The Biggest Lie About Plant-Based Eating (and How to Fix It)

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Plant-Based ≠ Automatically Healthy

Let’s get one thing straight: I love eating plant-based. It makes me feel good, supports the planet, and gives me so much creative freedom in the kitchen (you know I love a good veggie-packed bowl or homemade cashew queso!).

But there’s this big myth floating around that anything labeled plant-based must be healthy—and that’s just not true.

As a nutrition coach, I know how to balance meals to make sure I’m getting all the essentials—complete protein, B12, iron, omega-3s, fiber, and so on. But not everyone knows what that looks like, especially if they’re just dipping their toes into plant-based eating or relying on packaged alternatives to fill the gap.

And that’s exactly why I was excited to try Prime Roots’ Koji-Meats (sold at a store near you).

What the Heck is Koji?

Okay, real talk: I had to geek out a little when I learned what Koji actually is.

Koji is a type of beneficial mold (Aspergillus oryzae) that’s been used for centuries in Japanese cuisine to ferment foods like miso, tamari, and sake. It breaks down starches and proteins into flavorful, umami-rich goodness—and when it’s used as a base for plant-based meats, it creates this meaty texture that’s so satisfying.

Prime Roots uses Koji to make clean deli meats that are loaded with complete protein (5–8g per serving), without the weird stuff like soy isolates, nitrates, or synthetic flavors.

Why This Matters for the “Healthy Plant-Based” Crowd

Here’s the deal: if you’re eating mostly whole, plant-based foods and being mindful of your nutrients, you’re probably doing just fine (gold stars all around!). But not everyone has the knowledge, time, or energy to plan for things like complete amino acid profiles or B12 supplementation.

That’s where functional, high-protein plant-based foods like Koji-Meats can really support people—especially newer vegans, busy parents, or anyone just trying to eat better without thinking so hard about it.

What I Loved About the Taste

First off, the pepperoni. It cooked up like the real thing—crispy edges, bold flavor, no one in my house suspected a thing. We had it on our Friday night pizza and I didn’t even have to do the “this is good for a vegan thing” disclaimer.

I also tried the cracked pepper turkey-style slices in a wrap with avocado and sprouts, and honestly, it reminded me of those nostalgic deli lunches—but without the greasy fingers or post-lunch slump.

The texture? Spot on. The ingredients? Clean and readable. The vibes? Total win.

From the Founder Herself

Here’s what Prime Roots co-founder Kimberlie Le had to say:

“Prime Roots is a new school deli brand born out of a desire for cleaner foods that actually taste good. Most plant-based meats are made from soy and gluten—processed proteins—and most deli meats have nitrates and preservatives that are known carcinogens. We use clean, pronounceable ingredients to create the meaty texture and taste we grew up eating.”

You can tell she’s passionate about not just the product, but the impact. And I love that.

Try It for Yourself

If you’re curious to try Koji-Meats, you can find Prime Roots’ line at a store near you, here. Whether you’re plant-based full time, flexitarian, or just looking for healthier swaps, I truly think this could be your new go-to.

You don’t have to compromise flavor for health—or spend hours calculating your macros to feel good about what’s on your plate.

Final Thoughts

Eating clean doesn’t have to be complicated, and plant-based eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. Koji-Meats hit that sweet spot between nourishing and nostalgic—and that’s exactly what I look for in a good product.

Have you tried any Koji-based products or clean meat alternatives that surprised you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your favorites!

Meat Alternative Recipes