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Over the past decade, the popularity of plant-based diets has skyrocketed. More and more people are choosing to cut back on meat or eliminate it entirely from their diets for a variety of reasons, including health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare.

In fact, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Vegetarian Resource Group, about 5% of Americans identify as vegetarian, and 3% identify as vegan. That may seem like a small percentage, but it represents a significant increase from just a few years ago.

One of the biggest challenges for people transitioning to a plant-based diet is finding satisfying meat alternatives. Fortunately, grocery stores have been keeping up with the trend, and there are now more options than ever before. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular meat alternatives and how to find them at your local grocery store.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a soy-based meat alternative that is growing in popularity. Unlike tofu, which is made from soy milk, tempeh is made by fermenting cook soybeans. It has a nutty flavor and firm texture that works well in sandwiches, stir-fries, and salads.

Tempeh can usually be found in the refrigerated section near the tofu.

Seitan

Seitan, also known as wheat meat or wheat gluten, is a meat alternative made from wheat protein. It has a chewy texture and can flavor to mimic the taste of chicken, beef, or pork. Seitan is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy meat substitute.

Seitan is often sold in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, usually near the tofu and tempeh. It may also found in the health food section.

Plant-based Burgers

Plant-based burgers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods leading the way. Moreover, these burgers are made from a blend of plant proteins and are designed to look, taste, and cook like beef burgers.

Plant-based burgers can typically be found in the frozen section of the grocery store, near the meat substitutes.

Tofu

Tofu is a staple of many plant-based diets, and for good reason. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy and versatile meat substitute. In addition, Tofu can grill, fried, baked, or even blended into smoothies or used in desserts.

When looking for tofu at the grocery store, you’ll typically find it in the refrigerator near the produce. It comes in various forms. Including silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm. The firmer the tofu, the more it will hold its shape during cooking.

Other Meat Alternatives

In addition to the above options, there are many other meat alternatives available at the grocery store. Some of these include:

• Lentils and beans: These are high in protein and can use as a substitute for ground meat in cook dishes like chili and tacos. They may be found in the dry goods section of the grocery retail store.
• Veggie burgers: These are commonly made from a huge blend of vegetables, grains, and legumes and might be found in the frozen section.
• Nutritional yeast: This is yeast that has a nutty, cheesy, and yummy flavor. It can use as a topping for popcorn or in cooking recipes that call for cheese.
• Jackfruit: This fruit has a meaty texture and can use as a substitute for pork or shred chicken. It’s usually found in the canned fruit section of the grocery store.

Tips For Finding Meat Alternatives At The Grocery Store

With so many options available, it can overwhelming to know where to start when looking for meat alternatives at the grocery store.

In addition, here are a few tips to help you navigate the aisles:

• Look For New Products: Grocery stores are always introducing new products, so keep an eye out for new meat alternatives on the shelves. Moreover, you may discover a new favorite product!
• Try Different Brands: Not all meat alternatives are created equal, so it’s worth trying different brands to find the ones you like best. Some popular brands include Beyond Meat, Gardein, and Tofurky.
• Check The Labels: When looking for meat alternatives, it’s important to read the labels to understand the ingredients and nutritional information. In addition, look for options that are high in protein and low in saturated fat and sodium.
• Explore Different Sections: Meat alternatives may be found in a variety of sections in the grocery store, including the refrigerated section, frozen section, health food section, and even the canned goods section.
• Experiment With Recipes: Once you’ve found some meat alternatives that you enjoy, try experimenting with different recipes to find new ones.

The rise of plant-based diets shows no signs of slowing down, and with so many meat alternatives now available at the grocery store, it’s easier than ever to transition to a more plant-based diet. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to reduce your meat consumption. There are plenty of delicious and satisfying options to choose from.

With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll find that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and delicious as their meat-based counterparts.