Growing up in the 70s and 80s, as a vegetarian was not easy. My mom’s version of vegetables was mushy-mush and mostly came either from a can or the freezer. Back then, vegetarianism and veganism were not as mainstream, and options for plant-based protein were limited. Recently, I decided to try out some of the new plant-based protein foods available through local outlets. I was pleasantly surprised at how far we’ve come.
First off, the texture of these foods is more realistic. When I was younger, tofu was the main option for plant-based protein, and while it’s still a great source of protein, it’s not the most exciting thing to eat. Nowadays, plant-based protein foods have really upped their game in terms of texture. These foods have a more varied texture profile that is surprisingly realistic. They’re not quite the same as real meat, but they’re definitely closer than anything I remember from my childhood.
Another thing that has improved is the depth of flavors. Plant-based protein foods used to be pretty bland, but now they come in a variety of flavors that are much more interesting. I tried some plant-based burgers that had a smoky flavor that was really delicious. It’s great to see that companies are putting more effort into making their plant-based protein foods taste good.
Finally, what these foods are made of is much more varied than it used to be. When I was young, tofu and soy were the only real options. Now, there are plant-based protein foods made from pea protein, lentils, and even mushrooms. This is great news for people who are looking for variety in their protein sources.
Overall, I was really impressed with how far plant-based protein foods have come since I was young. They’re more realistic, tastier, and made from a wider variety of ingredients. I think this is great news for anyone who is looking to reduce their meat consumption or adopt a plant-based diet. With so many great options available, it’s never been easier to make the switch to plant-based protein.
