Published by PETA.

Every time you reach for vegan chicken nuggets instead of the kind made from animal flesh (and who knows what else), you’re refusing to support the cruel slaughter of billions of chickens who suffer horribly throughout their short lives. Considering that chickens are arguably the most abused animals on the planet, they should be one of the first we remove from our plates.

Hen with Chicks© iStock.com/xalanx

Eating compassionately is a choice you can make every time that you eat. So have no fear—vegan chicken nugget brands are here!

Alpha Foods Chik’n Nuggets

Struggling with picky eaters? They won’t be able to resist these delicious, plant-powered nuggets.

BOCA Chik’n Vegan Nuggets

These cruelty-free nuggets pack 14 grams of protein per serving.

Dr. Praeger’s Classic Chick’n Tenders

These tenders are also available in BBQ Chick’n and Buffalo Chick’n flavors.

Fry’s Chick’n Nuggets

Fry’s nuggets are pretty much pure vegan gold.

Gardein Chipotle Lime Crispy Fingers

Dip these zesty, slightly spicy “chicken” fingers in some vegan ranch, or cut them up to add to a salad.

Gardein Crispy Golden Chick’n Nuggets

For classic vegan nuggets, try these bits of golden goodness.

Gardein Nashville Hot Chik’n Tenders

If you’re a fan of spicy “chicken,” these are for you.

Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders

Gardein makes cooking easy by featuring recipes for its products.

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n

Gardein’s Chick’n Nuggets and Chick’n Tenders both have a crispy coating that’s flavorful enough to eat on its own and perfect when dipped in your favorite sauce.

May Wah Vegan Chicken Nuggets

This store is based in New York City’s Chinatown, but you can order its delectable vegan products online.

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Meatless Farm Plant-Based Chik’n Nuggets

These crispy, chicken-free nuggets have 11 grams of protein per serving. They aren’t available yet, but look for them at retailers near you soon.

MorningStar Farms Chik’n Nuggets

Try the original flavor, or go for the BBQ Chik’n or Zesty Ranch varieties. MorningStar also sells Popcorn Chik’n and Spicy Popcorn Chik’n.

MorningStar Farms Incogmeato

This brand offers four types of vegan chicken: Chik’n Nuggets, Chik’n Tenders, Sweet BBQ Chik’n Tenders, and Disney Mickey Mouse Shaped Chick’n Nuggets.

Nowadays Original Nuggets

Since these nuggets are made with only seven simple ingredients, you can feel good about giving them to your kids (or enjoying them yourself!).

SIMULATE Nuggs

Available in stores and online, these nuggets come in Original and Spicy flavors. The brand is even planning to launch dinosaur-shaped nuggets soon.

Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders

Ancient grain flour and soy protein go into the creation of these tender nuggets.

Wegmans Don’t Be Chicken Meatless Breaded Chicken Style Nuggets

Wegmans has more than 90 stores in six states. If you live in the Northeast, there’s a good chance that you can get your hands on some of these.

Yummy Dino Buddies Meatless Plant-Based Nuggets

Get nostalgic with these dinosaur-shaped vegan nuggets.

 

Vegan Nugget Recipe

Another fun option is to make your own vegan chicken nuggets. Try our recipe that uses chickpeas, vegetable protein, and vital wheat gluten.


Chickens are social birds who live together in flocks, often sharing food and nests. They’re curious, interesting, and intelligent. An article in Scientific American describes their “communication skills” as being “on par with those of some primates.” They also use “sophisticated signals to convey [their] intentions. When making decisions, [they take] into account … prior experience and knowledge surrounding the situation. [They] can solve complex problems and [empathize] with individuals [who] are in danger.”

So who are you calling “birdbrain”?

Want to champion chicks beyond your plate? Rock one of these adorable items from the PETA Shop.

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