Meat Substitutes Put To Taste Test

Last week's massive beef recall may have gotten you to thinking twice about chowing down on beefy burgers.

You can find some delicious meat alternatives at your local grocery store.

Suzan Colón, senior editor at O, the Oprah Magazine, had the Early Show's co-anchors try the real thing, and meat substitutes, in a variety of forms Tuesday.

She had burgers, tacos, lasagna and Sloppy Joes on the set. Each had a beef version and a "faux" meat version. The co-anchors guessed which one was the real version for each dish.

Colon says meat substitutes have come a long way. They don't have a rubber texture anymore.

At O, they organized a taste-test with their meat-loving staff and found that healthy, meatless burgers can satisfy their cravings.

But check labels. Don't assume it's vegetarian just because it's low-fat.

The substitute meats Colon brought were:

BURGERS

BOCA ALL-AMERICAN FLAME-GRILLED MEATLESS BURGER (71G)
Calories: 90 Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 14g Cholesterol: 5mg
Fat: 3g Sodium: 280mg

O testers felt this burger's texture was "meat-like." You can tell the difference between this and the real thing, but the O panelists said they would try it again. There's a low calorie count on this one.

GROUND BEEF, 90 PERCENT LEAN (55G)
Calories: 127 Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 16g Cholesterol: 49mg
Fat: 7g Sodium: 48mg

TACOS

YVES MEATLESS TACO STUFFERS (55G)
Calories: 90 Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 11g Cholesterol: 0mg
Fat: 2.5g Sodium: 300mg

GROUND BEEF, 85 PERCENT LEAN (71G)
Calories: 178 Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 18g Cholesterol: 64mg
Fat: 11g Sodium: 51mg

SLOPPY JOES

LIGHTLIFE SMART GROUND (55G)
Calories: 70 Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 12g Cholesterol: 0mg
Fat: 0g Sodium: 320mg

Despite having no fat, Lightlife was lauded by the O panel for its sumptuous feel in the mouth. Its mild flavor gives it extra versatility, so not only is it a great substitute for a burger, but it can be used instead of beef in lasagna, casseroles, or pasta. Features ready-to-use meatless crumbles.

GROUND BEEF, 85 PERCENT LEAN (71G)
Calories: 178 Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 18g Cholesterol: 64mg
Fat: 11g Sodium: 51mg

LASAGNA

LIGHTLIFE SMART GROUND (55G)
Calories: 70 Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 12g Cholesterol: 0mg
Fat: 0g Sodium: 320mg

GROUND BEEF, 85 PERCENT LEAN (71G)
Calories: 178 Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 18g Cholesterol: 64mg
Fat: 11g Sodium: 51mg