Vegan Meat Brands That Are Changing Everything
It’s a great time to be vegan. There are more vegan meat options than ever before, and they’re available everywhere, from your local co-op to big-box stores, including Target and Walmart. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which ones to try first—so we’ve taken away the guesswork with this handy list.
KARANA
Made from jackfruit and pea protein, KARANA’s ground “meat” is full of fiber, has 35% fewer calories than pig flesh, and is 100% more compassionate. Plus, it’s perfect in dishes such as Bolognese sauce and tacos. The brand also offers premade potstickers filled with its savory jackfruit meat, cabbage, ginger, and green onions. You can try KARANA products at select restaurants and pop-up events, and they’ll be hitting grocery store shelves soon.
Beyond Meat
Innovative company Beyond Meat is single-handedly changing the vegan meat game. What’s its secret? Its mouthwatering products are made with non-GMO, gluten-free pea protein. After the sensation of the “bloody” Beyond Burger, the brand launched several other products and formed partnerships with popular chains. Now you can find Beyond Meat’s vegan ground beef, sausages, meatballs, and chicken at grocery stores nationwide. Beyond Steak is the newest addition to this lineup. It’s great in stir-fries, salads, tacos, fajitas, and other dishes.
Dr. Praeger’s
Dr. Praeger’s vegan burgers have been a hit since they launched in 1994, but the brand has since expanded to offer a delicious variety of vegan meat items as well. Its Pure Plant Protein line features “beefy” burgers, crispy “chicken” tenders, ground “beef,” and a vegan breakfast sausage. Although many of the brand’s products are vegan, always be sure to double-check ingredients and look for the vegan logo on the label to be sure.
OMNI
Vegan meat brand OMNI has made waves in the food industry with its OmniPork products, made from pea protein, soy, shiitake mushrooms, and rice. OmniPork Luncheon “meat” is a healthier, animal-free option to use in recipes like “Spam” musubi, fried rice, and ramen. The brand also makes vegan pork ground and strips, and it’s launched a vegan seafood line as well.
Before the Butcher
This meatless meat brand offers its UNCUT Plant-Based Burgers in several grocery store chains in Southern California. The savory soy-based burgers cook up great on the grill. Try them in four different varieties: Burger, Savory Chicken Burger, Roasted Turkey Burger, and Breakfast Sausage Patty.
MorningStar Farms
Following PETA’s talks with Kellogg’s about offering more vegan products through its MorningStar Farms and Gardenburger brands, the company announced three reformulations of products from vegetarian to vegan. The tasty, improved items, which are now dairy– and egg-free, include MorningStar Farms’ Buffalo Chik Patties, Buffalo Wings, Chik’n Nuggets, and BBQ Chik’n Nuggets. Look for the yellow “vegan” label on products in stores now and for even more vegan products by MorningStar in the future.
Gardein
We love that Gardein offers fishless fish, including a golden fishless fillet, as well as mini crabless cakes. Must-try product: Classic Meatless Meatballs.
Tofurky
Founded in 1980, Tofurky quickly became famous for its holiday roasts, but it’s known for many other delectable vegan products as well, including deli slices, veggie dogs, tempeh bacon, vegan pizza, and more.
Field Roast
Made with grain meat, Field Roast products include vegan sausages, deli slices, roasts, burgers, and even a meatloaf. Its famous vegan cheese Chao Slices are a great complement to what we consider a must-try product: the Field Burger.
Yves Veggie Cuisine
Yves has a wide range of vegan products, including Original Meatless Jumbo Hot Dogs, and Meatless Canadian Bacon. The company was founded in 1985 and continues to provide cholesterol-free vegan meat options to a growing demographic of compassionate consumers.
Trader Joe’s
A trip to Trader Joe’s is a pleasant experience for any vegan, as the grocery chain carries a large array of vegan meat products. Thanks to the law of supply and demand, the more yummy meatless products you buy, the more Trader Joe’s carries—so keep up the good work! Must-try product: Chickenless Mandarin Orange Morsels.
Lightlife
Lightlife offers a variety of vegan meat options, which are easy to identify, thanks to a prominent “certified vegan” logo on the package. Must-try product: Smart Dogs (veggie dogs)
Boca Burger
Boca Burger was born when a chef in Boca Raton, Florida, wanted to make a great veggie burger his way. His creation became such a hit that he had to set up shop in a warehouse next to his restaurant—his small kitchen simply couldn’t keep up with demand. Must-try product: Spicy Chik’n Patties.
Sweet Earth Natural Foods
Sweet Earth is well known for its seitan, burritos, and veggie burgers, but be sure to try the company’s other products, too, such as its “bacon” and three flavors of vegan ground round.
For more information about vegan meat options, visit our guide to soy- and gluten-free meatless meats.
Our free vegan starter kit has tips and information about going vegan. For animals, the environment, and your health, order one today.
