In this guide about TVP, I'm going to share with you what the abbreviation stands for, where to buy it, how to use it, and last but not least my favorite recipes using TVP! Let's get started!
When I went vegan 10 years ago, I started veganizing classic, traditional recipes. And because I live in Austria (Schnitzel is our national dish, you go figure how meat-focused our cuisine is) I needed a good alternative for all the meat in the various dishes. And I found it by using TVP (= Textured Vegetable Protein).
It was an easy switch and allowed me to indulge in all the traditional dishes I grew up with without the need for meat.
TVP definitely has helped me transition to a vegan diet, it made the process of adopting a plant-based diet a whole lot easier. Now, 10 years in, I still love meals made with TVP and I always have a stash of various types of TVP at home.
I love TVP because
- it can be stored at room temperature - like forever,
- it is inexpensive,
- it expands when cooked, so it doesn't need much space when storing it
- and it's versatile!
What is TVP?
TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein, often also called soy meat, soya chunks/granules/slices. It is made out of defatted soy flour, which is extruded into shapes (such as granules, flakes, chunks, slices, strips, nuggets,...).
Because there are so many different kinds, they can be used for all kinds of recipes - I've included my favorites below!
- Chunks - this kind is great for stews and goulash.
- Slices or medallions - are perfect for vegan schnitzel or TVP burgers.
- Strips or curls - you can use it in curries like butter 'chicken' or bread it like 'chicken' strips.
- Granule, crumble, or mince - this type is ideal for meaty bolognese, lasagna, or chili.
Where to buy TVP?
TVP can be found in health food stores, and supermarkets (often in the bulk, vegan, or healthy section). I've also seen them in Asian and Indian stores, or ordered online.
You might not be able to find all shapes of TVP, but they are getting more and more popular and should pop up in more stores with time.
Nutritional info
As the name already suggests, it is high in protein (actually much higher than meat). It contains a wealth of complete soy protein and it's a great source of dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. It's also naturally gluten-free.
How to use TVP
For the slices, chunks, and strips, it's best to cook them in water or veggie broth until they are soft and about double the size. This will take about 5-10 minutes.
For the granule, put them in a pot, add just a splash of water and let it cook on medium to low heat until the water has been absorbed. The granule should be soft and can be used in any kind of 'meaty' sauce. Because of its smaller sauce, it cooks much faster than the larger kinds of TVP.
15+ Awesome vegan recipes using TVP
Recipes with soy granules
Recipes with slices/medallions
Recipes with strips/curls/chunks
Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this page, so you’ll always have TVP recipes at hand!
Let me know, have you tried TVP? What are your favorite recipes with textured vegetable protein?
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
You do the most amazing things with TVP of anyone I've ever seen! And it's so much more fun and versatile than buying the frozen meat-mimic products that have already had their shape/flavor decided :)
Bianca says
Aww thank you! I'm still amazed by the texture sometimes. Just two days ago, I made "chicken fingers" aka breaded tvp strips and stored leftovers in the fridge - especially those cold tvp strips are so crazy similar to meat. More people need to know about this :D :D
Gurdip says
I'm breastcancer patient estrogen positive. Is this soya product good for me to eat . I'm a vegetarian
Bianca says
Hi Gurdip, it's best to ask a Every Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist. I haven't studied in that field :)
Darrin says
I've never found TVP anywhere in my state. I've been to PCC and Whole Foods, and a near by Co-op. None of those places have it. I haven't asked them but I've looked. And I don't see the point in ordering it online....having to WAIT for something like this is ridiculous.
Bianca says
I'm sorry you couldn't find them, Darrin. A few years ago, I always had to order them online, now we have them in regular supermarkets. I'm from Europe, but I'm sure they will pop up in stores in the US too sooner or later.
Nikki says
They have it on Amazon and it ships in one day!
D says
Whole foods has it. Just ask.
Bianca says
Good to know! :)
Amy says
Hi Darrin- You can buy TVP and TSP from the Bob's Red Mill brand in the US. We buy it in Ocean State Job Lots in New England, but not sure where you are. I have also seen it on Amazon. Good Luck!
KC says
Walmart sells a line of long-shelf-life emergency rations by Augason Farms that includes a lot of TVP products. I searched "vegetarian" at the Walmart site, and they came up. They have big cans of beef, chicken, bacon, and taco -flavored TVP granules. Have it shipped to your local store.
Bianca says
Wooho!! That's really cool! Thank you so much for the info, KC!
Jamie says
Usually in the bulk food bins at all Whole Foods
Delores Wills Guyton says
Just seeing this site.Yum! Will be trying all of the recipes ! For Darrin: by now you have found TVP somewhere close by but for you and others looking check some of the Latin/Mexican markets .It is called Soya comes plastic bags or containers and is usually near or in the produce area.or sometimes hanging near the dried spices and peppers.
Sherry says
Amazon sells Harmony House dehydrated products. Including TVP.
Peri says
@Bianca, Bob’s Red Mill has TVP in a bag. Sometimes I find it in the cereal aisle and sometimes with vegan items. Good luck!
Deb says
@Darrin, If you have a Seventh Day Adventist church health food store close by, they usually carry it.
Alyssa Henker says
So where do you buy your different sizes of TVP? I can only find the granules for a reasonable price and readily available. Thanks!
Bianca says
In Austria, we have many different forms of TVP in the stores, but here's a website where you can order it online. They also ship to the USA. I used to order it from there all the time before it hit the shelves. :)
Maddie says
This is such a great post, thank you so much! I've been buying "meat" products from gardein and other brands but am just now discovering the wonder of cooking with tvp, soy curls, and seitan on my own!
Bianca says
Yeay! I'm so glad you find the post useful! Because you say seitan, I have a recipe for easy homemade seitan steaks ready - I'll publish it within the next 2-3 weeks. :)
Maddie says
Awesome! I'll be on the look out!
Joanne m says
You can buy soy mince in Tesco's in the UK. It is great and so good in spaghetti bolognese or chilli. I've never seen the fillet shapes though, just the mince and frozen quorn products.
Bianca says
Thank you for the info, Joanne!
James Wheeldon says
Life would be so much easier for me as a vegan if I could get on with TVP and I really have tried but I just can't. My body reacts badly to it. I feel uncomfortable after just one meal containing TVP. If I follow it with another within 24 hours I start to get quite unwell. On the only occasion when I have eaten it on three consecutive days I have had violent diahorrea and stomach pains, with a lot of belching. It seems that while for some people TVP is a wonderful meat substitute, for people like me it is just impossible to digest.
Bianca says
Yeah, I've heard of people who can't digest it well. It's too bad because it has a great texture for 'meaty' dishes. Can you eat seitan?
James Wheeldon says
Thanks for replying. Yes, I'm fine with seitan, thank goodness. No problems with gluten, so I can make some dishes that have a similarity to some meat dishes. I particularly like making some seitan then breaking it up like mince and using it in Italian-type sauces or in a chilli beans
,
Bianca says
Okay, that's good! I love making seitan but I've never tried breaking it up and using it as mince. Good idea! :) I will have to try that.
Nora says
Can't wait to try these recipes. I threw together some ingredients with TVP and made chili that the whole family devoured. They thought it was real meat!
San says
Many Mexican grocery carry TVP.
Bianca says
Good to know, thanks San!
Núria says
Hi Bianca, do you know where can I buy TVP from potato? Thanks and congrats for your blog
Janna says
Also try the Asian markets. They have lots of soy products.
TVP is the way to go. It is so versatile and delicious when made properly with different herbs, spices, etc. It's good to have in an emergency pantry since it needs no refrigeration and you can make a variety of meals with it. Just play with it and try different recipes.
Igor Ryuzan says
Cheers, Bianca!
I’m an ethical vegan for more then 16 years by now and my favourite dish made of TVP is beef stroganoff/goulash thing^^
ATB🙏🏻🍀🌱💚
Chris Reynolds says
Can it be used in mashed potatoes? With such a high fiber content, shouldn't it delay the conversion of starch (in potatoes) to sugar to metabolize that starch much more slowly so your liver does not have to work as hard?
Martha James says
I have the TVP steaks and don’t know how to prepare them . Do you have a recipe?
Cindy Brees says
Good morning,
Is there an alternative product for folks allergic to soy?
Thank you
Bianca says
Actually there is! Sunflower Family products (chunks and granule) are made out of sunflower protein! But they might be harder to come by, depending where you live.