Stuff We Like

Delicious and Sons Basil Pesto Genovese

Kirtan just sent us this link. With a promo code for the website (email and we'll send it to you). Pesto without garlic, really what more can you ask for. Here is the Amazon link. Kirtan said we should really put an Amazon link on all of these. Kirtan said we should make shareable list. Kirtan is right. Anyone wan to help?

 Delicious and Sons Basil Pesto Genovese

Again thank Kirtan and the fact that the promo code has a $25 minimum and he had to find something else to order. Amazon link. Email for the promo code (holiday only).

Mom's Special Marinara Pasta Sauce

My wife's friend, Pattiben,  discovered that Mom's pasta sauce comes in many varieties, but ONLY the special marinara has no onions and no garlic (nong). Which is precisely why it is so special. The sauce tastes great, rich and creamy which chunks of basil. My kids love this sauce.

From the website:

Mom's Special Marinara is a quietly heroic sauce that is bright and rich in its simplicity. It is a lusciously smooth sauce that has a whisper of fresh wholesome butter and cream that will caress your senses and have you reaching for another slice of crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce. Mom's Special Marinara is the kind of sauce that you would find if you were strolling down a winding strada in Rome and happened into a small intimate café. Served on a bed of Capellini, it hugs the pasta and warms the soul.

We find this at our local grocery store, Whole Foods and Target carries it. However you can find it here for a considerable discount.

Annie's Natural Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is great on salads, creamy, and best of all nong. We have tried a few and lately we have settled on this one. The kids are still picky about this one, but they are picky about salads in general. The big kids at home give it two thumbs up.

Penne Lane Pumpkin Ravioli

After freezing my hands off looking through every frozen ravioli I had  given up. If there was no onions or garlic it had eggs, if it did not have eggs it had  onions and garlic. Then I stumbled upon one that was perfect - no onions, no garlic, but it had squid ink - seriously. If sitting in Earth Fare with gloves on reading labels were an Olympic event, I would place. Then my wife found this at Whole Foods. The perfect storm. The picture here is NOT the variety you want, I could not find a picture of the pumpkin (and I am too lazy to go to the freezer and grab one out of our stash and put it up here).

These are great. Individually packed. Easy to cook. The pumpkin variety is quite sweet (much like Gujarati food), but can be tempered with the proper sauce. They are also a bit thick, but a small price to pay for quick easy stuffed pasta.

Finding this product can be pretty tough. Whole Foods used to carry it, now it does not. Earth Fare does not carry  the Pumpkin, but may special order it. We have seen it at Trader Joe's from time to time. There is a deli where I work that had the pumpkin version. Here is the distributors web site.

 Snickers Ice Cream Bars

Okay nothing to do with onions or garlic. This has everything to do with eggs, and the fact that a regular Snicker's bar has eggs in it. However the ice cream bar does NOT. So a pretty good substitute. Ice cream is better than nougat anyway. Note - the Breyer's tub of Snickers ice cream DOES have eggs in it (probably because the just made the ice cream and tossed in some broken pieces of candy bar).

This can be found anywhere.

 Agar Agar (Gelatin substitute - Jell-O/Panna Cotta)

Remember Jell-O. Get Jell-O brand gelatin and make some fun! That Jell-O. The problem with Jell-O is gelatin. Gelatin is made from bones of dead animals. Kosher Gelatin is also made from animal bones. So for many of us that childhood treat has been off limits (and rightfully so, who wants to eat animal bones).

Along comes Agar Agar. Made from seaweed this colorless, odorless substance has the magic property of making liquids congeal - into jelly. You see where I am going with this. Add fruit juice, sugar, water, and food coloring (we used beet juice so no need for food coloring) and voila - Jello-O. The key is the ratio of Agar Agar to the amount of water. Too much and you have a fruit roll up bar, to little and you have a watery mess. Also agar agar will set at room temperature - no need for a refrigerator (but seriously warm Jell-O is nasty). There is also a difference between agar agar flakes and agar agar powder. The powder can be compressed so you need less (by volume) than flake. The rule of thumb is 1 tsp of powder agar agar replaces 1 tsp of gelatin and 1 Tbs of agar agar flake replaces 1 tsp of gelatin. This stuff is really handy - especially if your making panna cotta or other custards. Look around the net you can find a ton of recipes. I made basil panna cotta yesterday and there is none left today.

Finally I will caution that agar agar is expensive. Whole Foods has this exact package pictured here for seven bucks. Hit up the internet you can find it for much less.

Hunt's Snack Pack Gel Snacks

Thanks to my sister in-law, if you are really hankering for Jell-O and do not want to break out the measuring cups, then Hunt's is doing you right. I have not tried it nor have I seen it. Then again I have not been looking for it either. But it is Jell-O (Gel Snack without gelatin), and Jell-O == Good. Here is a link, they are pretty inexpensive, again it is Jell-O.

Wolfgang Puck Organic Soup

(Classic Tomato with Basil Country Tomato with Basil)

I have also spent a great deal of time in the soup aisle - listening to muzak and reading labels, sometimes attaining a zen-like meditative state as I plow through cans and containers. It does feel good to hit pay dirt and thanks to Wolfgang Puck we can all partake in the joys of soup. The only two that do not have onions and garlic are the country and classic tomato soup. Be careful he also as a creamy tomato soup that has garlic (why Wolfgang? why?)

While I do not buy it by the twelve pack (the only picture I could find), I do keep one or two at work. They are quick to heat up in the microwave (if you have a can opener - so keep your Swiss Army knife with you). They are also pretty tasty - if not a bit rich - think butter.

Most supermarkets carry this. Harris Teeters and Whole Foods definitely does - and it usually goes on sale.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Pasta Primavera and Fettuccini Alfredo

This is another good stand by for lunch or a quick bite at work if you have a freezer to store things in. I found this one early before my hands went numb. I prefer the past primavera (pictured here) because of the myriad vegetables. The fettuccini is essentially the same things with only broccoli, good for a change. I will add that there is also a mac and cheese that has no onions and garlic, but really there are many mac and cheeses out there that fit this bill. A single portion will usually leave you wanting more and two may be one too many. I usually go light on these because you can get tired of eating them pretty quickly.

This is available in your run of the mill supermarket. Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Trader Joes (the triumvirate) do NOT have these. This one also goes on sale and there are always coupons floating around for it. Stock up when it's cheap.

Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo

This comes from my sister in-law. This is an ecumenical list, we do not play favorites when it comes to brands. Her review is that it is a bit buttery. Looking at the picture it looks light on the vegetables so if you have an aversion to broccoli then this could be your cup of tea. I am sure this can be found anywhere. Here is the website.

 Drake's Ring Dings AND Funny Bone

Okay this one comes from a friend in Seattle. Now just to let everyone know I am not 100% sure that this counts as food. However this is an objective list and if your fancy swings in the way of hockey puck desserts, you cannot go wrong with these. They are vegetarian friendly and kosher - according to the website - which means no eggs. Now I am really curious what about what about Yodels, Devil Dogs, and Yankee Doodles - we really need to get to the bottom of this. Let us know. But seriously look out for the trans-fats.

Update: Alak adds that Yodels, Devil Dogs, and Yankee Doodles are all off limits. However Drake's Funny Bone "which is similar to the Ring Ding but with a peanut butter filling" is good to go.

Update: Mehul mentions that whey maybe a rennet by product. We need some more info to confirm. If this is true Ring Dings go off the list.

There you have it. Two options for your satisfying your sweet tooth. Or you could eat an apple.

La Bonta Pesto alla Genovese

This is a real find. All the credit goes to Angie Masi, who must have spent a great deal of time looking through the racks of fancy sauces and condiments at Williams and Sanoma to find Angie-friendly items. This was a birthday gift, and it has been used often. A really rich creamy pesto sauce with no garlic - again a real find.

The problem is finding it. I have not found it on any website. Angie Masi bought it from Williams and Sanoma, so that is your best bet. It is imported from Italy, so I am sure it carries a commensurate price tag.

Trader Joe's Organic Soy Ginger Broth

It is very, very difficult to find a vegetable broth that does not have onions and garlic. Yes I know I can make my own, thank you Martha Stewart. But when it is late and you need to get things going quick it is really handy to have a box of this lying around. It is a great base for Chinese or Thai soups or noodles. It is not very strong or overpowering so you may need to add to this. I usually add some kind of starch and tamari to add a bit of umami (leave a comment we can clarify).

You would think that the place to find this is Trader Joe's, but alas you would be wrong. It seems that they have discontinued this product. Maybe Martha was right and we need to make our own. In any case we will keep this up in the off chance that it will come back around. If you find a stock alternative let us know - we are looking for one (along with ketchup, our ketchup comes from the middle east right now).

Caesar Organic Pasta - Vegan Potato Gnocchi

We have well documented the difficulty in finding fresh pasta that has no eggs AND does not have onions and garlic, even frozen is difficult. In general gnocchi is a good alternative. It usually does not have any of the three. It can be a bit bland so go heavy with the sauce. I prefer the one shown here because of the following lifted from there package / marketing spiel:

"From package to palate in minutes. Resealable bag. Eat Organic! For over 40 years, Caesars Pasta has been dedicated to serving your family frozen pasta made with only the highest quality ingredients. The Caesar family oversees every steep in the manufacturing process to ensure our items are individually quick frozen at the peak of freshness. Our Pasta products contain no artificial flavors, additives, preservatives, antibiotics, growth hormones, synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, bio-engineered foods, ionizing radiation and GMOs (genetically modified organisms)."

This is readily available in most supermarkets or on the internet.

Colavita Gnocchi

Ankur points out that Sam's Club has a palatable version of Gnocchi pictured here. Again this is a good option when you are in a hurry - complements Mom's Special Marinara and La Bonta Pesto very well. Bon Appetite.

If Sam's Club has this it may also be available at other super stores and grocery stores.

Sahale Snacks Nut Blends Ksar Pistachios

This comes to us by way of Ankur's sister-in law who undertook great pains to make sure that these were copacetic. She actually called the buyer, in her own words, "I had called company to inquire about the covers-all-sins "spices" listed in their ingredient list and [the] buyer told me that she has never purchased onion, garlic, etc (things from the allium world that are alien to us)."

Allium world that is alien - very funny. Kudos to her. My kids and I had found this about six months back at whole foods and pretty much ate the whole packet before hitting the check out. The lady was kind enough to charge us and then throw out the empty package. They have very different flavor profiles. Also most of the flavors are ekadashi friendly, although some are not friendly in general.

Nestle Quality Street Chocolate

By way of my sister-in law. It seems people who have lived outside of America really like "British chocolate." I grew up eating M&M and now have moved on to Belgium dark chocolate. If you hankering for nougat (and ice-cream will not suffice), this box of goodies should be your ticket. A variety pack that is eggless. I will say that both kids have tried this candy. My son, the prodigious eater of the two, has taken a few bites and put them back. My daughter likes to open the red ones and carry them around before tossing them. So the kid test is not working here. Find it here - the site itself is interesting.

Breyers YoCrunch Cheesecake

Again from the sister-in law. Only 100 calories and you come close to cheesecake. She cannot vouch for the other flavors, let us know your thoughts.

sweet & sara marshmallows

Rice crispy treats, s'mores, hot chocolate with mini marshmallows - all off limits due to the glut of gelatin (due to the glut of animal parts we have lying around in this country - another story). My wife found these on-line and I have also seen them at Whole Foods in the diary section. They are just as good as the original, but completely vegan. They come in many flavors including a cookie.

365 (Whole Foods) Shredded Parmesan

Vegetarian Parmesan cheese can be hard to come by since we never know where the rennet came from. Some label reading and we find Vegetarian artisan cheese. My nephew calls parmesan foot odor cheese, but he still eats it by the plateful. Kids are resilient that way.

365 is the Whole Foods version of a store brand, so hit up Whole Foods for this one.

Trader Joe's Hummus with freshly ground Horseradish

We all love the chick pea. And if you mash it up you get hummus. Then you go to buy it at the store and it is festooned with garlic (on several containers garlic was listed twice - just for emphasis). Along comes Trader Joe and this garlic and onion free hummus. Honestly how can you not buy something that has a horse made out of a radish on it's container.

Serious good eats. Passes the son eating test (the horseradish is not overpowering, but you will notice it). Trader Joe's has it.

Update: We had one report that this product has started using garlic. Need more updates before we can make a change. Come on crowds, use your wisdom.

Skittles

Nurse Avanee does not eat vegetables (being a vegetarian you would think this would be an issue) but she eats Skittles. She informs us that these colorful treats are now  gelatin and gluten free. She warns that this will "still requires label reading because older packets are still in circulation."

Found in candy aisles everywhere.  

Home Run Inn Cheese Pizza

Making pizza at home is great fun, especially if you have a pizza oven in your back yard,  a chord of wood lying around, and a few hours. Amitaben clues us in an a slighter faster option.  She also mentions that Gino's and Tostino's frozen pizza may also have something.

Available at an affordable price at Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Warehouse Club (the new triumvirate?) Also look at the label here.

California Pizza Kitchen Margherita Pizza

A friend clues us in to CPK and their frozen plain cheese pizza (aka mergherita). Think, crispy and no onions and no garlic. Good in a pinch. Available in grocery stores everywhere. Ingredients listed here.

Update: Avni mentions that there maybe garlic in the sauce, however Raj says he found that it was good to go. We would check the ingredients, it maybe certain batches have different sauces. Nilpa was asking about the cheese and enzymes. As far as we can tell they cheese seems to be good. Will update as more information is available.

Ragu Homemade Style Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauces can be quite complicated. Amrita clued us in on this as a maybe and Hitesh confirms that this is good to go. Again spices shows up on the ingredients. I would think that this could be found easily in any super market. Update: This is now 2 to 1 in the wisdom of crowds as Rina mentions that spices include onions and garlic,  "[she] confirmed this a few years ago by checking with the manufacturer." So this is on the bubble as more people weigh in, the wisdom of groups should lead us to a definitive answer.

Tostitos Restaurant Style with a Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips

Got the munchies? Vimal sends us this tip from the snack food aisle. The website even has a symbol for onion free. Although some of us believe that a corn chip should consist of three ingredients (with salt being optional). This is a great product if your world view floats towards packing in the flavors in one bite.

Knorr Pasta Sides Alfredo and Alfredo with Broccoli

Hitesh recommend this product. It is not frozen so can keep for some time. Seems like a quick way to get a somewhat healthy snack together. I have not seen this in our local grocery store (but I was also not looking for it). You can get it here and it seems that Walmart carries it as well. Another also mentions that there is a Knorr Chata Pata Noodle that is available in some Indian stores. If anyone can find them let us know and we can put a separate entry for this as well.

Pepperidge Farm Geneva Cookies

Susan sends us this find from the very shopping aisle where she was reading the label (thank goodness for the iPhone). She even sent a picture, but it was blurry so we used this generic one instead. She likes these cookies because they taste great, have no eggs or animal based lecithin. She ate them while she was shopping. If Susan can find them I am pretty sure you can as well.

Lightlife Smart Deli Veggie Protein Slices (Baked Ham Style)

Looking for protein. We have one word. Tofu. Yogesh correctly points out the health benefits of this product, "[It] includes a great deal of protein per serving size, low amount of calories (only 70 per serving) and really tastes great.  This is definitely a must have for all fake meat lovers!" Read about it here.

"I have found this product in most supermarket stores in the produce section.  Of course each store will have its own labeling, but you'll find it in the Kosher section or near the salad section within the produce section. "

Lightlife Original Tofu Pups

Yogesh also recommends the following and we are sensing a theme. Now how does it taste. Well he will admit "[in and] of itself, it doesn't taste amazing, but its decent.  However, pile the condiments, and you really have a decent snack/meal.  Again, since it's Tofu, it's healthy for you, has protein, and is low in calories.

You can find it in supermarkets in the produce section, either in the Kosher subsection or salads area."

ENER G Egg Replacer

Ankit recommends the following product to substitute egg when baking. We provide a handy conversion guide below.

Old Bay Seasoning

This is an interesting find from Ankur. He contacted the company to make sure it is palatable. "Ginger, celery and cilantro are perfect substitutes for onion/garlic.  Old Bay's seasoning has 2 of these 3 spices plus bay leaves, cardamom ans mustard.  Seriously, I think someone ripped off Raju Dhabawalla's secret recipe, slapped a patent on it and turned it into a multi-million dollar business. Good on salad, pasta, veggies, and of course, Tofu Pups."

You can get it here and in grocery stores as well.

Tillamook Cheese

Cheese crafted by a 100 year old farm cooperative (farmer owned since 1901). Amita points out that a few of their cheese are made from animal rennet from the website: All of our cheeses are made with a microbial/vegetable based enzymes, with the exception of Tillamook Vintage White Medium Cheddar Cheese and Tillamook Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which use a traditional rennet. Amita has found this cheese at Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's Yogurt Cheese (Plain and Jalapeno)

Amita points out that cheese made from yogurt does not require rennet of any kind since yogurt has all the enzymes you need. "it also 'works' just like regular cheese (flavor and melt-ability were rated very highly in our home). Another 'plus' for those of us who are lactose-intolerant is that Yogurt Cheese also has NO LACTOSE. We buy the white-colored Yogurt cheese brick from our local coop" Also known to make a mean grill cheese. Hit up your coops or Trader Joe's.

Kanishka Gold and Silver Varakh (Foil)

Many of us have known that the decorative edible silver and gold foil put on many Indian sweets have animal products associated with them. Amit points out that this manufacturer is making vegetarian varakh. He has not been able to find any store where this is sold. His local Indian store does not carry any varakh of any kind. Anyone have any ideas on how to get our hands on this? 

Update: It seems other manufacturers want it to be known that there are other brands of Varakh that vegetarian, so hit up the internet.

Trader Joe's Apple Strudel

Deep give us the follow insight. "For those who are too old for Easy-Bake Oven, Trader Joe's has these really amazing vegan Apple Strudels" Her handy camera phone gizmo even gives us the great picture.  The pink V is for vegan and the price is listed right on the picture. You know where to go to get these.

Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants

These seem like a bit of work, but Deepa informs us that they are eggless and two other people have said they are life changing. So if you want to change your life you need to visit our friend Joe the Trader.

Shayona Ketchup

Someone sends us this picture and we know for sure that this is nong (no onion no garlic). This has improved over time. If you really want ketchup and do not want to muck with federal regulations and dreaded spices, this is your best bet. Not all Mandirs carry it, so you have to look. Minal mentions that "Shayona ketchup is getting better.  They hand make everything so its harder to get the consistency just right." She also mentions that her dad had hit the phone lines and could not find anyone save this brand that was nong. Hitesh also mentions that "it is getting there. Definitely better than before, but still not quite as good as the store brands.  Still, way better than what we used to use - Maagi tomato sauce."

Baker and Chef's Whole Milk Mozzarella (Stella Brand).

Minal let's us know that this brand is available at Sam's Club and is safe to eat. She has volunteered to keep an eye on this if it changes and update us accordingly. We offer her our thanks.

La Choy Sweet & Sour Duck Sauce

Yes the name may cause alarm however a frequent contributor let's us know that this is a great dipping sauce that is nong. Fry up the spring rolls.

Update WISH-BONE, BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING

Nisha tuned us into the fact that the Wish-bone Salad Spritzers Balsamic Breeze Vinaigrette Dressing we had listed earlier had onion juice / garlic juice. (After her husband already bought a bottle - sorry!)

We did a little digging and we found that we may have lost something in translation, since this salad dressing (the regular balsamic vinaigrette) is nong friendly.

So the long and short of it is:

Amul Cheese

Chirag reminds us that this stand by is rennet free. Hit up your Indian stores.

Safeway Creamy Italian Dressing

Deepa mentions that when her friends from the east coast pay her a visit a great deal of time is spent going to Safeway to stock up on this dressing. While she says "it's pretty good, Amit swears by it." I cannot find a picture and it would seem to be available only where you can find a Safeway. 

Update: Prerna mentions that the cheese has rennet. Kaushal saw this as well and said it was plant based. If anyone contacts the manufacturer we may find a more definitive answer. If you do, let us know.

Edwards Turtle Pie

In the mood for dessert. Hitesh clues us into this cream pie (no turtles present). It looks like a sugar overload waiting for a sweet tooth. Let us know what you think.

Update: Ankit also mentions that we can have Edwards Hershey Sundae Pie. Thanks Ankit. Enjoy.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Key Lime Pie

More dessert. Nishant mentions that he called and found that this is good to go.

 Arnott's Tim Tam Originials

We have definitely taken a sweet tooth ethos as of late as Ankit recommends these cookies. They are manufactured by Pepperidge Farms so should be readily available.

Yves Veggie Bacon Strips

This "innovative product from Yves Veggie Cuisine" was bought to our attention by Hitesh. What is great about this company is that everything is listed at their website. Grab a glass of milk and go BLT - happy.

Yves Meatless Canadian Bacon

Not only does this have no Bacon in it, it is not from Canada either (they have a local plant). So in the spirit of all things North American, this is another option.

Gold's with a Hint of Horseradish Ketchup

The condiment saga continues. Amit has found another option. However instead of onions or garlic we have horseradish. While we like it in our hummus, we are in all honestly scared of it in our ketchup (sorry Amit). Let us know your thoughts.

Imagine Organic Creamy Sweet Potato Soup 

Prakash has unearthed a real gem, a soup in a box. It is also organic and nong. The website lists ingredients. There is no spice on the website, Prakash mentions that some boxes do say spice. He called the company and they assured him spice means nong. As another added bonus this is also Ekadashi friendly.

Taco Bell Vegetarian Blend Refried Beans

Himal, Mayank, and three other people have bought this to our attention. Natural flavors is listed on the ingredients. We go with the crowd and the name on the label on put it on the list. Himal also warns us that the fat free version is off limits.

Chef Allen's Mango Ketchup

The tomato (as well as the potato) was originally from South America. So what did people in the East do before contact with the America's in regards to ketchup. I am sure they used mangoes. And really it is only fitting that Chef Allen take this ingredient and sell it back to the West. Verified nong via email. Another combatant in the condiment wars. Let us know what you think of this one, we have not tried it. We also have no idea where to get this from other than the Internet.

New York Texas Toast Croutons Sea Salt & Pepper

This is the most geographically diverse product you will find. Himal sent this in to let us know it that not only does it hit two different regions, it is also nong compliant and taste great on a bed of romaine. Let us know where you find this and we can update.

Newman's Own Tuscan Italian Natural Salad Mist

Himal points out that this salad dressing (along with the others listed above) is nong. Technically this is not a salad dressing but a salad mist. Then again it is not really made in Tuscanny so go figure. The website has ingridients and a search by zip code to your nearest store.

Sargento Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese

Nila has been reading the labels of many cheeses and she sends us this pick. She also cautions us that not all Sargento brand cheeses are good to go, namely the Fancy Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese contains rennet. Added bonus, she mentions that it is available at WalMart.

Cabot Cheese

Nila also mentions that we can eat ALL many varieties of Cabot brand cheese. It is from Vermont and owned by diary farmers since 1919.

Nila also mentions that we any American produced Kraft cheese product (except for Kraft Domestic Swiss Cheese) may contain animal rennet. See more information here.

Lots of Updates: Priya informs us that the Cheddar is off limits. However Nilpa has found that the Sharp, Seriously Sharp, and Low Fat Cheddar cheese is fine. In fact "if you look at the pack it even labels in caps NO ANIMAL RENNET. Also Cabot blocks are available at Walmart as well." So it seems that Cheddar is back on the menu as long as you choose your variety correctly. (After reading this does anyone else wonder how sharp seriously sharp can be?)

Earth Fare Vegetarian Vitamin D

Many people need to supplement their Vitamin D. They worry about bone loss or osteoporosis. Walk in the sun and your body can replenish your supply, but it is hard to put sunshine in a bottle. Other sources are mainly from fish oils. Earth Fare has a vegetarian option. Begone rickets!

Wheat Thins

Krsna mentions that "Wheat Thins used to be my favorite thing to munch on until I read ONION POWDER in 2007. This year, I happened to pick up a box and there is no onion powder anymore. It's on the Wheat Thins boxed with a new packaging. Be sure to read the food label to double check."

Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Shitake Mushroom Flavored Stir Fry Sauce

This takes the prize for the longest product name thus far. Parul lets us know that "[you] can't have Chinese food without this! Most Chinese stir fry sauces contain onion and/or garlic but this one is safe and it tastes great!" As a pantry stable in our house we must concur. It has a bit of a sweet undertone - much like Gujarati food (still does not get old). We found this in our local supermarket.

Maggie Tomato Ketchup

One of the original nong ketchups. While it has recieved mixed reviews it is dependable. Neelam posted these thoughts, "Maggie (by Nestle India) makes Jain tomato sauce [kethcup] that does not contain onion, garlic, or "spices". I have found this at most Indian grocery stores [locally]." So hit up the Indian stores or internet for this one.

Andrea Lowfat Cheese Ravioli

When our only cheese ravioli went off the list it was a sad day. But thanks to Tapan (and Andrea) we have a new option. Tapan mentions that "Andrea makes a light version of ravioli readily available in all of the supermarkets here [locally].  Its great for a quick easy meal or if you bread them up and fry them, they make great toasted raviolis to go with mom's marinara sauce.  I checked with the company and they are rennet free and nong friendly."

Isigny Ste. Mere Imported French Brie

It is imported from France and made with double cream and has no animal rennet - really is there any reason not run out and get this? Any recipe that requires brie - this is your best bet. It usually does not last long since all it takes is a few grapes and some saltines and most people make quick work of this. The box announces that this is a Whole Foods exclusive - so you know where to go.

 Scarpetta Spreads and Dips - Artichoke and Olive

The artichoke and olive dip is great and can be found at Earthfare.

 Just Made Sauces - Alfredo

We have a marinara and now we have an alfredo. This great sauce found at Earthfare.It comes out of the box really thick, just thin it down and your good to go.

Panera - Tomato Bisque

When it gets cold outside, there is nothing better than a hot bowl of soup or bisque in this case. A camera phone wielding nong reader has found this at her local Target store with the mini-grocery section. This goes fast, so you may not see at every trip to Target.

Trader Joe's - Garden Patch Veggie Soup

'Tis the season of soup, so here's yet another one to add to the list. With only 60 calories AND fat free, why wouldn't anybody want to drink this one by the bowlful?

New York Pasta Authority - Tri-Borough Cheese Ravioli

Quick and easy frozen meal that is great for anyone, especially college students. There is also a spinach and cheese version that is nong and rennet free. We found these at our local supermarket. They taste great (pass the three year old taste test).

Cento All Natural Pasta Sauce

Move over Mom's there is another pasta sauce in town. Jigar sends us a great find. This pasta sauce is "all natural" and is nong.  He found it at his local super market. Centos has many varieties of sauces, so far this is the only one that is nong.

 Jellybeans

Sneha "absolutely LOVE jellybeans." We share the love. She lets us know that jellybeans produced by Starburst, Jolly Rancher, and Jelly Belly are gelatin-free. Just watch out for the popcorn flavored Jelly Belly jellybean.

Trader Joe's Jalapeno Sauce

While we're still unsure about Taco Bell's sauce, here's one alternative submitted Sneha - who let's us know that "the taste is extremely spicy - which is something we often have to give up when we cut out onion & garlic."

With just jalapenos, vinegar, and salt, it's enough to add that caliente sensation.

Sambal Oelek (Rooster Sauce)

Rest assured this sauce contains no parts from any roosters. It's nickname (also know as Kookadoo Sauce by Gujlish speakers - and let's face aren't we all a little Gujlish?) comes from the rooster pictured on the label. If our other NONG sauces don't seem to satiate those spice buds, try this chili sauce out. One reader tells us that it is available at most Chinese stores. Manisha mentions that this is now available in some WalMarts in the International Section.

Nutrilite Veggie Omega (and others)

Ami has "found certain vitamins that do not have Gelatin and are 100% organic." This is the Nutrilite family of Vitamins. Hit up the link for a wealth of information and buying guide.

Delicious Fresh Pierogi Inc. Potato Cheddar & Jalapeno

More stuffed pasta. The name says it all it is delicious and fresh. To be honest there is a whole host of preservatives and flavorings in this product, however we never turn our backs on stuffed pasta that is nong. Definitely worth a taste, a good amount of seasoning will go a long way here. We found this at our local supermarket, be warned it did NOT pass the three year old taste test.

Teton Vally Ranch - Broccoli and Cheddar Baked Potato Mix

There are many different ways to make a baked potato.  This mix adds some nong broccoli and cheddar to an ekadashi favorite. 

Rainbow Light - Prenatal One Multivitamin (VeganGuard)

Urvi sends us this link and shares the following thought: "I am sharing a prenatal vitamin for pregnant and nursing mothers. It is sooo important and most of the vitamins out there contain gelatin. With this satsangi moms will not have to compromise the health of their future babies.

Thanks Urvi - we are sure the entire shishu mandal appreciates this (or will some day, maybe).

Egg-less European Pastries (BJ's)

The BJ's bakery has some great egg-less pastries/strudels.  Tusharbhai bought a box and said "These are really banging. I ate the whole box."  Now we can enjoy sweets at breakfast! Or any other time of the day, really.

Blue Diamond Lime and Chili Almonds

Priya mentions that these are her "favorite snack nuts. The "spice" ingredient has been email verified to be nong. This can be found in most grocery and pharmacy stores. As an added bonus, Walgreens often has them on "Buy One, get on free" sales.

Progresso Vegetable Classics Lentil Soup

We have never met Raj. We do not know where he lives or what he does for a living or even if he is a real person. All we know is that we owe Raj lunch. Raj found this soup and it really came in handy when we were travelling and only had a microwave to cook with. A quick stop at the grocery store and ten minutes we had dal (well a version of it anyway). It hit the spot. You can find the ingredients here. Raj look us up we will buy you a bowl of soup (just kidding, we will make something uber-good tasting).

Amy's Macaroni & Cheese

When you have a finicky five year old, you understand that not all Mac and Cheese are create equal. After months of empirical research I have found that this one to excel in the five year old taste test. As a bonus it is organic, nong, and no animal rennet. Sometimes in a pinch this mom of a five year old also thinks this is the best lunch. 

Annie's Macaroni and Cheese

Not to be outdone by a five year old, Dimple has found that Annie's stacks up pretty well to Amy. First of all it seems that if your name starts with an A, you stand a good chance at making it in the Mac and Cheese business. Also Dimple states " Annie's macaroni and cheese product clearly lists that it has no animal enzymes and is also onion and garlic free."

Cholula Original Hot Sauce

Okay so this was on the list, then it went off the list, and now it looks like it is on the list. As best we can figure it seems that is should be on the list. Tushar received the following email no April 2, 2012.

From: Consumer Relations <consumer.relations@novamex.com>

Date: April 2, 2012 4:38:46 PM EDT

Subject: Cholula hot sauce

Good afternoon, thank you for your interest in our Cholula hot sauce.  There are no onions or garlic in the Original flavored Cholula hot sauce.  Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance. Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Crystal Vilorio

Consumer Relations Representative

500 W. Overland Ave., Ste. 300

El Paso, Texas 79901

Toll Free Direct 1-888-668-2639

Direct 915-298-0523

Main 915-594-1618

Fax 915-595-7623

consumer.relations@novamex.com

www.novamex.com

www.cholula.com

www.jarritos.com

It seems odd that about a year we got a generic email from the website saying they contained nong, and when we pressed why it was not listed we got no response. Now we have a name and contact saying they do not have it. It seems like an improvement for nong. For now it is on the list, as we get more information we will make changes accordingly. (BTW Thanks Tushar for looking into this).

Vegefarm Vegan Hot Dog

Dipen sent us a link for Vegefarm. There are a ton of soy products there with all the ingredients listed. We chose this one as an example. It seems to come from an Asian retailer, we have seen Chinese Buddhists who are vegetarian, nong - and who make very delicious stuff.  Let us know what you find if you try it.

Vegan Master Vegan Poultry-Free Breast

Dipen also sent us this link. We maybe seeing a pattern. The website has a ton of soy based products as well, however in our quick scan not all of them are nong. Let us know what you find.

 Maggie Noodles

Tushar seems to like noodles and is an activits. He says "Maggie has just released a NONG version of their noodles! Everyone should reach out to their Indian grocery store and request them to start ordering the NONG version." Anyone that passionate about noodles is good by us. We could not find a picture of said noodles, so if you have it send us the link and we can put up the picture.

Walkers Shortbread Cookies

Snehal has "really bad sweeth tooth.. being Guju comes with the package." She came across these cookies on his trip back to the West Coast and was very pleased to find that they are egg free. She can only recommend the rectangle kind (as in the picture). Walkers seem pretty progressive with organic and allergens.  If your waistline (or LDL count) can take it, hit them up.

Ikea Ketchup

Yes that Ikea. Yes they have ketchup. Yes it is nong. Hat tip to Hardik who says it is his new favorite nong ketchup. If you are going MDF furniture shopping pick up a bottle and let us know.

Update: Shan mentions that spices may contain onions and garlic. If he can send the contact info and the email we can post it. Anyone else have any info?

Rao's Homemade Sensitive Formula Marinara Sauce

This site started with a pasta sauce. It seems like we have reached a milestone when we have added another pasta sauce. This is a real gem of a find for which we owe our thanks to Roshni. She mentions that it can be found at Shop Rite. I always knew that nong eaters were more sensitive that the hoi polloi and this sauce proves it! They use nong as a marketing tool and promote it right on the label!

Whole Foods Market Wood Fired Pizza

The Whole Foods Market brand seems to have a new line of frozen foods, and thankfully many are nong. There are two types of pizza, the one pictured here (buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes) and the stracchino and arugula (there maybe more we just have not seen them). We have only tried the one pictured, it is thin crust and taste a bit like frozen pizza - 6/10. We think with a bit of reconstruction (maybe adding a few fresh herbs and a bit more cheese) this may perk up nicely.

Whole Foods Market Vegetable Potstickers

Again WFM has a new product that is nong and for frozen dumplings these are pretty good. The cooking instructions are a bit convoluted (pan fry and then pan steam), I think you could throw these in a steamer and it would come out fine. The filling is a bit mushy, but again frozen stuffed pasta that is nong, we are not complaining.

Whole Foods Market Potato & Pea Samosas

Even in Indian stores it is difficult to find nong samosas (Deep has a variety), so WFM is doing us another solid with these. We have not tried them, they are in the freezer, waiting for a lazy rainy day. Let us know if you try them first. 

Kroger's Glazed Donuts

Finding egg-less donuts can be a challenge. Unless of course you live in New York, Japan, or North Korea. However for the rest of us we either fool our kids by dipping bagels in chocolate syrup OR going to your local Kroger's because wouldnyaknowit the donuts have no eggs! And seriously Donut Plant guy, your from Greensboro, you really need to open something close to your old home town. Really. Any other donuts worth mentioning?

Sweet Baby Rae's Original BBQ Sauce

Many thanks to Ginger for finding this for us since our pick on the list (KRAFT) seems to have started adding onions (this was also confirmed by Pax - thanks). Also many thanks to Rae - who evidently is a baby and very sweet and is fond of BBQ Sauce. Marinate to your hearts content.

Mother's Circus Animal Cookies

Someone who is extremely shy has been stalking these cookies for sometime. She/he mentioned that: "Before, these cookies had eggs and they look soooo delicious!!!." But now are egg-free!!! Our kids love these cookies and tend to split these according to color and gender. YMMV. Thanks anonymous person.

Deep Jumbo Punjabi Style Samosa

Abhijit sent us this great find. It has nong right on the box in a nice green lotus flower icon (although we have never seen a green lotus flower before). None the less, these samosa are jumbo, Punjabi, and nong - all good things. 

Chef Boyardee Pizza Kit

Many thanks to Nilomee who went through a massive list of ingredients to ascertain that this product is nong-friendly. Fire up the oven!

Alternative Baking Company Cookies

We like our sweets but Snehal has a monster sweet tooth. After her healthy breakfast she went scouring for cookies. She found two. "The ABC, inc has the most delicious Coconut Macaroon cookie. While Dr. Lucys, took care of my chocolate chip cookie craving.Best of both worlds. It was love at first sight, would love to get these cookies at our local Wegmans or Trader Joes." Well your hopes maybe answered. We have seen ABC cookies at Whole Foods.

Dr Lucy's Coockies

Snehal likes them. Enough said.