Best Vegan Food Alternatives UK | Vegan Food Substitutes | Vegan Food Alternatives to Dairy | Best Vegan Food Alternatives to Meat |
Best Vegan Food Alternatives To Dairy, Eggs and Meat
The popularity of veganism is on the rise, and with it, the demand for vegan food alternatives. Supermarkets and online stores now offer a wide variety of plant-based products. These vegan food alternatives, mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional value of animal products. This is great news for those looking to transition to a vegan diet. It’s now become much more simple to incorporate more plant-based options into meals. Are you wanting to try and combine vegan and keto? Read our keto for vegan guide here.
When it comes to dairy products, you might be wondering, what do vegans eat? Well, there are plenty of vegan food alternatives to choose from.
Popular Vegan Alternatives to Dairy
Vegan Food Alternatives to Milk
When it comes to dairy products, there are plenty of vegan food alternatives to choose from. One of the most common substitutes for cow’s milk is soy milk. It’s made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate and is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Soy milk is also available in many flavours, including vanilla and chocolate.
Almond milk is another popular vegan alternative to dairy milk. Made from ground almonds and water, it is low in calories and a good source of vitamin E. Other plant-based milk alternatives include oat, rice, coconut, and hemp milk. Each type of plant-based milk has its unique taste and nutritional profile. So it’s worth trying a few different options to find the one that suits your taste. You can find some of the Best Vegan Milk Brands to try for Coffee, Tea and Cereal here.
Vegan Food Alternatives to Butter
There are several vegan food alternatives for dairy, that can replace butter for those who enjoy it. Coconut oil, with a similar texture to butter, can be used in cooking and baking. Vegan margarine, a plant-based spread, is another substitute that several brands offer without animal products.
Plant-based options like olive oil and avocado oil can also provide a similar flavour and texture to dairy-based butter. These alternatives can be used in various recipes, including sautéing vegetables and baking cookies.
Vegan Food Alternatives to Eggs
You can now find several vegan food substitutes for eggs that you can use in your cooking and baking adventures. By mixing flaxseed or chia seeds with water, you can create a gel-like texture that serves as a common binding agent substitute for eggs in baked goods. Another alternative is silken tofu, which can be blended to achieve a creamy texture and can replace eggs in dishes like quiches and frittatas. Moreover, if you’re a fan of scrambled eggs, there are vegan egg substitutes available, such as Just Egg and Vegg, that offer a similar taste and texture to traditional eggs while remaining cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.
Vegan Food Alternatives to Cream
Many vegan cream alternatives await your selection. Coconut cream proves ideal for introducing a creamy texture to dishes like curries and soups. Numerous brands offer plant-based whipping cream that serves as a delightful topping for desserts or a baking ingredient.
For a homemade option, blend soaked cashews with water and lemon juice to create cashew cream. This versatile ingredient suits a variety of recipes, including pasta sauces, dips, and salad dressings.
To achieve a creamy consistency in soups and sauces, consider using plant-based milk like soy, almond, or coconut milk. Blend your preferred milk alternative with desired spices and seasonings to craft a healthy and delectable cream substitute.
Vegan Food Alternatives to Yoghurt
Coconut yoghurt has become a popular vegan substitute for dairy-based yoghurt. Manufacturers make it by combining coconut milk with probiotics to create a tangy flavour similar to regular yoghurt. You can purchase coconut yoghurt in various flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, and blueberry.
If you’re not a fan of coconut yoghurt, there are plenty of other plant-based alternatives available, including almond, soy, and cashew yoghurt. These are widely available in health food stores and online.
Meat and Fish Alternatives
Many individuals consider meat an essential part of their diet. However, now we have vegan food alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of animal-based meat products. Popular options include soy-based products like tempeh and tofu, as well as seitan and plant-based burgers made from pea protein or soy.
Moreover, specific companies specialise in creating meat substitutes that closely resemble the real thing in both appearance and taste. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are prime examples of companies that cater to meat-eaters with their plant-based meat alternatives.
While finding fish substitutes can be challenging, several vegan options exist. Jackfruit offers a similar texture to fish and works well in recipes such as fish tacos and fish and chips. Tofu is another alternative that, when marinated and grilled, can mimic the texture of grilled fish. Additionally, seaweed can contribute a seafood flavour to dishes like sushi and seafood stews.
Which vegan food alternatives and substitutes to use?
Jackfruit
Vegans have the option of using jackfruit as a delicious and nutritious food substitute. Its meaty texture lends itself well to replacing meat in dishes like tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, and curries.
To prepare jackfruit, you can purchase canned young jackfruit packed in brine or water. This unripe canned jackfruit has a neutral taste, making it an ideal base for savoury dishes. To use jackfruit as a meat substitute, simply drain and rinse it before cooking it with spices and other ingredients.
Furthermore, jackfruit serves as a substitute for seafood in dishes such as fish tacos and seafood stews. By adding seaweed and other seasonings, you can create a delightful and satisfying seafood flavour. Additionally, jackfruit is a rich source of fibre, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a healthy and nutritious addition to any diet.
Tofu
Tofu, a versatile and nutritious vegan food, offers an alternative to meat and dairy products. It originates from soybeans, which undergo soaking, grinding, and boiling. Coagulation follows, resulting in curds. Manufacturers press these curds to eliminate excess water, resulting in tofu blocks that can be crumbled, sliced, or diced.
Thanks to its smooth texture and neutral flavour, tofu serves as an excellent base for various dishes. It can be marinated and grilled to acquire a meat-like texture, used as a cheese substitute in dishes like pizza and lasagna, or blended for creamy dressings and dips.
Tofu serves as a good protein source, providing all the essential amino acids the body needs. Additionally, it is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Furthermore, tofu boasts high levels of calcium and iron, crucial minerals for bone health and red blood cell formation.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba, a versatile vegan food alternative, finds use in a variety of dishes. It refers to the viscous liquid left over after cooking chickpeas and can replace egg whites in recipes like meringues, macarons, and mousses.
To utilize aquafaba, drain and save the liquid from a can of chickpeas or cook chickpeas and retain the liquid. Whip the liquid using a hand or stand mixer to create a foam resembling whipped egg whites. Aquafaba also acts as a binder in vegan baking and cooking, such as in vegan mayonnaise or veggie burgers.
Aquafaba boasts low calories and fat content, making it a healthy addition to any vegan diet. It serves as a good source of protein and fibre, containing essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. With its versatility and health benefits, aquafaba proves an excellent vegan food alternative to enhance your cooking repertoire.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a popular vegan food alternative that can be used as a meat substitute. It’s made from fermented soybeans that have been bound into a firm patty, giving it a meaty texture and a slightly nutty flavour.
To use tempeh in recipes, you slice or crumble it and cook it with spices and other ingredients. It can be grilled, sautéed, or baked, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. It’s often used as a substitute for meat in dishes like stir-fries, tacos, and sandwiches.
Tempeh is also a good source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids that the body needs. It’s also high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
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