TVP Natural Chunks Soya Protein - Stock & Prep - 550g

Did you know that soya is the cheapest and most widely eaten supply of plant protein on the planet? Soya is an excellent source of protein, providing all nine of the essential amino acids we need for growth, repair and functions like immunity. It is also low in saturated fats and rich in fibre, it contains vital fatty acids plus a wide range of important vitamins and minerals. Plus, dishes that use soy as a substitute for meat often have fewer calories and less fat. No wonder soya is a perfect meat replacement for vegetarians, vegans or anyone wanting a healthier alternative, or to eat more sustainably! What is Soya? Soya foods are made from the soya bean plant, which is native to China, it’s been a staple part of Asian diets for many years and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. The beans extremely versatile texture makes it easy to be processed into a variety of foods including milk, soya protein, plus fermented foods such as tofu, miso and tempeh. But we’re here today to talk to you about the wonderful world of soya meat replacements! You may have heard soya meat substitutes referred to in many ways - Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Textured Soy Protein (TSP), Soya chunks and sometimes Soy meat. They are made the same way, from defatted soya flour which is created by removing the oil from the soybeans. The soybeans are ground into a fine flour, mixed with water, and then moulded into the preferred form - usually either mince or chunks. As your one stop shop for organic wholefoods, we currently sell a range of soya products for you to peruse. Let’s take you through the main types of meat substitutes, and the best ways to use them - TVP/Soya Mince Soya Mince, also known as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or textured soy protein (TSP), has been textured and shaped to resemble mince, or ground beef. TVP was created back in the 1960s by Archer Daniels Midland, a multinational American company, who still hold the trademark name for the product today. Soya mince can come unflavoured or flavoured, but it’s generally seasoned and coloured so that the look and taste is similar to that of mince beef. Due to soya mince being a dehydrated product, it needs to be soaked in hot water or broth for around 10 minutes (depending on the amount) for it to become appetizing. Being an immensely versatile food, soya mince can be used in any recipe that calls for mince or any other type of ground meat. This makes it the perfect meat replacement to make classic favourites such as spaghetti Bolognese, chilli con carne, cottage pie, lasagne or even tacos! Soya Chunks Soya Chunks are another version or TVP or TSP, the soy is just moulded into bigger cubes or chunks – hence the name. Much like the mince, the soya chunks will need to be soaked before using. As with all soya products, they’re pretty much flavourless so tend to take on the flavour and taste of whatever they’re cooked with making them incredibly adaptable. Given their bigger size, they’re a great meat alternative in curries, stir fries, stews, pies and salads, or how about adding a batter and turning them into a vegan version of popcorn chicken! Soya chunks boast numerous health benefits, it can enable quicker muscle building and may aid in a faster metabolism. Soya is full of polyunsaturated fats, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids. They are rich in calcium and iron while containing no extra sodium or sugar, additionally, they’re lower in calories and fat than meat. Soya chunks are packed with fibre, which promotes food passing more slowly through the system and keeping you fuller for longer, whilst aiding digestive health.

There’s a common myth that you need meat to build muscle or stay energised. But in 2026, the science is clearer than ever: plant-based protein isn't just a "substitute"—it's a high-performance fuel source that can transform your long-term health. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or a "flexitarian" looking to cut down on meat, incorporating more plant proteins into your diet is one of the best moves you can make for your body and the planet. Why Choose Plant-Based Protein? Unlike animal proteins, which often come packaged with saturated fats and cholesterol, plant proteins are nutritional powerhouses. When you choose plants, you aren't just getting protein; you’re getting a "package deal" of health benefits: Heart Health: Plant proteins are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and clear arteries. High in Fibre: One of the biggest perks! Fibre supports a healthy gut microbiome, aids digestion, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer—a secret weapon for weight management. Disease Prevention: Research consistently links plant-rich diets with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Faster Recovery: Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, plant proteins help reduce inflammation, which can lead to quicker recovery times after exercise. Top 10 Plant-Based Protein Sources You don’t need fancy supplements to hit your protein goals. Some of the best sources are whole foods you can find right in our Stock & Prep and Stock & Bite ranges. Food Source Protein Content (approx.) Best For... Tempeh 20g per 100g Stir-fries and "bacon" alternatives Seitan 18g per 100g Hearty, meaty textures in stews Tofu 16g per 1/2 block Scrambles, curries, and smoothies Lentils 9g per 100g (cooked) Dhal, soups, salads Chickpeas 8g per 100g Hummus, salads, and roasting Quinoa 8g per cup (cooked) A "complete" protein base for bowls and salads, rice alternative Pumpkin Seeds 7g per handful Topping porridge or salads, baking goods Peanuts 7g per 28g serving On-the-go snacking, spreads, baking goods Chia Seeds 5g per 2 tbsp Over-night oats and puddings Oats 5g per 1/2 cup The ultimate high-protein breakfast Is Plant Protein Enough? Common questions about plant-based protein. 1. Are plant proteins "complete"? Some plants, like quinoa, soya, and chia seeds, are "complete" proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. For others, simply eating a variety of foods throughout the day—like beans with rice or peanut butter on wholegrain toast—ensures your body gets everything it needs. 2. Can I build muscle with plants? Absolutely. Modern studies show that as long as you hit your total protein targets, plant-based sources are just as effective as whey or meat for muscle repair and growth. 3. Will it make me bloated? If you're new to high-fibre plant proteins (like beans and lentils), start small. Let your gut bacteria adjust by gradually increasing your intake and drinking plenty of water. Practical Tips for Your Plant-Based Journey Swap your Mince: Use brown lentils or a plant-based mince for your next Shepherd’s Pie or Bolognese. Boost your Breakfast: Stir a spoonful of hemp seeds or nut butter into your morning porridge. The "Half-and-Half" Rule: Not ready to go 100% vegan? Try replacing half the meat in your recipes with chickpeas or black beans. It saves money and boosts nutrition! Shop our plant-based protein and fibre collection - Click here. Stock Up and Save Ready to power your week with plants? Our new Stock & Prep range offers high-quality lentils, grains, and seeds in convenient small-bulk sizes—perfect for stocking your larder with affordable, protein-packed essentials.

The clocks are going forward this weekend and that means one less hour of precious sleep! We’re sure you’ve heard before about how important it is to get a good night’s kip. Sleep is an essential function that allows your mind and body to recharge, as well as keeping yourself healthy and warding off diseases. However, as many of us know, sleeping well isn’t always an easy task. Did you know that certain foods can also aid you in getting a restful night’s sleep? There are a variety of chemicals, enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients that can help in falling and staying asleep, and fortunately, you can find a lot of them in foods and drinks. We want to make sure you’re getting the best sleep possible and have compiled a handy list of sleep inducing foods (plus one drink). So, if you’ve been having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, why not give these a try? Almonds Almonds are not only a nutritious and healthy snack, but it’s also claimed they may help in boosting sleep quality as well. This is because almonds contain the hormone melatonin, which regulates your internal clock and signals your body to prepare for sleep. Almonds are also a great source of magnesium. Consuming an adequate amount of magnesium may improve sleep quality, especially for anyone suffering with insomnia. Magnesium’s role in promoting sleep is considered to be related to its ability to reduce inflammation. In addition, magnesium can assist in lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to disturb your slumber. For more health benefits of almonds, have a look at our previous article Are Almonds Good For You? Oats You may think of oats as more of a breakfast food, but you might want to try eating a bowl of porridge after dark if you want to catch those precious ZZZZZs. The grains present in oats trigger insulin production much like whole-grain bread, raise your blood sugar naturally which makes you feel drowsy. Oats are also rich in both melatonin and the amino acid tryptophan that helps to produce melatonin, which helps our brain send signals to the rest of our body that it’s time to relax and get some rest. Kiwi Kiwis are a low calorie but extremely nutritious fruit that could also aid you in sleeping better. The sleep-promoting effects of kiwis are sometimes usually attributed to serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate your sleep cycle. It’s been proposed that the anti-inflammatory antioxidants in kiwis, such as vitamin C and carotenoids, may also be partially responsible for their sleep-inducing impact. White Rice White rice is a rich source of carbohydrates. It’s high carb content along with its lack of fibre, both contribute to white rice having a large glycaemic index. It’s been suggested that eating foods with a high GI, like white rice, approximately one hour before bed may help in improving sleep quality. Some researchers seem to believe this is due to the large amount of insulin released after eating a high GI meal. Insulin drives the amino acid, Tryptophan, which helps activate drowsiness, into the brain. Chamomile Tea Okay, so it’s not technically a food but we’re still including it on this list! Chamomile tea is widely known as one of the best drinks to help you get your forty winks. But did you know, it doesn’t even contain any tea? It’s actually more of an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. Chamomile tea also contains antioxidants which binds to receptors in the brain that encourage sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Just make sure to drink your cup of chamomile tea around 45 minutes before going to bed so your body has ample time to metabolise the tea. Soya Soya has a wide range of health benefits, and one of them may be aiding you in a good night’s kip! The products produced from soya, such as soya milk, tofu, and tempeh contain good amounts of tryptophan, the substance which can help our bodies synthesise melatonin and serotonin. Another way soya may also benefit your sleep pattern is due to its isoflavone content. Isoflavones are believed to somewhat mimic the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen can affect the brain via the same neurotransmitters that are involved in sleep regulation. Why not check our latest soya article Why Soya is a Great Meat Substitute Figs Figs are an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, making them a powerful aid for sleep. All these minerals can assist with muscle contraction along with blood flow, which are both vital for falling asleep. Figs also contain high amounts of fibre, keeping you full through the night and preventing any hunger pangs or midnight cravings that could disturb your slumber. Walnuts Another nut featuring on this sleep inducing food list is the small yet mighty walnut. Some researchers have claimed that eating walnuts improves sleep quality, as they’re one of the best food sources of melatonin. They are made up of many fatty acids that may also contribute to better sleep. Walnuts provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that’s converted to DHA in the body. DHA may increase your bodies serotonin production. So, if you’re finding it difficult to nod off, eating a handful of walnuts before bed might just help!

Here at Wholefood Earth, we believe that no question is a silly question. For anyone wanting to know if there is any difference between soy and soya then we have the answer you seek! The short but sweet answer is NO – Soy and Soya are exactly the same thing. Both terms mainly refer to the bean (from which all soya products originate) which can also be called a soybean or soya bean. However, the only real difference is in the spelling. It tends to be referred to more as soy in the US, while here in Europe it is more widely known as soya. No wonder it can get confusing! But we’re happy to set the record straight 😊 So now you have your answer, how about finding out Why Soya is a Great Meat Substitute?

Organic Red Kidney Beans, these dried red beauties have been in high demand from yourselves!Most weeks we have had customers come into the shop to request them.Well look no further! We take all feedback seriously and value our customers dearly so ta da!Soak and boil these beans, once cooked you can add to Salads, Mexican Dishes, Chilli, Wraps. You can even make sweet desserts, cakes with them too! Red kidney beans are densely packed with nutrients that are critical to our health which explains why they are a staple food in many cultural cuisines. Red kidney beans are major source of protein and fibre Rich in various Vitamins and Minerals Wash and Cook before use - Soak for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse. Boil for 10 minutes and then simmer for 1 hour. They should be soft when ready Certified Organic By Organic Farmers & Growers See the range in various sizes in store and online!

It’s never too late to start eating more healthily, whether you’re incorporating more fresh fruit and veg into your diet or adding delicious nutrient packed wholefoods to your shopping basket. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and it is easy to add flavourful ingredients to your cooking while avoiding heavily processed rubbish. Here are our picks for the best healthy products you should add to your shopping list. Buckwheat Buckwheat is a phenomenal superfood, loaded with antioxidants, fibre and protein it is a must have for any healthy pantry. Despite the name, buckwheat is not actually a grain nor is it related to wheat but rather a seed of a plant similar to rhubarb and sorrel. Much like quinoa, buckwheat is a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids, that can be incredibly hard to find outside of animal based proteins. Alongside its incredible protein content, buckwheat is also rich in manganese, copper and phosphorus, all of which are vital in maintaining healthy bones. Not only is buckwheat so nutritionally well rounded, but it is also an incredibly easy to prepare ingredient, and a great rice or even porridge alternative. Lentils Lentils are a perfect addition to any healthy diet, particularly if you are looking to increase your protein and iron intake while remaining plant based. Low in carbohydrates and saturated fats, lentils really have no downside, their high phosphorus, calcium and B vitamin content really elevate them to an incredibly well rounded protein. Lentils are also incredibly versatile, helping to bulk out sauces and curries in place of animal proteins, while also being a staple ingredient in its own right, particularly in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. Black Beans Black beans have an incredible amount of antioxidants that alone justify their place on your shopping list, however they also contain a great deal of protein and fibre to really help them stand out as an excellent wholefood. The main source of antioxidants in black beans are the anthocyanins that give them their signature black colour (also found in blueberries, blackcurrents and red grapes). Alongside their terrific antioxidant contents, black beans also have a very low glycaemic index, which means that once eaten their energy is very slowly released to keep you fuelled for longer and minimise the need for snacking in between meals. Almonds Almonds are incredibly popular all over the world, primarily for their distinctive sweet “marzipan” flavour, however they are also one of the healthiest nuts you can buy. Packed full of healthy essential fatty acids, almonds are a great way to reduce your low density lipoproteins (also known as bad cholesterol) while also significantly reducing appetite. Almonds also contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, two nutrients that are vital for brain health. If their health benefits weren’t enough, the sheer number of uses for almonds should be. From snacking straight from the bag to baking to milk alternatives, there isn’t much that almonds can't do. Avocados Avocados are a truly brilliant fruit, not only are they a delicious (and trendy) breakfast, they are also remarkably healthy. Avocados themselves contain numerous antioxidants, however the fatty acids they contain also aid in the absorption of fat soluble nutrients from other foods. Avocados also contain lutein, a much needed antioxidant used to support your eyesight, as well as omega 9 fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and even dementia! Alongside all of these subtle benefits, avocado is also incredibly easy to cook with, and is often a perfect accompaniment to a main meal, or as a healthy snack in its own right. Kimchi Kimchi is a korean food consisting of fermented cabbage, salt and chilli flakes (sometimes with fish sauce, although this varies), and it really is one of the healthiest fermented foods you can eat. Possibly best known for its benefits towards gut health, kimchi is a great source of probiotics and fibre. As well as its incredible probiotic content, kimchi is also a great source of vitamins A,B,C and K, as well as phosphorus, calcium and iron. However, like most fermented foods, kimchi can be quite high in salt, so it is important to balance your consumption of it carefully. Dates Dates are a delicious healthy fruit that is a great alternative to a sickly sweet dessert. Dates are obviously packed full of fibre and great for digestion, however they also have a great abundance of vitamins and minerals. Rich in potassium, magnesium and copper, dates have been shown to significantly aid both gut and heart health. While dates might be best known as an ingredient in or alternative to desserts, they are also an incredibly useful ingredient for counteracting acidic foods, making them a perfect accompaniment to a salad or cheese board. Oat Milk Possibly the most popular dairy milk alternative, oat milk is an excellent vegan option, in both drinks and cooking. Not only is oat milk suitable for vegans however, it also comes with a litany of health benefits that makes it a worthy replacement of cow's milk. Vitamin B can be quite hard to obtain on a vegan or plant based diet, but luckily oat milk contains vitamin B2 and B12, which is vital for our red blood cells. As oat milk is obviously made from oats, it also has a great deal more fibre than traditional dairy milk, while also having absolutely zero cholesterol. Tofu Tofu (or soya bean curd) is a pantry must have, made from condensed soy milk, tofu is an exceptional source of protein. Much like buckwheat and quinoa, tofu is a plant based complete protein, and is possibly the closest (nutritionally) that one can get to animal based proteins. However not only is tofu nutrient and protein dense, it is also an incredibly versatile protein. On its own tofu is essentially flavourless, which may sound like a disadvantage but in reality this allows tofu to take on the taste of whatever it is marinated in, making it a perfect meat substitute for almost any dish. Whilst a block of tofu can be a little overwhelming to those who haven’t cooked with it before, it is actually deceptively easy. For the best results I recommend making sure the tofu is sufficiently drained, and leaving it to stand for a significant amount of time before seasoning and cooking however you’d like. These products are a perfect starting point for supercharging your diet with nutrients. However there are thousands of delicious wholefoods that will leave you feeling healthier and make your cooking taste even better, all without breaking the bank.