Egypt is a country that is rich in culinary traditions, with a cuisine that has been influenced by its history and geography. From the pharaonic era to modern times, Egyptian food has been shaped by the country’s location at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as by its agricultural practices and religious beliefs.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based diets around the world, and Egypt is no exception. One of the latest trends in the country is the rise of plant-based chicken nuggets, which are made from ingredients such as soy, wheat, and pea protein.
Why Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets?
There are several reasons why people in Egypt are choosing plant-based chicken nuggets over traditional meat-based ones. For one, plant-based chicken nuggets are healthier, as they are typically lower in saturated fat and calories. They are also free from hormones, antibiotics, and other additives that can be found in some meat products.
In addition to being healthier, plant-based chicken nuggets are also more sustainable. With the world’s population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, there are concerns about how to feed everyone without damaging the environment. Meat production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, and plant-based alternatives are seen as a way to reduce the impact of our food choices on the planet.
Another reason why plant-based chicken nuggets are gaining popularity in Egypt is that they appeal to people who want to follow a halal diet. Halal refers to foods that are prepared according to Islamic dietary laws, and some Muslims prefer plant-based options because they are unsure about the source of the meat they eat.
Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets in Egypt: Who’s Making Them?
There are several companies in Egypt that are producing plant-based chicken nuggets, including Greenish, NGS, and NotFoodSeg. These companies are using a variety of ingredients to create their products, such as soy protein, wheat protein, and pea protein.
Greenish is one of the largest producers of plant-based chicken nuggets in Egypt. The company was founded in 2018 and offers a range of plant-based products, including burgers, sausages, and nuggets. Greenish’s nuggets are made from soy protein and come in a variety of flavors, such as spicy, barbecue, and original.
NGS is another company that is making plant-based chicken nuggets in Egypt. The company was founded in 2020 and specializes in plant-based meat alternatives. NGS’s nuggets are made from wheat protein and are designed to look, taste, and feel like real chicken.
NotFoodSeg is a newer player in the plant-based chicken nugget market in Egypt, having been founded in 2021. The company offers a range of plant-based products, including chicken nuggets, burgers, and sausages. Not FoodS eg nuggets are made from pea protein and are free from gluten, soy, and dairy.
Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets in Egypt: How Are They Received?
Plant-based chicken nuggets are still a relatively new concept in Egypt, and there has been some skepticism about their taste and texture. However, many people who have tried them have been pleasantly surprised.
In a review of NotFoodSeg’s nuggets on the Egyptian food blog Hungry Belly, the author noted that they were “not bad at all,” and that they had a “good crispy texture.” The author also noted that the nuggets were “quite filling,” and that they tasted “a lot like chicken.”
The Future of Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets in Egypt
As plant-based diets continue to gain popularity around the world, it seems likely that the trend will continue in Egypt. With a growing number of companies offering plant-based chicken nuggets and other meat alternatives, consumers in Egypt have more options than ever before when it comes to choosing healthier, more sustainable food options.
In addition to the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets, there are also economic benefits to consider. Egypt is a country that is heavily dependent on imported food, and reducing the country’s reliance on meat imports could have positive economic impacts.
Ultimately, the future of plant-based chicken nuggets in Egypt will depend on a variety of factors, including consumer demand, government policies, and the availability of affordable and high-quality plant-based products. However, it seems clear that the trend towards plant-based diets is here to stay, and that plant-based chicken nuggets will play an increasingly important role in the country’s food landscape.