In celebration of World Vegetarian Day on October 1st and the kick-off of "Vegetarian Awareness Month," Garden Protein International (GPI), Vancouver, B.C., is introducing a line of gardein(TM) plant-based foods in the United States.

Officials say the five-item line features healthy and convenient frozen foods ideal for lunch, dinner or as an appetizer or snack. They are now available in the frozen sections at leading U.S. grocery stores.

"We believe a plant-based diet is part of the solution to feeding our growing global population," said Yves Potvin, GPI founder. "Our foods not only taste good but they are good for you and our planet. Research shows that going vegetarian just one day a week is a significant action a person can take to help protect the environment."

Potvin says gardein foods feature a blend of plant-based proteins, vegetables and grains that are high in protein and low in fat, with no cholesterol, trans or saturated fats. He adds that gardein contains no animal or dairy ingredients, and is a good source of fiber and iron. Additionally, gardein is a complete protein source in that it contains all the essential amino acids.

gardein can be prepared on a stove top or barbeque as part of a healthy meal, or for consumers wanting a quick and easy healthy snack or appetizer it can be prepared in a microwave. New foods included in the gardein frozen line are:

Seven Grain Crispy Tenders - These tasty chick'n tenders are ready in 15 to 20 minutes. They are ideal for dipping in a favorite sauce or served a top a salad. Approximately 10 per pack; 9 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol and 90 calories per serving (1.8 oz); five servings per package. Suggested retail price of $4.99.

Classic Style Buffalo Wings - These spicy buffalo wings are ready in 10 minutes. Ideal for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing or served with coleslaw, Spanish rice or vegetable sticks. Approximately 12 per pack; 16 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol and 120 calories per serving (3.5 oz); two and a half servings per package. Suggested retail price of $4.99.

Homestyle Beefless Tips - These meaty beefless tips are ready in five minutes. Ideal in a marinade or as a meat-alternative in a recipe. They come in a nine-ounce pack with 18 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol and 120 calories per serving (3.5 oz); 2.5 servings per package. Suggest retail price of $4.99.

Marina Chick'n Good Stuff - These hearty vegan cheese stuffers are ready in as little as 20 minutes. Ideally served with a salad or rice, roasted potatoes or green veggies or with spaghetti and tomato sauce. 10 oz pack; 22 grams of protein, 4.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol and 210 calories per serving (one stuffer); two servings per package. Suggested retail price of $4.99.

Chick'n Scallopini - These versatile lightly seasoned scallopinis are ready in less than six minutes. Consumers may saute in olive oil; add capers, fresh lemon juice and chives for more zest or cook on the BBQ with a marinade or sauce. Serve as a centr-of-the-plate protein or in a bun. Packaged in a 10-ounce bag. The product has 14 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, no cholesterol and 90 calories per serving (one scallopini); four servings per package. Suggested retail price of $4.99.