Product Reviews

Lightlife Pepperoni Slices
www.lightlife.com
Review by Caroline Yoder

As an omnivorous child, I detested pepperoni. Every visit to Chuck E. Cheese required a plain cheese pizza, and picking off the slices of meat would not suffice; I simply detested this ever-popular pizza topping. However, as an adult, I don't seem to harbor these same feelings of pepperoni hatred. When I recently encountered the Lightlife Pepperoni Slices in the grocery store, I was a little hesitant to try this meat substitute, but ultimately decided to expand my faux-meat horizons. After a glance at the nutritional panel and ingredients, I tossed them into the cart and contemplated the possibility that I would perhaps enjoy the non-meat form of pepperoni.

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Fortunately, my conjecture proved to be true. My childhood loathing of this delicatessen favorite did not seem to affect my taste for this meatless alternative. This pepperoni was subtly spicy and a little chewy, but not to excess in either respect. It was a bit salty, but that is to be expected of any meat substitute, especially one of the deli meat variety.

Although it is enjoyable alone, this product is extremely versatile. Lightlife's pepperoni obviously lends itself well to making pizzas—I have made some delectable cheese-less flatbread pizzas with this product. Accompanied by sauce and a large stack of veggies, this "pepperoni" makes the perfect addition to any Italian pie. The slices are tasty as a filling for sub sandwiches or as a protein-rich topping for salads.

This product can also become a scrumptious component of a healthful, vegetarian "Lunchable." If your kids are anything like I was, they're probably constantly begging for lunches "like the other kids have." Pack a lunch with pita breads, tomato sauce, Lightlife "pepperoni", and maybe some soy cheese, and your kids will have vegan form of those coveted pizza Lunchables.

Nutritionally, I can say with certainty that no meat form of pepperoni could beat Lightlife's version. There are only 40 Calories and 0 grams of fat per generous 13 slice serving. In addition, each serving boasts 7 grams of protein.

Despite my previous aversion to pepperoni, Lightlife has managed to win me over. I now enjoy the taste of the meatless variety. That being said, however, perhaps this form of pepperoni contains something that its meat counterpart does not. Therefore, if you were a fan of pepperoni in your meat-eating days, you might not like this product. But, if you're looking for a slightly spicy (and delicious) new ingredient for your culinary endeavors, look no further than Lightlife's Pepperoni Slices.

Caroline Yoder is currently a student at Duke University, studying English and Psychology. She hopes one day to become a writer in the health field.

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