Protein for vegetarians

The 5 Best and Worst Meat Substitutes

Discover the healthiest sources of plant protein—and why vegan sausage is no better for you than the real thing

By Jennifer Weaver and Hollis Templeton fitbie

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The 5 Best and Worst Meat Substitutes // edamame dish c Mitch Mandel

Image: Mitch Mandel

Swapping some of the meat in your diet for plant-based protein will help you save on saturated fat and take in a wider variety of nutrients. But vegetarian versions of your carnivorous favorites, like meatless chicken nuggets and Italian sausages made from tofu, aren’t necessarily better for you than the real deal—most are highly processed and loaded with sodium. Use this list to learn about the worst meatless foods for your diet, and how to fill your plate with healthy plant-based protein.

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The 5 Best and Worst Meat Substitutes

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