My confidence has been shaken by trips this weekend to two different area natural food stores. I entered both shopping experiences full of excited anticipation, and left feeling defeated. I purchased nothing at the first one, Edge of the Woods in New Haven, and only a few measly items at Whole Foods in Westport.

Surrounded by a veritable cornucopia of vegan food options, I realized that I didn't know what the heck I was doing. I had planned to buy vegan cheese for the first time, but which was best--rice, soy, almond?? I asked a Whole Foods employee for help, and he helpfully told me that they were all terrible. He finally recommended with very little enthusiasm that I get one of the the rice "cheeses," then left to attend his record-setting breaking open of a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese. Free cheese samples were given out to customers who attended the momentous occasion. I wanted one. I didn't buy any vegan cheese.

I realized that with the exception of produce, most things I buy on a weekly basis are no longer available to me as a vegan. That sent all my accrued consumer experience about the best brands, prices, varieties, etc. out the window. I was left asking, is this a good price for tofu? Which brand of soy milk tastes best? Vanilla or plain? Is this type of granola bar vegan? No. How about this one? Am I ready to commit to a big expensive jar of vegan mayonnaise? Is there such a thing as vegan freezer waffles? (There are, and I bought them. I'll let you know how they are).**

In the end, I left with only a few items I felt comfortable with. Oh well, there's always next week. I just hope I bought enough food to get me through the week.

**Update: They're Vans multigrain waffles, and they're pretty good.