What Is Meat Alternative & Why Are People Using It Instead Of Meat
Tired of meat? But not ready to give up the taste and texture that you love? The good news is there are many meat substitutes on the market that will satisfy your craving and supply the protein needed while living a vegan lifestyle. This week’s blog takes a look at one of the hottest areas in food – meat alternative. As we all know, the plant-based food market is absolutely exploding, and many consumers are looking for ways to reduce their meat consumption or explore options beyond traditional Western style diets. This also lends itself to another trend that Will Ray focuses on when researching consumer trends and general topics related to marketing, which is sustainability. Many consumers are considering how they can minimize their environmental impact by reducing their meat consumption.
What does meat alternative mean?
A meat substitute is often a vegetable-based food or dish that imitates the taste, texture and appearance of meat. In recent years the vegan lifestyle has exploded in popularity, due to the large number of plant-based products entering the marketplace. Some products are more like traditional meat while others may take on a different texture. For example, some veggie burgers are made with fruit pectin as an alternative to eggs to bind them together. Do you know? Since its creation in 2007, The Impossible Burger has caused much of a stir among consumers that enjoy the taste of meat and vegetarians alike. So many people claim to actually prefer their plant-based burgers over traditional ones.
Why do people use meat substitutes instead of meat?
People use meat substitutes instead of meat for a variety of reasons. Of course, some people just really don’t like the taste or texture of meat and are looking for an alternative. Others may not like eating meat because it does not agree with their current diet, such as those who follow a vegan lifestyle. And finally, others may be exploring options to reduce their overall consumption of meat in order to help the environment by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted from livestock animals.
What are some popular types of meat substitutes?
Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and beans are all common types of vegetarian proteins that can be used as alternatives to animal-based protein sources. All these products provide nutrients that we need in our diets and offer a similar texture to cooked ground beef or chicken breasts, which makes them ideal for dishes like tacos or spaghetti sauce. Some meat substitutes are made from soy, while others use gluten or other grains as the main ingredient. One way to make meat substitutions is by using ingredients that mimic the texture and taste of meat. For example, mushrooms are a great substitution for beef in sauces or soups. Tempeh is often used as an alternative to chicken because it has a similar texture and flavour, while seitan has a chewy texture and can be seasoned like beef. You can also use tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), beans, or legumes as substitutes for meat in dishes such as tacos or burritos. These options are also lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional beef, so they’re good choices if you’re trying to watch your family’s diets or are looking for new diet trends.
Sometimes we think of food as a way to get nutrients, or perhaps as a way to keep our bodies from starving, or even as something that we enjoy. But food is so much more than that. It’s a part of our culture, and something that is tied up with so many of the things in our daily lives. We use it to celebrate holidays and special occasions; we pass it down from generation to generation; we even use it to show love for one another (just think about all the dishes your grandmother made for you when you were feeling down). By choosing the right meat alternative, you can live a more plant-based life without missing out on your favourite dishes. If these suggestions are not enough, you can always shop vegan and vegetarian recipes online. I am pretty sure that you will discover how to replace meat with an all-new series of healthy and delicious dishes.
