Why I Love TVP (and you should, too!)

TVP or TSP (textured vegetable protein or textured soy protein) is my new favorite thing. Here's a little video on what TVP is, why it's great, where you can find it, and how to use it.

And here's the recipe for those bars I mentioned:

*Sweet & Chewy TVP Bars*
- 3 cups fortified unsweetened almond milk
- 6 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 tbsp ground flax
- 12 tsp Splenda (or other low-calorie sweetener)*
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups dry TVP
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
- 2 cups dried cranberries
- 1.5 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour

1. Warm the almond milk in the microwave for about 90 seconds.
2. Mix the milk, maple syrup, flax, splenda, and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Add the TVP and mix until it has soaked up some of the liquid (about 1 minute).
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well-incorporated, adding more almond milk if it is too dry to spread onto a baking sheet.
5. Spread evenly onto a greased nonstick lipped baking sheet. (parchment paper should work instead of oil if you prefer).
6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes. Let cool and cut into bars.** Makes 16 huge bars at about 300 calories each. Store in the fridge.

*These aren't super sweet so you may want more sweetener.
**If you like a chewier texture, flip the bars and bake for another 30 minutes.

*Support a rational vegan community*

[brightlightsinadarkroom]

I have never, ever thought of using TVP in baking. I must be an idiot.

Also, "it's not natural, not that it matters!" Preach it, sister.

[mrsperkin]

I used it today to make sausages. soaked it in some stock and marmite (for flavouring and b12) then bound together with some gluten flour. Worked great. Kids didn't eat it but they don't eat anything

[HanonSama]

Thanks for that recipe, I'm going to use it for myself and my mom for our health.

[marystestkitchen]

Heck Yea! TVP is some good old school veggie stuff! You reminded me I gotta make another batch of curry beefless buns with TVP this weekend. 👍:-D

[nasjiaglenn]

TVP is great for the transitioning vegetarian or vegan bc it can be swapped out for anything that calls for ground beef. TVP in vegan chili is so good!

[hey.its.kenners]

Tried TVP for the 1st time a few days ago... Definitely a game changer! I have it in place of cereal: a cup of it with Organic Unsweetened Soymilk, and Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Strawberries - tastes EXACTLY like that yummy Special K cereal. Thank you! :) Officially subbing - I love your practical approach to Plantbased eating!

[maaaaaaariiiiiiii]

carne de soya!! :D i buy it for 1 kilo for 15 pesos (less than 1 usd)

[LadyPirate]

I am so excited to make these bars! Thank you for sharing your recipe, Madam!

[nebraskafrankcourtny]

I use TVP in chili - it makes perfect vegan crumbles (substitute for beef crumbles). Also, it's really good for a "meaty" chili sauce, for putting on vegan chili dogs!

[christopherbolanos]

Oh sweep carne de soya! My mom used to soak them and make a salad like thing using lime, and cilanto and other stuff.
Cool seeing others use it!

[itssewxtra]

We have recently started using TVP quite a lot. My favorite is taco filling b/c you can really give it flavor that way. I also use it mixed with black beans and spices to make the very best vegan burgers ever. I really like the idea of a protein bar too. Thanks for your concise tour of TVP!

[johnsweeney]

I just wanted to say that this video introduced me to TVP several years ago, and I wanted to say THANK YOU haha!!! It has been a game changer, especially when I am busy and want to throw together a quick meal. I also wanted to say thank you sooo much for introducing me to Nugo bars. I LOVE THEM!! I have gotten so much information from you videos, so pleaseeee continue doing what you do :) also, your “what I eat in a day” videos are the bomb!

[marialuisayanez]

Here in Mexico i buy it at 1 usd per pound. Its very popular and we use it to make ceviche. yum :3

[luckydogsmom]

I used it in my spaghetti and my non vegan husband doesn't know it's not tortured meat.

[invinciblesummer]

currently eating chilli with tvp and it's bomb as hell I love it

[rchhcsupernova]

In Peru "carne de soya" its pretty popular, I eat that as a fast meal for many years!

[carawestgate]

So I'm not a vegan, but I'm always looking for ways to add more plant based foods to our everyday meals. I've been turned away from anything vegan because I find the culture off putting. But you, my friend, are awesome. Thanks for taking the 'woo' and silliness out of eating plants :)

[Antestor]

You just reminded me that I actually have a bag of Bob's TVP laying around somewhere that I bought a few months ago and never got around to using... Think it's still any good?

[MarcosDemian]

I'm also a TVP lover!! great information here!! I just suscribed. Its great to watch open minded vegan videos like yours!!

[lluna]

I use it to make bolognese sauce and it's so yummy