You can find meat-free alternatives to virtually any chicken, beef, or pork product at your grocery store.
When you add more meat-free meals to the menu, you can explore a world of exciting flavors while still enjoying all the tastes you love. Try some of the suggestions below and find your new favorites.
Meatless Meats
Instead of chicken, try:
- Beyond Meat Chicken-Free Strips
- Boca Chik’n Patties
- Gardein™ products, including Chick’n Scallopini, Crispy Chick’n Sliders, or Teriyaki Chick’n
- Trader Joe’s® Chicken-less Strips
For the grill, try:
- Amy’s® Bistro Veggie Burger
- Beyond Meat Beast Burgers
- Boca Original Vegan Meatless Burgers
- Field Roast® Frankfurters or Sausage
- Gardein™ Beefless Burger
- Lightlife Smart Dogs®
- Sweet Earth® Burgers
- Tofurky ®Gourmet Sausages
Instead of beef, try:
- Beyond Meat Beyond Beef
- Gardein™products, including Beefless Tips and Gluten-Free Beefless Ground
- Lightlife Gimme Lean® Ground Beef Style
- MATCH® Ground Beef
- Nate’s™ Meatless Meatballs
Instead of fish, try:
- Gardein™ Fishless Filet or Crabless Cakes
- Sophie’s Kitchen plant- based seafood selections
Other Meat-Free Protein Sources
Beans
Another tasty way to add protein to your dishes is with a serving of beans. Both canned and dry beans are cheap and easy to find at most supermarkets, and there are dozens of varieties to keep things interesting. For Mexican dishes, try black or pinto beans. For Mediterranean flare, choose chickpeas! For more ideas, check out the recipe section.
Seitan
Seitan (say-tahn) is a super protein source derived from wheat. It is sometimes served in restaurants as mock chicken or duck. Seitan makes a perfect substitute for meat in many recipes. You can find brands like WhiteWave and Lightlife in some grocery stores, or you can make your own using vital wheat gluten mixes from brands such as Arrowhead Mills (look for them in the baking aisle).
Tofu
Tofu soaks up the flavor of the foods and seasonings it’s cooked with, making it the ultimate low-calorie addition to stir-frys, sauces, and other meat-free dishes. If you’re adding tofu to an entrée, opt for firm or extra firm. Soft and silken varieties are wonderful in dips, smoothies, and desserts.
Tempeh
Tempeh has a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture. You can find both grain and soy-based versions . Look for products like tempeh “bacon” for breakfast and sandwiches. Tempeh can be found in the refrigerated section of most health food stores and in the natural foods aisle of well-stocked grocery stores.
Photos courtesy of: Spork Foods (main), Beyond Meat (top right), gardein (bottom left)
