The Best Red Meat Substitutes for your Alpha-Gal Diet Restriction
Since it was first identified in 2009, cases of Alpha-Gal syndrome are increasing every year across the US. Until there is a cure or treatment, the syndrome has left a growing number of people - oftentimes red meat lovers - suddenly needing to find replacements for their favorite and beloved foods.
If you can't imagine a life without burgers, ribs, or bacon, there's no need to despair. Because, especially when combined in dishes that incorporate other flavorful ingredients like marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, and mayo, many people and their families discover that the taste of the best "fake meat" products are nearly impossible to distinguish from the traditional version.
While there's no doubt there are some disappointing vegan meat products out there that can end up tasting like cardboard or worse, we've saved you the trouble of testing the duds. We've compiled the best of the best in each category of red meat.
The good news - just because you have alpha-gal, you'll still be able to enjoy most of your favorite meals (with one notable exception - we're still waiting on a really good steak!). In the meantime, feast your hearts out on these products that are at the top of each red meat category.
Here are the best in category red meat products suitable for an alpha-gal diet:
Best Hamburger
There’s a reason Burger King chose Impossible for their plant-based burger. It’s hands-down the best beef alternative. If you like to season your burger meat, we suggest buying the brick. You’ll find it’s a reliable go-to for your sloppy joe and shepherd’s pie as well.
Best Bacon
We made a name for ourselves by nailing the crispy texture and flavor that makes bacon so heavenly and maybe the hardest red meat to let go. Lucky for you, Umaro bacon is perfect on a BLT or bacon egg & cheese biscuit and takes just 2 minutes in the air fryer.
If you’re in to bolder flavor moves, try out Black Pepper, made with coarse ground pepper. Umaro bacon is easy to find on Amazon and Walmart.com.
Umaro Applewood Bacon makes a perfect BLT
Best Ribs
These baby ribs come already falling off the bone, so get your favorite BBQ sauce ready to roll and you’ll have delectable ribs in minutes instead of hours.
Best Meatballs
Although these meatballs also come in a “Homestyle” flavor, the Italian version is the clear winner in the category and makes a great addition to your spaghetti, soup, or casserole.
Best Breakfast Sausage
Starbucks chose Impossible sausage patties for their breakfast sandwich, and it’s indistinguishable from pork sausage. You won’t miss a beat when you add it to your usual breakfast spread.
Best Hot Dogs
You might think hot dogs, being the ultimate processed food, would be simple to replicate with plant-based ingredients, but it took a long time. Impossible finally hit the mark when they rolled out their meatless franks in 2024. They are still hard to find, but head and shoulders above the competition.
We recommend the Impossible ground beef brick for burgers and other beef recipes
Best Ham
We’re not sure why Beleaf advertises this product as bacon - the taste and texture is nothing like bacon, but exactly like ham. So while we wait for them to change the name of the product, you’re now in the know.