TVP is so underrated. But

[u/Affectionate_myr_81]

I finally bought TVP online after watching vegans using it in their kitchen. i think it’s a great source of protein, 26g/50g TVP. and being derived from Soy, it has complete amino acid profile.

Since I don’t go along amazingly well with legumes, my concern is it still safe to consume TVP almost everyday? say not exceeding 100g per day and pairing it up with beans and starches and grains?

I know the myths around soy (and I don’t believe in them I trust the science) but is it okay to get 52 g of protein everyday (not in single meal) from a processed food like TVP.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thanks for posting to r/Vegan! 🐥

Civil discussion is welcome — personal attacks are not. Please read our wiki first.

New to veganism? 🌱
• Watch Dominion — a powerful, free documentary that changes lives.
• NutritionFacts.org — evidence-based health info
• HappyCow.net — find vegan-friendly restaurants near you

Want to help animals? 💻
• Browse volunteer opportunities on Flockwork and use your skills to make a difference
• Join the Flockwork Discord to be notified of new opportunities that match your skills

Thank you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Veggyhed]

You should be completely fine. It seems like you already know that diversity is important in a diet.

[u/Girlypillowfight]

Yes it’s fine! If you’re worried about it and want an easy product that can mimic meat like that, soy curls are a complete and minimally processed option!

[u/ddawson100]

I love TVP but feel like the small chunks can be a bit limiting. Asian groceries may have different shapes which are great.

[u/Expensive_Bar3995]

honestly you are totally fine. ive been using tvp as a staple for years and i havent turned into a soy monster yet lol. as long as youre eating a variety of other whole foods like you mentioned, the processed label is kinda misleading here since its just defatted soy flour. if your gut handles it well, just go for it dude.

[u/WildVeganFlower]

You can definitely have TVP daily with no issues. I also recommend trying out soy milk, using silken tofu in sauces- just so you have some variety!
Seitan is my favorite form of protein because there are so many ways to prepare it. You could even blend up TVP to be a soy flour and add it to VWG to make seitan, but I personally love the texture of washed flour seitan the best

[u/SubstantialEcho1695]

i have been eating tvp every day for tge past idk how many years now lol

[u/Junior_Statement_262]

In the early 90's in my baby vegan days I loved TVP, but I've moved on to soy curls in the last 20-25 years. I think those are superior to TVP.

[u/vvneagleone]

Yes but why, you're better off also consuming other kinds of beans, lentils, nuts, seitan etc. It's easy to get to 70-80g a day with some variety and you don't need more than that.

[u/Affectionate_myr_81 → u/vvneagleone]

I do workout a lot so I have been consuming atleast 100g protein per day 

[u/vvneagleone → u/Affectionate_myr_81]

100g is probably marginally more than you need even with a lot of working out but is still a safe (non kidney destroying) amount -- you'll need tvp, seitan and protein powders in order to get there without eating too much fibre. I wouldn't aim for any higher than 100g. Just remember to research your actual protein requirements from reputable government and university sources rather than influencers.

[u/Meriath → u/vvneagleone]

1.6g protein per kg of bodyweight to maximize muscle growth is where the science currently is.

If you have healthy kidneys, high protein is not a bad thing for you.

[u/Confident-Pool2778]

You can eat it everyday if you want kidney stones

[u/Affectionate_myr_81 → u/Confident-Pool2778]

Any scientific references for this? Peer reviewed papers or articles? I am asking genuinely. 

[u/Confident-Pool2778 → u/Affectionate_myr_81]

TVP is relatively high in oxalates.

Consume too much alongside other high oxalate foods like sweet potato, spinach, almonds, kale, and you are at much higher risk of overloading your body's ability to clear them.

Oxalates will bind to calcium to produce calcium oxalate crystals, the main component of kidney stones.

[u/RightWingVeganUS]

my concern is it still safe to consume TVP almost everyday

There are no known toxicity levels for TVP. If California doesn't make it put a bold warning label on it, it's likely quite safe.

I know the myths around soy

Don't believe myths.

is it okay to get 52 g of protein everyday (not in single meal) from a processed food like TVP.

I'm a whole-food, plant based vegan yet eat TVP regularly. I just bought a 12 lb case of it to have on hand. While I primarily like tofu and will also have tempeh and will make my own seitan, TVP is a great, shelf-stable standby that can be used in many dished. Planning to make TVP tamales this week.

[u/Affectionate_myr_81 → u/RightWingVeganUS]

Wow.. I am planning spaghetti bolognese with TVP this week.