What is a Meat Replacement?

Meat replacements are products that mimic the taste and texture of meat. The most common plant-based ingredients used to create these products are soya protein, pea protein, mushrooms, legumes and other vegetables.

You might be wondering why vegans are interested in eating food that tastes like meat. There are so many reasons for choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and it is more than often not because the individual doesn’t like the taste of meat. A lot of people do enjoy the taste of meat and would like to savour it without the added ethical, health and environmental concerns.

Rapidly expanding range of meat replacements

Most of the product you see below were not around a decade ago. Choosing to follow a plant-based diet is more accessable than it has ever been in South Africa. Grabbing a plant-based patty or sausage on your way to a braai is now possible for most of us, and that is something worth celebrating!

Meat replacements are a great way to introduce your family and omnivorous friends to convenient plant-based food options. There are still many individuals who like to argue with vegans – but once they get a taste of these mind-blowing products, they’re likely to change their mind.

The South African Plant-based Food Community

We decided on our favourite products before reaching out to the following brands to ask them if they would like to support and participate in our Meatless May campaign. They showed incredible generosity by donating products that we are able to deliver into the hands of more people to taste plant-based food. We love working with the humble individuals behind these products that are working hard to create a world where everybody can choose healthy and delicious food that is good for all humans, animals and the planet.

A massive thank you to The Fry Family Food Co., On The Greenside, Herbivore, HERBI VŌHR, Urban Vegan, Naked Leaf, Veggiewors, Earthshine and Vegan Butcherie.

Keep an eye on our Instagram to win a taste of these delicious products below.

Fish-Style Fillets by The Fry Family Food Co.

Prawn-Style Pieces by The Fry Family Food Co.

Smoked Carrot Salmon by Herbiraw

Vegan Calamari by Dear Vegan SA

Veggie Burgers by McCain

Spinach Sweetcorn & Butterbean Burger by Woolworths

Mushroom & Lentil Burger by Naked Leaf

Traditional Sausage by Veggiewors

Plant-Based Meatballs by The Fry Family Food Co.

Flame Grilled Burger Bites by Urban Vegan

Meat Free Sausage Rolls by The Fry Family Food Co.

Beef Kebabs by Vegan Butcherie

Vegan Spicy Beef by Vegan Butcherie

BBQ Vegan Spare Ribs by Urban Vegan

Meat Free Thick Cut Chunky Strips by The Fry Family Food Co.

Tender Flame Grilled Fillets by On The Greenside

Chicken Kebabs by Vegan Butcherie

Plant Powered Protein Stir Fry Strips by Woolworths

Golden Crumb Schnitzels by The Fry Family Food Co.

Chicken Drumsticks by Vegan Butcherie

Plant Powered Protein Nuggets by Woolworths

Beyond Burger Plant-based Patties by Beyond Meat

Plant-based Burger Patties by Herbivore

The Big Fry Burger by The Fry Family Food Co.

Prime Burger Patties by Urban Vegan

Quarter Pounder Burger by Linda McCartney

Chicken-Style Burger by The Fry Family Food Co

Beyond Mince by Beyond Meat

Plant-based Mince by Herbivore

Plant-based Mince by Denny’s

Plant Powered Protein Savoury Mince by Woolworths

Beyond Sausage by Beyond Meat

Chorizo by Herbivore

Meat Free Mini Chipolatas by The Fry Family Food Co

Plant-based Herbiwors by Herbivore

Red Pepper Sausages by Linda McCartney

Original Hotdogs by The Fry Family Food Co

Country Style Boerewors by Urban Vegan

The Big Fry Boerie by The Fry Family Food Co

Vegan Biltong by HERBI VŌHR

Vegan Veggie Biltong by Earthshine

Chilli Oyster Mushroom Biltong by Culture Mushrooms

Mushroom Biltong by Woolworths

Mushroom Biltong by Herbivore

Pastrami by HERBI VŌHR

Turkey Deli by HERBI VŌHR

Cold Cut Sandwich Slices by Gudness

Vegan Pastrami by Vegan Butcherie