It’s one of the biggest trends of the decade, a food fad that has won over everyone from celebrities to athletes via millenials and even moms. We are of course talking about the rise of plant-based protein, which has seen a surge in popularity over recent years. 

Whether it’s for health reasons, ethical concerns, or financial considerations, more and more people are turning to plants for the protein that they used to get from meat and dairy. And our appetite for all things plant-based shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. Veganism has well and truly entered the mainstream, so much so that it’s now no surprise to see everyone from fast food giants to grocery stores stocking up on the latest meat-free alternatives. 

So what’s driving people to ditch the meat? 

Global warming is playing a big role and as we all begin to understand the environmental impact of the meat and dairy industry, more and more people are looking for greener alternatives. Health concerns are also front of mind for many people, especially families who have started to take notice of the smorgasbord of studies that are highlighting how unhealthy a meat-based diet can be. Veganism has even become cool, the subject of countless social media posts and a worldwide Netflix phenomenon. 

But for busy moms trying to balance the hubbub of life, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to embracing the power of plant-based protein. That’s why we’ve put together some quick, easy and – most importantly – healthy ways to help your family go meat-free.

Breakfast: Smoothies

Nothing beats starting the day with a smoothie. Packed  full of fresh ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, you can almost feel the goodness that comes with every sip. But while we know that it’s easy to fill our glasses with fruit, vegetables, and superfoods, is it possible to make a smoothie that’s high in protein too? The simple answer is yes. 
Our Boom Smoothies are packed full of plant-based protein and can go from freezer staple to nutritious smoothie in mere minutes. If you’re looking to power up your smoothies with plant-based protein then check out our Energy Kick a delicious blend of blueberries, raspberries, Green chickpeas, spinach and bananas. The best part? It packs a protein punch with six full grams of plant-based power. Dial up the goodness up another notch with our Green Power mix, which also packs six grams of protein alongside iron and fibre to keep you going for hours. Both of these are available at Superstore in family pack size.

Lunch: Beans and lentils 

Getting enough protein is a common concern for people who are exploring the potential of plant-based diets, and that rings especially true for moms who want to make sure their children get all the nutrients they need to thrive. Fortunately Mother Nature is here to help. Did you know that lentils and beans like chickpeas are a fantastic source of protein? They’re also economical, quick to prepare, and easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes from fresh summer salads to warming winter stews.

Snacks: Nuts and seeds

For anyone looking to explore the power of plant-based protein, nuts and seeds will almost certainly be a pantry staple. Whether you buy them raw or pre-prepared, like that old family favourite, peanut butter; these nutritious little nuggets are packed with protein as well as other vital nutrients including fibre, healthy fats, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and certain B vitamins. Best of all, they’re also incredibly easy to incorporate into your family’s diet and we’re not just talking about PB & J sandwiches. Get creative by incorporating nuts into some of your family’s favourite dishes? Take a look at this delicious Berry Almond Crunch Oatmeal – a quick and easy breakfast that is a great way to start your day. 

Dinner: Plant-based products 

The growing popularity of plant-based protein means that you’ll now see more and more meat-free alternatives on the shelves at your local grocery store. From tofu and tempeh to Beyond Meat burgers and vegetarian sausages, the options can feel overwhelming at first. But with a bit of trial and error, you can find a meat free alternative to fit just about every recipe, helping to capture the power of plant-based protein for your family without compromising on flavour. 

Looking for some inspiration? Check out our recipes section which is packed full of quick and easy ideas to help keep your family healthy.