Vegan sauces are a game-changer for plant-based eaters. They add flavor, texture, and excitement to meals without using any animal products. From creamy dressings to tangy marinades, vegan sauces can transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes.
Many vegan sauces use nuts, seeds, or plant-based milks as a base. These ingredients create rich, smooth textures that mimic traditional dairy-based sauces. Other vegan sauces rely on vegetables, fruits, or herbs for their flavors and consistencies. The variety of options means there’s a vegan sauce for every taste and dish.
When choosing vegan sauces, it’s important to check the ingredients list. Some may contain hidden animal products or additives. Look for sauces made with whole food ingredients and minimal preservatives. The consistency and flavor profile are also key factors to consider. We tested dozens of vegan sauces to find the best options for different cuisines and cooking styles.
Best Vegan Sauces
We’ve searched high and low to find the tastiest vegan sauces out there. Our list includes a variety of flavors that will spice up your meals and make plant-based eating even more enjoyable. These sauces are perfect for adding zest to your favorite dishes without any animal products.
Hellmann’s Drizzle Sauce Variety Pack
We think this sauce trio is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meals with easy, flavorful options.
Pros
- Versatile for dipping, drizzling, or dressing
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
- No artificial flavors or high-fructose corn syrup
Cons
- Squeeze bottle can be tricky to use
- Flavors may be too mild for some
- Pricier than basic condiments
We recently tried out Hellmann’s Drizzle Sauce Variety Pack, and we’re pretty excited about it. The pack comes with three tasty flavors: Cilantro Lime, Creamy Chili Honey, and Roasted Garlic. Each sauce brings something different to the table, making it fun to mix things up at mealtime.
We love how these sauces can be used in so many ways. We’ve drizzled them on sandwiches, used them as dips for veggies, and even dressed up some plain chicken with them. The Cilantro Lime is great on fish tacos, while the Creamy Chili Honey adds a nice kick to fries. The Roasted Garlic is our go-to for jazzing up plain veggies.
One thing to keep in mind is that the squeeze bottles can be a bit tricky. We found it easier to take the top off completely when using them. Also, if you like really strong flavors, you might find these a bit mild. But for us, they hit the spot without being too much. Plus, we like that they’re made with simple ingredients and don’t have any artificial stuff or high-fructose corn syrup.
Mantova Vegan Pesto
We think this tasty vegan pesto is a must-try for anyone missing the classic Italian sauce.
Pros
- Authentic Italian flavor
- Made with extra virgin olive oil
- Great for those avoiding dairy
Cons
- Might need extra seasoning
- Pricier than some options
- Salt content may be high for some
We tried this Mantova Vegan Basil Pesto and were happy with the results. The flavor is pretty close to traditional pesto, which is nice for those of us who can’t have dairy. It’s made in Italy with carefully picked ingredients, giving it that authentic taste we love.
The extra virgin olive oil base gives it a rich texture. We found it worked great in pasta dishes, but you might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor. A little garlic powder did the trick for us.
One thing to note is that it’s a bit salty. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to use it sparingly. Despite this, we think it’s a solid choice for vegans or anyone looking to cut back on dairy. The 6.7 oz jar goes a long way, making it a good value for a quality Italian product.
Whole Foods Vegan Tomato Pesto
We think this tasty vegan pesto is a must-try for anyone looking to add zesty flavor to their meals.
Pros
- Rich tomato flavor
- Versatile for many dishes
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
- Slightly tart taste
- Contains cashews (allergy concern)
- Pricier than some alternatives
We recently tried this Whole Foods Vegan Tomato Pesto and were impressed by its robust flavor. The sauce has a thick, hearty texture that clings well to pasta and veggies. It’s not your typical pesto, but that’s what makes it special.
One thing we love is how versatile this sauce is. We spread it on sandwiches, used it as a pizza base, and even mixed it into our salad dressings. A little goes a long way, so the jar lasts quite a while.
The non-GMO ingredients are a big plus for us. We did notice it’s a bit tart, which some might find strong. To balance it out, we added a touch of sweetener. Keep in mind it contains cashews instead of pine nuts, so it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies. Despite the higher price point, we think it’s worth trying for a tasty twist on traditional pesto.
Roland Vegan Oyster Sauce
We think this sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to add rich, savory flavors to their plant-based dishes.
Pros
- Great umami flavor
- Versatile for many recipes
- Gluten-free option
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- May not taste exactly like oyster sauce
- Limited availability in stores
We recently tried Roland’s Vegan Oyster Sauce and were amazed by its flavor. It packs a punch of umami that rivals traditional oyster sauce. The shiitake mushroom powder gives it an earthy taste that works well in stir-fries and marinades.
This sauce is super handy in the kitchen. We used it to whip up a quick veggie stir-fry and it gave the dish a rich, savory boost. It’s also great for soups and noodle dishes. The bottle is a good size and a little goes a long way.
One thing we really like is that it’s gluten-free. This makes it a great pick for those with gluten sensitivities. The ingredients are simple and it doesn’t contain MSG, which is a plus for many people. While it’s a bit pricier than some other sauces, we think the quality is worth it for the flavor it adds to our meals.
Yondu Veggie Umami Essence
We think this sauce is a must-buy for anyone looking to add rich, savory flavor to their vegan dishes.
Pros
- Adds depth to many recipes
- A little goes a long way
- Healthy alternative to other sauces
Cons
- Strong smell may be off-putting
- Pricey compared to some options
- Taste can be overwhelming if overused
We’ve tried many umami sauces, but Yondu stands out. It packs a punch of flavor that can turn a bland dish into something special. Just a few drops in our soups or stir-fries, and the taste really pops.
The best part? It’s super versatile. We’ve used it on roasted veggies, in dressings, and even as a marinade for tofu. It’s like a secret weapon in our kitchen. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, which is great for those with dietary needs.
One thing to note – the smell is quite strong when you first open the bottle. But don’t let that scare you off. The taste is much milder than the scent suggests. We found that starting with a small amount and adding more as needed works best. It’s a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts quite a while.
Buying Guide
When shopping for vegan sauces, we think there are a few key things to look out for. Here’s what we recommend considering:
Ingredients
Check the label carefully. We want to see natural, plant-based ingredients without any animal products. Look for sauces made from:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Herbs and spices
Avoid anything with dairy, eggs, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients.
Nutritional Value
Many vegan sauces can be quite healthy. We suggest comparing nutrition facts to find options that are:
- Low in added sugars
- Low in sodium
- High in vitamins and minerals
Flavor Profile
Think about what flavors you enjoy. Vegan sauces come in many tasty varieties:
- Creamy
- Tangy
- Spicy
- Sweet
- Savory
Try different types to find your favorites.
Packaging and Storage
We like sauces in glass jars or bottles. They keep well and are easy to recycle. Check how long the sauce lasts after opening. Some need refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable.
Price
Vegan sauces can vary widely in cost. We think it’s worth comparing prices between brands and stores to get the best deal. Buying in bulk or making your own can save money too.
By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose vegan sauces that taste great and fit our needs.