When people are told they must give up meat, they naturally think this means giving up everything rich, delicious, and fatty. But all the tasty food we enjoy can be made without meat. Forget burgers; they can be made with similar ingredients, like mushrooms. Soups and stews can be made with stock made from vegetables, legumes, and grains. Meat substitutes such as beans, lentils, and pulses are tasty and nutritious foods; they are high in protein, iron, and fibre, just like vegetarian sausages and burgers.

8 Best Meat Substitutes

Jackfruit

Jackfruits are everywhere these days, and it’s a great ingredient for meat replacements. Its name literally translates to “fruits”—not a canned, dried, or frozen fruit product, but an actual “fruit” in the botanical sense. They’re part of a flowering plant in the mulberry family. And, yes, you can eat them whole, like an apple or pear, or chop and eat them like a small melon.

Tofu

Tofu has been gaining popularity in the health food industry. As more and more people are looking for healthier alternatives to meat and dairy, tofu has been on many people’s shopping lists. Tofu is made from curdling soy milk, and, like many other foods, it can vary in taste from bland to spicy. Some people have used it as an alternative to meat, but it’s not for everyone.

Tempeh

Meat is a staple in many people’s diets. But meat isn’t exactly known for its nutritional value. It can contain a lot of saturated fat, which can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. If you’re a vegetarian, you may be interested in trying another type of protein. Tempeh is a new type of soy product that is becoming more popular. Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. It’s high in protein and fibre and low in fat and saturated fat. Tempeh is also high in vitamin B-12, calcium, and magnesium, and it tastes great.

Lentils

Lentils are one of the most versatile meat substitutes and can be cooked into some delicious meals. Lentils, which are legumes (so are beans, peas, and chickpeas), are a great source of plant-based protein. They’re also high in fibre, can help you feel full longer, and contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Lentils can be eaten cooked or raw and canned or dried.

Canned Black Beans

Canned black beans are one of the best meat substitutes for vegetarian or vegan meals. Canned black beans are a great source of protein, and with just 120 calories per 1/2-cup serving, they’re also low in calories.

Veggie Burgers

The veggie burger has finally caught on. Burgers have become a much-desired food item, but who wants to give up meat for a meal? The veggie burger is the answer, and it’s here to stay. It is healthier, tastier, and more versatile than the meat alternative, and it’s a perfect vegetarian dish for any family. Get creative in the kitchen and use different vegetable and bean-based patties to make delicious veggie burgers.

Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans

If you have to take the meat out of your diet, then you want to know the best alternatives to meat that are healthy and flavorful. Besides being packed with protein and fibre, chickpeas and garbanzo beans, also known as garbanzo beans or chickpeas, are packed with vitamins and minerals. But, as much as chickpeas can make you healthier, they can still leave vegetarians and vegans looking for healthy meat alternatives that are tasty.

Falafel

Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas and fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, fried, and then served in a pita or sandwich rolls. It is a healthy vegetarian option that is high in protein and bursting with flavour. However, the taste of ground chickpeas can taste a little bland on its own, which is why many people make falafel as a meat substitute. Falafel is easy to make, and you can have healthy, flavorful falafel whenever you want it.

Are you a meat lover who is looking for ways to cut down on your meat intake? A variety of meat substitutes are available that can replace meat in your diet and provide a lot of health benefits. But, first and foremost, you need to understand the health benefits of different protein sources. Meat, fish, and poultry are sources of protein, while soy, tofu, legumes, and seeds contain fibre.