Animal-free products are becoming an increasingly popular go-to for everyone, plant-based or not. People are moving away from dairy and meat due to their effect on the environment and our health. With that being said, I have been a proud vegetarian for nearly six years and a vegan for one. After six years of being meat-free, I have searched far and wide for the best chicken alternatives and I feel as though I have come up with the perfect list of vegan chicken brands. I hope as you read on you will find your new favorite chicken alternative, although I don’t doubt you will.
Gardein is one of the most well-known vegan brands out there and it is for good reason. They have a very wide selection of vegan meat replacements and I have yet to try a product of theirs that I haven’t liked. First up, we’ll discuss their Chick’n Strips. These Chick’n Strips have a shredded, grilled texture that makes them perfect for salads, teriyaki dishes as well as pasta. It’s truly a staple for meat-free eaters. Because Gardein is one of the more well-known brands, it can be found at almost any major grocery chain. An easy recommendation from a vegan.
Another Gardein product that has become a regular purchase of mine over the years is their crispy tenders. Their texture and flavor make them the perfect chicken tender alternative. These have so many uses but my favorite has got to be pairing them with buffalo sauce. They are also commonly used for mock chicken parm, wraps, and salads. Of course, they are plenty delicious on their own as well.
If you can’t yet tell, I truly live and die by Gardein. The final Gardein product I will be discussing is their Nashville Hot Chick’n Tenders. These spicy tenders are perfect for a buffalo-style wrap, and even more delicious when paired with ranch! I’m Nashville area born and raised so my expectations were quite high with this one, I was not disappointed! Although these are the three Gardein products I have chosen to write about, they only touch the surface, Gardein has a very wide selection of products you can check out.
Morning Star is another incredibly popular mock meat brand. Morning Star, however, is not an all-vegan company. Some Morning Star products include egg and milk products. Lucky enough though, their Buffalo Chik Patties are made completely vegan (and probably their best product). These patties have a delicious flavor and texture that is perfect for a quick meal idea. Throw them on a bun with some lettuce for an easy vegan chicken sandwich!
Another vegan Morning Star product is their Chik’n Nuggets. This product is pretty self-explanatory as they are just mock chicken nuggets that can be cooked easily in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. These nuggets are perfect for children and adults alike. Of course, they also pair wonderfully with ketchup!
Sweet Earth is one of the lesser-known vegetarian brands even though they don’t deserve to be. Sweet Earth has lots of easy packaged meals that are vegan friendly, including vegan chicken. Their Mindful Chik’n can be used for pasta, wraps, and curry dishes. It is also very high in protein with 19 grams a serving! This brand might be a little more difficult to find compared to Morning Star and Gardein, but their website has a product tracker that can be used to find this brand near you!
These are a newer find of mine and I am so happy about it. Trader Joe’s has a pretty decent selection when it comes to animal-free products and this has got to be one of my favorites. These mock orange chicken morsels are absolutely delicious and pair great with any Asian-inspired meal. My favorite thing to pair this product with has got to be rice and Trader Joe’s vegan gyoza. Seriously, I eat this meal at least twice a week. No regrets!
One more vegan nugget, I promise. Alpha is an all-vegan brand popular for its burritos and mock meats. Alpha’s nuggets are full of flavor and have the perfect crispy texture. These vegan chicken nuggets can be prepared in the oven and microwave, however, they are best when prepared in the air fryer. They are also kid-approved, so don’t worry, the whole family can enjoy it! Again, this product may be one of the more difficult ones to track down, but their website has you covered with a store locater.
Tofurkey is a plant-based brand that makes a range of different mock meats including sausage, chicken, and deli slices. These are a great source of protein and are commonly used in mock chicken noodle soup and mock chicken pot pie (yum). I’ve also seen it used for mock chicken salad sandwiches. Tofurkey products are a unique, delicious find that is usually reasonably priced. Make sure to check out their vegan chicken product at your local grocery store!
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