In keeping with my suggestions for a more environmentally friendly Thanksgiving, I wrote this piece to go into further detail about my advice to serve plant-based food for Thanksgiving dinner. Only during this holiday around 46 million turkeys are eaten. But these animals are also killed all year long, with Christmas seeing the murder of about 22 million turkeys and Easter seeing the murder of 19 million.
These figures are concerning not just for the ethical dilemmas raised by the slaughter of these exquisite creatures but also for the damage they do to the environment. We can all agree that, even if you’re not entirely vegan or plant-based, you can still make a positive difference in the world by making this small change because there is a wealth of evidence showing that plant-based diets are more sustainable.
You can make a variety of plant-based meals, such as vegan shepherd’s pie or vegan sweet mashed potatoes, to be successful at this. You could even make plant-based meats or include some vegan chicken recipes. But don’t worry if you just like eating turkey for Thanksgiving or if you’re used to it. I made this list of vegan turkey substitutes because I want to support you on your journey!
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal. But for those who don’t eat turkey, finding a satisfying and festive alternative can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and sustainable plant-based options that can take center stage at your Thanksgiving table.
Why Choose a Plant-Based Turkey Alternative?
Choosing a plant-based turkey alternative offers several benefits:
- Sustainability: Raising turkeys for food requires significant resources, including land, water, and feed. Choosing a plant-based alternative can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
- Health: Plant-based options are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than turkey, making them a healthier choice.
- Compassion: Choosing a plant-based option avoids the ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture.
- Deliciousness: There are many delicious plant-based options available that can satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Delicious Plant-Based Turkey Alternatives
Here are some of the best plant-based turkey alternatives to consider for your Thanksgiving feast:
From Sustainable Rookie:
- Gardein Plant-Based Savory Stuffed Turk’y: This flavorful option comes with tart cranberries and sage, and is perfect for those who enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
- 365 Whole Foods Market Meatless Plant-Based Roast: This plant-powered roast is a great option for those who want a simple and delicious main dish.
- Gardein Plant-Based Turk’y Cutlets: These lightly breaded cutlets are perfect for adding some crunch to your Thanksgiving meal.
- Field Roast Plant-Based Celebration Roast: This flavorful roast comes with sage, garlic, bread stuffing, and porcini mushroom gravy.
- Gardein Plant-Based Turk’y Roast: This option is stuffed with brown and wild rice, cranberry, and kale, and comes with gravy for a complete Thanksgiving experience.
- Whole Foods 365 Plant-Based Roasts: This option comes with gravy and portobello mushroom stuffing, and is a delicious and affordable choice.
From Food52:
- Burmese Tofu: This versatile option can be treated like any other protein and can be dressed with your favorite Thanksgiving flavors.
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower: This elegant and flavorful dish is a great alternative to a traditional turkey.
- Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: This cozy and comforting dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Vegetarian Mapo Tofu: This spicy and flavorful dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Sweet Potato & Chickpea Cakes: These savory cakes are a delicious and satisfying option for Thanksgiving.
- Vegan Lasagna: This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser, and can be easily made vegan.
- Zucchini Verde Enchiladas: These flavorful enchiladas are a fun and festive option for Thanksgiving.
- Nutty Veggie Burgers: These hearty burgers are a great option for those who enjoy a more casual Thanksgiving meal.
- Vegan Pot Pie: This comforting dish is perfect for a cold Thanksgiving day.
- Marinated Tofu Steak Sandwiches: These flavorful sandwiches are a great option for those who want a more protein-rich meal.
- Vegan Stuffed Peppers: These hearty and flavorful peppers are a great alternative to a traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Squashducken: This impressive dish is a stuffed squash inside a stuffed squash inside a stuffed squash, and is sure to be a showstopper at your Thanksgiving table.
- Coconut & Chile Braised Winter Squash: This flavorful and comforting dish is a great option for those who enjoy a more traditional Thanksgiving meal.
- Field Roast Celebration Roast: This commercially available plant-based roast is a great option for those who want a simple and convenient Thanksgiving meal.
Tips for Choosing the Best Plant-Based Turkey Alternative
When choosing a plant-based turkey alternative, consider the following factors:
- Flavor: Choose an option that has the flavors you enjoy.
- Texture: Some options are more firm and meaty, while others are more tender and delicate. Choose an option that has the texture you prefer.
- Ingredients: Choose an option that is made with whole, unprocessed ingredients.
- Cost: Plant-based turkey alternatives can vary in price. Choose an option that fits your budget.
Choosing a plant-based turkey alternative is a delicious and sustainable way to celebrate Thanksgiving. With so many delicious options available you’re sure to find the perfect dish to please everyone at your table. So ditch the turkey this year and enjoy a plant-based Thanksgiving feast that is both delicious and kind to the planet.
6 GREAT PLANT-BASED TURKEY ALTERNATIVES
Have a vegan Thanksgiving with this plant-based alternative to turkey. Served with homemade gravy, this baked golden brown dish is flavored with tart cranberries and sage.
The best Soy free Vegan Turkey substitute for the holidays
FAQ
What can a vegetarian eat instead of turkey?
What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to turkey at Christmas?
What is the name of this famous turkey alternative that is vegetarian friendly?
What are the best vegan Turkey alternatives?
Here are Gorin’s top vegan turkey alternatives to try this season. 1. Gardein Plant-Based Turk’y Roast This plant-based turkey alternative is loaded with brown rice, cranberries, and kale. It even comes with two vegan gravy packets for extra flavor. Why Amy Recommends It: “It has a base of wheat flour, soy protein isolate, and vital wheat gluten.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What is a good alternative to Turkey?
1. Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu) For an alternative to turkey that’s mild in flavor and can be treated like any other protein, turn to Burmese tofu, which transforms chickpea flour, oil, and water into a sturdy tofu-like dish.
What is a good substitute for Thanksgiving turkey?
If you really want to serve something that is a nearly seamless substitute for Thanksgiving turkey, there’s always Field Roast, a plant-based meat and cheese company that sells soy-free holiday roasts. They are wheat-based vegan stuffed roasts with a sage, rosemary, and bread filling. A porcini mushroom gravy is also included.