7.3 million Americans follow a meat-free diet, and over 20 million more have been eating meat sparingly. This means that more people than ever are looking to alternative options for their meals.
This is awesome news for animals and the environment, but it can also be good news for your plates!
Vegetarian meat substitutes get a bad reputation for having strange tastes and textures, but with so many people looking for these options, they’re improving every day.
If you’re looking for protein-packed vegetarian alternatives for your next meal, we’ve got you covered.
Put down the roasted cauliflower and branch out from a life of lentils and tofu (though these things are all delicious) and check out some of these awesome meat-free alternatives that you can pick up and put on your plate today.
Burgers and “Red Meat” Alternatives
Are you missing the experience of getting out to the grill with your friends? You don’t have to miss out. The veggie burger scene is thriving and has burger options for all price points and texture preferences.
These are just a few of the best burger alternatives (and some other “red meat” alternatives) that you can get.
1. The Beyond Burger
This is one of the more popular options in the “fake meat” world at the moment. The Beyond Burger is a great alternative for those who are sensitive to soy products as it’s completely soy-free.
It has a whopping 20 grams of protein and looks and grills like a real burger. This might not fool carnivores, but it will provide a tasty and satisfying meat substitute for your next cookout.
2. Boca Burger
The Boca burger is a classic for those who have gone meatless for a long time. These affordable little patties come in several varieties, but the standard one looks nearly identical to a fast-food burger.
It won’t be as realistic as its newer competitors, but it’s friendly for your wallet.
Not all of the Boca burgers are vegan, so make sure to check the label before purchasing if you’re avoiding eggs or dairy!
3. The Impossible Burger
This may be the king of pre-made veggie burgers.
If there’s a burger to trick omnivores, this is it. Like real meat, it needs to be cooked a certain way to really get the full effect. These burgers look and smell like “the real thing” and are surprisingly juicy.
Are they healthy? No, not really, but they’re a perfect treat.
4. Gardein Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a meal that many vegetarians miss. You can make your own meatball alternatives with beans and grains, but they don’t always hit the spot.
These meatballs are nearly perfect. They’re seasoned with Italian herbs and spices and they hold their shape perfectly (unlike some homemade versions).
5. Lightlife Smart Dogs
Hot dogs aren’t exactly luxury food items but you might find yourself missing them when you drop your meat consumption.
There are several options out there, but one of the best affordable options is the Lightlife Smart dog.
If you want something closer to a ballpark hotdog experience, go for the jumbo ones. Throw them on the grill and slather them with your favorite toppings. You can’t go wrong.
Chicken Alternatives
Chicken is a harder thing to match for fake meats. You’ll generally find the best ones at vegetarian restaurants and others pale in comparison.
Here are a few that do a pretty good job.
6. Quorn Chicken Nuggets
When it comes to fake meat products, these are likely the closest to the real thing.
You’re not looking for a “real chicken” taste, you’re looking for something that tastes like processed chicken. This is where these nuggets shine.
There are two versions of these: vegetarian and vegan. The vegetarian ones have a better texture, but both will be great for anyone missing out on Happy Meals.
7. Boca Spicy Chicken Patties
Boca returns for another spot on the list.
These patties are superior to their standard chicken patties. They’re only a little bit spicy, but it’s enough of a kick to give some much-needed flavor.
These patties are similar to the nuggets: they taste like fast food. They will hit the spot when you have that chicken sandwich craving though.
8. Morningstar Farms Chick’n Strips
Do you miss your chicken fajitas or chicken alfredo pasta? Maybe you need protein to throw into a stir fry.
This is the best option.
The texture is great and they take the addition of spices really well. They’re full of protein and easy to throw into any dish that chicken would normally fit into. They’re great in salads, burrito bowls, and tacos alike.
If you’re missing your chicken dishes, give these a shot.
Seafood Alternatives
Seafood gets forgotten in the quest for tasty meat substitutes. There are a few good options, but they’re niche. If you miss your shrimp or fish filets, you might want to give one of these a try.
9. Gardein Fishless Filet
Gardein is a household name in the “fake meat” world, and these fishless filets helped to get them that status.
They’re not for everyone, and they’re more similar to the fast-food version than anything you’d get at a seafood restaurant.
Pair them with some tartar sauce and throw them on a bun and you’ll have a great substitute for a fried fish sandwich.
10. Loving Hut Vegan Shrimp
Shrimp alternatives are on the rise but these fake shrimp from Loving Hut seem to be the current frontrunners.
Shrimp have a mild flavor, making them easy to emulate. While overcooking them can make them rubbery (like real shrimp) they’re an easy addition to a shrimp scampi or even a cocktail shrimp setup.
Holiday Alternatives
Can’t get to your favorite vegetarian restaurant for the holidays? No problem. You can whip up some holiday food at home.
These meat substitutes are a great way for you to enjoy a roast with your family without sacrificing your dietary needs.
11. Tofurky
Tofurky is the holiday roast alternative.
It comes in two varieties: Turkey and ham. The turkey one is clearly more popular. When the holiday season rolls around, you can find them lining the shelves of the freezer aisle in big holiday boxes.
They come with stuffing and gravy, and the meal kits come with a dessert (that’s also vegan-friendly).
Tofurky set the standard for meat alternatives everywhere. Everyone else just tried to catch up!
This is a great crowd pleaser for your next vegetarian holiday.
12. Quorn Turkey Roast
This is incredibly similar to the Tofurky. It contains mycoprotein, made from mushrooms. The texture is so similar to real poultry that if it weren’t for the strange shape and stuffing, you may trick a carnivore with a well-dressed slice.
This is great the day after a holiday, stacked high on a sandwich with some gravy and other holiday fixings. Treat it like real turkey and don’t skimp on the leftovers!
13. Trader Joe’s Turkey-less Stuffed Roast
Trader Joes didn’t disappoint with their version of a holiday roast.
This one is slightly different, though no less tasty. It’s breaded, making the whole affair a little too bready for some (as it’s also stuffed).
The crispy exterior is great for people who aren’t aiming for the real meat experience, and it’s one of the more affordable options for holiday meals.
Lunch Meat
Sometimes, you just really want a sandwich and veggies or peanut butter and jelly won’t quite fill the void.
Vegetarian lunch “meats” are there to save the day. They’re also some of the most convincing products available.
14. Tofurky
Tofurky has returned, and for good reason. Their fake turkey lunchmeat products are nearly identical to the real thing. They’re low in calories, high in protein, and go well on a sandwich with some mustard and cheese.
These are easily packed into lunches or piled high on hoagies. The choice is up to you.
15. Yves Lunch Meats
Yves has a lot of products but they never quite reached the same popularity as the other substitutions for meat.
They really shine when it comes to lunch meat though.
For those who don’t just want turkey (where Tofurky is the clear winner), Yves picks up the slack.
They have vegetarian-friendly ham, bologna, salami, and pepperoni that will feel at home in any Italian sub or just put together in a nice wrap.
Don’t miss out on sandwiches just because your diet has changed.
There Are So Many Vegetarian Alternatives
When you’re looking for vegetarian alternatives for meat, new options will pop up every day. Increased demand for meatless products means that more and more companies are hopping onto the vegetarian bandwagon.
This is great for animals and great for your stomach.
Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips like these!
