The rise of plant-based meat brands has sparked significant interest as more consumers opt for plant-based diets. Whether due to health reasons, environmental concerns, or ethical considerations, the market for plant-based meat has grown rapidly. In this blog, we will test 10 popular plant-based meat brands to assess their taste, texture, appearance, and overall experience. Let’s dive into the taste test to determine which of these plant-based meat brands truly delivers the best eating experience.

What Makes Plant-Based Meat Brands Popular?

Plant-based meat brands are gaining momentum for offering products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional animal meat without using animals. These products are typically made from soy, peas, lentils, and other plant-based proteins designed to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional meat. They’re seen as a healthier and more environmentally friendly option, requiring fewer resources to produce compared to animal meat. Whether you’re looking to cut down on meat consumption for health reasons or reduce your carbon footprint, plant-based meats provide a solid alternative without compromising on taste or texture.

How We Tested the Plant-Based Meat Brands

To determine which plant-based meat brand stands out, we tested a variety of products, such as burgers, sausages, and chicken substitutes. We evaluated each product based on several factors:

• Taste: How well the flavor replicates that of traditional meat.
• Texture: Whether the product provides a satisfying, meat-like bite.
• Appearance: How visually similar the product is to the animal-based counterpart.
• Ease of Cooking: How easy it was to prepare and cook the product.
• Nutritional Value: Protein content, calorie count, and overall health benefits.

Review of the Top 10 Plant-Based Meat Brands

1. Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat has set a high standard with its flagship Beyond Burger, known for its beef-like flavor and juicy texture.

• Taste: The Beyond Burger has a smoky, rich flavor that closely mimics beef. It’s slightly salty, with a savory umami that meat lovers appreciate.
• Texture: With its meaty, tender texture, Beyond Meat closely replicates the juicy experience of eating a beef patty.
• Nutritional Value: Each Beyond Burger contains 20g of protein, 250 calories, and 18g of fat, making it a filling choice.

Pros: Realistic taste, high in protein.

Cons: Slightly more processed than some other options.

2. Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods is best known for its Impossible Burger, which uses soy and potato protein to mimic beef and heme, a molecule that replicates the taste of blood found in animal meats.

• Taste: The Impossible Burger offers a bold, beef-like flavor, with a satisfying umami taste. The heme gives it a distinctly meat-like taste.
• Texture: The texture is juicy and firm, resembling a beef patty with a slight chewiness.
• Nutritional Value: It contains 19g of protein per serving and 240 calories, providing a good protein boost.

Pros: Closest taste to beef, sustainable.

Cons: Contains soy, which some may wish to avoid.

3. MorningStar Farms

MorningStar Farms has a variety of plant-based products, from burgers to sausages. Their veggie burgers are a popular choice.

• Taste: MorningStar’s flavor is savory but lacks the intense beef flavor found in Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. It’s still a tasty option, especially for newcomers to plant-based meats.
• Texture: Softer than traditional meat, but still satisfying with a decent bite.
• Nutritional Value: 18g of protein and 140 calories per burger, a lower-calorie alternative.

Pros: Great for vegetarians, affordable.

Cons: Not as meaty as other brands.

4. Gardein

Gardein is famous for its range of plant-based meat alternatives, especially their Chick’n products and beefless strips.

• Taste: The Chick’n line from Gardein is particularly flavorful, offering a good balance of spices and herbs to mimic poultry.
• Texture: Gardein offers a tender and slightly flaky texture, perfect for dishes like stir-fries and wraps.
• Nutritional Value: Around 15g of protein per serving, making it a healthy option.

Pros: Versatile, excellent for many dishes.

Cons: Some products can be greasy when fried.

5. Oatly (Oat-Based Meat)

Oatly, known for oat milk, has ventured into plant-based meats with oat-based burgers and ground meat alternatives.

• Taste: Oat-based meat has a subtle, nutty flavor that works well in a variety of dishes, though it might not taste exactly like traditional meat.
• Texture: The texture is chewy but tender, making it a nice alternative to meat in pastas and stir-fries.
• Nutritional Value: 14g of protein per serving, with lower fat content.

Pros: Unique flavor, good for health-conscious eaters.

Cons: Flavor might not satisfy those craving a meaty taste.

6. Tofurky

Tofurky is a staple for plant-based eaters, offering deli slices and sausages for quick meals.

• Taste: Tofurky’s flavors are mildly savory and work well in sandwiches or on pizzas.
• Texture: Softer than traditional deli meats, but close enough for a satisfying experience.
• Nutritional Value: 16g of protein per serving.

Pros: Great for sandwiches and easy meals.

Cons: The taste can be a little processed compared to fresh meat.

7. Lightlife

Lightlife is known for its wide array of plant-based options, including burgers, sausages, and hot dogs.

• Taste: Lightlife products offer a mild, clean flavor with some savory undertones, suitable for a wide range of dishes.
• Texture: The texture is quite similar to traditional meat, with a firm bite that holds up well in grilling or pan-frying.
• Nutritional Value: 20g of protein per burger.

Pros: Simple ingredients, mild flavor.

Cons: Some might find it too plain for a meat replacement.

8. Field Roast

Field Roast is known for its grain-based meat alternatives, including sausages, burgers, and roasts.

• Taste: Field Roast offers a strong smoky flavor that is perfect for grilling or barbecuing. The taste is hearty and satisfying.
• Texture: The texture is firm, with a satisfying chew that works well for those who want something that feels more like a roast or sausage.
• Nutritional Value: 20g of protein per serving, but higher in fat.

Pros: Great for grilling, hearty flavors.

Cons: High fat content in some products.

9. The Vegetarian Butcher

This brand offers a wide variety of plant-based meats, including burgers, sausages, and nuggets.

• Taste: The flavors are rich, hearty, and satisfying, making this brand a popular choice for those seeking a “meat-like” experience.
• Texture: The texture is chewy and firm, with a satisfying bite that mimics animal meat.
• Nutritional Value: 22g of protein per serving.

Pros: Flavorful and hearty, great for meat substitutes.

Cons: Some products are higher in fat.

10. Alpha Foods

Alpha Foods provides a wide range of plant-based products, from burritos to breakfast sandwiches.

• Taste: The flavors are rich and bold, especially in their breakfast options, which offer a satisfying, savory experience.
• Texture: The texture is well-balanced, with a firm and chewy bite.
• Nutritional Value: Around 15g of protein per serving.

Pros: Variety of products, great for breakfast.

Cons: Not as widely available as other brands.

The Winner: Which Plant-Based Meat Brand Tastes the Best?

After testing these 10 brands, Impossible Foods stands out as the top contender. Its Impossible Burger offers the most authentic flavor and texture, closely resembling beef without compromising on taste. Its innovative use of heme makes it an exceptional choice for those looking for a meat-like experience.

What to Look for in Plant-Based Meat Brands

When choosing the best plant-based meat for your diet, consider the following factors:

• Ingredients: Opt for products with simple, natural ingredients.
• Taste: Find a flavor profile that matches your preferences.
• Nutritional Value: Compare protein content and calories to find the best option for your health goals.
• Price: While some brands are premium, others offer affordable alternatives without compromising quality.

Conclusion

The plant-based meat market is booming, and with so many brands to choose from, finding the best one for your taste buds can be challenging. However, based on our tests, Impossible Foods delivers the most satisfying plant-based meat experience. Whether you’re looking to cut back on meat or simply try something new, plant-based meat brands offer plenty of delicious options that are as close to the real thing as ever.

Feel free to contact us to find out more about us and our services, explore who we are, or discuss advertising opportunities. Don’t overlook subscribing to our magazine for monthly updates, exclusive insights, and more exciting content!