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Where to get meat substitute in Tokyo (for vegetarians)

By on August 6, 2015

Backed up by studies, following a healthy vegetarian diet will not only help you weigh 20-25% lighter than meat-eaters, you will also be at lower risk of heart disease.

According to American Glycemic Index specialists Drs. Jennie Brand-Miller and Kaye Foster-Powell, women need about 45 g of protein a day and 55 g. for men (but more if you are breastfeeding, a growing teenager or have an active lifestyle).

Protein-rich, low-calorie soy products have long been a major player in Japanese diets. Although tofu and natto are commonly found at all supermarkets and convenience stores in Japan, eating them all the time can be boring. If you want to spice up your vegetarian life, look to these products.

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San-iku Gluten Meat (non-cholesterol)
Sometimes called ‘seitan’ or wheat meat (the protein part of flour), this canned product is a good meat substitute. The texture is chewy and more like meat than vegetable protein. It is already cooked and just requires heating or adding it to stir-fries or other dishes at the last minute, to enjoy its juicy goodness.
200 g ¥ 350 430 g ¥630

Available at:
san-ikufood.com, Natural House, rakuten.co.jp

Teriyaki soy burger

San-iku Teriyaki Yasai Tofu Burg pack
A perfect hamburger substitute for vegetarians, this soyburger in
ready-to-eat pack is all you need for a quick dinner. Just boil the pack on a casserole filled with water and presto! you have a meal to go with rice, potatoes or bread. Other soyburger packs come in demi-glace and Chinese meatball flavors. 100g ¥220

Available at:
amazon.jp, Natural House, rakuten.co.jp

Vegetarian Diet Ham

Sofa Vege-ham
Even vegetarians miss their charcuterie and if you happen to be one, this is the closest substitute for cold cut flavor in Japan. Sofa’s online site carries a limited selection of vege-meat cuts from sliced vege-ham to vege-cutlets.

800g ¥2,160
16 g (sliced) ¥480
100 g (cube cut pack) ¥495

Available at www.sofafoods.jp

Vege-meat

Sofa Vege-meat (minced)
A perfect substitute for ground beef, Sofa vege-meat can be used for hamburger patties, spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, meatloaf, etc. This 100-g pack is made from soybeans and palm oil, and contains 353 calories, 52.3 g of protein, 1.3 g fat, 32.9 carbs and 6.5g iron.

100 g ¥310

Available at www.sofafoods.jp, Natural House

About Marlow Hauser

Marlow Hauser is a full-time data scientist, part-time writer, trailing spouse and mother of two. She has a PhD in Psychology and writes about education and food.