Meat Substitutes

There are quite a few options when it comes to meat substitutes. Some are better than others and some should be avoided at all costs! Here are some of my favorites and where to get them in Lincoln.

Any product by Gardein is approved!

Gardein makes a variety of products. I always use the Beefless Ground in spaghetti sauces, tacos and chili. Most omnivores can't tell the difference. Gardein has everything from Chick'n Scallopini to Meatballs to Crab Cakes and Fish Fillets. They are all really good as long as you cook them according to their instructions. Gardein products are also used as meat subs in all Wynn restaurants in Vegas. (Did you know all Las Vegas restaurants owned by Wynn have vegan menus? Just ask!) Anyway, you can get Gardein products in Lincoln at HyVee, Whole Foods and SuperSaver BUT the cheapest place to get this brand is Target.

Lightlife for pork substitutes... bacon, hot dogs, and pepperoni.

Lightlife also has a variety of meat substitute products but I typically only get this brand for subbing pork products (except sausage - see notes on sausage subs below). Smart Dogs, Smart Bacon and Smart Deli pepperoni are all pretty good. The Smart Bacon is awesome for a BLT sub and the pepperoni is great on pizza. You can get these products at HyVee, Whole Foods, Target and some items like the Smart Dogs you can get at Trader Joe's. Target and Trader's are usually cheapest, however, Whole Foods have them on sale often and with an Amazon Prime membership they are even cheaper.

Uptons Naturals for Sausage Substitutes

There are a few different kinds of Seitan flavors but Upton's is what I use for sausage in recipes. Italian for lasagna etc. and chorizo flavor for breakfast tofu scrambles or in vegan quiche. Super easy to fix. These can be found at HyVee, Target, and Whole Foods. I think they are cheapest at Whole Foods - especially as a Prime member.