Nothing says summer more than cooking and eating our food outdoors, feeling the breeze against our skin and feasting our eyes on the lush summer landscape.

While most of our summer eating tends to be lighter fare, this sometimes doesn’t hold up when it comes to our beloved BBQ grill.  

There are very real health concerns when it comes to grilled meats.  Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when muscle meat, including beef, pork, fish, or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan frying or grilling directly over an open flame. In laboratory experiments, HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic—they cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.  Numerous epidemiologic studies have found that high consumption of well-done, fried, or barbecued meats was associated with increased risks of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

We would never dream of telling you what not to eat, but we do have a few alternative suggestions to help you enjoy a healthier summer barbecue!

Hilary's Veggie Burgers 

Get all of the flavour - but none of the bad stuff - with these Hilary's plant-based burgers. They’re made from non-GMO ingredients, certified vegan and gluten-free. They’re low-calorie, contain no cholesterol, are free from top allergens (like corn, egg and nuts), but still pack a nutrient punch. Pick up some burger buns by Silverhills, Little Northern Bakehouse or Udi’s

Kiju Organic Lemonade

Nothing says summer like the sweet tang of lemonade, and Kiju sweetens the deal by offering an organic version. Forget about concentrate and lemonades that are chock full of sugar; Kiju Organic 100% juices are premium, certified organic juice blends with no added sugar. How refreshing is that?

So Delicious Dairy Free Frozen Desserts

Dairy free has never been more delicious!  So Delicious Dairy Free cashew milk frozen desserts are smooth, decadent, and incredibly delicious. What’s more, they’re vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified.  So go ahead - have a second scoop! Looking for more chilly dairy-free desserts? Check out Oat & Mill or Fiasco sorbetto.