These items make it easy to add plant based meat alternatives to your meals
Plant based meat alternatives are products made with plant ingredients that can be used as a substitute in recipes that traditionally have meat. There are a variety of nutrient-dense products available on the market that are created with whole food components like vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Burgers, hot dogs, bacon, meatballs, and many other common meat dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan by utilizing these substitutes.
In this article, we’ve provided the nutritional value of some of the most well-liked plant based meat alternatives. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite delicious and convenient options!
Beyond Meat
The Beyond Meat brand is a company that makes products of plant based meat alternatives. Aside from their popular vegan burger patty, this company now produces plant based chicken, ground meat, meatballs, and sausage. Pea protein is the main component of a Beyond Burger, which also includes cocoa butter, dry yeast, rice protein, and refined coconut oil. Gluten-free and soy-free, Beyond Burgers are naturally colored with beet juice. One patty has 100% of the daily value for vitamin B12, 40% of the daily value for zinc, and 20% of the daily value for iron.
Jackfruit
Found throughout Africa, Asia, and South America, Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has stringy inner meat that bears a green skin on the outside. Jackfruit is frequently used in place of meat dishes like pulled pork due to its texture and mild flavor. It’s low in calories and has a relatively low protein and fat content, while providing some fiber along with calcium, iron, and potassium.
Seitan
Created from vital wheat gluten, seitan is a meat replacement made from plants. It’s chewy and savory, which makes it a good addition to pasta, sandwiches, stews, and stir-fries. Seitan is high in protein and also includes level amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium. It’s possible to make seitan at home using vital wheat gluten, veggie broth, and soy sauce. Simply mix the ingredients in a mixer to make the dough, then cut the dough into slices to boil.
Soy
A legume, soy is one of the first plant based meat alternatives used in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The simple mildness and the difference of textures found in soy-based foods make them the perfect choice in a variety of dishes that often contain meat. Tofu comes in a wide range of firmness and can be diced and fried however you’d like. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, is more firm and is a good meat substitute for tacos and stews. Soy is so versatile!