Top 10 Vegetarian Meat Substitutes

As a vegetarian I have tried almost every product on the market to replicate meat in my dishes. I enjoy creating dishes that are similar to their original meat-containing counterparts especially since my husband is not a vegetarian.

There are many products that taste bad, have a bad texture, or simply do not hold up in recipes. This list contains ten of the best products out there that I use in my household on a weekly basis.

1. Quorn imitation poultry products. Quorn is by far the best meat substitute around. Their "poultry" products include nuggets, cutlets, a roast and more. The key to Quorn's beneficial protein is that it is not made from soy, which is excellent. Too much soy can be bad for you, so this alternative is perfect. Made from mycoprotein, Quorn is basically a man made fungus that resembles dough during the creation process. It is highly nutritious and can be used as a chicken substitute in any dish. Whether you are trying to limit your soy intake or not, Quorn is definitely the best meat substitute around.

2. Lightlife Gimme Lean Vegetarian Ground Sausage. This product is made from textured soy protein and the taste and smell of sausage. It comes in a tube and is almost always found in the produce section of the supermarket, near the tofu. I always prepare it the same way before adding it to my dishes; I brown it in a frying pan using extra virgin olive oil. These adds to the sausage-like texture and keeps the product together if you are adding it to a wet dish such as a sauce or stuffing. I am always finding new ways to use this product and always have one in my fridge!

3. Amy's Chili. Amy's brand makes a lot of delicious vegetarian foods, but her chili is top notch. It comes in a variety of flavors, all containing the TVP. I especially enjoy the black bean and use it to make nachos. It's a quick meak that is so like the real thing meat-eaters won't notice the difference. Amy's chili comes in a can and is found in the organic section or canned chili section of your supermarket.