The effects of 2% (w/w) soy protein isolate (ISP) or sodium caseinate (SC) on thermally induced protein gels made of extracted salt‐soluble porcine muscle proteins were studied. Effects of heating rates (17, 39 and 93°C/h) at various myofibrillar protein concentrations (32, 43 and 54 mg/mL) were compared with gels containing ∼ 19 mg/mL additional nonmeat protein and evaluated for interactions between meat and nonmeat proteins. Gel strength of protein extracts with 2% ISP added was increased about 24%. When 2% SC was added, gel strength increased about 70%, both because of greater total protein content. ISP and SC decreased gel strength when compared with controls at the same total protein content which means that they will contribute to softening of product texture when used in meat mixtures. Water holding capacity of protein extracts was improved by 4% and 37% when 2% ISP and 2% SC were added, respectively.