Should I buy TVP?
Posted by wayneshep! on Sep 21, 2009 · Member since Nov 2008 · 379 posts
Okay, I`ve noticed a lot of people here use TVP... but some other people told me it was a waste because it really wasn`t very nutritious for you. I looked up the nutritional facts and its about 135 cal/40g dry. Does anyone know if this changes when its prepared like rice and oatmeal? Should I buy this stuff or just stick to using tofu? Which is more nutritious? Tofu is pretty cheap where I am about 40 for 300 or 350 grams.
Help Please!!!
I wouldn't buy it if you are using it for nutritional value. It's mainly used as a crumbled meat alternative. I hate it, but that's just me. It's gritty and chewy, imo.
*40 cents* (about how much for a block of firm tofu).
If possible maybe buy a small amount.
I never use TVP because it's overly processed (checked Wikipedia) and strips soybeans of a good deal of it's beneficial qualities. It's been years, but I did make some good sloppy joes with it.
Many veg*ns use it because they are under the impression that it's a good protein source and it's cheap, and it might be, but I think it's amino acid profile isn't all that hot and everything else has been stripped out.
Go with tofu and tempeh in my opinion.
Like a couple others have said, TVP is really processed, so it's not that good for you. I've heard a lot of people say it upsets their stomachs...personally, it doesn't make my stomach *hurt* but it makes me very gassy. :P
I use it occasionally. Nutritionally speaking, it's pretty crappy, so if you're going for nutrients I'd stick to tofu or tempeh. However, it has a very "meaty" texture and makes a good substitute for ground beef in things like sloppy joes, chili, casseroles etc. I make the "Sausage Crumbles" recipe and use it on pizza or in pasta sauce, and I've made the "Black Bean TVP Chili" a few times. I've never had stomach pain or gas from it, but I also don't eat very much in one sitting.
Try it if you want to, but I wouldn't recommend eating it very often.
IMHO it's totally "meh." It was developed in the 1970's in response to the "meat shortages" (read price gouging). It smells like kibbled dogfood and to me tastes like cardboard. As someone else said, I'd buy a small amount and try it. I find if you want to eat it you have to season the heck out of it and then you don't have much. Definitely prefer tofu etc. myself. And for meaty texture in chilis or sandwiches I'd much rather grill oyster mushrooms or other fungi. They at least have a taste and character of their own.
Thanks for the help everybody. I think I`ll just skip on buying it all together and stick w/the tofu. I :)>>> the vegweb community!!!
It smells like kibbled dogfood and to me tastes like cardboard.
that is the best description of TVP i've ever read. go yabbit!
yeah, I've seen it at our bulk bin shop, and haven't even been brave enough to smell it, definitely not taste it - it looks too much like dog food to want to try sniffing or tasting. I just walk straight past and stock up on lentils and beans and other *actually* good things. : )
um, just to be the only different person here - I use TVP quite often and I like it. I generally only use it in chilis and bolognaisse (I don't know how to spell that) though so I guess it's just there for the meaty' substitute. The main reason I use it so much is becasue N likes it a lot.
Everyone has probably already covered this, but I don't use TVP. Ever. It's not a health food, although it's promoted as one. It's made from soy isolate which is chemically processed. Not a whole food or a health-supporting food.
Good question, though! :)
TVP gives me gas.
I use it in chillies and bolognese. I am aware it is highly processed, so I don't use it too often.
The trick with TVP is to flavour it correctly: add some olive oil to the cooking water improves the texture and flavour. Use vegetable stock to get a general flavour, and then add all the other spices/herbs in to get required taste.
I don't eat much processed food, so personally I have no problem using it when necessary.