Best Vegan Meat Alternatives
Curated, taste-tested, and reviewed. Find the best plant-based swaps for your favorite meat products.

Beyond Burger
Beyond Meat
The iconic plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies like beef. Packed with 20g of plant-based protein only from peas and brown rice.
Why we like it
- ✓ Gluten-Free
- ✓ Soy-Free
- ✓ 20g Protein
- ✓ Realistic texture
Considerations
- • Highly processed
- • Pricey

Impossible Burger Ground
Impossible Foods
Made for meat lovers. It cooks, sizzles, and tastes like ground beef but is made from plants.
Why we like it
- ✓ Contains Heme for meaty flavor
- ✓ Versatile for tacos/pasta
Considerations
- • Contains Soy
- • GMO ingredients (Heme)

Plant-Based Burger
Lightlife
Clean-label burger patty made with simple ingredients like pea protein, beets, and coconut oil. No artificial flavors or fillers.
Why we like it
- ✓ Simple ingredients
- ✓ Non-GMO verified
- ✓ 20g protein
- ✓ No artificial additives
Considerations
- • Less meaty than Beyond/Impossible
- • Can be dry if overcooked

Incogmeato Burger
MorningStar Farms
Juicy plant-based burger with a beefy taste and 19g of protein. Made with soy and potato protein for a satisfying bite.
Why we like it
- ✓ Affordable price point
- ✓ 19g protein
- ✓ Widely available
- ✓ Good texture
Considerations
- • Contains soy
- • Slightly processed taste

Perfect Burger
Dr. Praeger's
Sensible vegan burger made with wholesome vegetables, ancient grains, and pea protein. A healthier alternative with visible veggie pieces.
Why we like it
- ✓ Whole food ingredients
- ✓ Lower sodium
- ✓ Allergen-friendly
- ✓ Veggie-forward
Considerations
- • Less meat-like
- • Lower protein (16g)

Beyond Beef Ground
Beyond Meat
Versatile plant-based ground meat perfect for tacos, pasta sauce, or chili. Crumbles and browns just like beef with 20g protein per serving.
Why we like it
- ✓ Highly versatile
- ✓ 20g protein
- ✓ No soy or gluten
- ✓ Great texture
Considerations
- • Higher in saturated fat
- • Premium pricing

Beefless Ground
Gardein
Budget-friendly plant-based ground beef alternative made with soy and wheat protein. Perfect for everyday meals like tacos and spaghetti bolognese.
Why we like it
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Good flavor
- ✓ Easy to cook with
- ✓ Pre-seasoned option available
Considerations
- • Contains soy and wheat
- • Lower protein (13g)

Impossible Sausage Ground
Impossible Foods
Savory plant-based ground sausage with Italian seasonings. Contains heme for that authentic sausage flavor and juiciness.
Why we like it
- ✓ Rich savory flavor
- ✓ Versatile for pizza/pasta
- ✓ 14g protein
- ✓ Authentic sausage taste
Considerations
- • Contains soy
- • Higher sodium

Beyond Sausage Brat
Beyond Meat
Juicy plant-based bratwurst with a satisfying snap and 16g of protein. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying with peppers and onions.
Why we like it
- ✓ Great snap texture
- ✓ 16g protein
- ✓ No soy
- ✓ Grills beautifully
Considerations
- • Can dry out if overcooked
- • Coconut oil taste

Italian Sausage
Field Roast
Artisan grain meat sausage handcrafted with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. A gourmet option with complex flavors.
Why we like it
- ✓ Complex flavor profile
- ✓ Whole food based
- ✓ Great for grilling
- ✓ 25g protein
Considerations
- • Contains wheat gluten
- • Firmer texture

Kielbasa Sausage
Tofurky
Smoky Polish-style kielbasa made with tofu and wheat protein. Perfect for hearty dishes and summer cookouts.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic smoky flavor
- ✓ Budget-friendly
- ✓ Long shelf life
- ✓ High protein
Considerations
- • Contains soy and wheat
- • Chewy texture

Original Chicken Pieces
Daring
Tender plant-based chicken pieces with clean ingredients and 14g protein. Made from soy protein for an authentic texture.
Why we like it
- ✓ Very tender texture
- ✓ Minimal ingredients
- ✓ Pre-seasoned
- ✓ Cooks quickly
Considerations
- • Contains soy
- • Can be pricey

Seven Grain Crispy Tenders
Gardein
Crispy breaded chicken tenders made with ancient grains and soy protein. Kids and adults love these crunchy, protein-packed bites.
Why we like it
- ✓ Extra crispy coating
- ✓ Great for meal prep
- ✓ 13g protein
- ✓ Very affordable
Considerations
- • Contains soy and wheat
- • Oven time needed

NUGGS Plant-Based Nuggets
Simulate
Next-gen chicken nuggets with superior texture and taste. Developed using advanced food science for the perfect crispy-to-tender ratio.
Why we like it
- ✓ Best-in-class texture
- ✓ Cult following
- ✓ Air fryer friendly
- ✓ Pea protein based
Considerations
- • Premium price
- • Small portion size

Chik Patties
MorningStar Farms
Classic breaded plant-based chicken patties perfect for sandwiches. A pantry staple since the 1970s with 10g of protein.
Why we like it
- ✓ Nostalgic favorite
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Quick prep
- ✓ Widely available
Considerations
- • Contains soy
- • Processed taste

Hickory Smoked Deli Slices
Tofurky
Smoky plant-based deli slices made from tofu and wheat protein. Perfect for sandwiches and wraps with 7g protein per serving.
Why we like it
- ✓ Great for sandwiches
- ✓ Smoky flavor
- ✓ Low calorie
- ✓ Budget-friendly
Considerations
- • Thin slices
- • Contains soy and wheat

Smoked Tomato Deli Slices
Field Roast
Artisan grain meat deli slices with sun-dried tomatoes and smoked paprika. Elevated flavors for gourmet sandwiches.
Why we like it
- ✓ Gourmet flavor
- ✓ Thicker slices
- ✓ Great texture
- ✓ 12g protein
Considerations
- • Contains wheat
- • Higher price point

Harmless Ham Deli Slices
Sweet Earth
Plant-based ham alternative with a naturally sweet and savory flavor. Made with pea protein and beet juice for color.
Why we like it
- ✓ Ham-like sweetness
- ✓ Pea protein
- ✓ Lower sodium option
- ✓ Soy-free
Considerations
- • Softer texture
- • Limited availability

Benevolent Bacon
Sweet Earth
Hickory and sage smoked plant-based bacon that crisps up beautifully. Made with pea protein and coconut oil for that crispy crunch.
Why we like it
- ✓ Gets crispy
- ✓ Smoky flavor
- ✓ Soy-free
- ✓ 6g protein per serving
Considerations
- • Thin strips
- • Can burn quickly

Smart Bacon
Lightlife
Classic tempeh-based bacon strips with a smoky maple flavor. A healthier bacon alternative with whole soy protein.
Why we like it
- ✓ Whole food based
- ✓ Lower fat
- ✓ Good protein
- ✓ Budget-friendly
Considerations
- • Less crispy
- • Tempeh texture

Plant-Based Bacon
Hooray Foods
The most realistic plant-based bacon with incredible crunch and smoky flavor. Made from coconut oil and rice flour for authentic texture.
Why we like it
- ✓ Most realistic texture
- ✓ Gets super crispy
- ✓ Soy-free
- ✓ Great smoky flavor
Considerations
- • Premium price
- • Limited availability
- • High in fat
Why choose vegan meat?
Switching to plant-based meat alternatives is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Modern food technology has allowed us to replicate the textures and flavors you love, without the ethical or environmental cost. Browse our selection above to find the perfect swap for your next meal or outfit.