Many people find that they miss meat when they start a meatless diet. While it can be challenge until you get the hang of it, you can use meat substitutes to help you stay on track and still enjoy the foods you love the most. There are many varieties of textured soy that you can buy, so you’re sure to find a delicious alternative for creating the perfect meatless meal.
When manufacturers process soybeans for soy oil, only soy flour remains. A great deal of research went into developing a use for what was essentially just a by-product of the oil pressing process. The result was a low-fat, high-protein product that could be made into an entire line of new foods. Soy flour is first cooked and then shaped, and it retains the nutritional value of the whole bean (minus most of the fat).
Textured soy products that are unflavored can be used in a number of dishes. They work very well in recipes that are already highly flavored and spiced, since they readily absorb the flavors of other foods. Varieties that contain meat-style flavors can also be purchased. These are 100% animal-product free, which allows you to create many traditional favorites while still following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
The first type of meatless alternatives you could buy were granules. They look like granola and are used in many things that need a binder, such as patties and loaves, or they can be added to dishes that generally call for ground beef.
Larger sizes of textured soy that are similar to stew meat or a chicken breast can also be found. These are often used in main dishes that require larger pieces. Textured soy strips, used for stir frys or fajitas, can also be used to provide a great variety of meatless choices.
There are even more varieties of textured soy that can allow you to eat the things you love, from hot wings to bacon. The wide range of flavors provide something tasty for everyone and every occasion. Soy concentrates contain fewer sugars and therefore may be easier for some people to digest. Organic products are also on the market now, and even though they are a little higher in fat than other types of textured soy, they still make an excellent choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
Textured soy proteins can last on your shelf for a long time. Those that have added flavors may last up to a year and a half, while those that are unflavored can last for years. Always make sure that you note the use-by date.
Textured soy proteins can be a good choice for people who are weight conscious because these products are low in fat and high in fiber. They can also be used by individuals who need to watch their blood sugar and control it through diet.
Cynthia Holzapfel is owner of Healthy-Eating.com, the country’s leading source for tvp, textured soy and other meat alternatives for more than 25 years. As a vegan for almost 40 years, Cynthia and her partners are experts on how to make the transition to meatless eating. Get their recommendations for how to use the dozens of textured soy protein products available for delivery to your door.