Recently, I found Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n at my local grocery store. As usual, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had a coupon, so I bought a bag to test them out. Although I'm not an alternative meat fan, my husband and son love plant-based meats. So, I figured why not give Apha Strips Grilled Chik'n a try.
LET'S LOOK CLOSELY AT THE INGREDIENTS IN A BAG OF ALPHA STRIPS GRILLED CHIK'N
INGREDIENTS:
Filtered Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Structured Vegetable Protein (Isolated Soy Protein, Wheat Gluten, Wheat Starch), Seasoning (Tapioca Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Gum Arabic, Natural Flavors, Salt, Grill Flavor [From Sunflower Oil], Citric Acid), Soybean Oil, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol, Wheat), Methylcellulose, Wheat Gluten, Cellulose Fiber.
CONTAINS: Soy, Wheat
SO...WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE INTERESTING INGREDIENTS?
- Soy Protein isolates: Dehulled and defatted soybeans processed into three kinds of high protein commercial products: soy flour, concentrates, and isolates.
- Structured Vegetable Protein: Textured vegetable protein (TVP). TVP is extruded, causing a change in the structure of the soy protein which results in a fibrous, spongy matrix, similar in texture to meat.
- Tapioca Maltodextrin: Tapioca maltodextrin, food-grade dextrose made from Tapioca.
- Gum Arabic: Gum Arabic, a type of natural gum, is made from the hardened sap of different species of the acacia tree.
- Methylcellulose: Methylcellulose is a chemical compound derived from cellulose. Used as a thickener and emulsifier in various food and cosmetic products, it is also used as a bulk-forming laxative.
- Wheat Gluten: Wheat gluten is a food made from gluten, the main protein of wheat. It is made by washing wheat flour dough with water until all the starch granules have been removed, leaving the sticky insoluble gluten as an elastic mass, which is then cooked before being eaten
- Cellulose Fiber: Cellulose fibers are made from esters of cellulose, which can be obtained from the bark, wood or leaves of plants, or from other plant-based material
THE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALPHA STRIPS GRILLED CHIK'N
According to the label, Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n contains the following:
HOW TO COOK ALPA STRIPS GRILLED CHIK'N (2 METHODS)
Since Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n is advertised as a stir fry chicken alternative, the choice of cooking methods includes stovetop and microwave.
Furthermore, Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n totes its product as a salad topper.
STOVETOP COOKING:
Although the package suggests using oil, I skipped that part and used vegetable broth instead. Even though I went rogue and bought Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n, I refuse to use oil when vegetable broth works just as well. However, the Alpha Strips cooked quickly, but not the 2 minutes directions claimed. In order to cook them all the way through, it took about 7 minutes.
MICROWAVE COOKING:
Microwave cooking, though, suggests cooking for 45-60 seconds in a covered microwave-safe dish. Because I wanted to taste the difference in the microwave, in my opinion, the chik'n strips cooked through but stated rubbery.
As a result, I suggest the stovetop version for sure! Even rubbery alternative chicken isn't appealing.
HOW DID I USE ALPHA STRIPS GRILLED CHIK'N?
In order to use these strips as intended, I decided to make a vegan Chinese chicken salad. Again, I cooked the grilled chik'n in a pan, and then cooled it to add as a salad topper.
WHAT DOES ALPHA STRIPS GRILLED CHIK'N TASTE LIKE?
Yep; it tastes like grilled chicken alright. In fact, my husband stopped eating and said, "Is there chicken in here?" Haha. Even though I hate to be sneaky, I laughed at the idea of him thinking I switched to chicken.
Despite adding tofu to my salad instead of the alpha strips, the rest of my family went wild. However, I did taste it myself, and Alpha Strips Grilled Chk'n tastes just like chicken! In fact, the texture, smell, and appearance mimic grilled chicken strips.
As a result, I recommend Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n to anyone who misses eating chicken, someone transitioning to a vegan diet, or someone who needs a little coaxing to try plant-based foods.
Do I think it's healthy? Not really, but Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n is definitely better than eating chicken! And, I really don't think a little alternative meat is harmful.
As a result, Alpha Foods claims once you taste them, "You'll never guess you've gone plant-based."
My family, for instance, gives Alpha Strips Grilled Chik'n 5 out of 5 stars. 
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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