Top 10 Best Meat Alternatives in the Philippines 2021 (Swift, San Miguel Foods, and More)

Meat alternatives must taste as close to regular meat while offering more nutritional value. If you are not familiar with what to look for in meat alternatives, here are some pointers to help you determine the best product for you. 

Meat substitutes are sourced from vegetation, wild forests, and milk-producing animals. Let's take time to know them more, so you can start thinking of delectable dishes you can make out of them.

Dairy products like cheese can be a meat substitute. A great example of dairy-based meat is the sausage from Wales called Glamorgan sausage. Welsh people make them from the combination of cheese, leak, and breadcrumbs. 

In our local version, the closest that we have now are the cheese sticks to replace the classic meat-based lumpiang shanghai during parties. However, cheese sticks are better eaten as merienda and are not paired with rice. Go for the dairy-based meat substitute if you are allowed to eat animal products such as milk. 

Mushrooms can imitate cooked meat very well. A mushroom called chicken-of-the-wood has the texture and taste that are comparable to chicken. We also have mushroom chicharon that you can munch on in-between mealtime.

Mushrooms are a great meat substitute not only because of their taste but also for their nutritional value. They can provide you with protein to develop your muscles. Get a mushroom-based meat alternative if you want to experience the taste and texture of meat as close as possible.

Another fantastic fungi alternative are the wild truffles. They have this nutty aroma and meaty flavor. However, the best ones are out in the forests- hence, very rare. Good thing, some manufacturers are trying to culture truffles; others use its extract and mix it with mushrooms or other meat substitutes for flavor.

Jackfruits and grapefruits are some of the popular fruit-based meat alternatives on the market. Also included in this category are eggplants, which are considered as a fruit, contrary to a popular belief that it is a vegetable. 

Fruits are very nutritious and contain many healthy components such as dietary fibers for better digestion. This meat alternative also helps flush out bad cholesterol. 

A Moroccan dish called bistec de toronja or grapefruit steak is a dish using the peal and frying it with batter. Locally, we have our well-loved tortang talong, which is very tasty even without ground meat. There are plenty of available fruit-based meat alternatives out there, and make sure to check them out.

Tofu and soy are popular meat substitutes in the Asian region. They are the most common meat-alternatives as they act as a blank slate for you to add flavors and spices. For example, as an alternative to pork, sizzling spicy tofu sisig is a favorite among Filipinos, whether as a main dish or as pulutan.

Add some barbecue marinade to your tofu and sauté them in the pan, then add some veggies for color for a quick and easy meal. They are widely available in groceries and online stores, moreover, they are affordable and delicious. If you are new to following dietary restrictions, check out this legume-based meat.

Dietary restrictions are often applied out of religious practices, health reasons, or merely a personal choice. So make sure that you carefully go over the ingredients list of the product - whether by checking the product description or the packaging itself. You can also ask the seller if the ingredients are not shown on the website.

Some religious practices apply specific guidelines when it comes to food choices. The most common of which is removing pork from their diet. As an alternative, Muslims opt for Halal-certified food products, while the Jewish have Kosher-compliant meat substitutes. Meanwhile, most devout Roman Catholics abstain from eating meats during the Lenten season.

As a general rule, dairy and other animal products like milk and eggs are allowed in a vegetarian diet but not in a vegan diet. However, you must also take note that some products may contain allergens too! Allergies in plant-based foods like tofu are rare but still can cause swelling and difficulty in breathing. 

Animal milk is a no-no for the lactose-intolerant as it can cause an upset stomach and nausea. To be safe, always make sure to consult a doctor before consuming such products to prevent complications.

Prevention is always better than cure. Eating anything beyond the expiry date is risky because spoiled foods can cause harm. When purchasing, always ask the seller about the expiration date. You should have enough time allowance, taking into consideration the gap between the shipping and delivery period.

Meanwhile, the product's net weight determines the number of servings the meat alternatives can produce. You have to consider the number and appetite of your family or guests. It is also wise to buy in bundles to make them more cost-efficient, especially with the shipping fee.

Most online stores post the expiration date and the net weight. If not, ask them first via direct message and wait for their reply. Cliche as it may sound, but safety is better than sorry.

Lastly, some meat substitutes are already pre-marinated and seasoned, so all you need to do is fry, bake or reheat them. Such variants include breakfast staples such as tapa, tocino, nuggets, and sausage. On the other hand, you can also enjoy meatless versions of your favorite main dishes such as adobo, sinigang, menudo, and embutido, as well as snacks like siopao and burgers.

Wear your aprons and prepare your kitchen as we lay down ten of the best meat alternatives available online. Bring out your family heirloom meat-based recipes too as we try to replace the meats with any of the substitutes mentioned below. 

Due to busy schedules, many have turned to pre-made meals to save time. However, it is best to prepare a healthy meal at home to have full control over the ingredients. There are many simple ways to make healthier versions of your favorite store-bought food. Here's a recipe from Tasty on how to prepare mushroom and oat "meatballs".

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
• 24 oz mushrooms, chopped
  
• 1 whole white onion, finely chopped
  
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  
• 1 cup of whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  
• 1/2 cup of quick oats
  
• 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped
  
• 2 tbsp of vegetarian parmesan cheese
  
• 1/2 tsp of oregano, chopped
  
• 1/2 tsp of rosemary
  
• 1/2 tsp of thyme
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  
• 2 whole eggs
  
• Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  

1. Add olive oil to your hot pan
2. Then add your mushrooms to get rid of excess moisture
3. When the mushrooms have turned into a rich brown color, add your finely chopped onions and mix them thoroughly
4. Once the onions become translucent, add your chopped garlic
5. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and add your breadcrumbs, quick oats, parsley, vegetarian parmesan cheese, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper
6. You can also add some cayenne- this is optional
7. Add the eggs and mix them until thoroughly combined
8. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight
9. Preheat your oven at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C
10. Form the mixture into the shape of a meatball, approximately the size of a ping pong ball
11. Put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper
12. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway while baking
13. When done, you can add them to any dishes such as spaghetti

Did you know that exercising only contributes 20% to our overall physical fitness and health? The remaining 80% is based on our dietary food plan- so it is important to watch what we eat. We would like to help you pick healthier food options through our other articles to achieve your 2021 health and fitness goal. Check out the links below.

All of us want to have a healthy, happy, and long life. Of course, proper exercise and the right diet are the best way to do it. If you're considering removing meat from your meal plan- meat alternatives are a great solution. They can satisfy your craving for something meaty and hearty without the guilt of consuming actual animal meat. 

Choosing a meat alternative can be confusing at first, but we hope this article has given you an idea of how to select a meat alternative according to your taste and diet restrictions. Don't forget to like and follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates. Enjoy your meal!

Author: Roel Pillas Malubay