Trek Bars

Since starting my masters course I have been trying out different vegan snacks as I am in University for long days and need filling food to keep me going. 

Trek bars have been a firm favourite so far as they are filling, energy bars which help me get through the long days of research projects and group assignments. 

I found these bars in Aldi which is becoming a great place to find offers on vegan products. Make sure to stock up when you see them as the special buys don't always last long but they are also available in most shops and supermarkets. 

The Peanut Power is one of my favourite flavours as I am a big fan of peanut butter. This is great with a green tea. It is also packed with protein giving you an energy boost when working out your brain power. These aren't just snack to have before the gym or hiking they work well for a busy day at work, university or school. It is a great on the go snack for vegans with a busy day ahead. 

Perfect Pineapple- Urban Fruit snack

As a student I need snacks which are easy to carry (along with all my books), tasty, filling (for long days at uni) and of course vegan. 

I found these Urban fruit snacks on sale and decided to try some. It is simply baked fruit. That's it, nothing else. It is obviously a healthier alternative to snacking on chocolate or crisps allowing you to eat well on the go. 

I like how convenient these are, there's no way I could fit a whole pineapple in my bag so these are perfect for getting a fruit fix without any hassle or weird looks. They also have a great taste, it feels like you are eating sweets rather than fruit making them a great choice for anyone who doesn't usually eat healthy food but wants to start or for children's packed lunches as they can eat healthy but not necessarily feel like they are. 

I am a fan of this product and will be getting them again. They are a winner for the convenience, the excellent taste and the lack of additives. Try some for a guilt free snack. vegan

Picnic in the Park?

My latest article is now live on Weekend Notes. It is about a great place to walk, exercise or relax in North Manchester- the beautiful Heaton Park. If you've never been it is definitely one for your to-do list and if you have visited before it's time to go again and see how much the park has changed. Renovations have been going on to bring the spectacular Heaton Hall back to its former glory and the tram is now back in action. Have a read of my article and add it to your list of things to do at the weekend. I recommend taking a vegan picnic and enjoying this strangely warm October weather. 

http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/heaton-park/

Tomato and Basil Houmous

This houmous from Sainsburys is a real winner. The combination of tomato and basil flavours works really well and is a nice change from traditional houmous. I used this in a couscous salad, on toast and with snacks. It is very versatile and tasty and most importantly labelled vegan. Sainsburys vegan range keeps getting better, they have a new range of vegan cheese out soon and lots of products in store labelled for your convenience. It is nice to see the vegan range gaining popularity and an increasing product list in supermarkets. 

Rabbit Food

So if you think vegans only eat rabbit food think again! These treats I picked up at the Vegan Abundance Festival were delicious and two of my favourite brands. Whole Earth is a great brand, I love their healthier versions of fizzy drinks. This elderflower drink is amazing and definitely my favourite in their range. They are made with sparkling water and natural flavourings and you can't beat the refreshing taste of elderflower. The chocolate 'Round Up' from Anandas is a vegan, gelatin free, version of a wagon wheel. The new flavours are mint and orange and there are always seasonal options to choose from. The chocolate on this biscuit is thick and crunchy with a deliciously sweet soft centre. This is an amazing product and I can't wait to try more flavours. 

Find them here: http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/store/c5/Round_Ups%21.html

The Vegan Abundance Festival

The Vegan Abundance Festival at Hulme Community Garden Centre was by far my favourite vegan event this year. It was at the stunning Garden Centre in Hulme just a short 10 minute walk away from Oxford Road station but you feel as if you have been transported to the countryside. I have never been here before but will definitely visit again. The centre had been transformed into a festival with stalls dotted around the venue in between rows of plants. There was vegan pizzas being cooked in a stone oven, plenty of burgers, cake and ice cream for sale and art, jewellery and cosmetics as well as organic fruit and vegetables. The festival was organised by the Vegan Organic Network and there was a romantic and relaxing feel to the event. Highlights of the show was the impressive musicians playing and amazing poetry by Dominic Berry. It was nice to be able to walk around a vegan festival as some are so busy and packed you can hardly move or breathe. Plus it was a nice, rain free day which you have to make the most of in Manchester. When this festival is back I will definitely go again as it is the perfect location to find exciting vegan products and sample all the delicious food.  

I also reviewed this event for Weekend Notes, make sure you visit the page and like the article to spread the Vegan message: http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/hulme-community-garden-centre/

Such an interesting location- lots of stalls in between the plants. 

A real community garden. Selling bargain plants and running community events.

Taste testing- for research purposes

The perfect lunch spot

Amazing lunch from Tea Time Collective- A great vegan cafe also based in Hulme

Weekend Reviews

I am now a events writer at Weekend Notes! I will be doing reviews of events which people may like to visit such as art shows and giving my opinion on cafes and restaurants. I will of course be trying to find the best vegan places around. 

Check out my articles here and subcribe for ideas of things to do at the Weekends:

http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/profile/835071/

Homemade Nachos

Being vegan doesn't mean missing out, you can have all your favourite foods just using alternative ingredients. I love nachos and they are easy to make without using dairy. 

I bought some ready prepared tortilla chips from Sainsburys then made the topping. I did this by chopping two salad tomatoes, half a green pepper, half a red onion and adding a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. For those who like more spice you can add jalapenos and possibly even lemon juice. I like fresh vegetables but the ready made salsa from Sainsburys' own brand is also vegan which can be used. I then grated Violife vegan cheese and heated it under the grill for a couple of minutes. 

And there you have it, a classic snack made vegan. There is nothing that can't be transformed into a plant based, cruelty free version. It's perfect for snacking whilst studying!