What is Plant-Based Eating?

It's the food trend taking the world by storm - but what does it mean? And what are the benefits?

With more and more Kiwis choosing to reduce their meat consumption or cut it completely, plant-based eating is on the rise. But what does following a plant-based diet really mean? keep reading to find out more about why people all over the world are choosing to make plant-based foods a part of their daily lives.

What is plant-based eating?

If you’re new to the world of plant-based eating, then you might not know where to start. While people often have different interpretations of what ‘plant-based’ eating looks like, in general it means a diet that focuses on foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes - which are usually made from plant proteins like pea and soy.

But following a plant-based diet doesn’t mean you have to be vegan or even vegetarian, and many people are choosing to make plant-based foods a staple of their diet - while still including small amounts of animal products such as meat and fish.

What it really comes down to is what works best for you – but whether you choose to eat plant-based foods every day or just a few times a week, you can still experience the benefits that plant-based eating offers.

What are the benefits?

There can be many benefits to incorporating plant-based eating into your lifestyle, ranging from health and wellbeing, to environmental and ethical impacts.

For many people making the switch to plant-based foods, health is a major driver - and multiple benefits of a plant-based diet have been recognised by a number of key organisations including the Ministry of Health, The Heart Foundation and Harvard Medical School. 

What’s more, changing your diet can have a positive effect on the environment. With increasing awareness of the way our dietary choices affect precious ecosystems, more and more people are making a conscious choice to shop sustainably - and research has shown that the rise of plant-based eating could be instrumental in reducing the global food industry’s impact on the planet.

How can I make plant-based eating a part of my life?

The first thing you need to know is that incorporating plant-based eating into your diet doesn’t have to mean spending lots of time, money or energy finding foods that fit the bill. It also doesn’t have to mean giving up your favourite foods! 

With a wide range of products on the market catering to plant-based diets, there are plenty of options for all tastes, preferences and lifestyles – and it’s so easy to put a plant-based twist on your family favourite meals. Here are just a few of the ways you can make plant-based eating a part of your life.

• Meat alternatives

For many kiwis, a meal isn’t a main without meat as the star. Meat alternatives make it easy to create family favourite meals without compromising flavour, texture or satisfaction – so much so that sometimes it can be hard to tell them apart from the real thing!

Pams Plant Based has a range of deliciously seasoned meat alternatives – including beef alternatives like Plant Based Burger Patties, Plant Based Mince, and Plant Based Sausages, and chicken alternatives like Plant Based Crumbed Tenders and Plant Based Crispy Nuggets.

• Dairy alternatives

Can’t imagine life without a creamy cup of coffee in the morning? Not to worry – there are so many healthy and delicious dairy-free alternatives to cow’s milk.

Pams Plant Based Soy Milk and Almond Milk are both excellent options for anyone looking to reduce their dairy intake, and can be used in baking, cooking, smoothies, hot drinks, breakfast cereals and more! And cheese lovers don’t despair – rumour has it Pams Plant Based has a dairy free cheese in the works…

• Chilled Meals

Chilled meals are a great entry point into plant based eating if you don’t know where to start – giving you everything you need for a delicious, hunger busting meal, and the chance to try plant based proteins and meat alternatives without making a big commitment!

Featuring classics like Butter Chicken, Lasagne, and Tex Mex Chilli, Pams Plant Based chilled meals are made with plant proteins that look, feel and taste like meat – making them the ultimate introduction to your plant based journey.

• Frozen meals

Easy and convenient, frozen foods can be a lifesaver for busy lifestyles - and having frozen plant based options on hand is a great way to ensure you don’t slip back into old habits.

Need food on the table fast? Our frozen plant based meals have everything you need for a delicious, nutritious dinner in no time – and with options like our Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake, Vegetable Korma and Rice and Thai Red Tofu Curry, they’ll be a hit with the whole family. Pams Plant Based also offers a delicious selection of frozen foods that you can mix and match to make midweek meals a breeze – including Plant Based Crumbed Tenders and Plant Based Crispy Nuggets, and Plant Based Falafel Burger patties. 

• Snack Meals

Fast paced busy lives can often seem like an obstacle when trying to make changes to your eating. Having delicious, fuss free plant-based snacks on hand can be a gamechanger when you’re short on time, while making a much-needed change from the old petrol station pie.

With options like Vegetable Butter Curry, Vegetable Cottage Pie, and Thai Green Tofu Curry, our Pams Plant Based snack sized meals are the ultimate easy option for office lunches, after-school snacks, or eating on the go.