It’s no secret that plant-based meats are in high demand right now. As research into the benefits continues to grow and more delicious options become available, even self-proclaimed carnivores are trying it.
But many of us still wonder: what is plant-based meat, anyway? And is it really healthy?
In a broad definition, plant-based meats are any food intended to mimic the taste, appearance, and texture of meat, without actually containing it.
Plant-based meats are actually nothing new, but as more studies, like this one, demonstrate it as a more sustainable (and more humane) source of protein than livestock, more and more people are jumping on the Meatless Monday tradition; Moreover, some people even turn entirely to plants.
When it comes to health benefits, however, this can often depend on the plant-based meat in question, as well as your own nutritional needs. For example, you might have a gluten allergy and should stick to pea protein and soy products. Or maybe you’re looking to maintain your daily protein intake – luckily, there are plenty of protein-rich options available.
Today, we’re sharing our plant-based meat favourites; each option below is high in protein, low in saturated fat, and absolutely delicious.
Ground beef
Fire up the grill and toast those buns!
There are plenty of plant-based patties that are, shall we say, “cutting edge” on the palate (we’re looking at you, Morningstar). But when you’re looking for a plant-based burger that looks, cooks and tastes like beef, we know what to bring to the barbecue.
Here are some of our favorite plant-based meats that can be used as an alternative to ground beef.
Beyond Ground Beef
Beyond uses chunks of cocoa butter to mimic flecks of fat, which blend beautifully into this plant-based meat. And with the help of beet juice, this patty even “bleeds”.
These patties are not only packed with flavor, but also packed with protein, at 20 grams each! And those with gluten and soy allergies can rejoice, as this plant-based meat uses pea protein for its hearty nutrition. And to compete even more with animal meat, these patties contain 35% less saturated fat.
Impossible burgers
Maybe you’re introducing plant-based meats to your loved ones, and some of them might be harder to impress.
Sometimes it takes an impossible burger to please that impossible family member.
Not only do these burgers cook remarkably like beef, but they’re also free of cholesterol, hormones, and antibiotics that you’ll find in virtually any meat on the market.
And according to thick, each patty is a valuable source of iron and fiber and contains over 20 grams of protein. Best of all, they’re gluten-free!
Chicken
We say “it tastes like chicken” for a reason. The flavor of chicken is familiar, and it can be as basic or as dressed up as we want.
When we searched for the best chicken-style plant-based meats, we settled for those that overpowered the flavor. The bland and dry chicken substitute is nowhere on our list!
Gardein Ultimate Plant Based Chicken Tenderloin
Gardein is easily one of the leaders when it comes to brands that make great alternatives to chicken. And with these huge plant-based chicken patties, even the biggest meat-lovers will be satisfied.
Gardein’s Ultimate Plant-Based Chicken Tenders come in a resealable bag of three and are made with bitter wheat gluten for a protein-rich texture that strongly resembles chicken. These patties are particularly impressive because they never have a chewy, rubbery, or soggy texture, and there is no overt “plant-meat” aftertaste.
It should be noted, however, that due to their generous size, you will need to take a little longer to cook these chicken patties. That being said, they are delicious whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them.
Lightlife Plant-Based Chicken Tenders
Lightlife is known for making great plant-based meats for sandwiches, especially plant-based deli meats resembling ham or turkey. These chicken patties, however, are remarkably heavy, and you can feel it as soon as you pick up the box at the store.
Like Gardein’s, these plant-based meat patties are made with wheat gluten, which provides a neutral, protein-rich flavor reminiscent of chicken, and they can be baked or air fried. We especially love them air fried, as the outer layer does a great job for a crispy, juicy bite.
Fish
When we talk about plant-based meats, we usually think of veggie burgers and chicken patties. But we have great news for seafood lovers: there are even plant-based alternatives to fish!
Whether you love crab cakes at cocktail parties or are a sushi lover, you’re sure to find a plant-based option. Today, we’re covering alternatives to two of everyone’s favorite types of seafood: tuna and salmon.
Good tuna fishing, naked in the water
To us, this plant-based tuna alternative is a lot like Starkist Tuna Meal in a Bag. Like its fish-derived muse, it’s downright fantastic in sandwiches.
In addition to pea protein, this plant-based meat from the sea uses chickpeas, soy, fava beans and lentils to create that flaky, flavorful texture; it’s also what gives it 16 grams of protein per serving.
Good tuna fishing is the perfect plant-based meat to bring as an office lunch (no cooking required), and it’s also great for introducing kids to vegan options.
Like real tuna, Good Catch offers its plant-based alternative in packets packed with oil or, for a lower-calorie option, water. Whichever you choose, it’s a super versatile option that’s perfect for vegan spicy tuna sandwiches, wraps, and rolls.
Sophie’s Kitchen Salmon Burgers
These salmon burgers from Sophie’s kitchen make the perfect option for a fish-free, gluten-free and soy-free catch of the day. Lightly seasoned with dill and lemon, this plant-based meat does a great job of mimicking the taste and flaky texture of salmon, and it’s high in protein. Made with pea protein, these salmon burgers offer 18 grams of protein while remaining relatively low in calories.
pork sausage
Of all the meats, pork is often the hardest to imitate when it comes to plant-based alternatives.
While brands like Beyond and Impossible have mastered the rare burger, food experts have yet to create vegan bacon that sizzles, melts and crisps like the real thing.
Until we find the perfect vegan bacon, we’ll have to build our plant-based breakfasts around other mouth-watering options. Luckily, there are some delicious plant-based chorizo and pork shoulder choices, which we’ve listed below.
Abbot’s Butcher’s Spanish Smoked Chorizo
Abbot’s Butcher makes its plant-based chorizo with pea protein, which is pre-seasoned with tomato, garlic and smoked paprika for a savory, tangy flavor – no actual butchery is involved with this meat herbal.
Incredibly versatile and not too spicy, this smoky vegan chorizo is easy to add to scrambles, breakfast tacos, empanadas and more. Even meat lovers will love this one!
Asante herbal pastor (pork shoulder)
Asante has recreated al pastor as a plant-based meat, and it perfectly captures that texture and taste you know and love.
Like traditional al pastor, this plant-based meat is slowly cooked to create a consistency that falls off your fork in the best possible way. And made up of wheat and pea proteins, this vegetable meat is much less caloric than your traditional al pastor.
The secret to its smoky, tangy flavor lies in the seasoning of peppers, cumin, apple cider vinegar and orange juice. The result: the perfect plant-based meat for your next Taco Tuesday.
