Delicious Veggie-Forward Vegan Meats That Spare Lives
If you’re looking to make your meals healthier and more compassionate but you aren’t a fan of vegan meats that are a bit too realistic, veggie-focused “meats” are the perfect choice. Not only are they tasty and versatile, they’re also kind to cows, chickens, pigs, fish, and other animals who are exploited and killed in the meat industry. Every burger, taco, or nugget made from plants ensures that fewer animals suffer—and that’s some serious food for thought. Plus, who knew foods that save lives could be so delicious?
Actual Veggies Burgers
Actual Veggies offers six varieties of quarter-pound, thick-cut veggie burgers made with ingredients like beets, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
ALDI Earth Grown Veggie Burger
We love ALDI because it offers affordable vegan frozen food like its Earth Grown Veggie Burger, which is made with 11 vegetables and packed with fiber and protein. It also sells a Black Bean Chipotle patty made with brown rice.
Big Mountain Foods Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble
Big Mountain Foods’ “beefy” crumble—which is made with three types of mushrooms, pea protein, and carrots—is perfect for adding to pasta dishes or using in tacos or nachos. This brand also makes other veggie-forward “meats,” including Veggie Grounds made with cauliflower or broccoli and a burger patty made with lentils and other veggies.
Dr. Praeger’s
Get an array of veggies in one of the many burger patties from Dr. Praeger’s. Its California burger is made with a whopping 10 different veggies, so you can get many micronutrients in one tasty meal. This brand also makes chick’n nuggets and veggie fries that kids will crave.
The Jackfruit Company
If you didn’t already know, jackfruit is a tropical fruit commonly used in vegan cooking because of its meaty, shreddable texture and mild flavor. It can easily be transformed with spices and simple cooking techniques to mimic shredded pork, beef, or even crab for all the flavor without any animal suffering. The Jackfruit Company sells a few ready-to-prepare jackfruit options, including two that are already marinated.
Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Burgers
Carrots, onions, mushrooms, and even water chestnuts star in this classic veggie patty from Morningstar Farms. Soy protein and wheat gluten give it a protein boost, so it’ll keep you full and satiated for longer.
The Mushroom Meat Co.
The Mushroom Meat Co. is a startup that transforms mushrooms and seeds into delicious, flavorful “meats” that can be used in any of your favorite dishes. While you can’t find its “beef” tips in stores just yet, we’re excited to see how the company grows, because this product could spare the lives of countless playful, loving cows.
Nature’s Charm Vegan Calamari
This vegan calamari is made from king oyster mushrooms, which are sliced and packed in a briny marinade that gives this product the taste of the sea without harming marine life. Bread this “calamari” and fry it for a crispy appetizer, or use it in a vegan pasta or paella dish. It’s a great option that has all the texture and taste of calamari but spares intelligent, feisty squids.
Nutcase Vegan
Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, and quinoa are just a few of the ingredients in Nutcase Vegan’s animal-friendly meats, which include everything from a classic Organic Nutty Roast and crumbles to breakfast sausage patties and shelf-stable “jerky.”
Rabbit Hole Foods
Chickpeas are the star of Rabbit Hole Foods’ products. Options include Un-Tuna Deli Salad, Un-Egg Deli Salad, Un-Chicken Curry Salad, and Un-Crab Seaside Salad (which is made with hearts of palm)—all seasoned and ready to eat. Every animal—including tunas, chickens, and crabs—is someone, not something, and simply wants to live in peace. Choosing options like these helps them do just that.
Shroomeats
Shroomeats’ products are made with only six ingredients, including shiitake mushrooms, which are the star of the show. Options include mushroom balls, patties, and ground “meat,” which are all easy to season for whatever dish you’re adding them to.
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Masala Burgers
These tasty patties are made with potatoes, carrots, green beans, and other veggies and seasoned with Indian spices. They’re delicious on a bun or sliced and served in lettuce wraps with vegan mango chutney.
Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit
This jackfruit, which comes marinated and shredded, makes mealtime super-easy (and super-healthy). Upton’s Naturals also offers banana blossom, which is a perfect vegan option to serve instead of fish. Fish feel pain, form relationships with each other, and are even known to sing together each day at dawn and dusk. Please, be compassionate toward fish by choosing banana blossom for your next fish and chips night.
Going vegan is the best way to help animals, improve your own health, and help slow the climate catastrophe. For help making the transition, order a free vegan starter kit and begin our 3-Week Vegan Meal Plan today:
