11 Vegan Meat Substitutes That Actually Taste Good

Vegan and plant-based foods have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years. Boosted by social media trends and activists that promote healthier eating and environmentally conscientious lifestyles, plant-based foods have seen a 54% increase in sales in the past three years to reach $7.4 billion. Whether you're turning to a vegan diet for health, moral, or environmental reasons, here are some of the most popular vegan meat substitutions that are tasty and nutritious. What's your favorite meat substitute and the meal it goes in? Tell us in the comments. 

Related: Panda Express Will Give You a Free Meal to Try Vegan Orange Chicken

$5.79 for four

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If you've had only vegan patties that tasted like dirt, these might help change your outlook. Made from a blend of cayenne pepper, quinoa, collard greens, kale, ginger, Swiss chard, spinach, turnip, and mustard greens, these gluten-free burgers are packed with nutrients and flavor. They're also easy to heat; just pop them into the microwave or heat on a stovetop for a few minutes.

Related: Where to Find Plant-Based Fast Food

$4.79 for eight

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Packing 7 grams of protein per dog, these classic-style vegan dogs are perfect for when you need to bring your own protein to a barbecue or cookout. Best served grilled on a bun with your favorite condiments, these "smart dogs" bring the taste and texture of a traditional hot dog, but without the saturated fat and cholesterol. 

$4.49 for 5.5 ounces

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Seasoned with a hickory-smoked sage sauce, this veggie bacon carries all the right notes of smoky, sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Though the texture isn't quite baconlike, it does achieve a nice crisp after being pan-fried or broiled in the oven for a few minutes. Crush it up and sprinkle it on salads, or try it as the base for a vegan BLT. 

$4.19 for 8 ounces

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Made with only three ingredients — soy beans, water, and brown rice — tempeh is a versatile ingredient that you can use to cook a variety of dishes. Whether you're choosing to marinate, sauté, or bake it, tempeh will hold its shape and help add protein to a meal. Try it on grain bowls, salads, and rice dishes.

$7.29 for 8 ounces

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Since being launched in 2016, the Impossible Burger has developed a cult following for its ability to fool even the staunchest of meat eaters — its use of plant-derived heme (an iron-rich molecule) allows burgers to "bleed" and retain that famously pink rare center. With added nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B, the Impossible Burger continues to be a fan favorite. 

$5.30 for 12

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Though not seasoned heavily, Beyond Meat's vegan meatballs are still quite flavorful, and easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes. Toss them into a marinara or ragú sauce and enjoy over pasta, or sauté and eat them with quinoa and veggies. Packing 19 grams of protein from peas and brown rice, these meatballs are much healthier than regular Italian-styled meatballs. 

$8 for four

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There's a reason why Beyond Sausages are beyond competition: They taste even better than real meat when grilled or pan-seared. Because Beyond's sausages do not rely on wheat gluten for a casing, this results in a meatier, more sausagelike texture — similar to a bratwurst. Try them with sautéed onions and peppers, or cut them up and toss them into a pot with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and onions to make a vegan bolognese sauce.

$6.50 for 10.4 ounces

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Seasoned with garlic, onion, ancho chili, paprika, and black and red pepper, Simulate's plant-based chicken nuggets taste like the real deal. Coated in a crispy-breaded exterior, they are soft and fluffy when you bite into them. Packing some real heat and flavor, these nuggets are perfect for bringing to game night or to enjoy as a snack.

$6.29 for 10.1 ounces

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Packed with Omega-3s and iron, these fish-less filets capture the essence of the sea without the off-putting "fishy taste" some seafoods have. Toss them in the air fryer until golden brown and serve with rice or veggies for a nutritious and filling meal. Or try sautéing and making fish tacos out of them. 

$4.79 for 8 ounces

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These meatless chick'n strips are lightly seasoned and cholesterol-free — making them an ideal choice for those wary of consuming too much sodium. Packing an impressive 27 grams per serving, they are versatile enough to be incorporated into a variety of dishes thanks to their neutral flavor. Try them as an alternative to chicken on salads, tacos, and rice dishes.

$7 for 7 ounces

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Able to mimic the texture of pulled pork or shredded beef, jackfruit has become a popular vegan meat substitute. Rich in magnesium, fiber, B6 vitamins, and antioxidants, the tropical fruit is nutritious and low carb. Try braising it in a savory sauce with onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes to make tacos that will have your meat-eating friends fooled.