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Plant-Based Meat: A Delicious Alternative
For plant-based eaters, meeting your protein needs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. While whole foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, veggies, and whole grains are great sources of protein, sometimes you crave the taste of traditional meat dishes. That’s where plant-based meat comes in – offering a scrumptious substitute that mimics the taste and texture of real meat. But how do these products compare nutritionally? Which ones taste the best and are worth incorporating into your meals?
To help you navigate the world of plant-based meats, here are 10 options recommended by a registered dietitian that come close to the real thing:
1. Sweet Earth Frozen Vegan Mindful Chik’n – $7
2. Abbot’s Plant-Based Vegan Ground Beef – $8
3. Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties – $6
4. Quorn Vegan Meatless Chiqin’ Cutlets – $5
5. Daring Foods Original Breaded Plant Chicken Wings – $5
6. Eat Meati Classic Steak – $12
7. Hilary’s Organic Apple Maple Meatless Breakfast Sausage – $4
8. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Vegan Saus’ge Bratwurst – $8
9. Jack & Annie’s Crispy Jack Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets – $5
10. Tofurky Hickory Smoked Deli Slices – $5
What is Plant-Based Meat?
Plant-based meat products are vegan or vegetarian substitutes for real meat, made from plant-based ingredients like legumes, grains, vegetables, and seasonings to replicate the texture and flavor of meat. While these alternatives aim to provide similar amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals as real meat, they are usually lower in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, two components linked to heart disease.
Research has also shown that plant-based diets are associated with longevity and reduced risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. Plant-based meats offer a flavorful and nutritious option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption.
What to Look For
When choosing plant-based meat, consider taste, texture, and nutritional content. To help you compare popular meat alternatives to traditional cuts, here are the nutritional profiles for grilled chicken breast and ground beef:
– Boneless, skinless grilled chicken breast (3 oz.):
Calories: 128
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 2.7 g
Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
Cholesterol: 88 mg
Sodium: 44 mg
– Ground beef, 85% lean, 15% fat (3 oz.):
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 58 mg
Sodium: 56 mg
The 10 Best Plant-Based Meats
Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, flavorful burgers, or classic chicken dishes, there’s a plant-based meat substitute for every meal. Here are the top picks for each category:
1. Best Chicken: Sweet Earth Frozen Vegan Mindful Chik’n – $7
2. Best Ground Beef: Abbot’s Plant-Based Vegan Ground Beef – $8
3. Best Burgers: Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties – $6
4. Best Chicken Patties: Quorn Vegan Meatless Chiqin’ Cutlets – $5
5. Best Chicken Wings: Daring Foods Original Breaded Plant Chicken Wings – $5
6. Best Steak: Eat Meati Classic Steak – $12
7. Best Breakfast Sausage: Hilary’s Organic Apple Maple Meatless Breakfast Sausage – $4
8. Best Bratwurst: Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Vegan Saus’ge Bratwurst – $8
9. Best Nuggets: Jack & Annie’s Crispy Jack Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets – $5
10. Best Deli Meat: Tofurky Hickory Smoked Deli Slices – $5
Plant-based meats offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite dishes while reducing your meat consumption. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect plant-based meat for any meal. Happy cooking!
