Today we’re talking about Plant-Based Meat Replacements for the Plant-Based Whole30 Program. Whole30 developed a Plant-Based program to provide an opportunity for vegetarians and vegans to participate in a Whole30 program. An important element for any healthy eating plan is to provide adequate sources of protein. For non-vegetarians, a lot of protein can come from animal sources such as poultry, beef, pork, eggs, dairy, etc. Nowadays there are more and more delicious and nutritious options of meat-like foods that are made from plant-based sources instead of animal.
What is Plant-Based Meat?
Plant-Based meat means “meat” replacements made from plant-based ingredients made to look and taste similar to animal-based meat products.
Plant-based “meat” products have skyrocketed recently due to the popularity of plant-based diets. New products hit the market frequently to appeal to those who are eating less meat, plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan diets. However, not all plant-based meat alternatives are considered healthy and those that are compliant with the Plant-Based Whole30 program must meet their high standards of quality ingredients.
What to look for when buying Plant-Based Meats?
Look for brands that are Whole30 approved. Unlike other plant-based Whole30 products like beans and legumes or tofu that can be just compliant, the ONLY plant-based meat replacements that are compliant for your plant-based Whole30 are Whole30 Approved.
In case new brands come out that we haven’t vetted yet, we’ll tell you what to look for. Look for brands that are compliant by including ingredients that are allowed on the program such as: nuts & seeds, legumes, hemp & pea protein and minimally processed forms of soy.
Is Plant-Based Meat healthy?
Honestly, we don’t think so! There are tons of plant-based meat replacements that contain a ton of junk! They’re also substantially less nutrient-dense than their meat counterparts.
What to Avoid when buying Plant-Based Meats:
Avoid brands that contain any animal products, as well as ingredients excluded from the program like: grains, eggs, dairy, additives, sugar, and highly processed forms of soy.
According to the Plant-Based Whole30 website, the following plant-based meat replacement brands are NOT compliant with their program:
- Impossible Foods: Many products contain soy protein isolate/concentrate and added sugar
- Beyond Meat: Most products contain rice protein or flour, some contain gluten
- Boca: Many products contain gluten, soy protein isolate/concentrate
- Morningstar Farms: Many products contain gluten, soy protein isolate/concentrate
- Gardein: Many products contain gluten, soy protein isolate/concentrate
- JADA: Many products contain gluten
- Loma Linda: Many products contain textured soy protein
- Daring: Their “chicken” is based on soy protein concentrate
- Quorn: Many products contain gluten and added sugar, some of their non-vegan products include eggs, read your labels
- Just Egg: Contains added sugar and tapioca syrup
Plant-Based Whole30 Approved Brands:
Abbot’s Butcher
Plant-Based Ground “Beef”
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Pea Protein, Tomato Paste, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Porcini Mushroom, Sea Salt, Onion Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Mustard Seed, Vinegar, Ginger Root, Coriander, Thyme
Plant-Based “Chorizo”
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Pea Protein, Tomato Paste, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Onion Powder, Chili Powder (Chili Pepper, Cumin Salt, Oregano, Garlic, Coriander), Spanish Smoked Paprika, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Vinegar, Black Pepper, Oregano, Chipotle Peppers
Plant-Based Chopped Chick’N
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Pea Protein, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vinegar, Sea Salt, Onion Powder, Nutritional Yeast, Garlic Powder, Turmeric, Sage, Celery Seed, Thyme, Marjoram, Mace, White Pepper
Click the Where to Buy link on the website for a retailer near you.
Big Mountain
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble 
Ingredients: Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Portobello Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom, Pea Protein, Split Peas, Carrot, Hemp Seeds, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Smoked Paprika, Sea Salt, Tomato Paste, Spices, Natural Flavor
Cauli Crumble Veggie Grounds
Ingredients: Canadian Yellow Split Peas, Cauliflower, Red Pepper, Sunflower Seeds, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Onion, Salt, Garlic, Tomato Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Natural Flavor (Liquid Smoke for Flavor)
Use the Store Locator on the website for a retailer near you.
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