Going Meat-Free with the Fry Family
As a Paleo eater I must admit, the thought of meat substitute food really doesn't get me excited but after a week of Fry Family Food I have to say the resulting meals were not quite what I expected.
Wally and Debbie Fry are both committed vegetarians, who began making protein alternatives for their own meal options and in 1992 these menu ideas formed the canvas which led to the establishment of Fry Group Foods.
Fry Group Foods is still owned and run by the Fry's family, with the same passion from which it began.
We sampled a good selection of the Fry range, including burgers, sausages, schnitzels and more. Our favourite looking meal came in the form of Fry's Country Mushroom Pies. The pies cooked exactly the same as any meat pie we have ever cooked; clean, puffed pastry and golden in colour. I am not sure that anyone noticed any lack of meat.
With the Rice Protien & Chia Nuggets, even the youngest of the family were happy to tuck in, sensing no difference to their regular chicken nuggets. Soy & Flaxseed Schnitzels were just as eagerly received. Looks wise, it isn't quite on par with a fresh meat schnitzels or chicken nugget and the coating seems a lot darker than our regular meaty choices.
The Falafel Burgers came through with quite a strong, almost spicy flavour that divided opinion but, again, the plates were all left empty.
Only one item didn't pass the test as well as the rest, and that was the Braai Style Sausages. We all agreed they were very dry and just didn't quite hit the spot in terms of what we would like to have in our hotdogs, or with our mash.
If you are looking for a meat-free option, then the Fry Family Food Co is going a long way to making it easier to feel like you are fitting in with the crowd, and the selection of products available on their menu is definitely worth a try.
What we do like about the products available is the lack of any GM products, hormones or antibiotics - no chemicals either. Our only concern is the use of soy protein. In moderation we believe you can enjoy many different foods, it is just wise to find a balance and by making your own meals from scratch, and using fresh organic ingredients you can't go far wrong.
But in a not so ideal world, where time constraints interrupt even the best of intentions, it is good to know that companies such as Fry exist to make meals that we can enjoy.
For more information visit www.frysvegetarian.co.uk