Our Top Picks for Plant-Based Meat

In these ever-evolving times, one trend continues for a growing portion of the U.S. population: the desire to eat more plant-based. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly one in four Americans (23 percent) are eating less meat. Of these, 9 in 10 cite health as the reason, followed by environmental concerns, issues with food safety and animal welfare. Filling this gap is the next generation of plant-based alternatives that cook up and taste like, well, meat.

Impossible Foods Burgers

For the past few years, you could try Impossible Burgers only in chain restaurants like Burger King, Red Robin and White Castle as a vegetarian option. Now the brand has expanded to grocery stores nationwide and is adding sausage patties, too. Protein: from soy and potatoes.

Lightlife Smart Bacon

For more than 40 years, Lightlife has been making plant-based foods, starting with tempeh back in 1979. Today, the brand continues to expand its offerings, including its newest burgers and ground. Protein: from soy.

Sweet Earth Teriyaki Veggie Burger

Sweet Earth Teriyaki Veggie Burgers are a great way to enjoy vegan meat in all of your favorite meals. Try them in stir fries, pastas or soups, on kebabs or in a salad. Protein: from soy.

Incogmeato Burger Patties

This new, cleverly named ready-to-cook burger is from the Kellogg Company’s MorningStar Farms, known for its line of frozen veggie burgers. Protein: from soy and potatoes

Ozo Plant-Based Burgers

Created by recently launched Planterra Foods, OZO offers plant-based ground meat and burgers made from a blend of pea and rice protein, fermented with shiitake mushrooms for better digestion. Protein: from pea and rice protein

Pure Farmland Meatballs

All of Pure Farmland’s plant-based meat offerings—burgers, breakfast patties, meatballs and ground—are gluten- and dairy-free. Protein: from soy

Where to Look in the Store

Having trouble finding some of these plant-based options in your local store? Look for them in the meat department!

 According to new research from the Plant Based Foods Association and the Kroger Co., sales of plant-based meat alternatives increased by 23 percent when merchandised in the meat department at grocery stores. Why? Shoppers, particularly flexitarians who eat mostly vegetarian but consume some meat and fish, have found it appealing to have plant-based options alongside meat.