Tempeh is an Indonesian food made by fermenting soy and other legumes. Traditionally, it comes wrapped in banana leaves and is a mainstay on islands like Java. While it is a popular vegetarian staple, the fermentation process imparts an earthy, meaty, and mushroom-like flavor along with a firm texture, making it a tasty protein in its own right, but also a suitable meat substitute.

As the popularity of alt-meats like Beyond and Impossible surges, this OG alternative to animal flesh is poised to ride the veggie-curious wave but needs to win consumers over without the novelty of the newcomers to the veggie protein party.