Loma Linda Brings Convenience in a Pouch

Loma Linda’s new Plant Based Protein Meal Solutions and Plant-Based Meal Starters provide quick, heat-and-eat convenience and are easily prepared in 60 seconds. They’re also non-GMO, gluten free and pack 6g-9g of plant-based protein per serving.

Readers who’ve been vegetarian or vegan for a long time likely remember the early versions of meat alternatives. I’m not talking about straight-up tofu, tempeh and seitan. I’m referring to those alternatives we may have turned to when we were trying to figure out “where to get our protein” or how to eat like we used to, but without putting a creature on our plate. Call them Mock Meats or Fake Meats, perhaps. Remember? First of all, it wasn’t likely you would find these foods anywhere but at the local food co-op, or maybe on the bottom shelf somewhere in the grocery store. Online wasn’t an option, since we didn’t have the internet back in the old days.

Are you with me? Do you see how things have changed?

We have a long way to go, yes, but it’s 1,000% easier to find vegan food today. There are tons of varieties, some healthful and some not so much. But it’s pretty hard to not find something. And for that, I am so grateful.

Loma Linda

Back to the early versions of meat alternatives. There on the shelves, many years ago, you probably saw some items, such hot dogs in a can. These were most likely courtesy of Loma Linda, a company that’s been making sustainable foods since 1890.  Even if you didn’t try the hot dogs – and I never did – you may have thought it was pretty interesting/odd/unusual/cool that someone came up with mock meat in a can. And it is pretty amazing to see a company hang on for over a century and still come up with new product lines. Not too long ago, Loma Linda introduced a new line of Plant-Based Protein Meal Solutions and Plant-Based Meal Starters, and asked Chic Vegan to provide a review.

The products are non-GMO, gluten free and contain 6-9 grams of plant-based protein per serving. All can be prepared in 60 seconds in the microwave, making them pretty good options for quick meals that won’t break the bank (cost is $2.99-$4.49 per pouch).

There is a really great variety in this line. Options include Tikka Masala, Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai,  Hearty Beef Stew, Taco Filling, and even a Chipotle Bowl. The Chipotle Bowl was pretty tasty on its own and I’m sure it could be enhanced with some greens and guacamole. The Beef Stew wasn’t chunky like I remember beef stew, but it did have that look and smell.

The taco filling is intriguing. I love the idea, the taste was good, but the texture was a bit off. In a pinch, it would be fine.

Food in pouches is handy

It’s not the same as fresh food, but it can be great for camping. It’s handy to keep in your desk at work, and sometimes it’s necessary if you lose power. So, maybe it isn’t part of your daily diet, but it’s not something you should completely write off. And if gets someone you know to try a meatless meal, it’s so worth it. Buy a pouch for your desk or give one to your die-hard meat-eating hiker friend. See what happens.