The production of meat accounts for almost 60% of greenhouse emissions contributing to climate change.¹ In addition to climate change, there are tons of reasons you may opt for plant-based meat alternatives. 

Irrespective of your reason for opting for meat substitutes, it is imperative to make your selections carefully due to the many alternatives. Some of these alternatives come with excessive sodium, artificial binders, and dyes. Read on for natural, organic meat alternatives to add to your diet.

Improve Your Health With These Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

The numerous benefits of meat alternatives like has led to its widespread use. In 2020, the number of Americans who consumed meat substitutes stands at 79.82 million.² Here are the top plant-based substitutes to try.

Tofu

Tofu is a popular meat alternative that comes from condensed soy milk that has been in use for centuries. Loaded with lots of proteins and low in calories, tofu makes an excellent alternative to meat. It also comes with numerous essential amino acids necessary for good health. 

 

Although tofu is commonly known for its bland taste, especially for first-time consumers, it doesn’t have to be. Tofu is now available in a wide range of flavors, including fragrant, smoked types, and marinated kinds flavored with a variety of herbs and spices.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great alternative to meat if you need an unprocessed, wholemeal option. By nature, they have a meaty taste that is high in umami– a type of delicious flavor. Better yet, you can never run out of options for preparing savory mushroom dishes.

You can grill, broil or slice your mushrooms and add them to stir-fries, salads, and burgers. Even though mushrooms don’t contain many proteins, they are high in fiber and low in calories making them excellent for weight loss enthusiasts. For instance, consuming mushrooms and exploring modalities like ultrasonic cavitation can help you get rid of unwanted fat.

Jack Fruit

Jack fruit is a large tropical fruit that has recently gained popularity as a meat substitute. Its flesh has a subtle fruit flavor with a chewy, meaty mouthfeel making it a suitable meat replacement. It is great in recipes requiring shredded chicken and pulled pork such as drumsticks, sandwiches, and tacos.

 

If you’re looking for a plant-based protein source, jackfruit isn’t the ideal option because it’s heavy in carbs and poor in protein. But, when combined with other high-protein foods, it provides a plausible meat substitute.

Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are low-cost plant-based protein sources that make robust and filling meat replacements. Besides, they are unprocessed and whole foods making them healthy and safe. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including chickpeas, black beans, lentils, and more.

 

Because each bean has a distinct flavor, it is suitable for a variety of dishes. Black beans and pinto beans, for example, go well with Mexican cuisine, whilst chickpeas and cannellini beans go well with Mediterranean cuisine.

 

Beans are a rich source of plant-based protein, but they don’t provide all of the essential amino acids. They are, nevertheless, abundant in fiber and a good source of iron for vegetarians.

Seitan

Seitan is a fibrous wheat protein with a meat-like texture like that of a duck or chicken. This makes it a perfect meat substitute for recipes that need chicken such as sandwiches, kebabs, pizza, salad, and stir-fries. Seitan is made by adding water to the wheat flour and eliminating the starch.

 

Seitan is low in fat and carbohydrates. Additionally, it has plenty of proteins but it lacks calcium, iron, and the amino acid lysine. You can get all elements by serving seitan alongside nuts or pulses. Similarly, To enjoy seitan meals, add seasonings and marinades.

 

However healthy and nutritious seitan is, it is not good for people with celiac disease or those trying to avoid gluten.

 

Lower Your Meat Consumption With the Above Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Tofu, mushrooms, jack fruit, seitan, and beans can help you save animals and the environment, sleep better, lose fat and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although most plant-based meats have a reputation as being bland, with a little creativity in cooking, you will enjoy hearty meals.

 

Links to Sources Used

  1. Effects of meat production https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/13/meat-greenhouses-gases-food-production-study#:~:text=7%20months%20old-,Meat%20accounts%20for%20nearly%2060%25%20of%20all%20greenhouse,from%20food%20production%2C%20study%20finds&text=The%20global%20production%20of%20food,major%20new%20study%20has%20found
  2. Use of meat alternatives trends https://www.statista.com/statistics/282311/us-households-usage-of-meat-alternatives-trend/