A person who follows a vegan diet and someone who eats meat enter a bar. There was a time when this situation would have been rare, especially if both individuals wanted to leave equally pleased with their food choices. Meat substitutes used to consist mainly of vegetable sandwiches and bean-based burgers. Although these options are delicious on their own, they don’t match the wide range of plant-based meats available now. Today, plant-based meat companies are targeting not only the vegetarian market but also the traditional meat-eating audience.
Focusing on meat-eaters, as well as individuals just starting a plant-based diet, involves developing meat substitutes that truly deliver, not just make promises. Companies such as Impossible and Beyond are leading the way in producing plant-based meats that resemble, feel, and taste like traditional meat. This contemporary update, along with growing recognition of the fact thatPlant-based meats are frequently more environmentally friendly, indicates a promising future for plant-based eating. However, how do you create a burger without any animal ingredients that resembles the original?
Each brand features a distinct and carefully developed formula, yet there are several shared elements. Replicating the taste of meat involves choosing specific seasonings to get the desired flavor, using binding agents to create the ideal texture, and employing specialized equipment to achieve an authentic appearance. We examined 13 different plant-based meat products and looked at what’s inside the packaging to understand how they implemented these approaches. From nuggets that highlight straightforward ingredients to patties that “bleed,” the innovation is limitless.
Read more: 13 Meats That Have Been Banned in the United States
1. Impossible
It’s hard to have missed the Impossible brand if you’ve looked into plant-based options, and particularly if you’ve tried it.Burger King’s Impossible Whopper. At this stage, even if you entered a grocery store intending to purchase real meat, you’ve probably seen a package of Impossible nuggets in the freezer area or mistakenly grabbed Impossible ground beef in the meat section. Since 2011, the company has been achieving its goal of producing meat-like fake meat with a lower environmental impact.
Most challenging products utilize soy protein as a primary component. Specifically, the beef patties and ground meat alternatives incorporate both soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. These elements deliver the protein typically found in meat and also enhance a firm, meat-like consistency. Soy protein is also an excellent source of fiber and essential minerals.
Another key element in these exceptionally meaty products is known as soy leghemoglobin. This is a recently developed, genetically modified component that provides the heme content. In traditional animal meat, the protein myoglobin is responsible for carrying the iron molecule, heme, which contributes to the distinct taste and cooking properties of meat. Impossible Foods engineered a yeast strain capable of producing sufficient soy leghemoglobin to meet their product demands. This ingredient is responsible for the plant-based patty’s remarkable juiciness and sizzling exterior.
2. Beyond
Prior to the emergence of Impossible, there was Beyond Meat. The company was established in 2009 with a mission comparable to that of its future rival: Develop plant-based meat that is realistic and beneficial for the environment. Over time, Beyond has developed plant-based items that have impressed even those who eat meat, including ameat-free jerky that is surprisingly delicious. Its components have some parallels with Impossible’s. For instance, both companies utilize methylcellulose as a binding agent and to create a meat-like texture. Both also incorporate fats through different oils that enhance taste and provide the mock meat with its distinctive sizzle.
However, the primary protein used is where these two product lines differ. While Impossible uses soy, Beyond chooses pea protein. Sourced from yellow peas, this protein is hypoallergenic and classified as a complete protein, as it includes all nine essential amino acids. But Beyond lives up to its name, surpassing a single protein source. It also incorporates red lentils, faba beans, and brown rice for an additional nutritional boost.
To create the look of meat, Beyond follows a simpler approach compared to Impossible’s heme extraction process. Instead, the company uses red-colored fruits and vegetables such as beets and pomegranates to give its products the perfect color.
3. Gardein
Featuring a leafy design and creatively altered product names, Gardein isn’t attempting to conceal its plant-based focus. The company offers a range of meat-free items that resemble actual meat, including chicken, beef, and fish fillets. Most of Gardein’s vegetarian products are based on textured soy protein, or TSP. This protein is derived from defatted soy flour, which undergoes a process involving heat and pressure before being dried or baked. You can even purchase bags of TSP at supermarkets and create your own meatless dishes at home — or go for Gardein’s products, which use the texturized soy protein to (as the name implies) provide a meat-like texture.
Another essential component that Gardein incorporates is vital wheat gluten. This element is not novel in any way. In fact, bakers have been utilizing it for many years to create elastic doughs and breads that rise well. What the plant-based meat sector discovered is that vital wheat gluten offers more than just a lift for breads. It proves highly effective in creating superior plant-based meat substitutes by holding ingredients together, offering a chewy texture similar to meat, and retaining moisture to ensure every bite is more juicy than the previous one.
4. Quorn
The next era of food is centered around mushrooms, and Quorn is at the forefront with its range of products based on fungi. The main component is an ingredient known as mycoprotein. This protein comes from a fungus called Fusarium venenatum, which is grown through a fermentation process. It includes all nine essential amino acids and has a protein content similar to that of dairy milk. Not only does it provide Quorn products with their distinctive flavor and texture, but it also has a much lower carbon footprint than traditional meats. Indeed, the Carbon Trust certified Quorn’s environmental impact in 2012.
When purchasing Quorn’s plant-based options, be aware that several products are not suitable for vegans. Many of its meatless patties, nuggets, and crumbles include egg whites. Eggs are commonly used to hold regular burgers together, and they perform a similar function in these meat-free versions. Additionally, some of Quorn’s alternatives contain milk protein, so if you follow a vegan diet, always check the labels carefully.
5. MorningStar Farms
If you’re looking for variety, MorningStar Farms has you sorted. This company creates nearly every type of plant-based meat you can think of. You’ll find traditional beef or chicken-style patties and nuggets, but MorningStar also offers meat-free bacon slices, corn dogs, and even pepperoni pizza bites. The main protein used differs slightly among these items. Most rely on soy protein, while the vegetable hot dogs and corn dogs are made with pea protein instead.
Similar to Quorn’s items, vegans need to be cautious and check the labels before purchasing since not every product from MorningStar is suitable for a vegan diet. For example, the traditional beef-style patties include egg whites. You might also see an ingredient known as calcium caseinate, which is not vegan. This is a protein obtained from casein found in dairy milk and is commonly used in nutritional supplements and food products as a stabilizer or thickener.
Additional components you may come across when examining MorningStar’s labels include gums, specifically xanthan gum. Such gums serve as thickeners and stabilizers, not only in plant-based meats but also in sauces, ice cream, and baked items. Surprisingly, some of MorningStar’s offerings also include food dyes. The original bacon strips previously contained red dye No. 3, although it appears this has now been substituted with red 40 and other synthetic colorings such as blue 1. These colorants are utilized to create a more realistic, meat-like look.
6. Tofurky
This upcoming brand is one of the most traditional options available for plant-based choices. If you’ve ever been to a vegan Thanksgiving meal, you might owe the main dish on the table to Tofurky. That roast first appeared in 1995 as the Tofurky Feast and even received a mention from a vegan zombie on “The X-Files.” Since then, its range of products has grown from plant-based roasts to include deli slices, pepperoni, and other items.
The primary component in Tofurky’s offerings is, naturally, tofu. While it’s widely used in vegan dishes and items, tofu hasn’t always served solely as a substitute for meat. Tofu has been cherished for hundreds of years across various nations in East Asia, in all its different forms. Several Tofurky products, such as the chicken-like pieces and roasts, include vital wheat gluten along with tofu to enhance the texture. If you choose the brand’s deli slices, you’ll find an ingredient known as carrageenan, which is a thickening agent sourced from seaweed. Although it has sparked debate because of its possible link to inflammation, carrageenan is present in many processed meats and dairy items.
If you’re curious about how Tofurky managed to capture a hard-to-get gas to produce “natural smoke flavor,” it’s actually more straightforward than it appears. It is created by burning wood and then condensing the smoke. This seasoning brings out the smoky taste of meat, and if you can obtain a bottle, this same type of liquid smoke can add a burst of flavor to a bowl of chili as well.
7. Field Roast
Some customers might have tried what Field Roast provides without being aware of it. WhenPortillo’s introduced a plant-based hot dog, the fast-casual restaurant chain famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs partnered with Field Roast. In addition to traditional stadium-style dogs, the company offers plant-based sausages in varieties such as smoked apple with sage, and Italian garlic and fennel. It also creates meatless burgers, crumbles, and other items. Unlike other brands on this list, Field Roast’s products feature vital wheat gluten — not as an additional component but as the primary ingredient.
This essential wheat gluten is free from any remaining starches from the wheat flour, making it a pure source of protein. Field Roast products also include wheat protein isolate, which can achieve a 90% protein concentration when dried. Certain plant-based options from Field Roast feature pea protein as one of their components, while vegetables are frequently included. Ingredients such as carrots, celery, mushrooms, and tomato paste help create a rich flavor profile and provide texture in every bite.
Another component that Field Roast incorporates could cause customers to pause and look again. Palm oil appears in some of the brand’s items and is an element linked to deforestation and various harmful environmental consequences. Nevertheless, as stated on Field Roast’s website, the palm oil they use comes from a family-run company that creates organic, eco-friendly oil.
8. Daring
Creating plant-based meat substitutes in a market dominated by traditional meat is certainly a bold move. Daring is a company that’s willing to rise to the challenge, and it’s doing so in a unique way. The brand specializes in developing chicken alternatives and is committed to simplifying the ingredient list by using only basic components. This means that Daring products do not include artificial flavors or genetically modified organisms. Each product does contain soy protein, specifically soy protein concentrate, which has a minimum of 65% protein content when dry.
A serving of Daring chicken provides between 9 and 14 grams of protein, varying based on the specific type chosen. The original flavor of this plant-based chicken has a minimal ingredient list: soy protein is paired with vegetable oil (sunflower or canola) and basic seasonings such as paprika and nutmeg. The breaded versions, on the other hand, have only a few extra components. The original breaded chicken pieces include corn and potato flour, as well as cornstarch, to create a crunchy exterior. This product also includes xanthan gum, but when compared to other meat substitutes in this list, Daring remains committed to keeping its labels simple.
9. LightLife
LightLife started producing tempeh in 1979, using a converted car wash as its initial facility. Over the years, it has expanded to create various meat substitutes, such as its top-selling plant-based smart dogs. The company continues to emphasize its commitment to non-GMO products and strives to achieve carbon neutrality as quickly as possible.
LightLife items utilize soy as their primary protein, and get their colors from natural elements such as paprika, red rice flour, and vegetable juice. The significance of color in plant-based meats should not be underestimated. Food coloring is said to influence consumer choices, as it plays a role in determining what appears appetizing and what does not. The red tone of LightLife’s components helps draw in meat-eaters toward the products, encouraging customers to try them because they appear familiar and therefore more appealing.
Additional components that may be present in LightLife’s products include gums such as xanthan gum and gum acacia. Xanthan gum is produced through the fermentation of sugar, whereas gum acacia is obtained from acacia trees and was utilized by ancient cultures in both medicinal and culinary applications. Acacia gum is recognized by the FDA as a beneficial source of fiber and offers additional health advantages. These two types of gums are frequently employed as thickening and stabilizing agents.
10. Meati
When it comes to merging creativity with ease, Meati stands out. As stated in its mission, the company emphasizes using genuine ingredients and avoiding additives like binding agents. The majority of the brand’s products consist of mycelium, which is basically the root system of fungi. Mycelium helps transport nutrients to fungi, similar to how mushrooms we know (or dislike) function.
The particular type of fungus used by Meati to obtain its mycelium is known as Neurospora crassa. It was selected due to its rapid growth and rich nutritional content. Meati grows its own mycelium in stainless steel tanks, providing it with basic elements such as water, sugar, and nutrients that simulate a natural setting. The threads that form the mycelium’s structure combine to create a texture similar to meat with minimal human involvement.
Meati’s traditional cutlet is extremely straightforward. The only components are mycelium and salt, with no additional elements. Other options such as the steak include oat fiber, “natural flavors,” and colorings like vegetable juice and lycopene, which is a naturally occurring pigment in tomatoes. The minimal ingredient list turns these meat substitutes into a versatile base that consumers can customize to their liking, but it also leads to varied opinions. Some people enjoy the flavor and simplicity, while others think it’s too plain to be satisfying.
11. Karana
Many vegetarians and vegans are familiar with being inventive in the kitchen. If you eat a plant-based diet, you’ve likely experimented with various ingredients to replicate the taste and texture of meat, including items like beans and tofu, as well as commercially available soy curls. You might have also discoveredhow to cook jackfruittransformed into a delicious dish similar to pulled pork. Jackfruit is a type of tropical fruit that is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it both delicious and healthy. However, cooking jackfruit from scratch at home can seem challenging. If you’re hesitant to move from tofu to jackfruit recipes, you can opt for pre-made jackfruit-based meat substitutes such as those offered by Karana.
Karana selected jackfruit as its main ingredient due to its environmental benefits and health advantages. This plant does not need to be replanted every year and produces abundant harvests. Karana specifically utilizes unripe jackfruit in its meat alternatives. This green jackfruit has a milder flavor since it hasn’t developed sweetness yet, along with a tougher, fibrous structure that better resembles meat. Additional components in Karana’s offerings include pea protein, methylcellulose for texture, yeast extract, canola oil, and vegetable-based dyes for color.
12. Dr. Praeger’s
Dr. Praeger’s disagrees with other brands that conceal vegetables in plant-based items. Rather, the company — established by two heart surgeons aiming to develop healthier choices — highlights the best attributes of the vegetables it uses to make them appealing to people of all ages. At the same time, the brand occasionally uses different labels. You might be surprised to find out, for instance, thatAldi’s frozen spinach bites are actually produced by Dr. Praeger’s in disguise.
When Dr. Praeger’s isn’t crafting children’s snacks, it offers a variety of meatless patties. Some—such as the sweet potato, super greens, and mushroom risotto flavors—are clearly focused on vegetables. Cooked brown rice, beans, and other whole food components provide these patties with texture and taste. Other choices resemble traditional burger patties, although the Dr. Praeger’s packaging still highlights the vegetables inside.
Dr. Praeger’s Grillhouse Burger features textured soy protein, whereas the Drive-Thru Burger and Perfect Burger both use pea protein. Oat fiber — derived from oat hulls, processed into an edible form, and utilized as a thickener, texture booster, and to extend shelf life — is included in all three options. Oat fiber is rich in soluble fiber, so these patties could potentially be endorsed by doctors.
13. Abbot’s
Another business that emphasizes the use of natural food components is Abbot’s. Although the ingredient list for Abbot’s may be more extensive compared to certain other brands featured on this list, it includes minimal to no added substances. Indeed, all of Abbot’s offerings are free from soy, gum, and methylcellulose. Additionally, these meat substitutes do not contain any artificial flavors. The primary protein used here is pea protein, which is enhanced in items such as the Classic Smokehouse Burger with elements like chickpea flour, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and oats to provide texture and form.
The ingredients in each product differ depending on the desired taste. Items such as Abbot’s chopped imitation chicken include nutrient-densecheesy tasting nutritional yeastThis is a dormant yeast that can be bought in bags from the store and utilized in cooked meals or as a topping for a bucket of vegan popcorn. Abbot’s probably uses it to add a deep, savory taste to its meat substitutes. The company also employs other flavor enhancers such as fragrant herbs like coriander, smoky seasonings like paprika, and tangy vinegars. In total, the outcome is a plant-based meat alternative that confidently embraces its vegetarian nature — and isn’t afraid of bold flavors.
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