For those newer to adding a meatless meal or day to their week! And for those who are just looking for some new sources of recipe inspiration, this blog post is for you! This week, House Thirty took a deep dive into plant-based meat alternatives that would make the transition easy for those looking to lower their environmental impact by adding less meat to their plate.
We currently live in an exciting time with new meat alternative innovations occurring quickly before our eyes. With some of our favourites being in the European market, including in house brands at Jumbo and Aldi. For our North American friends, have no fear. There are some pretty good options there!
Veggie-Curious?
Did you know that over 582,000 people worldwide adopted a meatless diet for Veganuary in 2021? (Economist Impact, 2022). Many people worldwide are curious about a meatless or low-meat diet, and many will try it out! A meatless diet has been proven to be easier on the environment. Robust data also supports the relationship between animal-based diets and environmental impact across emissions levels, land, and water usage.
Another study has found that diet-related land use and GHG emissions can be reduced by 76% and 49%, respectively, by adopting a plant-based diet. Which we categorize as a win for the planet.
Now, we are all about taking small steps towards a great goal, and if implementing a meatless meal once a week is where you are at, that is fantastic.
Trying to figure out where to start?
The easiest way to integrate less meat is to bring in more beans! One of the best things about beans is that they are shelf-stable, can come hydrated or dehydrated and are incredibly cost-effective. They are also very versatile. They can be used in soups, stews, wraps, salads or even on their own. They also are a staple in many diets around the world.
Some of our favourite recipes include:
Other meat alternatives include:
follow the hyperlinks to explore more about each of these options, including their nutritional vlaue
- Tofu
- A plant protein made from soy-beans
- Seitan
- A protein-rich food made from gluten
- Tempeh
- A plant protein made from fermented soy-beans
- Jackfruit
- A fruit that is often used as a substitute for shredded meat (especially for pulled pork or pulled meats)
These are accessible alternatives that can be integrated into your recipe. For example, swap teriyaki chicken for tofu, seitan, or tempeh.
There are several imitation brands if you are looking for something that offers a similar experience to meat. They offer your favourite products, such as burgers, sausage, chicken, and even deli meats without the meat! If you are looking for an easy way to dip your toes in to a meatless meal without trying something completely new, these brands will be a great help:
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