the tofoo co

Although there are many ‘faux meats’ on sale in stores these days (some are better than others), the three ‘base products’ from which most are made are still the same: tofu, tempeh and seitan. If you’re a firm carnivore but would be interested in learning more, this post is for you!

All are cholesterol-free and kind to animals (and kind to the planet if grown sustainably). It’s best really to buy soy from Europe, to avoid rainforest destruction, and try to find brands that have packaging that you can recycle at supermarket bag bins, if kerbside does not collect.

Don’t feed these to pets, even if they taste like meat. Before cooking, read up on kitchen safety for people and pets.

What On Earth is Tofu?

Tofoo scrambled

Tofu has been eaten for thousands of years in the Far East. So when doctors tell you it’s not safe, don’t believe them, because Japanese people live a lot longer (and are healthier) than us. However, you may wish to avoid it if you have any hormone issues, simply because some brands are not as good as others. Ask your GP.

Tofu is basically made in the same way as cheese, with curds and whey, then it’s sold (from soy) as firm tofu (chop up to replace chicken in curries) or silken (looks like custard, used for puddings). It doesn’t taste of anything, it simply absorbs the flavours of what you marinate it with:

Saying you don’t like tofu, is like saying you don’t like cake flour (chef Sarah Kramer)

You’ll have to blend it with other things, to make it taste of something. But companies like Tofoo (sold in most stores and made organically in Yorkshire) is changing things up, bringing tofu into the 21st century in England. You’ll find flavoured tofu, plus they make mixes to make ‘scrambled egg’ etc.

Oumph steak vegan sandwich

Oumph! is another good soy brand in stores. It’s Swedish and sources soy from Europe, rather than from South America.

What on Earth is Tempeh?

better nature tempeh

Tempeh is one of the oldest foods on earth. Hold your nose, but it’s kind of a mould, made by fermenting again soy or sometimes grain. The incredible thing is that it really does taste like meat, especially when you buy flavoured versions like Better Nature (Mediterranean or curry).

Just add to your pasta dish, it’s absolutely lovely and very high in protein. And also easy on delicate digestive systems. The brand started when the founders visited Indonesia,  tasted it and were so in love with it, they knew they had to bring it to England. So they did!

What On Earth is Seitan?

Sgaia Lorne sausage

Not for gluten-free peeps, sorry. This is made from wheat, and when it’s marinated and prepared, again it tastes just like meat. You can make it yourself (but it’s complicated). It’s not so common in stores yet, but Sgaia (a Scottish brand founded by two Italian foodies) have it down pat, although it’s expensive.

Sgaia smoky steak

Their ready-made meat boxes for everything from bacon to roasts are astounding, and really quick to cook too. Try and become hooked!

How to Make Tofu (from chickpeas!)

homemade chickpea tofu

This recipe for chickpea tofu (Ela Vegan) is ideal for people who like eating tofu, but don’t want to eat soy.

chickpea silken tofu

This is ‘Burmese tofu’ that is made simply with chickpea flour (high in protein) with water and optional salt and turmeric (to make it yellow). The recipe creator gives instructions to make both firm tofu (for savoury dishes) and silken tofu (above).

More Plant-Based Protein Sources

Chickpeas are one of the main sources of plant-based protein, along with tofu. But there are many more.

  • All tinned beans are good (if using dried, boil kidney beans first to remove a toxin – it’s much easier to buy tinned!)
  • Quinoa is naturally grown in South America, and after rinsing, makes a super-food. You can now buy British quinoa, for local food miles.
  • And of course, nuts and seeds are good. Buy sustainable almonds (not ones from over the pond that can harm bees through growing). And choose palm-oil-free peanut butters.

Nut and seed butters are also choking hazards for young children, not just whole nuts and seeds. 

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