The pros of meat-free alternatives
Navigating Thanksgiving weekend can be tricky for vegetarians and vegans. We’re tired of being berated by distant relatives about how we “need to eat more protein!” and explaining why we don’t support the meat industry as the rest of the dinner guests excitedly carve up the turkey.
If your family and friends aren’t considerate of your diet, your food options probably only consist of salad, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
However, with the rise in vegetarian and vegan diets comes an influx of meat-free alternatives to try.
Many products are available for the adventurous shopper, including:
- Veggie burgers
- Tofu dogs
- Vegan pepperoni
- Tofurky
These products have been hit-or-miss for me. They’re either able to successfully simulate the texture of meat, or are blandly-flavoured tofu disguised in the familiar shape of a hot dog.
For instance, my boyfriend and I once served a vegetarian lasagna to some friends using veggie ground round. It was halfway through the meal when one of our guests stopped short and wondered aloud why we made a beef lasagna when the two of us were vegetarians.Another time, I convinced my family to try some veggie dogs around the campfire. My dad, who is known to be frugal when it comes to food waste, was quickest to spit out his bite.
I have mixed feelings about eating meat-free meat. When I chose to become vegetarian, I chose to give up the taste of meat as well. So why am I buying products that promise to taste just like it?
I believe meat substitutes have merit in some cases.
The pros of fake meat
- Tastes good when prepared well
- Adds substance to meals
- Lends variety to regular vegetarian food
- Can be a surprisingly great meal every once in a while for non-vegetarians
Meat-free alternatives can also be a great help when it comes to the transition to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. However, not all of them taste good, which can be discouraging for those who are just starting out.
When trying fake meat, it’s best to avoid comparing it to actual meat. You’re never actually going to replicate that taste, but if you keep an open mind you might just enjoy a new spin on an old favourite.
Feature photo by Karen K. Tran/The Ontarion