Plant-based meat is all over the news.
- $3M grant program for researchers growing meat without animals.
- Vegan Meat and Cheese Charcuterie program launches at Rice University.
- National Day Of Action Asks Applebee’s To Add Plant-Based Menu Options To Combat Climate Change And Extinction.
- What, Exactly, Is Meat? Plant-Based Food Producers Sue Missouri Over Labeling
…and these are just a handful of headlines from the past few days.
You know we’re all about eating more vegetables and we can guess how the cows might feel about it…
But with more and more companies creating replacements for meat, fish, and other processed foods, it got us thinking, are plant-based replacements the future of meat?
Plant-based Meat Increasingly Available
Almost everywhere you look, restaurants of all types and sizes have started to serve the Impossible Burger, a popular plant-based meat alternative. There are more than 1000 restaurants across the country serving it.
Just like the real thing…
Impossible Foods, maker of the Impossible Burger, uses plant-based proteins to produce the burger, but unlike other vegan and vegetarian burgers, many people believe it cooks and tastes like real meat.
…but better!
Plant-based meats are not just a healthy choice for you, they help the planet too.
Eating plant-based protein helps cut down on damage from commercial farming and fishing. Buying and eating these meats can help you and the planet stay healthy, without totally giving up your carnivorous lifestyle. Keep reading to find out what some of these replacements are really like!
What Plant-Based Meat is Really Like
Sausage: Beyond Meat
Pea, fava, and rice protein make up this imitation sausage with the same texture and taste of real meat sausage. In addition, these sausages come in different varieties, like Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, and Original Bratwurst. Plant-based sausage is extremely versatile – we like to pair the Sweet or Hot Italian with our Asparagus & Kale, and nothing makes a better Bratwurst power-boost topping than Super Greens!
Shrimp: New Wave Foods
Burgers and brats aren’t the only foods getting their plant-based replacements. New Wave Foods is a company that specializes in plant-based shrimp. This faux fish dish is offered in two forms: Raw and Crispy. And the shrimp isn’t just tasty; it’s sustainable too. Overfishing has become a big problem in the U.S., and New Wave Co-Founder Dominique Barns hopes that their replacement can help. According to her, this is a shrimp they hope everyone can love – even if they’re allergic to real shellfish! Want to give it a try? How about pairing it with some Fiesta Quinoa for a tasty “shrimp” taco?
Scrambled Eggs: Just Scramble
Made from mung bean proteins, this egg substitute comes from a bottle. While it may sound crazy, Just Scramble creates a plant-based replacement with the perfect scrambled texture. But Just isn’t done yet; Ben Roche, director of product development, says that the company is always working to bring consumers great flavors and textures. With all the care they’re putting into their products, Just Scramble’s egg substitute may become a future breakfast staple. Plant-based eggs are extremely versatile – just about all our products go together with eggs even better than peas and carrots. But here’s a breakfast favorite – vegan eggs + Southwest Sweet Potatoes.
Burger: Impossible Foods
This well known plant-based burger has already been making its mark in restaurants around the U.S. The Impossible burger is made using wheat, soy, and potato proteins. But that doesn’t mean it’s a veggie burger! This meat alternative still has the look, taste, and texture of a meat patty. Impossible Foods is already making a big name for itself in the kitchen, and in the battle for sustainable foods. So look out burgers, this plant-based protein could be the future of meat. Not into carbs? Skip the bun and serve your grilled patty with a heaping pile of Brussels Sprouts or Vegetable Medley.
Are plant-based replacements the future of meat?
While not all meat replacements are perfect, they are still sustainable options for the future. Creating new ways to produce foods can help repair damage to the environment, plus, plant-based replacements can also keep us healthy, which sounds pretty great to us!
What do you think about “the future of meat”? Leave us a comment or question below! To find out more, read the Wall Street Journal article that inspired this post here.
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