John Myers
There are plenty of substitute products for meat, milk, cheese, or cream. And the alternatives are not only interesting for vegetarians and vegans: Tofu, soy milk & Co. can now be found in various dishes. Our overview shows which products are available for what.
How plants serve as a source of protein and a substitute for gelatin
Meat and dairy products are among the foods that ensure a certain protein intake. Meeting this need is of central importance as part of a balanced diet. Anyone who uses substitute products here quickly realizes that plants often serve as an alternative to a diet low in or free of animal products. This is partly due to the fact that pea proteins, for example, are excellent sources of protein. Legumes are also ideal for filling up the protein and fiber stores without any animal products. Even cakes and desserts can be made without milk and eggs – and if you want to bake without gelatine, plants can also be used as binding agents here: agar-agar, carrageenan, and pectin are used particularly frequently.
But what power is still in plants and how do they function as a valuable source of protein? Read our article about vegetable protein and look forward to exciting knowledge on this topic.
Meat substitutes – from tofu to tempeh
For vegetarians and vegans it is clear: meat is not on the table with these types of nutrition. But even those who focus on a conscious diet and value culinary variety are usually open to an occasional renunciation of meat. The best-known substitute for meat is tofu. The product made from soy milk has become an integral part of our supermarket shelves. Thanks to the right spices and tricks, it becomes a culinary all-rounder that is equally suitable for spicy and sweet dishes. Our tofu recipes show you how the dishes turn out well – and how meat eaters like them too.
But which tofu substitute and which other meat substitute products are there? In addition to seitan, which is made from grain flour, there is meat made from soy and tempeh. The latter looks back on a millennia-old tradition: tempeh is made from soybeans that ferment thanks to a special fungal culture. This high-protein but low-fat
A substitute for meat, it is popular in Asia as a fried snack and is also a great accompaniment to sandwiches or salads.
Does that make you curious for more? You can find more information about tofu and tempeh as well as great tips for making your own meat substitute products in our article “Meatless cuisine”. And if you are basically vegetarian or vegan, we recommend our vegetarian recipes and our versatile vegan dishes.
Milk substitute products: Nutrition without milk, cheese, cream & Co
When it comes to milk substitutes, these are more than vegan alternatives for a diet without animal products. Finally, people with lactose intolerance also avoid milk products. For them, alternative foods without lactose are part of their diet and indispensable for lactose-free recipes.
Soy, almond or oat milk are the best known substitutes for cow’s milk. However, there are other options, such as coconut milk or rice-almond milk. They differ both in taste and in the way they are made. By the way: We have summarized more about all plant-based products as an alternative to cow’s milk as well as tips on possible uses under milk substitutes.
No mozzarella on the pizza, no supper with cream cheese, no spaghetti carbonara – how can you manage a menu without cheese and cream? Quite simply: With a suitable cheese substitute made from high-quality ingredients. Soy, nuts or yeast flakes serve as an alternative and ensure tasty dishes. Make your own cream substitute and use it correctly? That works too. We give you suggestions. The rule here is: try it out and be amazed!
Extra tip: If you are vegan, we recommend our expert knowledge on the subject of nutrition without animal products.
