Chicken, the most popular protein in the United States, is by far consumed more than any other meat, increasing from 28 pounds per capita in the United States in 1960 to 97.6 pounds in 2020. Much of this appeal has to do with chicken being a lean protein with fewer calories and fewer health risks than beef, which has declined in consumption at the same time as pork.
At the beginning of the 20th century, chickens were mainly eaten after hatching in the spring and were not in high demand from consumers during the rest of the year.
Chicken consumption became somewhat common during World War II when beef and pork were rationed, but it wasn’t until the 50s and 60s that the industrialization of meat production and the genetic streamlining of chicken bodies increased the ratio to the maximum extent. -The demand for meat, namely breast, that it began to include more in the daily American diet.
At the same time, the idea that chicken was a healthy, lean protein alternative became more widely accepted, due to consumer concerns about saturated fat and cholesterol, and the industry consolidated among fewer producers—plus, government subsidies made it a more affordable option. .
Chicken nutrition
Chicken has less saturated fat than red meats like beef or pork, especially if the skin is removed and depending on the cooking method. It has fewer calories per ounce than beef, with about 122 calories, or 15.81 grams, in chicken breast versus about 180 calories, or 23.32 grams, in the same amount of beef tenderloin. It is considered to be high in protein, niacin, selenium and phosphorus.
Chicken farming
The environmental cost of America’s appetite for chicken as a cheap protein source is also high, though. As chicken manure pollutes waterways and emits significant greenhouse gases to grow their food, as well as process it and dispose of their waste, the U.S. poultry industry emits about 130 billion pounds of CO2 each year, or the equivalent of 12.37 million cars. The vast majority of chickens live short lives in crowded, stressful conditions, are slaughtered at about 47 days of age, and are crippled by genetic manipulation to emphasize rapid growth.
Canva
Is chicken healthy?
But is chicken healthy enough to justify its position as such a popular protein? According to a published study American Journal of Clinical NutritionBoth red meat and white meat raise LDL (otherwise known as “bad”) cholesterol to the same extent, and plant-based protein alternatives do not, making chicken not a heart-healthy choice.
Of further concern are the carcinogens associated with chicken, particularly the federally recognized carcinogen PHIP which has been detected in all grilled chicken samples tested for a published study linking breast, prostate and other cancers.
According to another published study, chicken is responsible for the most foodborne illness outbreaks, and Campylobacter and Salmonella infections (which are caused by chicken bacteria) are on the rise.
Speaking of foodborne illnesses, E. coli, commonly found in retail poultry products. coli strains can be associated with a wide range of infections in consumers, including urinary tract infections.
Chickens are also routinely fed antibiotics and are the largest consumers of them on the planet, contributing to antibiotic resistance in humans and a potential superbug that could make antibiotics obsolete for treating infections.
Best vegan chicken ever
Given all this, it may be time to consider plant-based versions to replace chicken in your diet.
With a similar flavor and texture profile, vegetarian chicken is also full of protein but free of cholesterol, antibiotics, E. coli and other health threats will be free. Additionally, they are rich in fiber, which is completely absent from animal-sourced foods, along with antioxidants and known protection against heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. With better outcomes for the planet, human health, and animals, as well as a growing market for a variety of alternatives, giving up chicken meat without sacrificing taste has never been easier.
imitate
1 imitate
Formerly known by the product name NUGGS, food-tech start-up Simulate launched in 2019 and quickly became a category leader with its signature nuggets. Now it has expanded into patties, wings and fun dinosaurs for enthusiasts of all ages. Try the original NUGGS, which are breaded and have the expected chicken-like texture, with a variety of dipping sauces.
Tofurki
2
Tofurki
Makers of the iconic Tofurky, Turtle Island Foods has focused its product development on replacing another bird on the plate: the chicken. Try the chewy and flavorful Thai basil plant-based chicken for the perfect one-to-one replacement in your next stir-fry.
the gardener
3 the gardener
Grocery store heavy-hitter Garden’s has a variety of flavors and styles, from wings to patties and nuggets to strips, but the super popular Seven Grain Crispy Tenders, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, are both a wonderful addition to any pita pocket. Ideal for a lunchbox but with veggies.
field roast
4field roast
Known for its chef-craftsmanship with a focus on quality that continues today, Field Roast offers a variety of delicious vegan proteins and cheeses in the refrigerated section of many major U.S. grocery stores. Try miniature corn dogs with a simple vegan mayo-mustard dipping sauce whenever you want to indulge in some carefree summer vibes.
Alpha Foods
5 Alpha Foods
Another vegan brand that delivers on convenience, Alpha Foods is not only free of animal products but includes palm oil in its burritos, breakfast sandwiches, pizzas and more, but if you’re in the mood for Italian food, try the flavor—and protein— packed chicken, Basil and garlic meatballs over your next pasta marinara to scratch that itch.
BOCA
6 stupid
One of the first meatless brands in the frozen category, Boca sells a variety of nuggets, crumbles and patties that are easy to prepare and affordable. Spicy lean veggie patties, breaded and packed with 12-grams of protein per serving, are great in a bun with all the fixins.
brave food
7 brave food
Calling Plant Chicken “for those who love the taste of chicken,” Daring Foods has created four flavored pieces in the Original, Breaded, Cajun, and Lemon & Herb varieties. Like the chicken and stuffed with a short ingredient list, everything except the bread is gluten-free. The original is perfect in a fresh vegan Caesar salad.
Sweet Earth Foods
8 Sweet Earth Foods
Along with a wide range of convenient meals in the frozen section, Sweet Earth Foods also offers four flavors of plant-based, gluten-free shredded chicken that you can incorporate into any recipe to replace meat. Try the tender, sweet-spicy Korean BBQ-style marinated shreds in a Buddha bowl.
Lightlife
9 Lightlife
Another of the original meatless brands, Lightlife has kept its product line current by expanding into sustainable ingredients like pea protein. Next time you want to try fajitas, try the popular Smart Tenders® Plant-Based Chicken (which is gluten-free).
Jack and Annie
10 Jack and Annie
Featuring jackfruit as a meat substitute, Jack and Annie have figured out how to extract tenderness and chewiness from the tropical fruit and make it a perfect stand-in for chicken. Crispy, spicy buffalo wings are great on game day or whenever you want a familiar treat without the chicken.
11 incogmeato
Vegetarian protein company Morningstar Farms has entered the realm of vegan meats with Incomito, available in nuggets and tenders in the frozen section of grocery stores. If you’re trying to take the kids on a chicken-free adventure, try Incommitto’s Mickey Mouse-shaped plant-based chicken nuggets.
impossible food
12 impossible food
Known for veggie burgers that so closely mimic ground beef, Impossible has entered the market with two varieties of vegan chicken nuggets. Next time you’re craving a nugget, try Impossible’s Wild Nugget, breaded protein pieces cut in the shape of endangered species like polar bears and black rhinos to remind people they’re saving the planet when they choose a plant-based diet.