Impossible Foods Is Rolling Out Plant-Based Hot Dogs For 2024
In 2015, the World Health Organization categorized hot dogs and other processed and red meats as class 1 carcinogens, along with cigarettes and asbestos, due to their cancer risks. This was a major bummer for those of us who love nothing more than to sit our butts down at the ballpark and enjoy a beer and a dog on a warm summer night. If only, there were a healthier way to enjoy a hot dog without sacrificing the flavor. Ask and ye shall receive.
According to VegNews, Impossible Foods is introducing its first plant-based hot dogs and new research shows they’re a heart-healthy alternative for traditional meat franks. Impossible Hot Dogs have 50 percent less saturated fat and double the protein (12 grams per serving) of animal-derived hot dogs. As a plant-based product, the Impossible Hot Dog also has no cholesterol. Sounds like a win-win-win.
Researchers continue to find health benefits in replacing animal meat with plant-based substitutes. Many plant-based meat options can satisfy your carnivorous cravings without compromising your health. Hopefully, the same is true of the Impossible Hot Dog, which is Impossible Foods’ seventh new product in the last year.
My wife and I are both eating much less animal protein these days. We’ve found some really good plant-based products over the past year, including meatless crumbles and sausages. I’m ready to try the new Impossible Hot Dogs. In the social media post below, the company claims they “still taste awesomely bad for you.” That’s what I’m talking about. Impossible Hot Dogs are headed to restaurants and grocery stores in 2024. Hopefully, they’ll also find a home at ballpark concession stands in time for baseball season.
The Impossible Beef Hot Dog from plants has…
— Impossible Foods (@ImpossibleFoods) December 5, 2023
✅ 12g of protein
✅ half the sat fat*
✅ & 84% less GHG emissions than the animal version
But don’t worry, it still tastes awesomely bad for you. pic.twitter.com/N6AIfQKgmo
Plant-Based BBQ: 5 Savory Meat Alternatives For The Grill
Grilled Veggies
The star of the show at a vegetarian BBQ is often the assortment of grilled vegetables. The vegetables are typically marinated or brushed with flavorful sauces or herbs before being cooked on the grill. A yummy veggie to throw on the grill would be zucchini with a drizzle of Italian seasonings, olive oil, and lemon juice. Another option would be grilled garlic mushrooms with a bit of garlic and balsamic vinegar or grilled cabbage with a tandoori marinade.
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Veggie Burgers
A vegetarian BBQ often features a variety of veggie burger options. These burgers can be made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or even grilled portobello mushrooms. They are typically served on buns and topped with condiments, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and vegetarian-friendly sauces.
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Planted Based Sausages & Hot Dogs
To mimic the classic BBQ experience, plant-based sausages, and hot dogs are popular additions to a BBQ. These meatless alternatives are made from ingredients like soy, tofu, seitan, or vegetables and are grilled until they’re charred on the outside.
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Grilled Tofu & Tempeh
Tofu and tempeh are versatile plant-based protein sources. You can marinate and grill them at BBQs. Tofu can be marinated in a variety of sauces or spices to add flavor. While tempeh, a fermented soybean product, has a naturally nutty taste.
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Grilled Fruit Desserts
Fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon, and bananas are often grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavors. They can also be served as-is or paired with a scoop of vegan ice cream. A fruit that would go perfectly on the grill is pineapple. You can create a rum-glazed pineapple if you’re feeling ambitious. Just marinate your pineapple in dark spiced rum and brown sugar before putting it on the grill.
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