Meat alternative

A tempeh burger

Chinese style tofu from Buddhist cuisine is prepared as an alternative to meat.

Two slices of vegetarian bacon

A meat alternative, also known as a meat substitute, meat analogue, plant-based meat, faux meat, or vegan meat, is a food product that replicates the taste, texture, and nutritional value of meat using plant-based or other non-animal products. These alternatives are often consumed by individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet, but are also becoming increasingly popular among omnivores due to environmental, ethical, and health concerns associated with meat consumption.

History

Vegan tofu schnitzel

The concept of meat alternatives is not new and can be traced back to ancient civilizations. For example, tofu, a soy-based product, has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. However, the modern meat alternative industry began to take shape in the 20th century, with companies such as Quorn and Tofurky pioneering the market.

Types of Meat Alternatives

There are several types of meat alternatives available, each with its own unique properties and preparation methods. Some of the most common include:

• Soy-based products: These include tofu, tempeh, and products made from textured vegetable protein. Soy-based products are often used to mimic the texture of meat and are a good source of protein.
• Seitan: Also known as wheat meat, seitan is made from gluten, the main protein in wheat. It has a chewy texture similar to that of meat.
• Mycoprotein: This is a type of fungus that is fermented and used to create products like Quorn. Mycoprotein is high in protein and fiber.
• Plant-based meats: These are products that are designed to taste, look, and cook like meat. They are typically made from a combination of plant proteins, fats, and other ingredients.

Production

The production of meat alternatives involves various processes, depending on the type of product. For example, tofu is made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, while seitan is made by washing wheat flour dough to remove the starch, leaving behind the gluten.

Environmental Impact

Meat alternatives are often touted for their lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat. Producing plant-based meats requires less land, water, and energy, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Health Benefits and Concerns

While meat alternatives can be a good source of protein and other nutrients, they are not without controversy. Some products are highly processed and contain additives, which can raise health concerns. However, many people choose meat alternatives for their potential health benefits, such as lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.

A

• Alternative protein – A category of proteins derived from non-traditional sources such as plant-based ingredients, cultivated meat, insects, or fermentation.
• Analog meat – Another term for meat substitutes, designed to mimic the flavor, texture, and appearance of conventional meat.
• Assorted vegetarian mock meats – Mock meats made from various ingredients, such as soy, wheat gluten, or mushrooms.

Assorted vegetarian mock meats

B

• Bean steaks – Steaks made from beans, providing a high-protein alternative to meat.

• Beyond Meat – A popular brand offering plant-based meat alternatives such as burgers, sausages, and meatballs.
• Braised mock meat – A type of mock meat prepared by braising, often found in Asian cuisine.

C

• Cultivated meat – Also known as lab-grown meat, it is produced by culturing animal cells in a controlled environment without the need to raise animals.

Cultivated chicken pasta dish

• Cuisine of Macau – Includes traditional and modern mock meat dishes, reflecting the fusion of Chinese and Portuguese influences.

D

• Doner kebab (vegan) – A plant-based version of the traditional doner kebab, made with mock meat slices, vegetables, and sauces.

Vegan doner kebab

H

• Herbivorous Butcher – A vegan butcher shop known for its wide array of plant-based meat alternatives, including ham, sausages, and steaks.

Meat-free samples from The Herbivorous Butcher

L

• Lupin protein – Derived from the lupin bean, used as a high-protein ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives.

Lupin-based meat alternative products

• Leafu – A leafy green vegetable often used as a base for vegetarian dishes.

Leafu used in plant-based cuisine

M

• Mock meat – A general term for plant-based products designed to replicate the taste and texture of meat. Common ingredients include soy, wheat gluten, and mushrooms.

• Mashed potatoes and schnitzel (vegan) – A traditional meal made vegan using plant-based schnitzel.

Vegan schnitzel with mashed potatoes

P

• Plant-based meat – Meat substitutes made entirely from plant-derived ingredients such as peas, soybeans, and mushrooms.

Vegetarian pork

S

• Schnitzel (vegan) – A plant-based alternative to the traditional meat schnitzel, often made from tofu or seitan.

• Smart Tenders – A brand of plant-based chicken alternative resembling chicken tenders.

T

• Tartex – A vegetarian pâté made from plant-based ingredients, popular as a spread.

• Textured vegetable protein (TVP) – A processed soy product used as a meat extender or substitute.

V

• Vegetarian chicken nuggets – Plant-based nuggets mimicking chicken in taste and texture.

• Vegetarian pork – A mock meat product designed to replicate the flavor and texture of pork.

• Vegetarian goose – A mock meat product resembling goose, popular in Asian vegetarian cuisine.

Remaining Images

• 
  Vegetarian meat salad
• 
  Vegetarian menu options
• 
  Mock meat selection
• 
  Vegetarian dishes from Saigon
• 
  Mock meat resembling bacon
• 
  Vegan holiday ham
• 
  Vegetarian ham
• 
  Vegetarian chicken nuggets
• 
  Plant-based meat on sale
• 
  Smart Tenders plant-based chicken
• 
  Tartex vegetarian pâté
• 
  Vegetarian goose