Attention California and Hawaii Costco shoppers—the wholesale retailer will offer take-and-bake trays of vegan jalapeno Mac & Yease at 30 locations starting this May.
Created by Chef Ayinde Howell, this creamy plant-based recipe is a tribute to his great grandmother, Mary. Her generational macaroni served as a Sunday supper staple growing up, and Chef Howell is bringing that same vibe to vegan dinner tables in select states. Veganized with a variety of non-dairy milks and cruelty-free cheeses, this mac is protein-rich and indulgent with a kick of fresh jalapenos.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow and offer our food to more people. Representation is very important, and I think people don’t realize that, yes, there are a lot of people of color in the service part of the food industry, but [there is] little to no representation in ownership,” Howell shared with VegOut. “My culture and my perspective influence the flavors, taste, and textures of my food. The industry still needs to be decolonized and I’m doing my part.”
The 32oz creamy casserole will be found in the prepared foods section of participating stores. While Whole Foods housed Chef Howell’s original Mac & Yease in 2018, Costco will be the first retailer to trial the updated dish. If you live near a participating Costco, be sure to pop in and grab a tray of this creamy vegan mac. Three words: Dinner is served.
Participating locations include: Hawaii (Hawaii Kai, Iwilei, Kapolei, Kauai, Kona, Maui) and California (Alhambra, Azusa, Burbank, Corona, Cypress, Hawthorne, Laguna Marketplace, Lakewood, La Quinta, Los Feliz, Moreno Valley, Pacoima, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Santa Maria, Signal Hill, Simi Valley, Torrance, Tustin, Van Nuys, Victorville, Westlake Village, Woodlands Hills, Yorba Linda)
Can’t wait, or don’t live near a participating store? Mac & Yease products can be found at ieatgrass.com and shipped nationwide.
