Survey Says: Consumers are Eating Less Red Meat & Pork

A new survey by research firm Mintel reveals that 39% of people who regularly eat red meat ate less of it in 2013 than in 2012. Additionally, 25% of pork consumers said they ate less pork in 2013 than in 2012. The poll noted that these downward trends in meat consumption have been largely prompted by the health concerns.

Could it be related to the increasing participation in Meatless Monday and or powerful films such as Forks Over Knives? Possibly.

And while this Mintel report is encouraging and offers great news for cows and pigs – it’s not necessarily good news for chickens. If people are eating less pork and beef, they may eating more chicken to satisfy their meat cravings. And since chickens are so much smaller than cows and pigs, many more of them must be raised and killed to provide equivalent amounts of meat.

Fortunately, there are many animal-free options on the market that provide the same meaty flavors and textures that people can enjoy, without the cruelty. Here are a few of our favorites that can easily be used to create a vegan version of almost any family recipe:

Beyond Meat’s Beef-Free Crumbles: These tasty crumbles, in “Beefy” and “Feisty,” just hit store shelves last week. They are the only gluten-free AND soy-free beefless crumbles on the market, and each serving boasts 10 grams of protein.

Gardein’s Beefless Tips: This is just one of many delicious beefless products in the company’s extensive line of veggie meats. The texture is chewy just like beef, and the juicy sauce complements stews, pastas, and sandwiches.

Nate’s Meatless Meatballs: The perfect choice for spaghetti or subs, or a great appetizer on toothpicks, the “Classic,” “Zesty Italian,” and “Savory Mushroom” meatballs are both low-fat and low-calorie (3 meatballs are only 100 calories).

Better yet, all of three of these brands’ products are totally cholesterol-free! Stock your kitchen with these animal-friendly options and you’ll never miss the meat. Here are some recipes to get you started.