Textured vegetable protein

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of the soybean oil process. TVP is used as an imitation meat. It is quick to cook, high in protein, and low in fat. Therefore, it is a staple in many vegetarian diets.

TVP has no flavor of its own; it needs to be rehydrated and flavored (both can be accomplished in the same step), then added to dishes.

TVP comes in 2 forms: ground for ground beef substitutions, and chunked for chunked chicken substitutions. Using TVP, one can make vegetarian versions of popular dishes like chili, sloppy joes, tacos, burgers, etc...

TVP can be found in health food stores and larger supermarkets.