6 Delicious Plant-Based Alternatives to Popular Foods
Plant-based foods have become more popular as people strive to eat healthier. You certainly don’t have to become a strict vegetarian or vegan to eat these options. There are plenty of great recipes that don’t involve meat or meat byproducts worth a try.
Whether you want to make changes for your health, need alternatives because you’ve recently become vegetarian or are just looking to expand your food choices, you’ve come to the right place. Here are six delicious plant-based alternatives to popular foods.
1. Vegan Cheese
Many people choose to be vegetarian instead of vegan because it’s so challenging to give up dairy. However, there are some amazing vegan alternatives, so you can still eat macaroni and cheese, lasagna, cheesecake and any other dish where cheese is involved.
Nutritional yeast is a great alternative to Parmesan and other grated cheeses. Brands like Daiya and Violife have made slices, shreds and blocks. They all have that cheesy, melted pull when you make grilled cheese, too.
2. Nut or Oat Milk
Alternatives to cow’s milk have been around for years. There is a seemingly endless list of plant-based milk. Nondairy has become extremely popular among consumers everywhere.
Nut milk made with almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia and hazelnuts, and milk made from oats is the most popular. However, if you are allergic to nuts or have a gluten intolerance, you can still get plant-based milk from bananas, flax, rice, soy or coconut. That means you can still eat ice cream and cereal.
3. Mushrooms
One of the greatest meat substitutes for a plant-based diet is the mushroom. There are so many varieties, meaning you won’t get bored with the same thing. Portobello mushrooms are most commonly substituted for meats, as they can be transformed into burgers or sliced thin for sandwiches.
Add mushrooms to your favourite pasta dishes for a hearty entree. They are full of B vitamins, niacin and riboflavin, giving you more than just a meat alternative.
4. Avocado
When eating plant-based foods, you need something that will still give you your daily healthy fat intake. Avocado is one of the best options when you need to add some fat. The fruit doesn’t contain as much fat as butter, and it’s much healthier.
Avocado has no cholesterol, contains fewer calories than oils and butter, and you can use it as a one-to-one ratio in all your baked goods. It’ll give your cakes and muffins a super-rich and moist texture.
5. Maple Syrup or Agave
Many people choose honey as an alternative to sugar. However, honey isn’t vegan. Honeybees work hard to make honey, meaning it’s an animal byproduct. Fortunately, you can still get your sweet fix from plant-based alternatives.
Other sweeteners that work just as well include maple syrup, agave, pure stevia, brown sugar and coconut sugar. Be sure to watch out for honey that hides in some prepackaged products like oats and cereals, though.
6. Jackfruit
Jackfruit has become one of the most widely used alternatives to meat products. It’s super versatile and relatively inexpensive. It has a shredded texture, which is why many vegetarians use it as a replacement for pulled pork, shredded chicken or in a stir-fry.
The fruit has been popular in Asia for decades and recently made its way to the United States. You can often find it in cans, but if you get your hands on a fresh one, you’ll have meals for a week.
Which Alternatives Will You Try?
All of these plant-based alternatives are delicious and healthy. Give them a try, and who knows? You might never miss meat or dairy again.
This is a collaborative post
