Many people worldwide are now switching to plant-based meat for environmental or health reasons. While plant-based meat may be an excellent answer to environmental concerns, some people are still concerned about the nutrients, benefits, and downsides of plant-based meat. Deriving a meat like taste and texture from plants is not a novel concept but with advancements in food tech it has never been this close to meat and an imitation of all sensory properties including nutritional profile.
For a better understanding, here’s everything about plant-based meat.
What is Plant-based Meat?
Plant-based meat is used to describe food that is designed to mimic or imitate animal meat products. These products are healthy, vegetarian and tasty. Although products like seitan and tofu were used earlier to replace animal meat, today, newer products are available that mimic its appearance, taste, and texture.
When Did Plant-based Meat Come About?
Plant based meats have been around for quite sometime but the imitation hasn’t been this close ever and it provides an excellent alternate source of protein.
Meat substitutes date back to 206 BC, when tofu was the primary meat alternative. Over time its popularity increased, and today, many manufacturers have come up with various plant-based meat products. Plant-based meats increased by almost 37% in certain parts of the world. Today, plant-based meat products are everywhere in bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores.
What is Plant-based meat made of?
Some ingredients popularly used in plant-based meats include:
- Tofu and soy
- Seitan or wheat gluten
- Potato starch
- Pea protein
- Lentils
- Beans
- Coconut oil
- Seeds and nuts
- Vegetables
Different blends of spices and condiments enhance the taste profile of these ingredients together.
How is Plant-based meat produced?
As the name goes, plant-based meat is produced from plants. So, manufacturers do not rely on animals but on plants to make plant-based meat. Like animal-based products, plant-based meat consists of fat, minerals, protein, water, and vitamins. It’s made to look and taste like meat.
Is Plant-based Meat Healthy?
Plant-based meat products are a source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which have health benefits. For instance, UnCrave plant based meats are packed with protein, low on calories and are trans fat-free. They also have a good amount of essential amino acids and fibre.
Nutritional Benefits and Downsides of Plant-based Meat
Plant-based meat products contain nutrients that are different from meat-based products. Let’s go over a few pros and cons of adding plant-based meats to your diet.
Pros:
- They’re a great meat alternative for days when you can’t or don’t wish to eat meat like on festivals
- They’re another way to add protein to your diet giving you more variety and as we all know, variety is the spice of life
- They look, taste, cook and feel just like meat so you will not miss the taste of meat
- They’re great for when you’re partying or eating with vegetarians
Cons:
- The only main downside of plant-based meat is that it isn’t meat and you could lose out on certain omega-three fatty acids that are known to be present in animal-based protein
Should You Choose Plant-Based Meat?
Plant-based meats are a great way to add yet another form of protein to your diet, especially on days when you can’t or don’t wish to eat meat. And since they are made to look, cook, taste and feel exactly like meat, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. UnCrave plant based meats are also packed with protein, low on calories and trans fat-free.
Explore UnCrave plant-based meats from Licious – your favourite meat & seafood brand. Since we love meat so much, we decided to create a range of delicious plant-based meats so you could UnCrave your meaty cravings even when you can’t eat meat for some reason.