If you’re joining the ranks of people who’ve given up meat for Lent this year, you might be feeling a little lost.
But have no fear (other than the fear of falling asleep in church—we’ve all been there!), because peta2 has got your back with some meatless products that’ll make Lent a total breeze. And we’ll bet ya anything that you’ll love these vegan alternatives (and how great they’ll make you feel!) SO much that you’ll ditch that meat habit long after Easter has passed.
1. Vegan Bacon
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL! Check out these animal-friendly alternatives to bacon:
- Lightlife Smart Bacon
- Tofurky Smoky Maple Bacon Marinated Tempeh
- Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan (You won’t find this SEITAN in your metaphorical desert … zing!)
- Betty Crocker Bac~Os Bits (Yep, these are vegan!)
Looking for a recipe that uses vegan bacon? Try this Vegan-Bacon Quesadilla.
2. Vegan Burgers
These burgers are vegan-tested and Jesus-approved:
- Gardein Garden Veggie Burger
- Gardein Ultimate Beefless Burger
- Gardein Beefless Slider (‘Cause who wants one burger when you can have four?!)
- Boca Original Vegan Veggie Burger (Also available in a 30-ounce pack or a 56-ounce pack if you’re trying to get real crazy.)
Looking for a way to amp up your veggie burger? Here’s an idea: Try the Vegan “Animal-Style” Burger.
3. Vegan Chicken
These faux-chicken options will seriously turn your Lent frown upside down. Check out our favorite go-to options:
- Beyond Meat Beyond Chicken Lightly Seasoned Strips
- Gardein Chipotle Lime Fingers
- Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders
- Gardein Chik’n Scallopini
Here’s a seriously tasty recipe using vegan chicken: Cranberry “Chicken” Salad.
4. Vegan Turkey
Kick up your Lent game with any of these:
- Yves Meatless Deli Turkey Slices
- Oven Roasted Tofurky Deli Slices
- Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk’y
- Gardein Lightly Breaded Turk’y Cutlet
Try making some super-easy Faux Turkey Melts.
5. Vegan Sausages and Hot Dogs
There are SO many options! Here are some of our top picks:
This recipe will change your Lent and your life: Vegan Italian Sausages.
6. Vegan Meatballs
What would Jesus do? Eat these vegan meatballs:
- Nate’s Meatless Meatballs
- Gardein Meatless Meatballs
- Amy’s Kitchen Meatless Veggie Meatballs
- Lightlife Gimme Lean Beef (This product is super-versatile: Roll it up into meatballs or simply use it as a ground beef substitute. You’ll be loving this product year-round.)
You can’t go wrong with this Classic Spaghetti and Vegan Meatballs recipe!
7. Vegan Fish
OK, it’s time for us to get real about this whole idea of eating fish for Lent ’cause we’re not eating meat. Fish, like ALL animals, experience pain and fear and don’t want to die. The fishing industry—JUST like the meat industry—is destroying our planet. When we eat fish, we’re totally depleting food sources for other marine mammals, like sea lions, who need to eat fish to live. Lent is a time for reflection and repentance. Is it really OK to contribute to the pain and suffering of our ocean-dwelling friends? Plus, fish flesh often contains mercury and other harmful toxins.
So for Lent this year, indulge in some tasty cruelty-free vegan fish instead! Try any of these bad boys:
- Gardein Golden Fishless Filet
- Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks
- Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Crab Cakes
Make this quick and easy Vegan Tuna Sandwich, or if you really want to wow your Catholic compadres, try this recipe for vegan Fish Tacos from Vegan Fatty Boombalatty.
Now you can say that you really Lent yourself to animals this year (see what I did there?). Don’t forget to spread the love and share this post with all your friends and family!
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