of ecoVegan. 

HC) Please share a little about the history and founding of EcoVegan. Also, where did the name “EcoVegan” come from and what does it mean to you?
EV) ecoVegan is not just a brand to us, but it also represents what we stand for, our philosophy and belief. I and my co-founder are both vegans and are also ecologically friendly, thus “ecoVegan”. We believe that people need to eat more sustainable right now. We already know that global warming is real and happening; our products serve as a venue for us to encourage people to be more compassionate and adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle by providing something delicious that they can easily prepare and eat.

We also really like our logo design. The bright & colorful logo represents our belief that life and food should both be colorful and cheerful.

HC) Describe your product line and let us know how it differs from other products available. How many varieties/flavors are there? What are they?

EV) Our products are 100% vegan and are already seasoned and pre-cooked. We currently have 5 SKUs and each product comes in its own sauces, with several varieties to fit everyone’s taste. So the different flavors provide a choice for not just vegans, but also for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

HC) What are some reasons to use “Mock meats”?

EV) Our products are for those in the “transitional” stage. Experienced vegans or vegetarians already know what to eat and how to prepare each meal. ecoVegan products are for those that are just starting to eat healthier and don’t quite know what to eat or how to prepare them. Our products are perfect for those that still crave the “texture and consistency” of meat, and also provide a different option for vegans or vegetarians that want the occasional meal that includes more than vegetables.

HC) Are there any health benefits to your products?

EV) Absolutely! ecoVegan products are made with all natural, non-GMO ingredients. Thus, we do not use any preservatives or artificial colors and flavors. Our products are also cholesterol-free, have zero gram trans fat, is a good protein source, and all that good stuff!

HC) Do you have a recipe you can share which uses your product(s)?

EV) We would love to share our Kung Pao Glory recipe, which uses our Spicy Bits, one of our best selling items.

2–3 servings

Ingredients
* 1 package ecoVegan Spicy Bits
* 2–3 bell peppers, sliced, mixed colors
* ½ cup peanuts
* 3 tablespoon olive oil
* 5 ginger slices
* 5–10 dry chili peppers
* Optional vegan BBQ sauce, vegan oyster sauce, & ketch-up, to taste
* Optional unbleached sugar (organic if possible), vignette, & corn starch, to taste

Preparations
* Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot, then add the ginger slices, dry chili peppers, and stir
* If desired, mix the vegan BBQ sauce, vegan oyster sauce, ketch-up, unbleached sugar, vignette, and corn starch in a small bowl and add into the pan, and stir to taste
* Add the Spicy Bits and bell peppers to the pan, stir until the bits are warm and/or the bell peppers are cooked to your desired taste
* Turn off the heat, stir in the peanuts, and serve

You can also visit us at ecoVegan Recipes for more delicious dishes.

HC) Where can people find them?

EV) People can find us in several northern California Whole Foods Market and through the web at Vegan Essentials. If we’re not yet in your favorite local grocery, please request us! Visit us at ecoVegan Shops to print out a product request form and get the most up-to-date list of where we’re available for sale.

HC) Any other interesting company facts or ideas you’d like to share?

EV) ecoVegan is vegan owned, and is run by women! We also distribute food service items to Loving Hut restaurants.

Website: http://ecovegan.com

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