Don’t get us wrong, veggie-filled dishes can be flavourful and filling, but when you crave something ‘meaty’ you truly need to opt for some meatless protein-filled dishes that are still, well, meaty. And whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or you’re a meat-eater looking for some healthy alternatives, there are plenty of delicious plant-based protein options available that you can find almost everywhere, from your local grocer to big-box stores. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which ones to try first — so we’ve taken away the guesswork with this handy list. Below we’ve listed some generic products to try, along with some notable brands that sell a range of protein-filled meat-alternative products. And trust us, even the biggest carnivores you know will be impressed with how great these options taste.
See also: Top Plant-Based Restaurants In Vancouver To Check Out
Here’s our list of the best plant-based proteins to try!
Tofu
Easily one of the most common (and well-known) meat substitutes is tofu, a product made from curdled soybeans. You can find it in extra-firm, firm, and soft, while its neutral flavour makes it great for pairing with sauces, grains, and veggies. It can also be baked, grilled, or fried, so the menu options are endless with this one.
Tempeh
Like tofu, tempeh is also made from soybeans, though the difference is tempeh has been fermented and compacted into a firm, dense cake. While tofu tastes more neutral, tempeh is chewy and bears a nutty, earthy taste. Because tempeh is usually made with nuts, seeds, legumes, or whole grains, it’s significantly richer in calories, protein, and fibre. You can also prepare tempeh in a variety of ways, including grilling it in a similar fashion to meat, plus frying, baking, or sautéing it.
Lentils
Lentils serve as a great replacement for ground meat and can be used in pasta sauces, meatballs, and chilis – basically, anywhere you’d normally use ground meat. Any variety of lentils will do and they are super quick to cook.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that can easily be used as a meat substitute. Not only is it extremely nutritious, but you can cook, chunk or shred it like chicken or pork, making it a go-to ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Tofurky
Founded in 1980, Tofurky quickly became famous for its holiday roasts, but it’s known for many other delicious plant-based protein products as well, including deli slices, veggie dogs, tempeh bacon, vegan pizza, and more.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are inexpensive, healthy, filling, and there are so many to choose from: black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, split peas, and black-eyed peas, to name a few. Plus, they are a great way to enjoy a high protein meal, like hearty soups, stews, and chilis, that will taste meaty without having to use any meat.
Beyond Meat
Since Beyond Meat landed in Canada, it’s quickly become a household, restaurant, and fast food staple. The meat alternative encompasses the versatility to elevate every meal with plant-based goodness while offering greater or equal protein levels than their animal counterparts, no cholesterol, less saturated fat, and no antibiotics or hormones. With products ranging from meatballs, sausages, burger patties, beef, and beef crumbles, there’s something for everyone to love.
Gardein
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or poultry, Gardein has you covered. Selling a wide-range of frozen products, including Chik’n, fishless filets, meatless meatballs, and beefless burgers, Gardein makes it easy to create meals that are delicious, nutritious, and filling, without having to use any meat.
The Very Good Butchers
The Very Good Butchers’ minimally-processed, vegan meats are handcrafted in British Columbia with whole-foods you’ve likely got in your kitchen: beans, grains, vegetables, herbs and spices. Products range from ribs, steaks, sausages, burgers, pulled jackfruit, hotdogs, and even smoked salmon, so the dinner options are endless with The Very Good Butchers.
Huvudroll Plant Ball
If you miss IKEA’s iconic meatballs, you’re in luck, as the retailer now carries a meatless option that’s just as delicious. This new plant-based offering from IKEA is made with pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apples and has the same taste and texture as its meaty counterpart, just without the meat. Plus, Ikea’s new plant ball has only 4% of the climate footprint as the traditional meatball, so you can feel even smarter about enjoying this plant-based protein.
