Shop Plant-Based Meats - Meat Made With Plants
Are you looking to transition to a plant-based diet? Are you already a vegan or vegetarian but finding it hard to find meat alternatives? Look no further than Vegan Supermarket, your one-stop-shop for all things vegan.
Making the switch to a plant-based diet can be daunting, but with the right resources and knowledge, it can be a seamless transition. Meat alternatives are a crucial part of this transition and can help you achieve the same taste and texture as traditional meat, without the ethical or environmental concerns.
What are Meat Alternatives?
Meat alternatives are plant-based products that mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of meat. These products are made from a variety of ingredients such as soy, wheat, peas, and mushrooms, to name a few. Meat alternatives are often fortified with nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and zinc to ensure a balanced vegan diet.
Types of Vegan Meat Alternatives
There are several types of meat alternatives, each with their unique taste and texture. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options and their health benefits:
Tofu
Made from soybeans, tofu is a versatile meat alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s low in fat, high in plant protein, and has a mild taste that can be enhanced with spices and marinades.Tempeh
A soy-based product, tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and has a nutty flavour and a firmer texture than tofu. It’s high in both protein and fibre and contains probiotics that promote gut health.Seitan
Made from wheat protein, seitan has a chewy texture and a meat-like flavour. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their meat intake. It's also a good source of iron.Jackfruit
This tropical fruit has a stringy texture that makes it a perfect substitute for pulled pork. It’s low in calories and high in fibre, making it a healthy option for meat alternatives. It also contains vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.Peas
Pea protein is a popular plant-based protein source that is derived from yellow split peas. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need. It's also easily digestible and has been shown to be as effective as whey protein for building muscle and promoting post-workout recovery.
One key benefit of pea protein is that it's lower in calories and fat than many other protein sources, like beef or dairy. This makes it a great option for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, pea protein is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with food allergies or sensitivities, it has even been shown to have a number of health benefits beyond its protein content. For example, it may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against chronic diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. .Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. They’re a plant source of protein, fibre, and iron, making them a great meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. They're also a good source of folate, which is essential for brain health.Chickpeas
Chickpeas are another type of legume that are high in protein and fibre. They can be used to make falafel, hummus, and other meat alternatives. Chickpeas are also a good source of iron and magnesium.Mushrooms
Mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as mushroom burgers and stroganoff. They’re low in calories and fat and are a good source of vitamin D.Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
TVP is a soy-based product that has a texture similar to ground meat. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a popular meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans.Nut-based meats
Nut-based meats, such as those made from almonds and cashews, are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat. They’re high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats, and contain essential vitamins and minerals.Quinoa
Quinoa is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, including meat substitutes. It’s high in protein, fibre, and essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Meat VS Plant "Meat"
Meat and plant-based meat alternatives have distinct differences when it comes to their health benefits. Traditional meat is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it also has several drawbacks.
One of the main concerns with meat consumption is its association with various health issues, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have shown that consuming high amounts of red and processed meat can increase the risk of these diseases. Red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease, while processed meat is often high in sodium and preservatives, which can be harmful to health.
On the other hand, plant-based meat alternatives, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, offer several health benefits. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and often high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Many plant-based meat alternatives are also fortified with essential nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, which can be lacking in a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Plant-based meat alternatives are also more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional meat. The production of meat, especially beef, has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. In contrast, plant-based meat alternatives require fewer resources to produce, making them a more sustainable choice for those concerned about the environment.
Overall, the health benefits of plant-based meat alternatives make them a good option for those looking to reduce their meat intake or transition to a plant-based diet.
They offer a healthy, sustainable, and ethical alternative to traditional meat - better for you, better for animals and better for the planet.
Can you get enough protein from a plant-based meats?
Protein is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to build and repair tissues, including muscles, organs, and bones. It's made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. While animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are known to be good sources of protein, plant-based foods can also be just as good of a source of this vital nutrient while bringing additional benefits to the table.
Many plant-based meats are made with protein-rich ingredients such as soy, wheat, and peas. These ingredients can provide a significant amount of protein, making plant-based meats a brilliant alternative to real meat. For example, a serving of some plant-based burgers can contain as much protein as a beef burger, and plant-based sausages can have just as much protein as pork sausages.
It's important to note that different types of plant-based meats have varying levels of protein, and it's essential to read the label to determine the protein content of each product. However, many plant-based meat products are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals to make them a complete protein source, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Plant-based diets can provide all the protein your body needs while being lower in saturated fat and higher in fibre than meat-based diets, while also helping reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Why shop for meat alternatives at Vegan Supermarket?
At Vegan Supermarket, we're committed to promoting a meat-free normal. We work with like-minded brands and small vegan businesses to bring you a curated selection of the very best plant-based products at the best prices.
Whether it's chicken, pork, beef, fish, or seafood, our wide selection of high-quality alternatives can satisfy your cravings for meat while providing you with essential nutrients without compromising on the taste and texture you love, as well as your health or values.
Vegan Chicken
From vegan fried chicken to crispy chicken strips and delicious chicken-like nuggets, our selection of vegan chicken is designed to please your taste buds and your conscience.Vegan Pork
For pork alternatives, we have delicious jackfruit that's perfect for pulled pork, seitan that makes mouth-watering BBQ ribs, and soy-based ground pork that's perfect for sausages and bacon.Vegan Beef
If you're craving a juicy burger or mouthwatering steak but want to skip the beef, Vegan Supermarket has you covered. Our range of beef alternatives includes mushrooms, lentils, and TVP, each with a meaty texture and can be used to make plant-based burgers, meatballs and steaks.Vegan Fish and Seafood
For those who love seafood, Vegan Supermarket has a range of options, including jackfruit, seaweed, and soy-based fish and shrimp. These can be used to create dishes like crab cakes, sushi rolls, stir-fries, and fish and chips.
