Vegetarianism Stack Exchange
Vegetarianism Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [meat-substitutes]

vegetarian and vegan products that are designed to mimic the taste, texture and appearance of meat.

Some products are advertised as meat substitutes. Tofu, Tempeh and Seitan amongst others have been used in such products. Flavourings, colours and other additives may be used in order to suggest the flavours of various different kinds of meat.

Questions about the taste, texture, nutritional value, production, resemblance to specific meats, and cooking of these meat substitute products should use this tag.

See also:

18 questions
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For a recipe that contains fish, what could be a vegetarian substitute that somewhat retains taste?

My wife finds that the marinated tofu we add to our pasta tastes pretty similar to meat (I am vegetarian but she is not, so I wouldn't know, but I take her word for it). When a recipe contains fish, what might be some vegetarian (and perhaps vegan)…
gerrit
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Is it advisable to avoid seitan?

Many vegans and vegetarians use seitan (wheat gluten, see this answer) as a substitute for meat, since it has a similar texture and is high in proteins. However I've recently heard some skepticism about the consumption of seitan, basically for two…
Attilio
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Are meat substitutes necessary for a vegetarian lifestyle?

I've found that many pre-made fake meat (vegetarian "burger" or "sausages") products are very expensive relative to other foods. Are these necessary for a vegetarian diet? What alternatives are used for protein sources or bringing to social…
Tom Kelly
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What is Seitan? How do I get it?

I've heard of a vegetarian / vegan meat substitute called seitan. What is it, and can I make it at home? Do I just prepare it in the same way I might cook chicken or beef?
StackExchange What The Heck
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Which "fake meats" are most nutritionally similar to meat of animal origin?

When modifying a diet to replace meat of animal origin with more plant-based foods, it's common for people to start out with meat substitutes like tofu, seitan, tempeh, and various other processed/prepared foods (eg. the Beyond Burger). But as…
Nic
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3 answers

Reasons why a Vegetarian/Vegan would eat a meat-substitute food

By meat-substitute, I mean something that is intended to look or even taste like meat, without being meat, such as Quorn. Being a Vegetarian, people constantly ask me "Why would you eat something that looks/tastes like meat, I don't see the…
Violet Flare
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Difference between flour and wheat gluten when making seitan

I am looking into making my own seitan, but every recipe/video I see is talking about 'vital-', 'whole-' or just 'wheat gluten'. What exactly is the difference to normal typical flour? And if it is flour, is there anything I should be looking for on…
AK_is_curious
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What are some natural, non-animal sources of heme?

Recently Pat Brown introduced the Impossible Burger with the "magic" ingredient of heme, a naturally occurring bio-chemical in animals, that makes meat smell, taste and bleed like meat. What are the naturally occurring non-animal sources of heme?
SavvyLIon
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What is Tempeh?

I've seen tempeh in my vegan cookbook and hear that it comes from the soy plant. How does it vary from tofu if so? Is it something I can make at home or would I probably have to buy it?
StackExchange What The Heck
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How can I become vegetarian/vegan when I have allergies to many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and spices?

I eat too much meat and often think about reducing it, but I seriously don't know how to replace the meat and avoid being hungry all the time. I read that veganism can help with allergies, but my problem is that I am allergic to a lot of vegetables…
Markus Wehmeyer
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Alternative meat imitation protein options that are GF and soy-free

Are there any affordable alternative meat imitation protein products that are both gluten-free and soy-free in the United States?
libmodc
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Which fake meats are healthy?

I've heard that not all foods veg*n foods styled to resemble meat are healthy; some are quite processed, high in sodium, etc. What are the main health concerns when eating fake meat? How can I identify healthier meat substitutes?
La-comadreja
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What is the nutritional profile of A&W plant-based nuggets?

I know that nutrition and fast food are usually opposite concepts, but I'm still curious... A&W Canada recently added plant-based chicken nuggets to their menu (again!). I'm curious about their nutritional profile, especially as compared to regular…
Nic
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What set of vegetarian foods can fully replace the need for a meat diet?

I've seen this, this, this and this, but it doesn't answer my question. Reason for asking: I'm having digestive issues with eating meat, and I wish to switch to a vegetarian diet to see if it'd help. The problem: I've already tried a vegetarian diet…
Nav
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What meat substitutes can be used in donairs?

Donairs were a favourite of mine before I went vegetarian, and I haven't been able to figure out what I could use as a meat substitute in it. There are a lot of options, but I just don't have the money to try too many. I want it to have a similar…
AzaleaGarden
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