Textured Vegetable Protein

Textured vegetable protein is a useful ingredient for both vegetarians and vegans. High in protein and low in fat, this versatile food ingredient is often overlooked.

Burger made with TVP

Textured vegetable protein (also known as TVP) is one of the first commercially available meat replacement products that was available to vegetarians and vegans. Many vegetarians and vegans from the 70s will remember TVP as being the only option that was readily available to them. TVP is made from a soy flour mix which is processed to produce a range of different shaped pieces that are dehydrated. The dehydrated pieces have a long shelf life and can be rehydrated and used as a replacement for meat in many dishes.

Textured vegetable protein is naturally bland and this means that it is ideal for adding to a variety of dishes as it will absorb the flavor. It is also possible to buy flavored textured vegetable protein. The shapes of the pieces range from tiny grains that are similar in texture to ground meat to large chunks. This makes it easy to use in many recipes.

While textured vegetable protein is well established, it often gets overlooked in the modern meat replacement market. It is often sold as a generic, commodity product and in bulk, and therefore does not have the large marketing budgets of big-brand products. TVP is also sometimes perceived as a 'boring' option. Products such as tofu are seen as more natural, and branded items such as Quorn or other meat replacement products often have a high profile.

One of the key benefits of textured vegetable protein is its versatility and convenience. The dried product can be quickly rehydrated and used in a variety of dishes. The rehydrated textured vegetable protein can be added to dishes from Bolognese sauces though to meatloaf style dishes and burgers. Larger chunks make a good replacement for meat in dishes such as strogonoff or curry. When rehydrated, textured vegetable protein will keep in the refrigerator for three days.

One of the best ways to flavor TVP is to do so when it is rehydrated. This means adding seasoning to the water that is used to rehydrate the granules. Strong seasoning such as chili powder, soy sauce, garlic and herbs will all help to make a tasty and nutritious meal. A good alternative seasoning is vegetarian or vegan stock cubes. This makes quick way to add flavor to TVP.

Unflavored textured vegetable protein can be purchased in bulk from health food stores and from large supermarkets. This represents a very cost effective way of buying TVP. Many ready prepared vegetarian and vegan food dishes also contain TVP. It is also possible to buy TVP that has been seasoned and formed into a mix for dishes such as chili. It is important for vegans to check the labels carefully as seasoning can sometimes include dairy products or other ingredients that are not suitable for a vegan diet.

People who are concerned about the chemicals in their food or the use of GM foods should look for TVP that is labeled as organic and having come from a GM free source. Organic and GM free TVP is available, however it is not as readily available as standard TVP.

TVP is relatively high in protein and low in fat. This makes it a useful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. The typical nutrition in a 30 gram (dry weight) serving of TVP is as follows:

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrate: 9g
• Total Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 6.0g

TVP is a versatile food ingredient that can be used in many ways. It is a low cost and convenient alternative to many other meat substitute products.

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