Over the years, the vegan diet and products have taken the whole world by storm. Gradually, people started diverting towards plant-based meals, just for the sake of preventing animal killing. Some individuals want to protect the environment from endangered species, while some like to decrease the greenhouse effect.
Everyone has their own set of reasons while switching to a vegan diet. However, some of you are thinking to adopt this healthy lifestyle, but come across several dilemmas in mind. One of that common questions is, ‘what is plant-based chicken?’ and ‘how it is made?’.
Need not worry, we are here to provide you with relevant answers to that questions. And, ultimately help you leave behind the carnivore’s lifestyle and adopt vegan eating habits.
What is a Plant-Based Chicken?
Vegan chicken or plant-based one is a food product that imitates the texture, taste, and overall outlook of an animal chicken. Generally, vegan chicken is made up of specifically picked ingredients like soy, wheat, vegetable protein, and other ingredients. Such items are converted into the shape and size of real-looking chicken nuggets, patties, roasts, and other forms.
The earliest vegan chicken variety was made way back in China due to people’s religious beliefs and the prevention of the killing of animals. At present, vegan chicken is popular all across the globe and offered by distinctive brands.
In terms of the nutritional value, plant-based chicken contains a high amount of protein, fiber, and a lower level of saturated fats. Although, such products do not fully match the nutritional value of animal-derived products. Still, to an extent, it provides the required macronutrients for a healthy diet pattern.
How it is Made?
Now, we come to another relevant part of the discussion about the making process of plant-based chicken. Not just chicken only, plant-based meat in India is also made using the same mentioned process and offers the required nutritional value.
- Setting the appearance: Real chicken is pale in color and the plant-based ingredients used to make this product have a slightly white shade. Thus, natural food coloring is first added to vegan ingredients to imitate the color appearance of the animal-derived product. It is done to provide the same look and feel to the eaters.
- Adding real-looking texture: Naturally, animal proteins inside the meat give it a springy texture and self-binding feature. However, plant-based protein sources lack that binding quality. To make it happen, vegan food manufacturers use sunflower oil and coconut oil to bring that binding texture to the vegan meat. It further appears like a rich juicy food product that is sure to catch the attention of chicken lovers. Moreover, bamboo fiber and pea protein are further added to give the plant-based chicken a similar fibrous texture.
- Mimicking the taste factor: Taste the imperative factor of vegan chicken and meat. It will be of no good if the product fails to provide the sumptuous taste of real chicken. To make it happen, food manufacturers add yeast extracts and natural flavorings to provide a lip-smacking taste.
Is Vegan Chicken Healthy?
Compared to the high-fat content featured in animal-derived chicken, plant-based chicken is definitely on the healthy side. Low in fat, and rich in fiber and protein, vegan chicken is good for anyone who wants to control their cholesterol level, weight loss, and other health benefits.
Plant-based chicken provides the required protein intake that helps strengthen the muscle fibers, prevent injury, and bring the required energy. Additionally, consuming vegan meat frequently is more on the healthy side without any ill effects.
Conclusion
Switch to a healthy delight in life by laying hands on vegan chicken and meat. Not just to fulfill your meat cravings, but also to consume something healthy and affordable. Buy a variety of vegan meat online in India to meet your nutritional requirements.
