Finding a tasty plantbased meat alternative can feel almost like a personal challenge, especially with all the options popping up at grocery stores and restaurants.
There are patties that look and taste like beef, sausages with all the sizzle and snap, and even plantbased chicken and seafood swapping spots on menus.
With so much to try, narrowing down the best choices can save you a lot of time at the store and a few disappointing meals.
I’m excited to walk you through the top plantbased meat alternatives I’ve tried, sharing what makes each one a standout when you’re ready to eat more plants, or just want to shake up your dinner routine.
Intro to PlantBased Meat: Why So Many Options?
The plantbased meat scene has exploded since the late 2010s, and not just among vegetarians or vegans.
More people than ever want to eat less animal protein, whether for health, sustainability, or just to try something new.
Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have even landed their burgers at fast food chains, showing that plantbased eating seriously hit the mainstream.
There’s also a ton of variety now, from oldschool tofu and tempeh to hightech pea protein steaks, sunflower seed ground meat, and meatless seafood.
Making the switch, even for just a few meals, isn’t about settling for less flavor or enjoyment.
In fact, some of these products are pretty convincing dupes for the real thing.
I’ve even fooled a few friends at a backyard BBQ.
New plantbased brands always work to get that same bite, chew, and taste you’d expect from animal proteins.
Trying out a few helps you find the flavors and textures you like best, and you may even stumble upon something entirely new that becomes a staple in your meals.
The Top PlantBased Meat Alternatives Reviewed
After years of swapping out animal proteins in my own meals, these are the meat alternatives that keep landing back in my shopping cart.
Each one brings something different to the table, so it helps to know what you’re looking for: grill power, throwinastew flexibility, or something extra juicy for burger night.
- Burgers & Patties: Perfect for sandwiches or grilling
- Sausages: Ideal for breakfast, grilling, or pastas
- Chicken Alternatives: Great for wraps, salads, and stirfries
- Meatless Ground: Super versatile for tacos, chili, and more
- Seafood Swaps: Fun for fish tacos, sushi, and sandwiches
Burgers & Patties: Not Just “Veggie Discs” Anymore
Burgers got a serious glowup thanks to brands like Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger.
Both use clever mixes of pea protein, soy, or potato starch to create that familiar bite and juicy interior.
Impossible Burger uses something called heme (a molecule from plants) to mimic the sizzle and ironrich flavor you expect in beef.
Beyond Burger gets its taste from peas, beet juice (for a pink center), and some canola and coconut oil for marbling.
I’ve found Impossible is just a touch closer to a beef burger, especially if you’re craving something with a slightly “meaty” aroma that caramelizes well on the grill.
Beyond tends to be a bit sturdier and is a good pick for people who don’t want soy.
Both are solid whether you’re firing up a grill or just pansearing for weeknight burgers.
For a lighter take, “veggie burgers” (like Dr. Praeger’s or Amy’s) pack more veggies and grains.
These won’t fool anyone into thinking they’re beef, but they’re packed with flavor and dietary fiber if that’s what you’re after.
Try topping them with creative spreads, fresh greens, or quickpickled onions for a nextlevel cool twist.
PlantBased Sausages: Breakfast to BBQ
Options for sausages used to be pretty weak, but now the field has really grown.
My favorite brand is Beyond Sausage (especially the Sweet Italian style).
The texture is springy and juicy.
Plus, the spice blend tastes surprisingly authentic.
They’re packed with protein and work great on the grill or browned in a skillet with peppers and onions.
Field Roast sausages are another fun pick.
They’re a bit more grainheavy but have creative flavors like Smoked Apple Sage and Spicy Mexican Chipotle.
These work best sliced up in scrambles, roasted with veggies, or served in a bun with classic condiments.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try dicing them into pasta sauces or casseroles to add a burst of plantbased flavor.
Chicken Alternatives: Good for More Than Nuggets
Plantbased chicken has come a long way.
What started as bland soy chunks has become everything from realistic tenders to juicy fillets.
Brands like Gardein, Daring, and MorningStar Farms offer everything from breaded fillets to grilled strips.
Gardein’s crispy tenders are especially popular for snacking or tossing in a salad.
The Daring Plant Chicken Pieces have a simple ingredient list and a nice shreddy texture that works in tacos or stirfries.
MorningStar Farms’ meatless chicken patties are a good quick lunch if you don’t mind a slightly softer bite.
For anyone who wants the taste and texture of fastfood chicken, these are worth checking out.
If you’re meal prepping, these products freeze well and can be jazzed up with new marinades or sauces each week.
Meatless Ground: Versatile for Recipes
Meatless ground is maybe the most useful swap for a busy cook.
You can use it in lasagna, tacos, shepherd’s pie, and more.
Impossible Ground and Beyond Beef both have that crumbly texture and soak up seasonings for dishes like chili or spaghetti bolognese.
The flavor is rich and not too beany or herbal, which some older products struggled with.
Lightlife and Boca also make plantbased crumbles that are a bit firmer and lower in fat.
They’re handy if you want more plant protein on top of a salad or in sauces.
I use these in everything from stuffed peppers to homemade taco night, and no one in my household complains.
You can even toss a scoop into breakfast scrambles or use them as a pizza topping for a quick protein boost.
Seafood Swaps: FishFree Fish, Shrimp & More
Not as many brands have gotten seafood right, but the ones that do are pretty nextlevel cool.
Good Catch makes a plantbased tuna that’s great in sandwiches or sushi rolls. The flavor has a light fishiness, but it doesn’t take over.
Sophie’s Kitchen offers vegan fish fillets and shrimp. These aren’t 100% the same as the real thing, but the texture and flavor are close enough for fish tacos or a vegan poboy.
For a sushi fix without the fish, wedge a few pieces of Good Catch tuna into a maki roll with avocado and cucumber for a refreshing lunch.
The shrimp from Sophie’s Kitchen bread nicely if you want something crispy.
And there are more creative uses—try flaking vegan fish into a chowder, or adding plantbased shrimp to your next stirfry with a squeeze of lime for brightness.
What to Consider When Buying PlantBased Meats
Plantbased isn’t always automatically healthy or sustainable, so I pay attention to a few things:
- Ingredients: Some products pack a lot of sodium, oil, or odd stabilizers. Reading labels helps. Look for ones with simple ingredients and less added sugar or sodium.
- Protein Content: Most plantbased meats shoot for a protein range similar to animal meat, usually around 1520g per serving.
- Allergens: Many options use soy, wheat, or peas. If you have allergies, check the label carefully.
- Versatility: Think about how you’ll use it. Some products are best grilled, while others are better in a sauce or casserole.
- Price: These options are sometimes pricier than animal proteins. Watching for sales and trying store brands can help your grocery bill.
Common Challenges with PlantBased Meat Alternatives
Jumping into plantbased meats can feel intimidating if you’re used to cooking animal proteins.
Here are a few issues that often come up, and how I deal with them:
- Texture: Some plantbased meats get mushy or dry out fast. Gentle cooking (medium heat instead of high) usually helps, and don’t forget a bit of oil or marinade for extra flavor.
- Taste: Not every product is a perfect match for the real deal. Trying different brands and prep methods goes a long way.
- Availability: Certain brands sell out fast, especially during barbecue season. I usually buy a pack or two when I see a favorite in stock.
Texture Problems
Heating plantbased patties and sausages on lower heat and avoiding stuffing the pan makes a big difference.
Overcooking is the fastest way to end up with dry or rubbery results, so keep an eye on those cook times.
Flavor Adjustments
Many products benefit from your favorite sauces, spices, or toppings.
I like to experiment with spice mixes, smoked salt, or a little liquid smoke to make things pop.
Burger patties get a big upgrade with a toasted bun, crunchy lettuce, ripe tomato, and a tangy sauce.
For an even more eye-catching meal, try a rainbow of veggie toppings or homemade relishes.
Trying a mix of these plantbased meat options makes plantforward eating easy and way more interesting.
Each one has unique perks, and it pays to mix them into weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts for variety and fun.
Don’t hesitate to check out new local brands or explore international options as plantbased proteins spread fast in popularity around the world.
FAQs About PlantBased Meat Alternatives
Q: Do plantbased meats taste like the real thing?
A: Some do a surprisingly good job, especially burgers and ground options from Impossible and Beyond.
Others lean into unique flavors. It can take some tasting to find your favorites.
Q: Are these products healthier than animal meat?
A: Nutrition varies a lot.
Some are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol but can be higher in sodium.
Reading labels and aiming for options with simple ingredients helps keep things balanced.
Q: Can I cook them the same way as animal meat?
A: Usually, yes!
Most plantbased burgers or sausages cook just like their animalbased counterparts but often need less cooking time.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on doneness since some dry out quickly.
Q: Are there allergy concerns with plantbased meat?
A: Yes, since many are made with soy, wheat, or peas.
Always check the package if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Wrapping Up: Picking Your Favorites
There has never been a better time to try plantbased meats with so many tasty choices out there.
Whether you’re grilling burgers, cooking stirfries, or experimenting with tacos, these alternatives offer plenty of protein, new flavors, and fun in the kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to try a few brands to see what fits your taste, and feel free to get creative with cooking methods and seasonings for the best results.
Curiosity and a little trial and error can open up a whole new way to enjoy familiar meals.
Get ready to have more plants on your plate and a fresh perspective at the dinner table.