Whether it’s diet consciousness or concerns for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to meat, there’s no question that plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger are getting consumers’ – and investors’ – attention. Even Big Meat producers like Tyson Foods is entering the alternative protein market with plant-based “chicken” nuggets.
If you’re considering becoming vegan or vegetarian or you simply want to reduce the amount of animal meat you eat, here are five plant-based proteins to consider:
Soy: Soy-based products, like tofu, tempeh and edamame, don’t actually reduce male testosterone levels as once thought. That’s good news for one of the richest sources of plant-based proteins, which contain about 10 to 15g of protein per serving. Tofu, also called soybean curds, is a great addition to soups, stews and sandwiches where it takes on the flavor of the dish’s other ingredients. And because soy contains good levels of calcium and iron, it’s a great substitute for dairy products.
Quinoa: A South American grain that’s gained popularity on recent years, cooked quinoa contains about 8g of protein per cup. It’s also rich in iron, magnesium and fiber and a versatile substitute for rice or pasta in soups and salads.
Hemp seeds: Considered a superfood, hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant but do not produce any mild-altering effects. They are, however, packed with protein – almost as much as soybeans – high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and believed to help regulate the immune system. You can add the seeds to your cereal, yogurt, smoothies and salads or drink hemp milk as you would cow milk.
Mycoprotein: A fungus-based protein often used in “chicken” nuggets or cutlets, mycoprotein is rich in protein at about 13 g per half-cup serving. It’s low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber and good for sodium-restricted diets. People with a history of mushroom or other food allergies are advised to consider other protein alternatives or consult their physicians or dieticians.
Other plant-based proteins to consider include almonds, spirulina and chia seeds. Are you on a plant-based protein diet or considering decreasing your meat intake? Let us know why and how it’s going! Share your experiences in the Shop Talk blog community forum.
Did you know? The Governator says hasta la vista
Arnold Schwarzenegger has jumped on the plant-based bandwagon. The former bodybuilder and California governor says he’s now convinced “you really don’t have to get your protein from meat – or from animals.” (Source)
I have been vegan for nearly 8 yrs for religious and ethical reasons. I do enjoy the flavors of meat and animal products. I just don’t like the suffering animal products create for animals and for people. I enjoy most of the meat alternatives except for mycoprotein, tempeh, and the products that mimic beef. My favorites are Field Roast and Sweet Earth chicken. My health has improved significantly since becoming vegan. My cholesterol dropped 100 pts (There is no cholesterol in plant based products).
I think there are many alternatives to calling this a burger. I think you can have some of the same healthy ingredients without having to pass this off as looking like a meat patty because it is not meat.
Vegetarianism lasted one day for me. Then we went to a restaurant and I smelled steak cooking. I ordered a steak with lots of onions, peppers and mushrooms. I have never looked back.
God gave us animals to eat. Chicken, turkeys, cows, fish, deer and many more. Plants were given to help us have a balanced diet. As a baby we lived on milk, from mom, or cows or goats. Look at animals they eat meat.
I am interested to have these natural and tasty product for a healthy meal.
We have tried Burger Kings Incredible Whopper. We were very surprised that it was very good. Did not expect it to be !
I have tried 2 of the new ‘burgers’—sorry but they are not burgers–time for someone to come up with a different name for them
such a soy push for what, a hunk of happy laced I am going to save the world yummy joy.
boy I will be noticed and everyone will love me. Now let us get rid of another 5 million humans and we will be even more happy with our soy goodness. No thanks but to each his or her own..
Also, I want REAL chicken or any other kind of meat I want the REAL thing. NOT the FAKE stuff for me.
I want REAL meat if I’m eating a burger.
I try & not eat any food that has soy in it. I have a Thyroid problem & eating it will effect it. And unless the soy is pesticide free maybe I will try it!
Really not interested in the type of product. Although I do eat a number of meatless meals a week this just doesn’t look or sound tasty. Love the grains, pastas, and veggies, fruits. This can all be made into a delicious meal and still look amazing.
We should have a choice what we prefer to eat!
I eat Beyond meat and Impossible burgers and gardein in recipes every day of the week due to a severe medical condition. They taste like real meat. There are even websites that sell vegan corned beef and pastrami
I will never give up meat. I’ve tried meatless “plant-based” products off and on for years. Not good at all. Plants do not give enough protein necessary for good muscle health without lots of additives. My last attempt was the Impossible Burger. I could barely get it down. No texture, no firmness, no taste. Very flat and bland taste and and “mushy” feeling in the mouth. Humans are carnivores and that’s the way I intend to stay.
I am a meat and potatoes person that is how I was raised. When I hear how awesome those plant based foods are I want to gag. Soy burgers are NOT anything like real cow meat.
I was given a sample of a microprotein product to try and have to say I was hesitant about trying it. Once I tried it, I truly did like it and I now buy it on a consistent basis. I have served it to friends without telling them it was not chicken they were eating, and nobody believed me when they found out. I have now switched to this product instead of chicken and am happy I did so.
Not for me, I’ll stick with beef
Would definitely be willing to try!
If a burger can truly taste and feel like beef at a comparable cost then I’m probably going to try it. If I like it, I’ll probably enjoy it often. Of course, it’s going to need cheese.