Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Plant-based Meat Substitutes

Are you curious about vegan meat substitutes but don’t know where to start?

Are you looking for a healthy alternative to real meat without compromising taste and flavour?

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the five best vegan meats available today, helping you make an informed decision about the best substitute for your dietary needs.

Is Vegan Meat as Healthy as Real Meat?

Vegan meat is a growing trend, and many people are asking whether it’s as healthy as regular meat.

In some ways, vegan meat is healthier than meat because it contains less total fat and saturated fat, no saturated or trans fats, no cholesterol, and no hormones or antibiotics.

In addition, vegan meat is typically not processed like real meat, so you also get the added benefit of consuming fewer processed foods.

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t automatically mean that vegan meats should be viewed as healthier options than real meats.

Vegan meats vary widely when it comes to key nutrients such as protein content.

The more processed the vegan meats are the lower their nutritional value will be.

Some plant-based meats are fortified with micronutrients such as iron by adding additional sources like dried seaweeds or minerals like peppermint oil to the mix; however these fortifications don’t always make them more nutritious than real meat products.

When choosing a vegan option for your diet, pay attention to serving size and ingredient lists – good plant-based proteins will have a good source of vitamins/minerals/antioxidants from whole food sources such as nuts/seeds/legumes in addition to their main protein source (soy or pea).

5 Best Meat Substitutes and Plant-Based Alternatives

When it comes to vegan-friendly meat substitutes, the options available today have come a long way.

From Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers to amazing homemade dishes, there are plenty of tasty and nutritious options for vegan-curious diners.

Here are five of the best meat substitutes and plant-based alternatives that will have your mouth watering in no time.

1 – Tempeh

Tempeh is a soy product food made from fermented soybeans that have been pressed into patty or cake form.

It’s a traditional Southeast Asian food and a great source of plant protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

It has a firm texture similar to real meat and can easily be used as a vegan/vegetarian replacement in many meals.

For those looking to keep their cholesterol levels low, tempeh is also low in saturated fat.

2 – Lentils

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to salads and burgers.

Lentils are packed with vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Plus, they have more fiber than any other type of bean or legume.

To maximize the flavor, cook your lentils in vegetable broth or water with herbs or spices like garlic or onion powder.

For vegetarian versions of your favorite meat dishes like chili con carne or tacos al pastor, use cooked lentils as the base instead of ground beef.

You can also grind up cooked lentils in a food processor to get a finer texture that mimics ground beef and use it for vegan burgers.

3 – Seitan

Seitan is a highly-processed wheat gluten product.

It has the texture of real meat, and is a great source of protein with 24 grams per 3-ounce serving.

Seitan can be made into various sausages, burgers and deli “meats” like hot dogs, pepperoni and mortadella.

When making seitan at home, you are not likely to use as many additives as commercial products, however, due to the preparation process it’s important to read labels if you’re buying commercially prepared seitan.

Depending on what flavorings have been used at the time of processing, seitan can be high in sodium content.

Seitan can also be difficult to digest for some people since it’s essentially gluten in its concentrated form so if you’re celiac or have a gluten intolerance you should avoid it or look for gluten-free vegetarian “meats”.

4 – Tofu

Tofu is a traditional soy protein product, commonly used as a meat substitute.

It is produced by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks of varying firmness.

It has very little flavor but takes on the taste of whatever food it is cooked with.

Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per 3 ounces, making it one of the highest sources of plant-based proteins available.

Tofu can be steamed, stir-fried, grilled or baked in the oven and can take on any flavor you wish to add with seasonings and marinades.

There are many vegan recipes that use tofu in place of meat in tacos, sandwiches, stir-fries and burritos.

Furthermore, tofu has been found to provide numerous health benefits such as aiding in weight loss efforts and bone health maintenance as well providing fiber, magnesium and phosphorus.

5 – Jackfruit

The meaty texture of jackfruit, a tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia, makes it a popular food among vegans and vegetarians.

When it’s young and unripe, its texture is firm and slightly crunchy.

It’s also extremely versatile — you can use it as a substitute in recipes for pulled pork or shredded chicken.

You can even roast, fry or sauté it for extra flavor.

Jackfruit is naturally low in fat and calories, yet high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.

It’s also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium which helps keep bones strong.

Incorporating jackfruit into your plant-based diet can give you an excellent source of protein without the added health risks associated with eating red meat.

Furthermore, replacing animal products with jackfruit has been proven to reduce blood sugar levels significantly over time compared to regular consumption of animal proteins.

Conclusion

To sum up, vegan meat is an excellent substitute for real meat for those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products or to improve their own health.

Plant-based alternatives to meat can offer a wide range of health benefits, including a lack of cholesterol, lower levels of saturated fat and a good source of fiber and protein.

It should always be noted that any meats consumed in moderation for maximum health benefits.

Additionally, making sure that the vegan meats chosen are made from wholesome ingredients is an important factor when it comes to ensuring that the product is nutritious and maximizing potential health benefits.