Each year our review staff samples hundreds of new dairy-free products. We are constantly scouring the shelves for the latest natural goodies to challenge the myth that dairy-free living is anything less than delicious. This year we had so many new innovations to choose from that it was mind-boggling, but we finally narrowed it down to ten wonderful foods. Oh yes, and our selections are completely unbiased, unsponsored, and personally sampled, so you can bet these are foods we happily spend our own hard-earned money on …

Number 9: Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips (new Cinnamon, Potato & Chive, and Lime flavors)

When a company starts out with a solid product line, it is often difficult for them to create new products that match up. But, this company is one that seems to be moving forward successfully. We loved the original Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chip flavors, and the new flavors they released in 2009 did not disappoint.

Each year our review staff samples hundreds of new dairy-free products. We are constantly scouring the shelves for the latest natural goodies to challenge the myth that dairy-free living is anything less than delicious. This year we had so many new innovations to choose from that it was mind-boggling, but we finally narrowed it down to ten wonderful foods. Oh yes, and our selections are completely unbiased, unsponsored, and personally sampled, so you can bet these are foods we happily spend our own hard-earned money on …

Number 10: Erewhon Strawberry Crisp Cereal

Sure, in our pursuit of health, we do our best to stick with hearty bowls of oats and completely unsweetened cereals, but once in a while, an “adult” cereal treat is in order. Luckily, this new cereal from U.S. Mills still only packs in 6 grams of sugar per serving, and a portion of this is from the freeze dried strawberries (that magically soften in milk alternative). Plus, it is made with simple organic ingredients to boot: Organic brown rice, organic corn meal, organic evaporated cane juice, freeze-dried strawberries, sea salt, natural flavor.

Just in case you missed the prior announcement, I am here to say that it truly is official, Foods Matter Magazine is now going digital and will be free for internet viewers. This month is their last print issue, and we have snagged a delightful sample recipe from their farewell issue to share with you today.

According the Foods Matter staff, this simple dessert is "A very different, and rather sophisticated, alternative after turkey and all the trimmings!" Of course, the rich chocolate base will surely satiate any chocoholic throughout the holidays or any time of year for that matter. Plus, this recipe is naturally vegan (egg-free and dairy-free) and gluten-free, and it can also be soy-free and nut-free without a problem.

Enjoy the following recipe, and be sure to check out the very informative Foods Matter website ...

Milk allergies, egg allergies, lactose intolerance, low fat, animal welfare … the reasons for seeking out tasty vegan recipes seems never-ending, and thus the demand for vegan desserts just seems to keep growing! With the holiday season in full swing, and ovens ablaze (hopefully not literally), I thought some inspiration was in order for both your own dessert-making needs and for gifts to give the cookbook lovers on your list.

Below is a collection of our favorite vegan dessert cookbooks to date (along with our quick notes, link to full review, and a sample recipe to entice!). One or more of our Go Dairy Free reviewers has taste-tested and firmly approved each of the following (in alphabetical order, because we simply couldn’t agree on “the best”) ...