Ooh-la-la… lactobacillus!
As someone who went vegan before the Greek yogurt craze hit, I never had the chance to try Greek yogurt. So even though I never missed the taste, I did wonder why everyone was so crazy for the sour-smelling stuff! (No, I’m not allergic to dairy, so I could technically take a taste if I wanted to do so.)
However, awhile back, I wrote more about why I chose not to stray from veganism.
Thanks to So Delicious, vegans can now have their Coconut Greek Yogurt and eat it too: Chocolate, Plain, Strawberry, Vanilla, Raspberry & Blueberry!
Other new vegan products on the horizon:
More on these, and other new products, here: New Product Alerts!
Moving on to not-so-happy news:
Most of y’all have probably heard about the magnitude-8.9 earthquake that hit Japan yesterday, killing over 1,000 people. Obviously, a lot of help is going to be needed! It can be so tempting to get overwhelmed, say “How sad,” and then go back to your daily life. But please please don’t! Especially in this Lenten season, try to do something to help. (I’m betting God will consider it a greater Christian sacrifice than giving up sweets! ;))
Will you join me???
I’m going to send some of this month’s blog proceeds to relief organizations.
(Side note: It’s important to pick a reputable charity! Do NOT just give money to someone you don’t know; it’s horrible, but people take advantage of tragedy to run scams.) The American Red Cross and Salvation Army (both of which are accredited by the Better Business Bureau) have announced ways to donate to the relief cause by texting. Donors can text “Japan” to 80888 to donate $10 to Salvation Army efforts. They can visit mobilecause.com for terms and conditions and should respond “Yes” to a “Thank you” message they receive. Donors can text “Redcross” to 90999 to donate the same amount to that organization. Donations can also always be made online to www.redcross.org or www.salvationarmy.org.
And be grateful every single day. Go cuddle with someone you love. Me, I choose to hug these two troublemakers:
Thing One and Thing Two
Faces that could turn even the Grinch’s heart to (vegan) butter!
Who are you currently cuddling?
A child? A boyfriend? A bowl of oatmeal?
(Hey, I won’t judge…)
If ya can’t wait ’til May, here’s a recipe for Vegan Greek Yogurt
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
THAT IS SO SO AWESOME about coconut greek yogurt- i mean it sucks cuz i wont be able to get it.. but when in the states this summer ill try to grab one to try!.. that is so so sweet- I’m gna go look into the options i can do for donating in the UK.. currently cuddling my dog + peanut butter.. we both share the pb love!
Kristen says
Very cool about the greek yogurt! I’ve never had the chance of trying it, either; I suppose now (if I ever run across it) I will be able to.
I intend on donating some of my “charity fund” to help out those affected by the earthquake/tsunami/other related disasters.
Freya says
That is briiliant greek yogurt news! It’s just…I don’t think that company are in England :'( Le sigh!!
I love what you’re doing to raise money – that’s a great idea 🙂
Tessa says
This is crazzzzy! I haven’t eaten cows milk in years and have opted for goats yogurt as my yogurt of choice. But recently can to the conclusion that my stomach didn’t agree with goat’s products. So, this past week I’ve been trying alternative yogurts and haven’t been supper happy about any of them. I AM SO EXCITED THAT SO DELICIOUS CAME OUT WITH THIS NEW PRODUCT! Ahh! Can’t wait until it arrives at Whole Foods! :o) Thanks for sharing
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) says
Looks like some great treats coming out soon! I am currently cuddling all 3 of my boys. We did movie night at home last night and it was such a comfort having them all safe with me. I think during hard times, it is important to appreciate what you have and not take for granted that your loved ones are with you.
Lisa says
ooh that vegan amy’s pizza looks so good- cant wait to try it!!
Jennifer Bussey says
Now, if only it were gluten free! I can’t wait to try the greek coconut yogurt. I have been hounding them to make sour cream since their kefir(now called cultured coconut milk) is sour like sour cream and buttermilk, but way too thin. I have used it to make my own at home by adding xanthan gum to the original flavor kefir to thicken and adding a tiny bit of salt for flavor, yummy!
Bethany says
Yay! Now I can have Greek yogurt again! I’m so excited!
Cat says
I’m so happy to hear you’re donating your proceeds to the earthquake/tsunami. I feel like so many people over in the states feel disconnected from that stuff and just push it out of their minds bc it doesn’t directly affect them. If I were in their spot I’d certainly be praying for help from all over though! I will def be donating to Americares – 100% of their profits go direct to aid efforts, while many organizations only donate 80-90% because of operating costs.
On another note – so excited for vegan greek yogurt!!! I will have to start checking all of my specialty stores for that! Where did you find that? And omg… daiya cheese pizza??? YESSS!!
Cat says
P.S. your mint chocolate chip milkshake recipe = AMAZING!
Lyza says
I’m such a dork, but I started crying this morning when I saw the news about Japan. It just bothers me so much. All morning I’ve been researching ways to change the world and take action, and I’m trying to figure out what to do/decide which org. would be the best to donate to. I just can’t believe how many disasters they’ve experienced in less than a 24 hour time period. It must be dreadful!!
I’m so thrilled you are using your blog to make a positive difference. 🙂
I’m also thrilled there is FINALLY going to be a vegan greek yogurt in America. About dang time!! 😛
Lauren says
AHHH that’s so exciting about the yogurt!!! I tried greek yogurt for the first time like a week before I went dairy-free..shouldn’t have done that, it was so delicious that now I think about it all the time!!! Can’t wait until this comes out in stores! 🙂
Sam (the neurotic yogini) says
mint chocolate coconut milk, oh my! while i’ve been dabbling w/ veganism for a while now, i may finally give it a (real) go!!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
I am currently cuddling a big smoothie — I just got done running 11 miles so I need it!
Katie that is great that you donating some money — and thanks for the reminder to donate to reputable charities — The American Red Cross is always a good one!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
No. freaking. way. Girl I am practically PEEING myself right now, I have been waiting for vegan greek yogurt for way too long!! My day has just been made!!:)
Bridget says
AHHHHHHH
this just made my life…
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
THAT IS SO AWESOME!!! 😀 I have been waiting for them to come out with a VEGAN Greek Yogurt! I am so excited!
xoxo
Kathleen
shannonmarie says
I’m currently cuddling my kids. I just posted my little girl eating a raw cupcake topped with some Naughty Girl Butter (http://rawdorable.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-biggest-cupcake-fan.html). I mentioned you and linked to your site. I hope you don’t mind. Your version is far more simply than what I’ve done similarly in the past (http://rawdorable.blogspot.com/2008/09/eat-drink-and-be.html).
Hollie @lolzthatswim(andrun) says
I cuddle my little cat back at home. I absolutely love her she is adorable and fits right next to me when we sleep.
bitt of raw says
wow I’d be interested to try the greek nondairy yogurt. no idea why people are so obsessed with the stuff. i’d love to try the dandies bunnies too–are those like peeps? I tried googling them but haven’t’ seen them. where did you hear about them?
I feel helpless in situations like this because I dont have the money to give to them. i try to just give a little to small local organizations at times like this. sadly when big earthquakes and so forth happen, they suffer too because funds get diverted. i feel like my dollar goes farther when it’s a small organization and I feel better having met the people who use it.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Do you follow @vegnews on twitter? I happened to catch their Greek yogurt tweet yesterday. It prompted me to look at their twitter profile, which mentioned all these new things! Yeah, they’re supposedly like vegan peeps. I hated peeps when I was little (They weren’t chocolate!!), but I’d still be interested to try these… just because I CAN, ya know? 😉
bitt of raw says
finally tracked it down. i know a lot of people who won’t go vegan for little things like peeps so i love that they have them. i hope they come to seattle!
~Jessica~ says
I would cuddle my cat, but she’s never been the cuddling type (neglected as a kitten and never fully trusts people, but I love her to bits anyway!)
I would sell my soul for that greek yoghurt: hell will freeze over before we ever get anything like that over in the UK.
You’re amazing for your act of kindness towards the Japan earthquake victims. Doing something truly Christian like that means far more than all the Bloggers arbitrarily giving up chocolate for Lent.
xxx
Susan says
I just want to say I think it’s awesome that you are donating this month’s blog revenue towards the relief effort in Japan! Way to set an example Katie : )
Kelsey @ Clean Teen Kelsey says
Oh my goodness, I need to try that greek yogurt! I can’t wait.
I’ve had the Coconut Bliss before… ahh it’s amazing! You gotta try it. I’m eager to try that Amy’s pizza, too. I bet the nog is great. 🙂
Allison @ Happy Tales says
So glad you highlighted the crisis that is going on, Katie. You have such a big readership, I know that your reaching out will help 100x over!
Also, I just woke up from a 2hr nap from cuddling with my boyfriend and puppy. (They’re actually still sleeping! haaaa!) I ran a half-marathon this morning and squeezed in 5 miles beforehand to total 18 miles… my longest running distance EVER! Feels so good! Can’t imagine doing 8 more, though…. oh boy. Marathon training is intense!
A Teenage Gourmet says
I haven’t seen this yogurt in my stores yet, but I will buy it when I do! I’m eating vegan for lent, and it’s trickier than I expected. It’s not so hard for me to avoid the obvious animal products, but I accidentally sampled *honey* mustard . . . and then a chip with *buttermilk* powder. Eating vegan requires a detail-oriented person! Thanks for letting me know about some cool new products to try, Katie. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I originally went vegan for Lent too! Then I never went back. (But it was easier for me, since I was living in China at the time. They don’t eat much dairy anyway.)
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
I became a vegan pre-Greek yoghurt too!! So I don’t feel like I’m missing out, but those yoghurts do look SO good!! And vegan frozen pizza?! I’ve definitely never seen THAT in the UK! 😛
You are absolutely the SWEETEST girl ever Katie!! I love that you’re highlighting this and donating your own profits!! I’ve just donated to the British Red Cross to help Japan, and am praying for them. You are actually one of the kindest and most generous people I know 🙂 I am virtually hugging YOU!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Well, I think YOU are one of the sweetest people I know. So can I hug you back? Pretty please? 🙂
Alex @ Healing Beauty says
I am soooo excited for vegan greek yogurt! I’m lactose intolerant but I used to love greek yogurt (even though it made me sick). Thanks for posting about that, I’m really excited!
Also I think it is wonderful that you posted about helping support Japan. I think in times like this it is important to remember how fragile life is.
Lindsay @ livinglindsay.com says
Oh my…mint chocolate coconut milk??? Have you tried it? It sounds so good – well, anything with mint and chocolate sounds good. But I’m sure it’s extra good. I can’t wait to try all of that stuff! I hope they have it at the grocery store. If not, I’m sure Whole Foods will.
I’m currently snuggled up with my almost 3 year old son. We are wrapped up in a pink snuggie on the couch. I’m beyond thankful for my life when I see such tragedies happen in other parts of the world.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t think it hits stores til May. But I actually might be more interested in that than the Greek yogurt lol!
melissa @ the delicate place says
omg!!! i had to give up dairy due to gi distress and greek yogurt was one of my faves. i’m so excited to try this! i love so delicious ‘purely decadent’ line with coconut milk and vanilla bean df ice cream so this just might be a winner!
kathleen says
it’s a shame but true. a lot of charities take donations but use say, $0.80 of every $1.0 donated to pay for overhead such as advertising, staff, etc. etc. so most of your money never makes it to it’s final destination. love the greek coconut yogurt! i tried to make coconut yogurt once and it turned out as a cross between coconut milk and really tangy coconut kefir (which i love but i really wanted yogurt). i need to try it again with a thickening agent me thinks.
Pure2raw twins says
Greek coconut yogurt??? how the in hell do they make it
I sure love coconut milk!!!! No dairy for me!
Disturbed says
I’m cuddling nothing at the moment, but I might cuddle my pet rat in a moment 🙂
Kari says
How did you know I was cuddling oatmeal?…okay technically it’s quinoa, still.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Muahahaha I knew someone (besides me) would be!
DANA says
SO do you like those pizza’s? I’ve considered buying/trying them many times but never got around to it?!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t think they’re in stores yet. I just heard about all this stuff from vegnews magazine on twitter. They’re great to follow ;).
Danielle says
The vegan Margarita pizza is sooooooooo good. My husband and I got it from Wholefoods about a week ago.
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
I cannot WAIT to try that yogurt! Coconut milk ice cream is hands-down my favorite coconut product so far. Also, I 100% agree — giving up some $ for an obviously good cause is, I think, probably more in line with the whole Lenten idea than giving up sweets 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hehe fished ya out! 😉
Dumb spam!
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
I guess I’m a little strange, but I’m not a vegan and haven’t tried greek yogurt. I’m glad there’s an option out there for vegans now, though. 🙂
I’m cuddling my 2 year old. 🙂
Veronica says
Yums, that mint chocolate coconut milk is calling my name! Kudos for giving toward the relief effort and urging your readers to do the same! Your dogs are adorable! I’m cuddling my doggie too, but she’s probably 10 times the size of yours! 🙂
Heather @ kissmybroccoli says
I love you Katie! You never stop thinking about others! I am going to look into seeing what I can do to help with the relief as well.
I’ve GOT to make sure Christin (from purplebirdblog) sees this post. She is sensitive to dairy so she can’t have the real stuff! She’s going to be so excited!
I am currently cuddling a pumpkin/yogurt parfait topped with granola, pineapple, and coconut! Mmmmm!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
hahahaha she saw my tweet about it yesterday! I think we’re all so excited. Turtle Mountain might just have a riot at their factory, with us bloggers banging down the door, if they don’t release the stuff soon! 😉
Corey @ the runners cookie says
That yogurt sounds wonderful – I guess it was just a matter of time before someone came up with a rich, creamy vegan yogurt 🙂 I made a version your mint choc chip milkshake today, and it was delicious!! So grateful to you for giving me ideas of how I can satisfy my dessert cravings without going crazy on the sugar!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Good info on the yogurt. Honestly, I was never that into yogurt and soy-based yogurt just never seemed that great to me and coconut milk yogurt, well, I have been scared by the price…now if I was a huge yogurt person, I would pop for it, of course. But I’d rather put my “fun” shopping budget toward…chocolate or exotic coffees!
Great cause and efforts, Katie. That is wonderful of you to donate some of your profits. The people of Japan thank you 🙂
Tara says
The vegan greek yogurt would come out right after lent ends. I kind of need it now! I guess I’ll just have to use your recipe, not that that’s really a bad thing.
The daiya craze has reached amy’s! That’s crazy! I’ve never actually tried the stuff before. I’d totally eat it in the form of pizza any day.
BroccoliHut says
Wow! So cool that there is finally a vegan Greek yogurt available.
So nice of you to donate proceeds to relief organizations.
Emma says
Hi Sweetie! You are truly amazing Katie, you really are. Such a kind heart. Thankyou for continuing to write this wonderful blog, highlighting issues in such a mature and sensitive way. CCK world is definately one of my favourite places to visit each day 🙂 I mentioned you in my post – I’ve been experimenting with agar flakes after seeing them on your blog. Sending big hugs xoxo
Alexa @ SimpleEats says
Aw, Katie, you’re such a sweetheart! My heart is going out to everyone in Japan, too. I’m going to donate, I just wish I could physically GO THERE and help. Way to go with your idea 🙂
Marissa says
OMG. This is so exciting! I think Greek yogurt is the dairy food I have missed more than anything, so learning about the vegan version totally made my day!!
Namaste Gurl says
Coconut everything is taking over the world, and I mean it 🙂 Finally people are getting what’s good, huh? 🙂
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Wait I NEED to find that ASAP!!!!! And the Amy’s pizza….gahhh I’m dying!!
Livvy says
This sounds so good!! I’ll have to keep my eye out for sure:) I am SOOO excited for the coconut bliss new flavors! That chocolate walnut brownie is right up my alley:)
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I am beyond excited for this yogurt. And the pizza! I hadn’t heard about that one yet. Any ETA on the pizza?
Coconut Bliss makes an Amaretto flavor that is off the chain. You HAVE to try it if you ever see it. Trust me on this. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I heard the yogurt’s coming out in May, but no clue about the pizza!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
I’m so excited about vegan Greek yogurt! And all of the other products coming out too!! 🙂 Coconut ice cream sounds a-mazing 🙂
Chris says
Wait, chocolate coconut milk Greek yogurt???? I can’t wait to cuddle with that!!!!!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
I’ve got both my pups by my side right now. And I may not be vegan, but my lactose intolerant self is extremely excited about the coconut milk Greek yogurt… I absolutely CANNOT WAIT!! 🙂
Albizia says
I’m not cuddling anyone at the moment but I feel like doing it all the time. The only problem is that my mum has more important things to do than hugging her crazy daughter 24/7. I’ve been feeling awful ever since I saw the news about the earthquake. I wish I could do something to help. I wish I had a magic wand…
whitney says
What a great idea Katie!
I’m so excited for the coconut greek yogurt, you have no idea! I’ve never had greek yogurt either…
Whitney
A.Cook says
Oh. My. Gaga this post made me SO HAPPY!!! I cannot WAIT for vegan Greek yogurt. I tried the dairy version during my temporary fall from vegan grace and thought it pretty great, mostly due to the fact that it is more filling than regular yogurt (which is helpful for those, like me, who are watching their weight). So, veganized Greek is something I will *definitely* buy. That Amy’s pizza is on my list as well.
On a related note, it is thrilling to me that new, wonderful vegan products continue to be made. It shows that how we spend our consumer dollars does matter!!!
Serena says
When is this stuff hitting the stores?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Another blogger said May… but that’s just a rumor!
Raquel says
hey, I saw this stuff at my local Kroger’s here in Fort Worth. They had plain and vanilla, and I bought a vanilla one. it’s not bad, but if, like me, you’re used to the taste of regular dairy yogurt, it’s rather different. Not bad, though! I admit I’m not sure if I like it yet, s weird as that sounds. I need to eat more to find out.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wait… you saw the GREEK yogurt in stores, or just their regular non-dairy yogurt? I heard that the Greek yogurt wasn’t coming out until May.
Raquel says
Ah no! I’m sorry I should have clarified, I wasn’t thinking! It was regular old yogurt. Sorry about that! My only excuse is I was at work and my brain was asleep!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh good, because I don’t like the regular yogurt either. But I have higher hopes for the Greek one.
ShellBee says
Do u know when the greek yogurt will be out? it’s already mid-June and it’s still not in stores (whole foods….and I put a request in too!), nor is it up on So Delicious’ website…. I wanna eat it!!!! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
My friend is going to email me when they release it. Mid summer, she says.
Laurel says
I am also in LOVE with the So Delicious greek yogurt. I just found it the other day at Whole Foods and have been adding big scoops on top of my veggie chili.
I’m also keeping my eye out for the Amy’s pizzas with Daiya cheese and the So Delicious Mint Chocolate milk. Both sound amazing!
Susan Gano says
I need to know where to buy you yogurts. I am allergid to lactose so I figured i would give up the meat too. Never was fond of eatin the animals. I just love them all so much.
Also what ever foods that contain high protein. I had bariatric surgery and need over 60 grams of protein a day because os the non absorbsion of the shorter intestines. I have a 4 ounce pouch now. I love yogurt but did not realize it was making me so ill. I knew I could not drink the milk anymore but never put it together with dairy for a while. Any advise would be appriciated for a new, struggling Vegan. Thnak you for any help you can give me
Susan Gano
pachy405@aol.com
or: facebook under Susan Reese Gano Pinterest