<ul class="summary-list"><li>I tried eight vegan-friendly holiday roasts to see which is the best.</li><li>The original Tofurky roast and the Field Roast Celebration Roast have classic turkey-like flavors.</li></ul><p>Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because of its delicious <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Food" source="Orion">food</keyword>.</p><p>That didn't change when I <a href="https://www.insider.com/famous-singers-musicians-who-have-been-vegan">became vegan about seven years ago</a>, if anything, I've only spent more time in the kitchen since. </p><p>Side dishes are easy enough to adapt to a plant-based diet if you swap in non-dairy butter and nut milk. But if you're a new <keyword id="11955817" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Vegan" source="Orion">vegan</keyword>, plant-curious, or <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-vegan-items-to-buy-at-costco-2019-6">hosting someone who doesn't eat meat</a>, you might be stuck on what to do for a centerpiece.</p><p>Fortunately, many companies make vegan turkey-like or ham-like roasts for the fall and winter holidays. It's a nod to tradition, but these roasts aren't just a sad stand-in for meat — <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-vegans-buy-at-trader-joes-2019-5">some of them are seriously good</a>.</p><p>For the sake of culinary science, I tried eight different vegan holiday roasts and compared them side-by-side.</p><p>Here's how it went:</p><h2><strong>The original Tofurky roast is a tradition in and of itself</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tofurky in process 1" height="2274" width="3024" msid="79251171" hostid="261"></div><p>The original meatless roast, <a href="https://tofurky.com/our-story/our-roots/">Tofurky</a> made its big debut when it hit stores in 1995, giving vegetarians and vegans a new option for their turkey-free holidays.</p><p>The 26-ounce plant-based roast made primarily of soy and seitan, which is meant to mimic meat and contains a wild-rice stuffing, cost me <a href="https://shop.sprouts.com/product/11554/tofurky-stuffed-veggie-roast" rel="nofollow sponsored">$13.99 at Sprouts</a>.</p><p>This pack doesn't contain gravy, but Tofurky sells meal kits that include both the roast and a vegan gravy, or even a whole "<a href="https://tofurky.com/what-we-make/roasts/feast/#flavormenu">feast</a>" that includes a dessert as well. Although the roast appears to be pretty small, it's actually quite dense.</p><p>It was pretty easy to cook, though it did need time to thaw. The instructions suggested thawing it for 24 hours in the refrigerator, but the package said you can use a hot water bath if you're in a pinch.</p><p>All of the roasts, including the Tofurky original, are basically cooked the same way: Remove the plastic casing, cover with foil, bake in the oven so it heats, and cook it uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes to brown.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tofurky og in process" height="3024" width="4032" msid="79251172" hostid="261"></div><p>Tofurky needs to be basted when you first put it in the oven and about an hour and 15 minutes later after you uncover it. The box has various suggestions for making a homemade baste out of <a href="https://www.insider.com/trader-joes-best-vegan-foods-2019-5">common pantry items</a>, and I used a mix of olive oil, mushroom broth, and spices.</p><p>The original Tofurky took about an hour and 25 minutes total to bake. I cooked it on its own for the sake of this experiment, but normally I'd surround the roast with hearty vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, for added moisture and flavor.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tofurky og done" height="3024" width="4032" msid="79251175" hostid="261"></div><p>Since I was cooking with a flat baking sheet rather than a roast pan, I shaped the aluminum foil covering into a little boat to hold the basting liquid close to the roast. </p><p>When my roommates and I dug into the final product, <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-potential-risks-of-being-vegan-2019-4">there were pros and cons</a>.</p><p>We found the texture a little tough, but overall the taste was quite good — meaty, savory, and comforting — though a bit salty. Tofurky is a classic, and I imagine many longtime vegetarians and vegans have a special place for it in their hearts as I do.</p><p>My recommendation is to slice the roast as thinly as you can for optimal texture and, if you're sensitive to salt, be mindful of how much of it you use in your baste.</p><p>Like actual turkey, this can be a little on the dry side, so be sure to serve with gravy and/or cranberry sauce.</p><h2><strong>The Tofurky ham was new to me, and a strong contender</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tofurky ham done(1)" height="2268" width="3023" msid="79251176" hostid="261"></div><p>I've had the original Tofurky roast many times, but I had never tried its beer-glazed ham-style roast. The 19-ounce ham-style roast cost <a href="https://shop.sprouts.com/product/49772/tofurky-vegan-ham-style-roast" rel="nofollow sponsored">$13.99 at Sprouts</a> and was even easier to cook. </p><p>The package also includes an amber-ale glaze to drizzle over the roast when you uncover it.</p><p>This roast doesn't need to be thawed, making it an even better option for low-stress holidays and spontaneous feasts. </p><p>The "ham," which is also made of a soy and seitan mix, looks fairly similar to the original Tofurky roast but in a deeper pink color. It also comes with a net around it.</p><p>If you thaw the roast first, as I did, it cooks in a total of an hour and a half. Like the original, it's baked covered with foil in the oven for an hour and 15 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more. </p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tofurky ham slicing" height="2274" width="3024" msid="79251178" hostid="261"></div><p>This glaze was delicious — sweet, tangy, and rich, dripping over a moist and flavorful vegan "ham." This roast was a hit with my roommates and I'd gladly eat it again — <a href="https://www.insider.com/vegan-foods-that-keep-you-full-2019-2">maybe even for a regular weekday dinner.</a></p><h2><strong>We found the Field Roast Celebration Roast to be pretty similar to the classic Tofurky</strong></h2><div type="image" title="field roast original done" height="2268" width="3023" msid="79251180" hostid="261"></div><p>Field Roast's holiday roasts tend to be pretty well-received in my family, so I had high expectations for this one. </p><p>The 16-ounce roast cost me <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?postID=5faec84119bb5e1ee06061da&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instacart.com%2Flanding%3Fproduct_id%3D286206%26retailer_id%3D38%26mrid%3D290182823%26utm_medium%3Dsem_shopping%26utm_source%3Dinstacart_google%26utm_campaign%3Dad_demand_shopping_food_ca_losangeles_newengen%26utm_content%3Daccountid-8145171519_campaignid-1700095389_adgroupid-86977167996_device-c%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIm8jnuaDv7AIVsyCtBh1JoAtKEAQYASABEgK-p_D_BwE" rel="nofollow sponsored">$7.99 at Ralph's,</a> but you can also buy a <a href="http://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast-traditional-bread-stuffing-gravy/" rel="nofollow sponsored">2-pound version</a> that comes with gravy. </p><p>Being the smallest roast, this one predictably cooked the fastest and was about as easy, if not easier, to prepare than the previous ones. Technically, you don't even need to cook it — according to the package, you can slice it and eat it cold.</p><p>If you do cook it, it doesn't need to be covered. Simply place in a roasting pan, baste (I used the same mushroom broth, olive oil, and seasoning mixture as before), and cook for 30 to 40 minutes. </p><p>I've had this one before, but it tastes more similar to the classic Tofurky roast than I remembered.</p><p>This is surprising because the Field Roast (which is, notably for those with allergies, soy-free) has a pretty different ingredient makeup with its blend of seitan and vegetables.</p><p>Somehow it managed to have a good, turkey-like flavor, similar to the Tofurky, but with a slightly softer texture. I would also recommend pairing gravy and/or cranberry sauce with this roast to help make it moister.</p><h2><strong>The Field Roast hazelnut cranberry roast en croute is a personal favorite of mine</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="field roast en croute done w box" height="2274" width="3024" msid="79251181" hostid="261"></div><p>In addition to its large and small Celebration Roasts, the brand Field Roast makes a 32-ounce pastry-encrusted hazelnut cranberry roast that's been my holiday go-to for the last few years. I got mine for <a href="https://shop.sprouts.com/product/26824/field-roast-hazelnut-cranberry-en-croute" rel="nofollow sponsored">$19.99 at Sprouts</a>. </p><p>Once thawed, the roast took an hour to cook — 45 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered. It doesn't require basting because it's wrapped in puff pastry.</p><p>My only word of advice here is that when the instructions say to cover the loaf loosely with foil, they mean it. I wrapped my roast a little too tightly and some of the puff pastry got stuck to the foil. </p><p>The puff pastry didn't really rise for me or get a golden look, but I was able to confirm that I still really like this loaf.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="field roast en croute serving" height="2274" width="3024" msid="79251182" hostid="261"></div><p>The carb coating gives this roast an obvious advantage, and its delicious filling is a blend of seitan, cranberries, and hazelnuts.</p><p>Unlike the other roasts, this one <a href="https://www.insider.com/vegan-cooking-tips-2018-12">isn't trying to stand in for meat</a> as it is just vaguely suggesting that it's a traditional holiday roast.</p><p>I think that's exactly why I like it — although seitan is the primary ingredient, the cranberry and hazelnut flavors boldly come through, making this loaf sweet, tangy, nutty, savory, and complex.</p><h2><strong>Vegetarian Plus has a vegan turkey roll and ham roll, which were very different from the rest</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="VegPlus rolls uncooked" height="3024" width="4032" msid="79251183" hostid="261"></div><p>The 16-ounce turkey roll cost me $23.99 at Sprouts, making it one of the most expensive options on this list. It also included a sizable packet of cinnaberry glaze.</p><p>This turkey-esque roast cooks similarly to the others: Set on a lightly oiled sheet and bake for 45 minutes covered with aluminum foil, then another 10 minutes without.</p><p>It needs to be thawed first, but you can do so by placing the still-wrapped loaf in a hot water bath if you're short on time. The outside is encrusted with spices, so basting isn't necessary.</p><p>The instructions recommend heating the cinnaberry glaze on the stovetop, but microwaving it in a glass container worked just fine.</p><p>Take note: Within the plastic wrapping, the roll itself is covered with netting and clips that aren't mentioned in the instructions. I didn't see them amidst the pepper crust until after cooking, so be sure to remove those before serving. </p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="The Vegetarian Plus vegan turkey roll" height="2268" width="3023" msid="79251185" hostid="261"></div><p>I wasn't a fan of this roast because the spice rub on the outside was too aggressively black peppery for my taste, although if you like pepper, it might be right up your alley. The flavor of the inside of the roll was pretty good, if mild.</p><p>It was the same kind of soft wheat and soy meat that I've encountered in <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-vegan-foods-2018-12">casual vegan restaurants before</a>, and I don't mind it, but my roommates didn't care much for it.</p><p>The cinnaberry glaze, as you might expect, is a very cinnamony cranberry sauce and I really liked it both on the "turkey" and on its own.</p><h2><strong style="color: #000000;">The ham roll was very similar to the turkey version</strong></h2><p><strong style="color: #000000;"><strong></strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="VegPlus ham roll done" height="2268" width="3023" msid="79251186" hostid="261"></div><p>This roughly 40-ounce roast was the most expensive one I picked up, retailing at <a href="https://store.veganessentials.com/glazed-ham-roll-by-vegetarian-plus-p3863.aspx">$24.99 from Sprouts</a>.</p><p>Once I opened it up and realized how huge it was, though, it seemed like a good value. The size is definitely a factor worth considering if you're hoping to feed a lot of people. It also comes with a sticky-sweet apricot-plum glaze that I heated in the microwave. </p><p>It's meant to be placed on a lightly oiled baking tray and covered with aluminum foil, baked for an hour and 10 minutes, then uncovered and glazed every five minutes for 20 more minutes.</p><p>Because of the glazing and re-glazing, this one was the most labor-intensive, though not by much. I used a spatula to pick up and re-drip the fallen sauce, keep as much of the reddish glaze as possible on the roast itself. </p><p>The large roll took about an hour and a half total to cook after it was thawed. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/vegetarian-vegan-food-unhealthy-2018-9">To my vegan eyes</a>, this roast's appearance was pretty ham-like since it was very smooth and pink.</p><p>The flavor of this one was almost identical to the interior of the Vegetarian Plus turkey roll, though maybe a little richer.</p><p>Again, I liked this a little more than my roommates did, but we all agreed it would be better to incorporate this roll into fried rice and other leftovers rather than eat it on its own. </p><h2><strong>I was excited to try the Gardein holiday roast</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="gardein roast done w box" height="2274" width="3024" msid="79251189" hostid="261"></div><p>I regularly eat Gardein's vegan "meat" products when I'm craving something specific, so I had high hopes for the brand's holiday roast, which I had never tried before.</p><p>The 40-ounce roast cost <a href="https://products.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/gardein-cranberry-kale-and-wild-rice-stuffing-holiday-roast-b0050f" rel="nofollow sponsored">$12.59 at Whole Foods</a> and came with four convenient packets of frozen gravy.</p><p>This roast has a breaded exterior, so basting is not necessary. Its total cook time, according to package directions, is an hour and 20 minutes, and it's meant to be cooked from frozen.</p><p>I'm not sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the finished product.</p><p>The roast was lightly crispy and golden brown on the outside with a soft and adequately moist interior and vegetable stuffing. </p><p>Its mild flavor tastes like carrot and celery, thanks to the stuffing. The gravy was delicious too, and a perfect pair for the roast.</p><p>I thought it tasted like the definition of <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-vegan-restaurant-in-every-state-2018-8">comfort food</a>, and my roommates largely agreed. I would certainly consider buying this one again.</p><h2><strong>The 365 meatless plant-based roast was just OK</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="vegan roasts" height="900" width="1200" msid="79251193" hostid="261"></div><p>I discovered this roast at the last minute and was eager to try it since thrifty shoppers often <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-be-vegan-on-a-budget-cheap-2018-8">flock to store-brand products for a deal</a>.</p><p>The 32-ounce roast cost <a href="https://products.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/whole-foods-market-holiday-plant-based-roast-e772d0" rel="nofollow sponsored">$11.99 at Whole Foods</a> and comes with its own gravy in two frozen packets.</p><p>Upon unboxing, it became clear that this roast was very similar to the Gardein one with its breadcrumb-crusted exterior, vegetable stuffing, and gravy for serving.</p><p>The roast took just under 70 minutes to cook.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="365 turkey" height="900" width="1200" msid="79251194" hostid="261"></div><p>The roast was definitely similar to the Gardein one —soft, comforting, vegetal, mild — albeit a little less flavorful, in my opinion.</p><p>I'd consider the roast itself pretty middle-of-the-road, not amazing or terrible, but the gravy was a different story. For some reason, it really rubbed me and both of my roommates the wrong way. It was sort of thin, sort of chicken-y, and didn't go well with the roast at all.</p><p>If you purchase this kit, I would recommend making or buying another gravy instead of using the one that's included. </p><h2><strong>The verdict: You can't go wrong with the pastry-covered roast</strong></h2><div type="image" title="vegan roasts table" height="600" width="1200" msid="79251238" hostid="261"></div><p>Even though the Field Roast hazelnut cranberry roast didn't come out perfectly golden brown, it's still my favorite store-bought roast.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-vegan-recipe-ingredients-2018-7">flavors are bright and seasonal</a>, and there's crusty, flaky pastry involved. It's moist enough that you don't necessarily need gravy or sauce, although I'd still recommend adding some to amp up the delicious flavors.</p><p>The Gardein holiday roast was a close second that I can't wait to dig back into. </p><p>Overall, most of these roasts were really <a href="https://www.insider.com/vegan-alternatives-for-popular-recipe-ingredients-2018-7">simple to prepare</a>. And, with the exception of the breaded and pastry-crusted roasts, I think they would be lovely roasted with some carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables and herbs of your choice.</p><p>As a host, I have my aforementioned preference, but as a guest, I'd honestly be <a href="https://www.insider.com/thanksgiving-dinner-history-side-dishes-turkey-2019-11">happy to be served any of these roasts</a> for a holiday <keyword id="11898850" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dinner" source="Orion">dinner</keyword>.</p><p><strong>Read More:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-vegan-bacon-with-carrots-tiktok-hack">I turned carrots into 'bacon' using a popular TikTok hack, and they were delicious</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-the-best-cornbread-recipes-from-chefs">I made cornbread using 5 celebrity chefs' recipes, and there's only one I wouldn't eat again</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/vegan-desserts-thanksgiving-2018-11">9 vegan desserts to bring this Thanksgiving</a></p>

I tried 8 different vegan roasts, and the winner would be the star of any holiday spread

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I stopped shopping at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-buy-at-whole-foods-chefs-2019-3">Whole Foods</a> in 2012, but recently went back to see if anything had changed.</li><li>I still had trouble finding staff members to help me and found that many items seemed overpriced.</li></ul><p>When I started getting a regular paycheck in 2001, I loved buying groceries at Whole Foods. My neighborhood in Washington, DC, has many supermarkets, but I always thought the chain carried <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-buy-best-grocery-store-sushi-california-roll-ranking-2024-2">premium items</a> that couldn't be found elsewhere.</p><p>I eventually realized that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canceled-costco-membership-bad-for-me-would-never-go-back-2023-9">other supermarkets</a> better supported my shopping habits and lifestyle, and I stopped going to Whole Foods in 2012. Recently, however, I decided to shop there again to see if anything had changed.</p><p>After all, the retailer has introduced several new programs in recent years. Since Amazon acquired the company in 2017, the chain has rolled out several initiatives, from launching smaller <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/03/04/whole-foods-market-daily-shop/72843535007/">Daily Shops</a> to a new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/you-can-now-get-unlimited-whole-foods-grocery-delivery-for-10-a-month/">grocery-subscription service</a>.</p><p>Despite these new programs, I was still unsure if Whole Foods was for me. Here's what my experience <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-stopped-shopping-trader-joes-not-for-me-2023">shopping at the retailer</a> was like after 12 years.</p><h2><strong>I immediately noticed I couldn't find employees as easily as I could in other stores</strong></h2><p>When I shopped at Whole Foods years ago, I often had to walk up and down multiple aisles to locate a staff member. Sometimes, I'd even give up and leave the store without the item I needed.</p><p>Unfortunately, during my last trip to my local Whole Foods, finding assistance still wasn't as easy as I'd like it to be.</p><p>I saw many employees on the floor, but they were busy filling online orders for customers who placed grocery pickup orders. I wanted to ask for help finding a snack for my daughter, but they seemed very focused on filling their orders.</p><p>After walking around the store, I eventually found an available employee who didn't already look busy. Many supermarkets in my area are understaffed, but I've had a much easier time getting assistance at other stores.</p><h2><strong>Whole Foods is no longer the only store in my area that carries specialty and organic items</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Coffee creamers, oat milk, and Almond Breeze on shelves at Whole Foods" height="2689" width="3586" msid="109859866" hostid="261" sizebytes="583524"></div><p>I used to enjoy the large selection of plant-based alternatives, organic produce, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/whole-foods-stores-in-the-city-vs-suburbs-2019-1">high-quality groceries</a> available at Whole Foods. But on my most recent visit, I realized many supermarkets in my area now carry similar products.</p><p>At one time, Whole Foods was the only place I could find flavored soy milk, Tofurky, and local brands' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/making-ice-cream-different-methods-ninja-creami-bag-blender-best-one">ice cream</a> and craft beers. Now, I can easily visit Wegmans for plant-based foods and shop at Safeway for milk alternatives or locally-produced ice cream, so Whole Foods no longer stands out.</p><h2><strong>I found the prices at Whole Foods to be expensive</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Clear packages of sea-salt caramels with teal labels and a price tag that reads &quot;dark chocolate peppermint cremes $11.29&quot;" height="2274" width="3032" msid="109859868" hostid="261" sizebytes="297106"></div><p>I used to laugh when people called Whole Foods "whole paycheck," but on my last visit, I realized the store's prices seem much higher than those of other retailers by me.</p><p>For example, Tofurkey at Whole Foods was $4.20, but the same product was $3.60 at my local Target. Dolcezza gelato was $6.50 at Whole Foods, but the same brand was marked down from $6 to $4.90 at Giant.</p><p>I did see products from the 365 label, Whole Foods' house brand, that were cheaper than similar items at the store. However, 365 items are also available at Amazon Fresh, a store I already shop at.</p><p>The prices at Whole Foods wouldn't be enough to draw me back into shopping at the retailer. It's hard to justify paying more for what's basically the same item.</p><h2><strong>And, above all, in my opinion, the deals at Whole Foods were never that great</strong></h2><p>Whole Foods' sales were never significant enough to impress me when I used to shop there. I noticed some deals on my last visit, but many were only a few cents or dollars off items I knew would be cheaper at other supermarkets anyway.</p><p>Combined with the retailer's already-high prices, I just don't think shopping at Whole Foods saves me money or gives me an advantage that other stores can't.</p><p>Though Whole Foods has definitely changed in the years since I was a regular shopper there, I stand by my decision to move away from the retailer. In my experience, grocery shopping is much smoother at other stores — and I'm not reeling at the final bill, either.</p><p><em>Representatives for Whole Foods didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.</em></p>

I shopped at Whole Foods for the first time in 12 years, and it reminded me why I stopped going in the first place

Long-lived Loma Linda

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55e3b0f6dd0895f6148b45a8-2040-1530/gettyimages-134564049.jpg" alt="taylor swift nicki minaj" data-mce-source="Getty Images"><p class="source"><span>Getty Images</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift got in a Twitter battle for the books a month ago when Video Music Award nominations were announced.<p>Tonight, they performed together at those same awards, and seemed to send viewers the message that all was well between the two pop stars.</p><p>But&#xa0;their fans don't seem to be buying it.</p><p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13">@taylorswift13</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ">@NICKIMINAJ</a> have officially burned their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BadBlood?src=hash">#BadBlood</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VMAs?src=hash">#VMAs</a>: <a href="http://t.co/bKYMyk6gkw">http://t.co/bKYMyk6gkw</a> <a href="http://t.co/LDGdd9i5yg">pic.twitter.com/LDGdd9i5yg</a></p>- MTV  (@MTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638164154512109568">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">The back story: Minaj tweeted in July that she found it unfair that her "Anaconda" video wasn't nominated for video of the year. She said videos celebrating "slim bodies" were more likely to get acclaim.</p><p>Taylor Swift took offense and fired back on Twitter:</p><p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ">@NICKIMINAJ</a> I've done nothing but love &amp; support you. It's unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..</p>- Taylor Swift  (@taylorswift13) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/623616796277506048">July 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">The feud <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/nicki-minaj-and-taylor-swift-fight-on-twitter-2015-7">continued for a few more tweets</a>&#xa0;and made quite a few headlines.</p><p class="embed-spacer">So it was a surprise tonight when, midway through Minaj's opening performance, Swift joined her onstage. The performance signaled a truce between the two women. But now, fans are speculating that they staged the whole social media brawl - setting the scene for tonight's performance.</p><p class="embed-spacer">Here are some Twitter users who aren't on board with the drama:</p><p class="embed-spacer"><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Oh stop. That Taylor Swift Nicki Minaj beef was like tofurkey. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VMAs?src=hash">#VMAs</a></p>- Lesley Abravanel  (@lesleyabravanel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638159427653251073">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There has never been a phonier moment between chicks than Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj</p>- Young Unsweetened  (@KFCBarstool) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638157348746461184">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>This whole nicki taylor thing was all for publicity and it really pisssssessss me offffffff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VMAs?src=hash">#VMAs</a></p>- Amanda L-O  (@AmandaLillicO) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638163332650831872">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>WHAT EVEN this has GOT to be a PR stunt right?? make Taylor &amp; Nicki forgive each other &amp; then start another beef for the show?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VMAs?src=hash">#VMAs</a></p>- Anjel Lopez  (@anjellopezz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638163238123757569">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">Some people, though, appeared to applaud&#xa0;their joining of forces (although they were in the minority).</p><p class="embed-spacer">&#xa0;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Demi Lovato: "I have a surprise guest ;)"Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift: "how about this for a surprise sweetie"</p>- Common Gay Boy  (@CGBPosts) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/638157671187791872">August 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">Either way, someone did&#xa0;<em>something&#xa0;</em>right - the performance is the most talked-about moment of the awards show so far.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/map-states-most-cheating-ashley-madison-hacker-cyber-2015-8">Ashley Madison hack reveals the states where people cheat the most</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="VjcXU3dzqzL92n8kTGCOUVDuP4Ie0r_7" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'VjcXU3dzqzL92n8kTGCOUVDuP4Ie0r_7',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift resolved their Twitter brawl onstage at the VMAs - but fans aren't buying it

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ef77e4eab8ea1b5f86bcc8-1200-924/whole-foods-26.jpg" border="0" alt="Whole Foods"><p class="source"><span>Reuters</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Whole Foods has started cutting prices to better compete with traditional supermarkets.</p><p>The grocery chain hasn't provided many details on the price cuts, so the product review site <a href="http://www.cheapism.com/blog/3403/whats-cheap-at-whole-foods">Cheapism.com</a> checked a Long Island, New York store for the best deals. </p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Cheapism compared the prices of hundreds of items at the store to prices for similar items at a nearby Shoprite. Some of the biggest differences in price were noted in almond butter, thin crust pizzas and potted flowers.</span></p><p><em style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Note: Cheapism's findings were for Long Island only. Prices may vary elsewhere. </span></em></p><p><span>Here are the items that were cheaper at Whole Foods: </span></p><p><strong>1. Tofu. </strong>Fourteen ounces of organic tofu costs $1 dollar less at Whole foods, compared to the same amount of tofu at ShopRite.</p><p><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">2. Almond milk. </strong>Every brand of almond milk is cheaper at Whole Foods, including the store brand, which is 10 cents cheaper than ShopRite's at $3.69 a gallon, according to Cheapism.<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ef7890ecad04285486bcc7-1200-924/15089144585_64982e296b_k.jpg" border="0" alt="Almond Milk"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/15089144585/in/photolist-oZnNZg-oXnbS9-oXnbFN-oXnaNA-oGUtkw-oGTxPm-oXkVKN-dbikXU-oXkUNY-oZkXtm-oXkWk5-oZ7nJx-oGSZLV-oGTeau-oGSYhx-oGTyx5-oZnMRp-oYkyax-oG7amM-oG7Xkt-oYkxXi-oYB1WT-oYzefm-oG7WUP-oG7Wkn-oYkzma-oYkBse-oG7MRj-oYzdkq-oYB6kx-oWz8HL-oYzdZG-oG7bJB-oG7Nq5-oG7XtK-oG7WNr-oG7KE5-7VqT49-oGUMW7-oGTELX-6Ue5UX-bUzds-ornh6C-svLwV-bAP7TG-cZ3JLQ-b1BLvz-6y4UQx-oYzcph-oWz8wo">Flickr/ Mike Mozart</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">3. Shredded cheese. </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Organic shredded cheeses start at $5.19 for an 8-ounce pack at Whole Foods, compared to $5.99 for the same amount at ShopRite. </span></span></p><p><strong>4. Cream cheese.</strong> Whole Foods' 8-ounce package of cream cheese costs $1.89, which is 90 cents cheaper than the same size package at ShopRite.</p><p><strong>5. Organic frozen berries.</strong> "<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Berries are counted among the so-called 'Dirty Dozen' foods that consumers are encouraged to buy organic," writes Cheapism's Tess Rose Lampert. "Whole Foods sells 16 ounces of organic frozen berries for as little as $3.29. Yet again, ShopRite is more expensive, offering 16 ounces of frozen organic berries for $3.99 to $4.79."</span></p><p><strong>6. Almond butter.</strong> This peanut butter alternative costs a whopping $9.99 at ShopRite, which is $3 more expensive than the same size jar at Whole Foods.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ef790c69bedda15e86bcc8-1200-600/almond-butter-6.jpg" border="0" alt="Almond butter"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tom_lin/3235908072/in/photolist-5VWSJu-2iBDgf-8iwToX-5W84WW-8iwTjk-6tNGmR-cnhg3q-57NnnH-6WaCZw-6WaCM5-bACLeR-bnHUYN-bACKRv-6RcQiw-9te33D-4xtdd3-7ahVyU-gH662a-cnhgbs-6n6apW-asxq1o-e66syw-anifAF-crsTwE-4gHS2o-bpAqBb-anm5f7-5U1YMC-d1Z8AU-KF52f-cnhg73-7UUhGQ-e5Liy8-9gPhxL-81hsUb-7dpyps-73y4GX-iZuvAx-6W6B5a-bCvms4-79ThuJ-8FjJH6-7UUixh-8DJKiA-7UUna3-8e4QM4-oF88uQ-8BNosm-bACKxR-hwS8C">Flickr/ Tom Lin</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">7. Organic Canned Tomatoes</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. At Whole Foods, these will cost you $1.99 for a 28-ounce can. A can half that size costs $1.70 at ShopRite.</span></p><p><strong>8. Saltine crackers. </strong>ShopRite charges $3.29 for its store brand of crackers, compared to $2.99 for Whole Foods' store brand.</p><p><strong>9. Cereal and breakfast Bars.</strong> A box of six breakfast bars sells for $2.29 at Whole Foods and $3.29 at ShopRite.</p><p><strong>10. Organic Coconut Oil.</strong> Coconut oil's many uses aren't confined to the kitchen. It can be used as a conditioner, a moisturizer, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-be-using-coconut-oil-2015-2">and even a make-up remover</a>. A 14-ounce jar costs $5.99 at Whole Foods and $6.49 at ShopRite, according to Cheapism.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/543d3db3eab8ea72128e961f-1200-800/7099855287_d6f4ae3367_k.jpg" border="0" alt="coconut oil"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mealmakeovermoms/7099855287">mealmakeovermoms/flickr</a></span></p><p class="caption">Adding coconut oil to everything won't make it healthier.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">11. Natural frozen burritos. "</span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This freezer staple comes in meaty, veggie, and vegan versions at both stores, but Whole Foods offers slightly cheaper products from its 365 Everyday Value line, starting at $1.69 for each 6-ounce burrito. ShopRite's prices go no lower than $2.50," Lampert writes.</span></p><p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">12. Natural thin crust frozen pizzas. </span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Whole foods' thin crust pizzas start at $3.99, while ShopRite's start at $6.99. </span></p><p><strong>13.</strong> <strong>Concord grape juice.</strong> A 32-ounce bottle of this juice costs $3.69 at Whole Foods, which is $1.40 cheaper than the same size bottle at ShopRite.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">14. 5-Inch potted flower plants. </strong></strong>Potted flowers cost $2 less at Whole Foods. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">15. Organic green peas. </strong></strong>You can save 60 cents for a 16-ounce bag of green peas at Whole Foods over ShopRite. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">16. Organic green beans.</strong></strong> A 16-ounce bag of frozen green beans costs $2.29 at Whole Foods and $2.50 at ShopRite.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ef7eaa69bedde96d86bcc9-959-720/whole-foods-27.jpg" border="0" alt="Whole Foods"><p class="source"><span>Facebook/Whole Foods</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">17.</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dried basil.</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> A half-ounce bottle of this herb costs $1 more at ShopRite.</span></span></p><p><strong>18. Cayenne pepper. </strong>Whole Foods also beats ShopRite on cayenne pepper prices. A half-ounce bottle costs $1.99 at Whole Foods and $3.19 at ShopRite.</p><p><strong>19. Organic long grain brown rice. </strong><span>At ShopRite, this costs $1.59 a pound, compared to $1.15 a pound at Whole Foods.</span></p><p><strong>20. Hearts of palm. </strong><span>Whole Foods sells 14-ounce cans of sliced hearts of palm for $2.19, compared to $2.79 for the same size can at ShopRite.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p><p><span><strong>21. Organic sweet corn.</strong> A 16-ounce bag of frozen organic sweet corn costs $2.29 at Whole Foods and $2.50 at ShopRite.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">22. Vegan cheese. </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">A 6.7-ounce package of Whole Foods' 365 costs $2.99, compared to $3.79 for the same size package at Shoprite.</span></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">23. Organic breakfast cereals. </strong></strong>"From flakes and loops to puffs and squares, the 365 Everyday Value line of 12.25-ounce organic breakfast cereals starts at $2.99," Lampert writes. "The pricier name brand organic cereals at ShopRite start at $3.49."</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ef7a91ecad04455b86bcc7-1200-600/whole-foods-cereal.jpg" border="0" alt="Whole Foods cereal"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/evanmcgraw/3259374063/in/photolist-5Y29mx-aPQMrT-65TGpX-6EPHL8-4CYWYn-bnCRZ-4u5BzY-5S9L43-dQojgn-9vTuuo-9vtPiu-9vqN4z-aY3P7-7PCkG9-aQLVqk-9uoGMB-8v4QrN-9wQih8-8xtqYa-8ur4Q3-cbd8YC-8qVS6y-8YjwUU-dPMX17-8oZWG5-5E2Ymt-8M4FRZ-dqRR5e-4ovyJX-4a2VAj-6guYFz-oeMqvU-4cebVi-FFYQ5-dtD2xB-qHAj6q-eg3kT9-daNV4J-5N5JwM-qTDcym-nLTWa3-fQbEHd-oJx3yX-9af7MA-oCigat-9abXWM-a3aYF6-4t5Mc2-aSo3dR-9abY8r">Flickr/ rachaelrayforever</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">24. Organic ice cream pops. </strong></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">A three-pack of these treats costs $3.99 at Whole Foods, compared to $4.59 at ShopRite.</span></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">25. Vegetarian sausage links. </strong></strong>A box of the same Tofurkey brand of sausage links costs $2.50 more at ShopRite compared to Whole Foods. .</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">26. Tamari. </strong></strong>Whole Foods' sells a 20-ounce bottle of Tamari for $4.69. ShopRite's bottle is half that size and costs $3.99.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">27. Hearts of palm. </strong></strong>Hearts of palm cost $2.79 per 14-ounce can at ShopRite. The same size can at Whole Foods costs $2.19.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">28. Organic broth and stock. </strong></strong>Whole Foods' organic vegetable stock costs $2.49, compared to $3.19 at Shoprite.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/carls-jr-all-natural-super-bowl-ad-sexy-viral-2015-1">This super sexy Carl's Jr Super Bowl ad has gone totally viral</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="FxdG4zczoGv-32414RhKcFyXb2BHHFpz" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'FxdG4zczoGv-32414RhKcFyXb2BHHFpz',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

28 items that are cheaper at Whole Foods

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5267fa52ecad04945bd73523-1200-800/180366323.jpg" border="0" alt="Josh Tetrick and Michael Arrington (L &amp; R) attend Day 3 of TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2013 at San Francisco Design Center on September 11, 2013 in San Francisco, California." style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px;" /><p class="source">Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch</p><p class="caption">Hampton Creek Foods Founder Josh Tetrick (left) showing off their line of products at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco.</p></div><p></p></div></div>It looks like <keyword id="6357722" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="silicon-valley">Silicon Valley</keyword> venture capitalists have found the next industry they would like to disrupt: <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Food">Food</keyword>. </p>
<p>A batch of food startups have sprung up over the last few years, backed by big money, with the goal of revolutionizing the way that we eat. </p>
<p>In 2012, investors<a href="http://www.cbinsights.com/blog/venture-capital/food-technology"> put nearly $350 million dollars into the burgeoning food technology industry,</a> which includes web and mobile food applications and actual food products coming to market. That's a 37% increase over 2011. In 2008, the number was just $50 million. </p>
<p>So why, the food industry? Josh Tetrick, the founder and chief executive of Hampton Creek Foods, the makers of a plant-based egg product, had an answer. </p>
<p><a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/disruptions-silicon-valleys-next-stop-the-kitchen/">"The food system is bizarre and ineffectual and completely lacking in innovation,"</a> Tetrick told The New York Times. </p>
<p>Here are the start-ups that are making Silicon Valley VCs investment-crazy:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://hamptoncreekfoods.com/">Hampton Creek Foods</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>What Are The Products: </strong>Beyond Eggs is a plant-based egg substitute made out of peas, sorghum, and nine other plants. While it may sound gross, Hampton Creek claims its product is healthier, has a longer shelf-life, and costs 19 percent less than real eggs. As of right now, Beyond Eggs is intended only for baking uses, though the company just released Just Mayo, a plant-based mayo substitute, and it has announced  plans to release a scrambled egg product next March. Here is a preview: </p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zTXYCJ1MMDA"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Who Is Investing:</strong> <a href="http://www.khoslaventures.com/">Khosla Ventures (Vinod Khosla &amp; Bill Gates)</a></p>
<p><strong>How Does It Taste: </strong> In blind taste tests, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/09/11/chicken-or-egg-question-cracked-scientists-create-plant-based-egg/">Bill Gates, Tony Blair</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681889/inside-the-company-thats-producing-the-most-realistic-fake-eggs-youll-ever-taste#6">Fast CoExist's Ariel Schwartz</a>, and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/23/beyond-eggs_n_3963845.html">Huffington Post's Nile Cappello</a> couldn't tell the difference between products baked with Beyond Eggs and those that weren't. </p>
<p><strong>Why You Should Pay Attention: </strong>The egg industry is a $6 billion dollar industry and Hampton Creek claims that its product is "better than eggs." While it may take a while to win over everyday consumers, the company has already arranging deals with major food manufacturing companies to replace eggs in many processed foods you already eat.   </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5267f1eaeab8eac83bd73524-620-363/beyondmeat_package_nutritionals_web_lightly.jpg" border="0" alt="BeyondMeat_Package_Nutritionals_web_lightly" /><p class="source">Beyond <keyword id="52511" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Meat">Meat</keyword></p></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://beyondmeat.com/">Beyond Meat</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>What Are The Products: </strong>Chicken-Free Strips are Beyond Meat's solution to the potentially unsustainable poultry industry (<a href="http://www.tested.com/inventern/458382-beyond-meats-not-chicken-strips-may-revolutionize-meat-substitutes/">humans eat 183 billion pounds of chicken every year</a>). The chicken-free strips are made of a variety of plants including soy, peas, flours, and fiber and come in three varieties: lightly seasoned, grilled, and southwest.</p>
<p>What makes Chicken-Free Strips different from fake meat already on the market (such as Tofurkey or Boca Burgers) is that they are the first of their kind to mimic <span>not only</span> the taste of chicken but also the texture. The plant protein mixture is kneaded into a specific arrangement that looks like chicken and feels like it when you bite into it. </p>
<p><strong>Who Is Investing:</strong> <a href="https://medium.com/obvious">Obvious Corp (the company behind Twitter)</a>, <a href="http://www.kpcb.com/">Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers</a></p>
<p><strong>How Does It Taste: </strong>Chef and Food Network host Alton Brown tasted the not-chicken and declared, <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/09/fakemeat/">"It's more like meat than anything I've ever seen that wasn't meat."</a> However, he wasn't all glowing. While he found the texture to be on point, he said the product tastes "distinctly vegetal."</p>
<p>After the taste test, Brown went to work with a team of chefs to try the product out in different recipes. While he had trouble recommending the product for anything that puts the not-chicken front and center, he said that it works well for tacos, stir-fries, soups, and even chicken nuggets ("most impressive"). </p>
<p><strong>Why You Should Pay Attention: </strong>We're not buying Twitter's Biz Stone's declaration that, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680007/biz-stone-explains-why-twitters-co-founders-are-betting-big-on-a-vegan-meat-startup">"If someone were to serve this to me in a restaurant I would have said 'I think this is a mistake,'"</a> (he is a vegan after all). However, it's clear he believes in the company, which might be reason for us to as well.</p>
<p>What turned the heads of the guys at Obvious Corporation wasn't necessarily the product itself, but founder Ethan Brown's vision. Brown told Stone and company that he didn't want the product to be a niche product for vegans, he wanted it to be something everyday consumers would replace their chicken with. </p>
<p>It is already available at Whole Foods, packaged and in many of their prepared products.  </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5267f6186bb3f76e5445272a-1200-800/rtx12b0e.jpg" border="0" alt="The first lab-grown hamburger" height="800" /><p class="source">REUTERS/David Parry</p></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://modernmeadow.com/">Modern Meadow </a></strong></p>
<p><strong>What Are The Products: </strong>Modern Meadow co-founder Andras Forgacs has a revolutionary, if somewhat unsettling idea: use lab cultures and 3-D printing to grow meat in a lab. Forgacs is trying disrupt the meat industry, which he calls <a href="http://phys.org/news/2012-08-paypal-founder-bankrolls-d-meat.html">"an environmental train wreck,"</a> by combining regenerative medicine (cell cultures from cow stem cells) with 3-D printing to create hamburger meat without the environmental impact or the inhumane animal treatment.  The product is still in the testing phase and is probably several years away from scaling to a level where you might find it in a grocery store. </p>
<p><strong>Who Is Investing:</strong> Paypal co-founder <a href="http://www.breakoutlabs.org/home.html">Peter Thiel's Breakout Labs</a>, a <a href="http://www.sbir.gov/">grant from the S</a><a href="http://www.sbir.gov/">mall Business Innovation Research</a>, and $1.4 million in investments from angel and seed funds.</p>
<p><strong>How Does It Taste: </strong>In a recent Reddit AMA, Forgacs <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/199f0n/im_andras_forgacs_ceo_of_modern_meadow_a_company/">gave an extremely candid response on the details of the lab meat.</a> Here's what he had to say: </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I've tasted it as have my colleagues. We've only been able to have small bites since we're still working on getting the process right.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I cooked some pieces in olive oil and ate some with and without salt and pepper. Not bad. The taste is good but not yet fully like meat. We have yet to get the fat content right and other elements that influence taste. This process will be iterative and involve us working closely with our consulting chefs.</p>
<p><strong>Why You Should Pay Attention: </strong>In the same AMA, Forgacs stressed that the "bio-printing" process used to create lab beef could be used for just about any type of meat, including fish. The trick is getting the cost down, which Forgacs has said is a main priority. He estimates that by the time the meat comes to market, it will cost $30/lb to start. Not cheap, but not terrible either.</p>
<p>The company has big money behind it and a great idea that is sounding less like science fiction everyday.</p>

These Silicon Valley-Backed Startups Are Looking To Revolutionize Your Food

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/524984b8eab8eabb3cfa799f-1200-924/steak-17.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="steak " width="480" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snekse/">Flickr/snekse </a></p><p class="caption">"Beauty in the flesh will continue to rule the world." -Florenz Ziegfeld </p></div><p></p></div>Friday was <a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hug-a-vegetarian-day/" target="_blank">National Hug A Vegetarian Day</a>. We hope you gave a few of your veggie-loving friends some extra attention. Struggling through life without the glorious thrill of <keyword id="52511" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Meat">meat</keyword>, they might need it.</p>
<p>Almost all my major characteristics suggest I would choose a meat-free lifestyle. I'm a single woman. Unmarried adults and females are way more likely to become vegetarians, according to a <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/156215/Consider-Themselves-Vegetarians.aspx?utm_source=alert&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=syndication&amp;utm_content=morelink&amp;utm_term=USA%20-%20Wellbeing">recent Gallop poll.</a> I'm also liberal. I'm an animal-lover and fairly interested in being healthy. But I will never forsake one of my greatest joys in life: meat, especially the red kind.</p>
<p>Here are seven reasons, some personal, all logical, why I refuse to stop eating animals.</p>
<p><strong>WARNING</strong> - The language in this article might upset some people (ahem, vegetarians).</p>
<h3>1. I want the good kind of iron.</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5245cbb469beddcf618f0478-1200-924/pacific_oysters.jpg" border="0" alt="Pacific oysters" width="780" /><p class="source"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pacific_oysters.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></p><p class="caption">I want the kind of iron that comes in these. You know you want them too. </p></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>Iron helps your body produce two essential proteins: hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoblogin delivers oxygen to your cells, and the myoglobin in muscle cells accepts and uses it.</p>
<p>Yes, vegetables contain iron - but not the good kind. Consuming plants gives your body nonheme iron, a version less easily absorbed by the body. Also, spinach, considered one of the most iron-rich leafy greens, doesn't have as much as many believe. But we grew to love it after a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-typos-in-history-2013-9">German chemist made a typo back in the day.</a> Heme iron, the better type, only comes from life forms with hemoglobin, such as red meat, pork, poultry, and fish.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ida/en/">World Health Organization,</a> over 30% of the globe suffers from iron deficiency, which leads to fatigue, decreased immune function, and overall crankiness. Women need even more iron in their diets because of menstruation.</p>
<p>A healthy, iron-rich diet includes: lean beef, oysters, clams, and turkey, according to the <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/">National Institute of Health</a>. Who am I to argue with the experts? I shall enjoy seafood, steaks, and Thanksgiving dinner without guilt henceforth. Not that I ever felt guilty before.</p>
<h3>2. Ribs.</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/51e824be6bb3f74e2600000e-1200-800/img_6267%20copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Dino BBQ St Louis Style Ribs" width="780" /><p class="source">Business Insider Video</p><p class="caption">Vegetarians can't eat this. That's sad.</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>Speaking of iron, let's talk about red meat. Many omnivores cite bacon as the reason for their meat-consumption. Bacon is indeed a panacea for all of life's problems, but the right veggie bacon doesn't taste awful. <keyword id="17818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vegetarian">Vegetarian</keyword>s can arguably have a similar experience eating the healthier version. There's one cut of meat without a vegetarian equivalent though: ribs.</p>
<p>There's something primal and wholly satisfying about tearing meat from bone with your fingers and teeth. (If you use a knife and fork to eat ribs, we can't be friends.) Laughing with your dinner partners, you wipe saucy residue from you lips and cheeks. It's a delicious bonding experience. I will never give that up.</p>
<h3>3. Vitamin B12 only comes from animals.<strong> <br /></strong></h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/4f15d42e69bedd4443000001-590-400/vitamin b12.jpg" border="0" alt="vitamin b12" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15977536@N06/4907420699/">Icethim on Flickr</a></p><p class="caption">Does this look as delicious as those ribs? I think not.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Another essential part of your diet can't come from non-animal sources: <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/">vitamin B12.</a> This nutrient keeps your body free of anemia, keeps nerve and blood cells functioning well, and also helps make genetic material. Again, women need more of it. <a href="http://chriskresser.com/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences">And B12 deficiency is scary.</a> It can mimic Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.</p>
<p>Beef liver and clams are the best sources of vitamin B12, NIH cites again. Almost all multi-vitamins contain B12, as well. But recent research suggests <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-126453/Vitamin-pills-useless.html">vitamins might be useless.</a></p>
<p>The best source of a complete diet comes from your plate, not a pill.</p>
<h3>4. <a href="http://www.npr.org/2010/08/02/128849908/food-for-thought-meat-based-diet-made-us-smarter">Eating meat made us smarter.</a></h3>
<p>Initially, our early ancestors ate mostly fruits, nuts, and roots<strong> - </strong>a diet lacking in calories. So Australopithecus habilis (also known as homo habilis) had to down a lot of high-fiber foods, which are difficult to digest, in order to get enough energy. And most of the energy went back into their abnormally large guts.</p>
<p>Back then, the brain was like Cinderella, the stomach's unloved step-sister doing all the work and only getting table scraps. When humans discovered meat, the gut shrank, allowing more energy to travel to the brain, increasing its size and making humans more intelligent.</p>
<p>Without meat, we may never have created iPhones, "Breaking Bad," or socks - all crucial to modern society.</p>
<h3>5. I don't want to feel left out on holidays.</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table center"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5249bc2f6bb3f7ad7267b065/charlie_brown_thanksgiving.gif" border="0" alt="Charlie_Brown_Thanksgiving" /><p class="source">Charlie Brown</p><p class="caption">This won't be me. </p></div><p></p></div></div>I usually don't let other people's expectations or opinions shape my behavior, but too many holidays revolve pretty heavily on meat. My family devours an enormous turkey on Thanksgiving, and everyone under the age of 40, not worried about their blood turning into a solid, fights over the crisp, smoky skin.</p>
<p>No one has ever challenged anyone to a fork-duel for Tofurkey.</p>
<p>Then, there's the Fourth Of July. If you're a serious vegetarian, don't you have to ask the grill-master to scrub the bars before throwing on your veggie dog and garden burger? I always feel awkward asking my host to do any extra work. Who wants to be that guest? Plus, I'm convinced veggie dogs don't plump and char as beautifully as Hebrew Nationals.</p>
<p>I even associate childhood birthdays more with prime rib than cake.</p>
<p>Without meat in my life, these fond memories wouldn't exist.</p>
<h3>6. You can still be an ethical meat-eater.</h3>
<p>I love animals. But I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness for theirs. I understand the meat industry <a href="http://www.meat.org/">notoriously mistreats their livestock,</a> but as a consumer, I make conscious choices to lessen my negative effect on the animal community.</p>
<p>I buy free-range eggs and chicken, and grass-fed beef. Sometimes my bank account hates me, but I do it for my body and the environment.</p>
<p>Also, some evidence shows that vegetarians kill more animals than meat-eaters. Steven Davis, a researcher in the animal <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> department at Oregon State University, found that tractors, making space for more fields of kale and whole grains, kill tons of rabbits, mice, and other field-dwelling cutie pies.</p>
<p>"What is it that makes it OK to kill animals of the field so that we can eat [vegetables or fruits] but not pigs or chickens or cows?" he asked <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97836&amp;page=1">ABC News. </a></p>
<h3>7. Our digestive tract is omnivorous.<strong> </strong></h3>
<p><strong></strong>Much of the pro-vegetarian research out there will try to convince you that humans are natural herbivores, that we're not meant to eat meat. In reality, our digestive characteristics show we're omnivorous, according to <a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/omni.htm">a talk for the Vegetarian Research Group by John McArdle</a>. (Ignore the disturbing fact that he practices vivisection. The man makes some good points.)</p>
<ul>
<li>Nearly all herbivores, like cows, have fermenting vats - large chambers in their stomachs where microbes attack plant material for digestion. Humans don't.</li>
<li>Our jaws have both canines and molars. No, we don't have saber-teeth like many of the more famous (and terrifying) carnivores, but in the days before forks and knives, they did the job.</li>
<li>Intestine function relies more on surface area than length. As mentioned earlier, creatures with plant-based diets need larger guts to absorb more energy, while carnivores have rather small intestines. Humans possess intermediate-sized digestive tracts.</li>
</ul>
<p>Humans have a choice. And I choose meat. Glorious meat.</p>
<p class="center"><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/51d4736eeab8ea827b00000a-1920-1080/bacon-flag-usa.jpg" border="0" alt="attached image" width="700" /><p class="source">William Wei, Business Insider</p></div><p></p></div></p>

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