Unboxed: 7 meat-free proteins for vegans to celebrate summer
Summer: Time to fire up the grill and dine outside. But what can plant-based eaters enjoy? These seven alternative proteins will please every vegan's palate.
Lemon & Herb Burger AKUA's Lemon & Herb Kelp Burger is made from regenerative ocean-farmed kelp, mushrooms and superfoods. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this 100% plant-based burger offers a comforting and hearty flavor that celebrates the natural umami taste of kelp without trying to mimic meat. By choosing AKUA, consumers not only embrace a delicious and nutritious option, but actively contribute to the climate and food revolution, supporting the growth of the sustainable seaweed economy and reduce their carbon footprint. Also, check out the original flavor, which was a NEXTY Awards finalist at this year's Expo West.
Fava Feta Style This gourmet, high-protein and versatile dairy-free cheese alternative is made from 100% Canadian fava beans, providing a clean-label, common allergen-free option for cheese lovers. This marinated block of cheese is perfect for grilled feta and provides 33 grams of protein per pack. Big Mountain Foods' commitment to sustainability shines through in sourcing the main ingredient, fava beans, from a local, women-owned farm. At the same time, the production process generates a nutrient-dense by-product that is upcycled into other products. No wonder it was a NEXTY Award Finalist last spring.
Teriyaki Plant Chicken Pieces These plant-based, teriyaki-infused chicken bites provide the perfect balance of texture and tenderness, with minimal ingredients. While it's gluten free and low fat, the texture remarkably mirrors the real thing, with only 130 calories and 13 grams of protein in each serving. The brand has already made an incredible impact by selling nearly 1.8 million pounds of plant chicken in 2022, representing more than 500,000 chickens that weren't slaughtered. Daring claims that sustainable impact is equivalent to removing 575,000 cars from the road, saving 4.4 million showers' worth of water or 1,200 football fields' worth of land.
Mushroom Root Protein—Classic Cutlets This innovative alternative protein is made with 98% complete-protein mushroom root and a minimal ingredient list using a modernized version of ancient and natural processes. With its sustainable production and satisfying taste and texture, the Meati Classic Cutlet allows consumers to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising flavor or nutrition. Be sure also to check out Meati’s 2023 Expo West NEXTY Award-winning Classic Steak.
Plantspired Plant-based Steak—Korean BBQ Flavor A convenient and delicious option for health-conscious consumers, Nasoya’s Korean BBQ Plant-based Steak is made with just four core ingredients, including high-quality textured soy protein, water, oil and the sauce. This pre-marinated and charcoal-grilled steak offers a meat-like texture and authentic Asian flavors. With 14 grams of plant-based protein per serving, it's a sustainable choice that doesn't compromise on taste or sustenance.
Truffle Mushroom Burger Big Mountain Foods combines Italian truffle oil, a trio of mushrooms (lion’s mane, shiitake and porcini), okara,and its main ingredient—upcycled soy-free tofu—to deliver an unforgettable umami flavor. Big Mountain Foods also aims to make all of its products free from common allergens. Winecrush, a by-product of wine production, is a notable upcycled ingredient in this burger, adding color and enhancing flavor.
Plant-based Crab-style Cakes A plant-based and sustainable alternative to traditional crab cakes, Omnifoods uses a blend of plant-based proteins from non-GMO soy and wheat to create vegan crab cakes that are high in protein and mimic the taste and texture of real crab meat. Free from heavy metals, microplastics and harmful additives, OMNI Crab Cakes provide a nutritious and delicious option for seafood lovers while promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Plant-based Crab-style Cakes A plant-based and sustainable alternative to traditional crab cakes, Omnifoods uses a blend of plant-based proteins from non-GMO soy and wheat to create vegan crab cakes that are high in protein and mimic the taste and texture of real crab meat. Free from heavy metals, microplastics and harmful additives, OMNI Crab Cakes provide a nutritious and delicious option for seafood lovers while promoting a healthier ecosystem.
While grilling has traditionally been synonymous with meat-heavy menus, the growing popularity of plant-based diets has paved the way for an exciting realm of vegan grilling. Gone are the days when vegans were limited to side salads while their carnivorous counterparts relished in the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
Recent research by MIDDS confirms that the plant-based food market continues to thrive, driven by the growing demand from health-conscious Gen Z consumers. This socially conscious and digitally savvy generation is motivated by concerns about their own health as well as commitments to animal welfare and the environment. Following a vegan or mostly plant-based diet offers an opportunity to combat rising obesity rates and chronic health conditions while promoting sustainable food choices.
Among the vegan Gen Z population, 70% say they are committed to maintain their meat-free diets and animal-products-free lifestyles. Undoubtedly, the primary obstacle vegans face is that 37% experience cravings for non-vegan foods. Conversely, among non-vegans, more than half admit their strongest barrier to embracing veganism is their desire for meat.
As vegan food and beverage options become more sophisticated, they are more likely to satisfy consumers who are hestitant to give up meat's sustenance and flavor. The burgeoning market for meat substitutes, valued at over $10 billion, is revolutionizing the vegan BBQ experience. Plant-based options are finding space on the grill, so take a look at these seven main dishes your shoppers will love.
New Hope Network's editors discovered these products because they were nominated for NEXTY Awards. Nominations for the 2023 Expo East NEXTY Awards are open until June 30. Learn more about the awards here, and nominate your products to introduce them to our team.
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