A new study estimated that by 2027 the global meat substitute market would hit $8.82 billion — almost double what it was in 2019. One reason for the increase in demand for meat substitutes may be that many families resolved to eat healthier while at home during the pandemic and that includes eating less meat, the study says.
But how do you know which of the many meat substitutes out there taste the best? And more importantly, are meat substitutes safe for kids?
What are the best meat substitutes?
Are meat substitutes healthy?
So are meat substitues safe to feed to our kids? "Some meat substitutes are made with pea protein or beans, which is great,” Skoda told the Cleveland Clinic. “Others are made with soy protein isolate (a processed form of soy) or wheat gluten. Those are the ones you want to avoid.”
Some packaged meat substitutes also contain high saturated fat and sodium. The best meat substitutes are whole foods, or those made with whole foods; beans, lentils, brown rice, or tofu that is made from whole soybean, Skoda continued. Or jackfruit, which is a fruit that shreds like meat and is used as a meat substitute in dishes like tacos, soup, and stir fries.
When looking at whether meat substitutes are healthy, one should also consider what is being eaten along with the meat substitute. If you're having a meatless burger at a fast food restaurant and include fries and soda with it, the meal won't necessarily make you healthier, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Plus, some meat substitutes can be highly processed.
Whether it's fast food or homemade veggie burers, meat substitutes are here to stay, with more parents and kids choosing to be vegetarian.
Cordova was vegetarian while she was pregnant, and after she had her kids, she informed her pediatrician that she and her husband were raising their boys vegetarian. They just recently started trying meat in Mexican food dishes like menudo.
“They don’t have health issues,” she said. “If anything, they don’t really get sick, they’re pretty healthy. I think it just makes it easier for them to try new food, being vegetarian, because they’re more open to things.”
If you’re thinking of switching out meat with a meat substitute Cordova suggested jumping in head first.
“Just don’t buy any meat and switch to meat alternatives and see if they can even tell the difference,” she said. “It might be the perfect time to try something new.”
