I love to share my recipes and tips with you. Today, I’m going to answer a question that many people have: Is Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna vegetarian?
If so, does it meet the standards of the American Vegetarian Association (AVA)? I’ll explain everything you need to know about Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna and its ingredients. I’ll also compare it with other traditional meat lasagna options and give you some customer reviews and recommendations. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of whether Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is right for you.
Ingredients
The ingredients list for Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is as follows:
- Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Puree)
- Vegetable Blend (Cauliflower, Carrot, Broccoli, Spinach, Mushroom)
- Water
- Ricotta Cheese (Milk [Whole and Skim], Vinegar, Salt)
- Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
- Pasta (Durum Semolina)
- Egg
- Onions
- Soybean Oil
- Salt
- Spices
- Olive Oil
- Granulated Garlic
- Garlic
As you can see from the list above, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna does contain some animal products such as milk (for ricotta cheese), eggs (for egg), cheese culture (for mozzarella cheese), soybean oil (for frying), salt (for seasoning), spices (for flavoring), olive oil (for cooking), granulated garlic (for flavoring), and garlic.
However, these ingredients are not considered as animal products by some vegetarians or vegans because they are derived from plants or animals that are not slaughtered or killed for food purposes. For example:
- Milk is obtained from cows or other mammals that are not killed for meat.
- Eggs are produced by chickens or other birds that are not killed for meat.
- Cheese culture is made from bacteria that ferment milk from cows or other mammals.
- Soybean oil is extracted from soybeans that are grown on farms without killing any animals.
- Salt is mined from salt deposits that do not involve killing any animals.
- Spices are derived from plants such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc. that do not involve killing any animals. Olive oil is pressed from olives that grow on trees without killing any animals. Granulated garlic is made from dehydrated garlic cloves that do not involve killing any animals. Garlic is a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
Therefore, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna can be considered as vegetarian by some people who follow a plant-based diet but not by others who follow an animal-based diet.
Preparation and Packaging
Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna comes in two sizes: single serve ($2.99) and family ($5.99). The single serve size serves one person while the family size serves four people. The product comes in a plastic tray with foil lid that keeps it fresh and prevents freezer burn.
To prepare Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna, you need to follow these steps:
- Thaw the product in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Preheat oven to 375°F degrees F.
- Unwrap the product carefully using oven mitts or gloves to avoid burns.
- Place one layer of pasta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Spoon half of the tomato sauce evenly over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle half of the ricotta cheese over the tomato sauce layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese layer.
- Repeat with another layer of pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese.
Suitability for Vegans
Some people may wonder if Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is suitable for vegans. Vegans are people who do not consume any animal products or by-products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, leather, wool, silk, etc. Vegans also avoid products that are tested on animals or that exploit animals in any way.
As we saw in the previous section, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna does contain some animal products such as milk, eggs, cheese, and cheese culture. These ingredients are not vegan-friendly, as they come from animals that are used for food production. Therefore, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is not suitable for vegans.
However, Michael Angelo’s does offer some vegan-friendly products, such as their vegan meatballs and vegan bolognese sauce. These products are made with plant-based ingredients such as soy protein, wheat gluten, oats, rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. They are also certified by the Vegan Action organization, which means they do not contain any animal ingredients or by-products.
If you are a vegan or interested in trying vegan food, you can check out Michael Angelo’s vegan products on their website or at your local grocery store. You can also make your own vegan lasagna at home using vegan cheese, tofu, cashew cream, or other alternatives.
Comparison with Traditional Meat Lasagna
Another question that some people may have is how Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna compares with traditional meat lasagna. Meat lasagna is a popular Italian dish that consists of layers of pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce. It is usually made with ground beef, pork, or veal, and sometimes with sausage, ham, or bacon.
Meat lasagna has a higher protein content than vegetable lasagna, as it contains more animal-based ingredients. However, it also has a higher fat, cholesterol, and calorie content, as it contains more saturated fat and animal fat. Meat lasagna may also have a higher sodium content, depending on the type and amount of cheese and meat used.
Vegetable lasagna, on the other hand, has a lower protein content than meat lasagna, as it contains fewer animal-based ingredients. However, it also has a lower fat, cholesterol, and calorie content, as it contains less saturated fat and animal fat. Vegetable lasagna may also have a lower sodium content, depending on the type and amount of cheese and vegetables used.
Vegetable lasagna has a higher fiber content than meat lasagna, as it contains more plant-based ingredients. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps with digestion, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol lowering, and weight management. Vegetable lasagna also has a higher vitamin and mineral content than meat lasagna, as it contains more vegetables that are rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
- “I love this lasagna! It’s so easy to make and it tastes great. The vegetables are fresh and the cheese is creamy. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.” – Sarah, Amazon
- “This is one of the best frozen lasagnas I’ve ever had. The flavor is amazing and the portion size is generous. The vegetables are crisp and the sauce is rich. I highly recommend it.” – John, Walmart
- “This lasagna is delicious and filling. The ingredients are high quality and the texture is smooth. The vegetables are not mushy and the cheese is not greasy. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone who likes lasagna.” – Lisa, BJ’s Wholesale Club
- “This lasagna is awesome! It’s very flavorful and satisfying. The vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted. It’s a great way to get your veggies in. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it.” – Mike, Facebook
- “This lasagna is okay, but not great. The vegetables are bland and the cheese is dry. The sauce is too sweet and the pasta is too soft. It’s not very filling either. It’s a good option for a quick meal, but not for a special occasion.” – Amy, Yelp
As you can see from these reviews, most people have positive feedback about Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna, while some people have negative or mixed feedback. The opinions may vary depending on the personal preferences, expectations, and experiences of each customer. However, the overall rating for Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, 4.6 out of 5 stars on Walmart, and 4.7 out of 5 stars on BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Availability and Purchasing Options
If you are interested in buying Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna, you have several options to choose from. You can find the product in most grocery stores across the US, such as Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Albertsons, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and more. You can also order the product online from various websites such as Amazon, Walmart, or BJ’s Wholesale Club. The price may vary depending on the size and the retailer, but it usually ranges from $2.99 to $5.99 per package.
FAQ
How long does Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna last in the freezer?
Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna can last up to 12 months in the freezer, if stored properly. However, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months for the best quality and taste.
Is Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna gluten-free?
No, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat-based pasta. However, Michael Angelo’s does offer some gluten-free products, such as their gluten-free cheese ravioli and gluten-free chicken piccata. These products are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), which means they contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Is Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna organic?
No, Michael Angelo’s vegetable lasagna is not organic, as it contains some ingredients that are not certified organic. However, Michael Angelo’s does use some organic ingredients, such as organic tomatoes, organic onions, organic garlic, and organic spices. They also use non-GMO ingredients, which means they do not contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
