Meat substitutes provide the chance to make meal time more inclusive. While some dishes are appropriate for barbecue season, others require an indoor dinner setting.
As an alternative to steak, one option is to cook a colossal cauliflower to perfection. This intimation steak is worth throwing on the grill, while alternative vegetarian "meatballs" act as a nutritious accent to gluten-free spaghetti. Though fresh and tasty, meat substitutes are not always vegetable-based. Burgers with a nutty center are found to be just as delicious, while black beans and chickpeas are also included in the meat substitutes category. Protein-packed seeds, beans and legumes form great dishes such as veggie burgers and meatless mince pies.
Whether on the grill or stove, these substitutes are sure to fulfill any vegetarian cravings.
38 Healthy Meat Substitutes
From Alternative Cauliflower Sandwiches to Vegan Berry Burgers:
Malika Renee Butss — Jun 4, 2015 — Lifestyle
45
Meatless Imitation Meals
The Oh My Veggies Vegetarian Salisbury Steak Recipe is Chuck-Less
44
$325,000 Burgers
This Cloned Burger Offers a Cruelty-Free Way to Eat Meat
43
Vegan Steak Substitutes
Vegetarian Plus' Vegan Black Pepper Steak is a Meat-Free Alternative
42
Vegetarian Butcher Shops
YamChops Discusses Creative Vegetarian and Vegan Protein Options
41
PETA Winning KFC Battle
New Classic Vegetarian Sandwich
40
Meat-Free Fast Food Chains
ZenBurger Lets Vegetarians Eat on the Run Too
39
Meatless Mediterranean Burgers
MorningStar's Cilantro-Avocado Recipe Features a Chickpea Burger
38
Sustainable Swedish Meatballs
IKEA Meatballs Will Now be Meatless to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint
37
Meatless Sandwich Substitutes
The Connoisseurus Veg Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is Chuck-Free
36
Sushi Burrito Hybrids
Sushito is the Brain Child of Unami Sushi & Asian Grill Owner
35
Sweet Swine Confections
The Suckling Pig Cake by Michelle Wibowo is a Pork-Free Treat
34
Deceiving Veggie Meatballs
These Eggplant Meatballs are a Deliciously Healthy Beef Alternative
33
Vegan Holiday Roasts
Gardein's Vegetarian Holiday Savoury Stuffed Turk'y is Meatless
32
Healthy Kid Mini Meals
The Veggie Pigs in Blankets is a Simple and Playful Dish for Children
31
Vegetarian Pork-Flavored Seasonings
J&D's Bacon Rub is Kosher-Friendly and Fat-Free
30
Alternative Cauliflower Sandwiches
The Vegan Sloppy Joes are Gluten-Free & Free of Most Allergens
29
Southwestern Veggie Burgers
This Quinoa Burger Patty is Tasty and Good for You
28
Meatless Beet Burgers
This Vegan Recipe is an Alternative to the Classic Beef-Made Meal
27
Veggie Protein Substitutes
MorningStar Farms' Hickory BBQ Riblets Doesn't Contain an Ounce of Meat
26
Peanut Veggie Burgers
These Spicy Thai Peanut Veggie Burgers Bring the Vegetarians to the Cookout
25
Lettuce Wrap Burgers
This Grain-Free BBQ Alternative Includes a Broccoli and Sweet Potato Burger
24
Bite-Sized Vegan Burgers
Gardein's Tiny Veggie Burgers Taste Like Chick'n
23
Massive Meat Moratoriums
Sodexo Meatless Monday Initiative Brings Eco-Friendly Food to Millions
22
Vegan Berry Burgers
The Fugazim is a Great Vegetarian Burger Option That's Full of Flavor
21
Zesty Meatless Strips
These Vegan Meat Strips from Gardein Get a Kick from Chipotle Lime Flavors
20
Balsamic-Glazed Cauliflower Wings
These Meatless Wings Keep Vegetarians and Flavor in Mind
19
Mediterranean Vegetarian Meatballs
This Lentil Bulgur Meatballs Recipe Makes a Tasty Turkish Dish
18
Meatless Meat
Semi-Living Food
17
Spicy Chickpea Burgers
This Vegetarian Burger Recipe is Extra Crunchy and has Chipotle Ketchup
16
Bacon Topped Veggie Burgers
Odd Secret Fast Food Menu Discoveries
15
Alternative Vegetarian Meatballs
IKEA is Launching a Vegetarian Version of Their Swedish Meatballs
14
Seasonal Meatless Curries
This Summer Vegetable Curry Recipe Packs a Ton of Flavor
13
Breaded Vegan Pockets
Gardein's Meat-Free Meals Come in a Convenient Portable Pocket
12
Meatless Mince Pies
Quorn's Vegetarian Cottage Pie Recipe Uses a Meat Substitute Instead
11
Guiltless Vegan-Friendly Burgers
This Meatless Burger is Seasoned to Perfection and Far From Bland
10
Green Superfood Burgers
Dr. Praeger's Healthy Burgers Are Loaded with Leafy Greens, Quinoa & Hemp
9
Spicy Veggie Sliders
These Black Bean Butternut Vegetarian Sliders Come With Chipotle Ketchup
8
Meatless Chicken Nuggets
The Quorn Chick'N Nuggets Are Meatless And Soy-Free
7
Vegan Teriyaki Chicken
Gardein's Teriyaki Chick’n Strips Are a Satisfying Meat-Free Alternative
6
Carnivorous-Inspired Veggie Treats
These Chocolate Chicken Wings are a Vegetarian Bar Food Option
5
Meat-Free Mandarin Chicken
Gardein's Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick'n is Vegan-Friendly
4
Hearty Beefless Sliders
The Gardein Beefless Sliders Pack a Protein-Filled Punch
3
Porky Salad Toppers
Bacon Croutons are Surprisingly Made Without Meat
2
Imitation Italian Chicken
Gardein's Mock Chicken Filets Channel Classic Italian Flavors
1
Minty Veggie Burgers
This Delicious Veggie Burger Patty is Made from Hummus and Mint
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QSR Masala Burgers
A&W Debuts Masala Veggie Burgers
Vegan Sorghum-Based Steaks
Fujiya Has a New Plant-Based Meat Line Made from Sorghum Called Nikugoe
Tech-Fueled Alt Meats
Motif FoodWorks' Innovations Mimic Taste and Texture of Animal Meat
Meaty Plant-Based Burritos
Tortilla Created the Beyond Steak Chimichurri Burrito with Beyond Meat
Pink Breakfast Burgers
The Actual Pink Breakfast Burger is Made with Berries, Seeds & Lentils
Protein-Rich Cheese Slice Alternatives
Vairy Plant-Based Slices Have 10-Grams of Protein
Heart-Healthy Meatless Steaks
Beyond Steak is Now Certified by the Heart-Check Program
Shapeable Plant-Based Meats
Fry's Shape & Sizzle Mince is Great for Meatballs, Burgers and More
Plant-Powered Calamari Steaks
Boldly's Calamari Steaks are Vegan, Versatile and Easy to Prepare
Enhanced Superfood Fries
Actual Veggies' Super Fries Combine Russet Potato, Chickpea & Cauliflower
Meatless Filled Pastas
Meatless Farm is Introducing the UK to Plant-Based Meat-Filled Pastas
Clean-Label Vegan Sausages
Beyond Meat Has Introduced a New 'Beyond Sun Sausage' Product
Alternative Egg Protein Partnerships
The Every Co. Partnered to Replace Eggs in Alternative Meats
Meat Alternative Egg Bites
Veggies Made Great's Frittata Bites Now Include Beyond Meat® Options
Pre-Seasoned Plant-Based Meats
Impossible Meal Makers Have 19-Grams of Protein Per Serving
Vegetarian Bean-Based Burgers
Burger King Re-Released its 'Bean Burger' for Veganuary
Salad-Style QSR Sandwiches
The McDonald's Salad Burger is Available in New Zealand
Plant-Based 3D-Printed Meat
Forma Foods Offers an Innovative Alternative to Meat Production
Vegetarian-Friendly Gravies
Heinz's HomeStyle Vegetarian Gravy Contains No Animal-Derived Products
Bulk Plant-Based Burger Packs
Beyond Burger Family Packs are Arriving at Costco
Plant-Based Protein Cups
RollinGreens' Plant-Powered Meal Bowls Just Need Added Water
Heart-Healthy Digital Cookbooks
Beyond Meat & the American Heart Association Created 'Serve Love'
Indulgent Plant-Based Patties
Impossible Foods' Indulgent Burger Patties are Bold and Gourmet
Upcycled Meat Alternatives
Migros Crafts Alt Meat from Spent Brewer’s Grain
Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives
Recreate Foods Makes Nuggets, Filets & More for Foodservice
Plant-Based Sausage Links
Beyond Meat Launches a Line of New Plant-Based Sausage Links
Plant-Based QSR Sandwiches
Subway® Reveals its New Plant-Based Sub, the Plant Picante
Vegan-Friendly Rib-Inspired Meats
MorningStar Farms Riblets Will Come in Two Tasty Flavors
Plant-Based Meat Products
The Tofoo Co Teams Up with Temple of Seitan on New Plant-Based Products
Premium Alt Proteins
Abbot's Makes Plant-Rich Proteins Like Ground "Beef" & Fajita Chick'n
Crispy Meat-Free Chicken Products
Tender’lish Includes Four Delicious Chicken Alternatives
Heart-Healthy Hot Dogs
The Impossible Hot Dog is Plant-Based and Cholesterol-Free
Seasonal Vegan Meal Kits
Purple Carrot Introduces Simplified Vegan Meals
Fermented Plant-Based Steaks
The Planted.steak is Inspired by a Beef Fillet Steak
Smoked Cantaloupe Burgers
The Possible Burger is a Meatless Burger Made to Entice Gen Z
Emissions-Minded Food Campaigns
This Meatless Farm Campaign Boasts Reduced Emissions
Mycelium-Based Meatless Products
Meati Foods Uses AI to Fuel Its Research
Plant-Powered Tuna Salads
John West's Plant-Based Salads Feature a Tuna-Style Protein Alternative
Aromatic Plant-Based Sausages
The Latest 'Beyond Sausage' Products Are Delicious and Nutritious
Microwavable Alt Meats
The Plant-Based High-Protein Simulate Chicken Breast is Ready in 60 Seconds
Vegan BBQ Sides
Purple Carrot Launched a New Summer BBQ Menu
Vegetarian-Promoting Game Events
The 'Veggie Hunt' Event in Subway Surfers Promotes Veggies
Piquant Plant-Based Patties
Rebellyous Foods' Spicy Kickin’ Patties Deliver Bolder Flavor
Grilled Steak Protein Options
CAVA Just Added Grilled Steak as a New Option for Its Bowls & Salads
Plant-Based Kebab Skewers
Unilever's The Vegetarian Butcher Launches a New Plant-Based Kebab
Veggie-Packed Fries
Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Fries Have One Full Serving of Vegetables
One-Ingredient Plant-Based Meats
TerraMeat Plant-Based Chick’n Comes in a Powdered Form
Plant-Based Asian Cuisine Bites
Nasoya Plantspired Plant-Based Chick’n Bites Come in Two Flavors
Delectable Plant-Based Bacons
The 'NoBacon 2.0' Strips Look, Taste and Cook Like Real Bacon
Chef-Approved Plant-Based Meats
These Redefine Meat Products are Arriving in the European Market
Vegan Veggie Fries
These Frozen Fries Offer a Copious Helping Of Vegetables
Clean-Label Veggie Sausages
Beyond Meat Sun Sausages Contain Just a Gram of Saturated Fat Per Link
Seitan-Based Vegan Steaks
This Plant-Based Steak is Crafted With Low-Fat Wheat Gluten
Vegan Mozzarella Sticks
Sunday Supper's Mozza Fritto is a Dairy-Free Mozzarella Stick Alternative
Umami Mushroom Patties
The Actual Truffle Burger Celebrates the Taste of Vegetables
Meat-Free Cauliflower Sliders
Dave’s NOT Chicken Cauliflower Sliders are Made Without Chicken
Free-From Vegan Beef Products
endori Vegan Beef Has a Familiar Taste and Texture
Hybrid Meat Vegetable Concepts
Leyu Li Presents Broccopork, Mushchicken, and Peaf Hybrids
Semi-Finished Plant-Based Beef Products
These BENEO Beef Alternatives Come in Two Varieties
Footlong Meatless Appetizers
Aldi's 2024 Christmas Range Includes a Footlong Vegan Pig in Blanket
Ready-to-Eat Vegan Meals
These Jar-Borne Warm Meals Are Nutritious and Deliciously Meat-Free
Flavor-Forward Cauliflower Pizzas
Milton’s Cauliflower Crust Pizzas Provide Meal Convenience
Three-Ingredient Veggie Pastas
Veggiecraft's Gluten-Free Pasta is Simple and Vegetable-Forward
Authentic Plant-Based Steaks
Chunk Foods is Launching Two New Products
Plant-Powered Delicacies
"Voie Gras" is Made with Soy, Miso Paste and Truffle
Mushroom-Based Restaurant Burgers
The Beef Free Boy from The Beefy Boys is Vegan-Friendly
Mushroom-Based Meatless Steaks
Green Rebel Foods' Beefless Steak is Made with Shiitake Mushrooms
Plant-Based Pepperoni Slices
Plantaway is Adding New Plant-Based Pepperoni and Sausages
Grab-and-Go Meatless Steaks
Pukka's Vegan No Steak Slice is Ready to Enjoy Anywhere, Hot or Cold
Plant-Based Meat-Like Extrudates
Planteneers 'fiildTex' is Protein-Rich and Versatile
Heart-Healthy Plant-Based Meats
Beyond Meat Plant-Based Crumbles Have an Improved New Recipe
Protein-Rich Plant-Based Meatballs
Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Meatballs Have 21-Grams of Protein
Plant-Based Bacon Crumbles
The Barvecue Crumbled Bacon Toppings are Crafted from Plants
Plant-Derived Smash Burgers
This Delicious Smash Burger is Crafted From Peas and Fava Beans
Savory Veggie Croquettes
Desserts Inspired HappyVore's Multi-Sensory Croq’Coulis
Alt Protein Dog Meals
Planet A's High-Protein Food for Dogs Blends Plant & Insect Ingredients
Jalapeño-Spiced Plant-Based Burgers
The Spicy Beyond Burger Jalapeño is Juicy and Flavorful
Flexitarian-Friendly Entrées
Daring Foods' Vegetarian Frozen Entrées Make Alt Chicken Approachable
Vegan Holiday Feast Meals
Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill Have New Holiday Feast Meals
Frozen Meat-Free Indian Meals
These SHICKEN Plant-Based Indian Meals Come in Three Recipes
Plant-Based Beef Patties
This Launches the New Plant-Based Beef Burgers with High Protein
Cheese-Stuffed Beef Patties
Juicy Lucy Burgers are Filled with the Equivalent of Two Cheese Slices
Vegan Veggie Sausages
Plant Provisions Offers a Line of Plant-Based Veggie Sausages and Slices
Beet-Based Burger Patties
PerfectSeason Beetroot Patties Come in Packs of Two
Meatless Turkey Alternatives
OMV! Vegan No Turkey Features a Crispy "Skin" Coating
Meat-Free Protein Pots
Squeaky Bean's New Protein Pots Contain Tasty Duck and Beef Alternatives
Plant-Based Shrimp Alternatives
Beleaf's Plant-Based Shrimp is Allergen-Friendly
Vegetarian School Lunch Menus
Revolution Foods Emphasizes Health-Conscious Eating in Schools
QSR Vegetarian Menus
A&W Canada Launches a Vegetarian Menu Due to Popular Demand
Lentil-Infused Mushroom Sausages
These Plant-Based Sausages Offer a High-Protein Grilling Solution
Plant-Based Parmesan Alternatives
SimplyV ParmVegan Delivers an Authentic Taste and Texture
Alt Meat Minces
MATR Fungi Mince's Texture & Nutritional Profile Rivals Beef
Soy Protein Luncheon Meats
This Vegan Luncheon Meat Alternative is Free Of Animal Products
Tempeh-Based Meatless Minces
Good Health Farm's Swimple Swap for Beef is Made from Tempeh
Spicy Cheesesteak Sub Sandwiches
Cousins Subs is Introducing a New Chipotle Cheese Steak Sub
Vegan Bistro Baguettes
These Baguettes Feature a Pea Protein-Based Topping
Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Taco Fillings
Tacotarian Plant-Based Birria is Made with Beyond Meat
Stackable Vegan Burger Patties
The Beyond Stack Burger Has a Rustic, Smash Style Format
Limited-Edition Meatless Sandwiches
PLNT Burger's Chik’n Parm Promotes Sustainable Choices
Plant-Based Beef Pizzas
Panago Pizza is Adding Wamame Foods' Waygu Teriyaki Strips to Pizzas
Lamb-Inspired Meat Alternatives
PLNT Plant-Based Lamb Strips Pair Well with Indian Curry
Meatless Chicken Minces
VFC's Vegan-Friendly Chicken Mince is Protein-Rich & Low in Saturated Fat
Protein-Packed Meatless Nuggets
Tyson Foods Has Launched Its First Line Of Plant-Based Nuggets
Spicy Vegan-Friendly Schnitzels
The Vegetarian Butcher Pepperfect Chick’n is Arriving in Germany
Private Label Plant-Based Foods
The ALDI UK Veganuary Range Focuses on Variety and Convenience
Cost-Conscious Jackfruit Products
Biff's Creates Competitively Priced Alternatives to Alt Meat
Plant-Based Fat Substitutes
These Animal-Free Fats Are Healthy and Reliable to Cook With
Veggie-Forward Deli Slices
Plant Provisions' Plant-Based Meats are Free from Soy or Gluten Fillers
Juicy Plant-Powered Steaks
Chunk Foods Makes Whole-Cut Alt Meats with Fermentation
Meatless Deep Dish Pizzas
This Vegan Pizza Uses Meat-Free Chicken Alternatives
Nature-Inspired Vegan Burgers
The Next Level Summer Adventure Trio Has Landed at Next Level Burger
Delectable Veggie Burgers
These Frozen Burgers Are Offered In Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Varieties
Crispy BBQ Tofu Sandwiches
DIG's New BBQ Crispy Tofu Sandwich Features Crunchy Picnic Slaw
Veggie-Forward Sliders
The BBQ Black Bean & Sweet Potato Slider Patties Feature Six Veggies
Cruciferous Snack Puffs
Snack'in For You Makes Veggie-Based, High-Protein Baked Puffs
Crunchy Veggie Burgers
Dr. Praeger’s Two New Burgers Cook to Golden, Crispy Perfection
Family-Inspired Plant-Based Meals
These Pollen + Grace Meals Have Familiar Flavors in New Ways
Romantic Meat-Free Meal Kits
Grubby x Redefine Meat Valentine’s Steak Recipe Kit is Available Now
Competitively Priced Plant-Based Meats
These vEEF Products are Priced the Same or Less Than Meat
Meat-Free Deli Slices
The 'Deli-Licious' Range is High in Proteins & Free From Animal Products
Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Chain Menus
Spice Grill Flame is Introducing Two New Categories
Premium Alt Steaks
Protein-Packed Redefine Flank Steak Seamlessly Replaces Animal Meat
Kelp-Based Vegan Meatballs
"Seaweedish Meatballs" are Plant-Based, Gluten-Free & Nutritious
Allergen-Free Alt Meats
Novameat Makes Plant-Based Whole Cuts Without Gluten or Soy
Meat-Free Pepperoni Products
Before the Butcher Plant-Based Pepperoni is Made with Pea Protein
Plant-Based Mushroom Balls
Shroomeats' Balls are Made with Just Six Simple Ingredients
Naturally Smoked Plant-Based Sausages
Vegami's Plant-Based Salami Celebrates Simple Veggies
Protein-Packed Meatless Meatballs
Meatless Meatballs from Trader joe's Arrive with a umami flavor
Vegetarian Peppercorn Oil Burgers
Bingz Burger's 'Healthy Veggie' Includes Numbing Spice
Ready-to-Eat Plant-Based Meals
Beyond Meals from Beyond Meat Prioritize Plant-Based Convenience
Microwavable Vegan Burger Patties
These Protein-Packed Patties Take Only 60 Seconds to Prepare
Bean-Based Meatloaves
GREENFORCE's Vegan Meatloaf is Made with Pea & Field Bean Protein
Meatless Steak Pies
Pukka's Delectable Vegan Meat Pies Make Use Of Tender Soy Protein
Plant-Powered Steak Sandwiches
This Vegan Steak Sandwich is Available At 'Neat Burger' In Nolita
Meaty Plant-Based Ribs
Juicy Marbles Created the World's First Plant-Based Ribs with Edible Bones
Quarter-Pound Meatless Patties
MorningStar Farms' Steakhouse Style Burger is Rich in Plant Protein
Meatless Mushroom Chilis
Man Fook Vegan Crispy Mushroom Chili is an Umami-Rich Meat Alternative
Classic Recipe Plant-Based Meats
These New Me-at Products Come in Three Varieties
Spicy Meat-Free Cauliflower Sandwiches
Dave’s NOT Chicken Sandwich is a New Take on a Classic
Meat-Free Retailer Expansions
Continente is Adding a Range of Meat and Cheese Alternatives