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?
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.
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.
