Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Bob's Red Mill TVP amzn.to/47fSh9C
If you’ve never heard of textured vegetable protein, or TVP, you might be overlooking one of the cheapest and most practical protein sources available today.
I recently started using TVP from Bob’s Red Mill, and I was surprised at how useful it is—especially for someone like me trying to maintain muscle mass while keeping food costs low.
As we get older, our bodies don’t use protein as efficiently, so getting enough becomes more important. And that’s where TVP really shines.
First, it’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. That makes it comparable to meat in terms of protein quality.
Second, it’s extremely affordable. A small amount—about a quarter cup dry—adds a meaningful amount of protein to a meal at a very low cost.
It’s also shelf-stable. You can store it for long periods without refrigeration, which makes it great for anyone on a budget, or even for emergency food storage.
Preparation is simple. You just add hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, and it’s ready to go.
One thing I like is the texture—it’s very similar to ground meat. That makes it easy to add to soups, stews, rice dishes, or anything where you might normally use hamburger.
It also has a very neutral taste, so it takes on whatever flavor you add to it.
Another advantage is that it’s low in fat and calories, but still high in protein. And unlike meat, it contains fiber, which is good for digestion and overall health.
Now, some people have concerns about soy or how TVP is processed.
TVP is made from soy flour after the oil is removed. A substance called hexane is sometimes used in that process, but it’s evaporated off during manufacturing, and only trace amounts—if any—remain. Food safety agencies consider it safe.
There are also concerns about soy affecting hormones, but research has shown that normal consumption does not raise estrogen levels in men or lower testosterone.
For most people, TVP is a safe, inexpensive, and effective way to increase protein intake.
If you’re trying to stretch your food budget, maintain muscle as you age, or just add more protein to your diet, TVP is definitely worth a try.
My most popular videos
youtube.com/@RobbsHomemadeLife/videos?view=0&sort=p&shelf_id=1
Not many people know this, but YouTube now allows viewers to leave a tip by using the thanks button below the videos on YouTube, at least on some channels.
In addition, I have an Amazon affiliate link, and anything that people buy anywhere on Amazon after they enter Amazon via my link Jeff Bezos throws me a few pennies.
At least until he can get robots to start making YouTube videos and posting links for him. Don't laugh. The robot YouTube video content creators are just around the corner.
You'd better appreciate Robb's homemade life while you can.
Some viewers like to see the stuff I have bought and liked on Amazon in my Amazon store.
My Amazon store affiliate links
amazon.com/shop/robbshomemadelife/list/3IDHXEBDQ30FI?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d
Robb Moffett
Robb's Homemade Life
youtube.com/user/mrhulot101aroma rice cooker
Bob's Red Mill TVP amzn.to/47fSh9C
If you’ve never heard of textured vegetable protein, or TVP, you might be overlooking one of the cheapest and most practical protein sources available today.
I recently started using TVP from Bob’s Red Mill, and I was surprised at how useful it is—especially for someone like me trying to maintain muscle mass while keeping food costs low.
As we get older, our bodies don’t use protein as efficiently, so getting enough becomes more important. And that’s where TVP really shines.
First, it’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. That makes it comparable to meat in terms of protein quality.
Second, it’s extremely affordable. A small amount—about a quarter cup dry—adds a meaningful amount of protein to a meal at a very low cost.
It’s also shelf-stable. You can store it for long periods without refrigeration, which makes it great for anyone on a budget, or even for emergency food storage.
Preparation is simple. You just add hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, and it’s ready to go.
One thing I like is the texture—it’s very similar to ground meat. That makes it easy to add to soups, stews, rice dishes, or anything where you might normally use hamburger.
It also has a very neutral taste, so it takes on whatever flavor you add to it.
Another advantage is that it’s low in fat and calories, but still high in protein. And unlike meat, it contains fiber, which is good for digestion and overall health.
Now, some people have concerns about soy or how TVP is processed.
TVP is made from soy flour after the oil is removed. A substance called hexane is sometimes used in that process, but it’s evaporated off during manufacturing, and only trace amounts—if any—remain. Food safety agencies consider it safe.
There are also concerns about soy affecting hormones, but research has shown that normal consumption does not raise estrogen levels in men or lower testosterone.
For most people, TVP is a safe, inexpensive, and effective way to increase protein intake.
If you’re trying to stretch your food budget, maintain muscle as you age, or just add more protein to your diet, TVP is definitely worth a try.
My most popular videos
youtube.com/@RobbsHomemadeLife/videos?view=0&sort=p&shelf_id=1
Not many people know this, but YouTube now allows viewers to leave a tip by using the thanks button below the videos on YouTube, at least on some channels.
In addition, I have an Amazon affiliate link, and anything that people buy anywhere on Amazon after they enter Amazon via my link Jeff Bezos throws me a few pennies.
At least until he can get robots to start making YouTube videos and posting links for him. Don't laugh. The robot YouTube video content creators are just around the corner.
You'd better appreciate Robb's homemade life while you can.
Some viewers like to see the stuff I have bought and liked on Amazon in my Amazon store.
My Amazon store affiliate links
amazon.com/shop/robbshomemadelife/list/3IDHXEBDQ30FI?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d
Robb Moffett
Robb's Homemade Life
youtube.com/user/mrhulot101aroma rice cooker
