Most seasoned vegetarians, vegans and tightwads are well aware of TVP's existence, but those of you who are just approaching this newfangled cheap vegan stuff may be thinking, "Just what the heck is this wacko talking about, throwing these here acronyms this way and that!"
TVP is Textured Vegetable Protein, and it's about the cheapest fake meat you can buy. It comes in granules (ground hamburger consistency) and chunks (for the man who needs a "meaty" vegan stew). You buy it dry and reconstitute it with hot water when you want to use it. If you want an abundance of TVP recipes, just check out one of Linda McCartney's cookbooks (although I'm not exactly sure how cheap and how vegan her recipes are). Upon first glance, at around $1.59 per pound at the local health food store, TVP may not look terribly frugal, but once you reconsitute it, it becomes much heavier. According ot an article I read a www.waltonfeed.com, TVP that has been bought at $1.55 per pound costs 40 cents per pound once it is rehydrated. Compare this price to tofu or many of the commercial meat substitutes out there:
Product/Price/Size/Price Per Pound
Mori-Nu Tofu/$1.38/10.5 oz./$2.08 per pound
Azumaya Tofu/$1.50/16 oz/$1.50 per pound
Morningstar Grillers (crumbles)/$2.37/12 oz/$3.15 per pound
Light Life Smart Ground/$3.48/12 oz/$4.64 per pound
Gimme Lean!/$2.98/16 oz/$2.98 per pound
TVP isn't by any means essential, but it is cheap and can really make your meal feel more substantial, and if you have to feed non-vegans, this is a cheap way to satisfy those with a taste for meaty meals. Like I said, though, it's not essential. If you have a garden bursting with zucchini, carrots and squash and this satisfies your hunger, by all means, use what you have. Garden food is free food and free food, if you ask me) is the tastiest food of all. However, if you're looking for a cheap protein source (besides beans), cook for omnivores or need something cheap and meaty, TVP may be the stuff for you!
"That's great!", you say. Where do I find this stuff? First, check the bulk bins at your local natural foods store. Then check out these places:
Healthy Eating 25 lbs for $38.99, which works out to $1.56/lb.
Reliable Host Prices for different types vary. Cheapest is chicken-flavored, which is $36.90 for 25 lbs, or $14.8/lb.
Bulk Foods 50 lbs for $69.26, or $1.39/lb.
This article reprinted from Issue #2 of The Cheap Vegan. Never heard of The Cheap Vegan 'zine?! It's one of our favorite publications, and it's only $12/year for 12 issues delivered straight to your mailbox! (International subs are $20/year.) Get a sample copy for $1 ($2 international) to see what you think, and don't forget to read Stephanie's other articles on cheap living here!. Believe us, you don't have to be vegan to appreciate her humor and her great recipes and ideas!!
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