Legumes & beans

Vegetarian fillets

FDC 169068fillet (85 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 60 · -3 vs Legumes & beans median

This meat-alternative vegetarian fillet scores 60 of 100, a Good band showing 33rd of 60 in legumes and beans, just under the category median of 63. Built from plant protein, it delivers 46% of the daily value for protein per 100 grams, with vitamin E at 23% and dietary fiber at 22%.

Designed to be pan-fried or baked like a cutlet, a single fillet, about 85 grams, works as a straightforward meat substitute alongside vegetables or in a sandwich. It is flagged high in sodium at 490 mg per 100 g, and cooked tempeh scores higher on this list for anyone looking for a less processed plant protein in the same category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around vegetarian fillets, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 23 g · 32%Carb 9 g · 12%Fat 18 g · 56%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories290 kcal14%
Total fat18 g23%
Saturated fat2.9 g14%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium490 mg21%
Carbohydrate9 g3%
Dietary fiber6.1 g22%
Sugars0.8 g
Protein23 g46%
Potassium600 mg13%
Calcium95 mg7%
Iron2 mg11%
Magnesium23 mg5%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E3.5 mg23%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 169068

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein46% DV
Vitamin E23% DV
Dietary fiber22% DV
Potassium13% DV
Iron11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the legumes & beans median

Nutrient density60 vs 63 median
Protein / 100 g23 vs 21 median
Fiber / 100 g6.1 vs 5.4 median
Sodium / 100 g490 vs 203 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Peanuts, all types, rawDensity 61 vs 60Tempeh, cookedDensity 63 vs 60Tofu yogurtDensity 63 vs 60

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Vegetarian fillets are a meat-analog product, typically soy-based, shaped and seasoned to resemble a cutlet or fillet, and prepared much like the meat they're standing in for: pan-fried, baked, or grilled, then served with a sauce or gravy, tucked into a sandwich, or plated alongside vegetables and a starch. The texture is firmer and denser than tofu, closer to a cutlet, and it takes on the flavor of whatever marinade or sauce it's cooked in, which makes it a flexible stand-in wherever a recipe calls for a breaded or sauced cutlet.

Keep vegetarian fillets refrigerated or frozen as packaged, and cook according to the product's instructions, usually a quick pan-fry or bake until heated through and lightly browned on the outside. At 290 calories per 85g fillet, they're a plant-based protein to build a meal around, providing 23g of protein per 100g, about 46% of the Daily Value, along with 6.1g of fiber, 23% for vitamin E, and 13% of the Daily Value for potassium. Sodium is moderate at 490mg per 100g, worth factoring in if pairing with an already salty sauce or side dish, and unlike a raw cutlet the fillets need no trimming, portioning, or bone removal before cooking.

Frequently asked questions about vegetarian fillets

How many calories are in vegetarian fillets?

They have 290 calories per fillet (85g serving), which is also 290 calories per 100g.

Are vegetarian fillets a good source of protein?

Yes, they provide 23g of protein per 100g, about 46% of the Daily Value, comparable to many meat cutlets.

How are vegetarian fillets typically cooked?

They're usually pan-fried, baked, or grilled like a meat cutlet, then served with a sauce, in a sandwich, or alongside vegetables.

View the USDA source record