What Is Quorn?

A lot of people are cutting back on their meat consumption these days. Whether it’s for health or environmental reasons, veganism and vegetarianism are steadily on the rise. Trends like “meatless Mondays” are more common and products like Beyond Meat and Impossible are popping up as options all over the place. So it may come as a bit of a surprise that the meat-alternative Quorn has been around for decades. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s probably because you’re not British. Quorn originated in the UK and is mostly known around Europe. They are big into hardcore Quornography over there. So what is Quorn? What is Quorn made of? How is Quorn made? Let’s answer all your Quorn questions!

What is Quorn? 

Quorn is a brand of meat substitute products, like Impossible or Beyond Meat. Quorn got started by Marlow Food in the mid 1980s in the UK, then spread through Europe in the 1990s. It finally showed up in the U.S. around 2002. Quorn is sold as an ingredient or in prepackaged meat-free foods. Those prepackaged meals are things like meatless chicken nuggets and vegetarian wings. Meat substitutes like Quorn are a great vegetarian option for folks looking to cut down on or completely cut out meat consumption. But does that mean Quorn is healthy? That’s debatable. While it’s not meat, it’s still a highly processed food. 

What is Quorn made of?

Okay so we know that Quorn is a meat substitute, but what the heck is it? What is Quorn made of? If you guessed fungus, then you’re a weirdo and you’re also right! That’s right, Quorn is made of fungus. So you can make all those “fun guy” dad jokes when you’re eating Quorn as well as mushrooms. 

Quorn is a mycoprotein. A myoprotein is a single-cell protein derived from fungi meant for human consumption. It can also be called mycelium-based protein or fungal protein. Quorn held the patent for these myoprotein for years, but it finally lapsed. This allows new startups to experiment with their own myoprotein creations. 

How is Quorn made?

So how exactly is Quorn made? Typically, the fungi is dried out then mixed with egg whites to give it a better consistency. That batter is then pressed into whatever shape is needed, then flavored and possibly breaded. 

Is Quorn vegan? 

Eagle-eyed readers out there probably noticed that there’s eggs in the Quorn recipe. That means that normal Quorn is vegetarian but not vegan. However, Quorn does offer a line of vegan products. Just be sure to check the label so you know what you’re getting. The vegan Quorn line-up uses potato starch rather than egg whites. 

Is Quorn gluten free? 

What about gluten-free folk? The main line of Quorn products may not be entirely gluten-free, but there are gluten-free Quorn products available. Just check the label to make sure it’s part of the gluten-free line.