Beyond Impossible Meat

Daring To Explore The World Of Meatless Meat

Article by Kristin Osika

Beef Burgers

Boasting 19g of protein (comparable to a real burger!), the Impossible Burger has two main ingredients: soy protein and sunflower oil. According to the company, it is the addition of heme, an iron-containing molecule, that gives the burger its pinkish hue and meat-like flavor. Beyond Meat also manufactures a similar burger made primarily from pea protein, and Dr. Praeger’s makes a “perfect burger,” my personal favorite.

Steaks

Beyond Meat makes the perfect vegan steak tips to recreate Korean BBQ or garlic and parmesan beef. Key ingredients include wheat gluten, faba bean protein, and canola oil.

Beef Jerky

Bonus! Beyond Meat also recreated this awesome snack using mung bean protein, brown sugar, and gluten free oat fiber. Another brand, Moku, makes “jerky” from king oyster mushrooms — and it’s delicious!

Chicken

Chicken Breast

While many meat substitutes have a long ingredient list and high saturated fat content, the brand Daring prides itself on making chicken from just five ingredients: water, soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, salt, and spices.

Chicken Nuggets

A plethora of companies are trying their hand at vegan nugs, from meat giant Tyson to stores like Whole Foods to independent brands like Jack and Annie’s. Whole Foods brand nuggets are extremely juicy and reminiscent of traditional nuggets, and another all-around crispy favorite are Impossible Foods’ nuggets.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Meat alternatives have even found their way into pantry staples: Gardein makes a chick’n noodl’ soup, which is perfect for when you are under the weather. It even boasts an impressive 13g of protein per can.

Turkey

Turkey Roast

Even vegetarians can enjoy Thanksgiving “turkey” with Quorn’s meatless substitute: the brand makes its products from mycoprotein, an ingredient it grows from scratch (woah!). Vegans beware: Quorn’s turkey roast does contain egg and milk.

Turkey Burger

Dr. Praeger’s makes a wide variety of mouth-watering veggie burgers, but their “Perfect Turk’y Burger” might be one of the best. Purees of sweet potato, butternut squash puree, and carrots combined with pea protein give this burger a rich flavor, and it boasts 20g of vegan protein and 6g of fiber.

Pork

Sausage

You would never guess that Hilary’s apple maple breakfast sausage isn’t real meat, and if you are looking for links instead of patties, Field Roast may have the widest variety of flavors. Beyond Meat sausage links are perhaps the most easily available, and a fantastic staple for any sausage-based recipe. Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo is a go-to if you are looking for something with a bit of kick.

Pulled Pork

Ready for a twist? One of the most popular substitutes for this barbecue favorite is made by multiple brands from jackfruit, a stringy fruit from the same family as figs that originates in South Asia. Find it in most produce sections next to the tofu and seitan.