If you’re transitioning to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle but want to retain your protein intake, meat substitutes are the best alternative.
The best meat substitutes are organic plant-based options like lentils, tofu, beans, seitan, jackfruit, legumes, and tempeh.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the top 10 companies specializing in the best meat substitutes in 2023.
These healthy meat alternatives contain the ideal balance of plant-based proteins, vitamins, minerals, minimal dyes, sodium, and artificial binders and have an excellent taste.
1/10
Vegetable-based Protein
REDEFINE MEAT
Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Redefine Meat is the incontestable leader in plant-based meat substitutes and alternatives.
The company’s goal is to create a more sustainable and healthy way to eat meat without sacrificing taste or texture.
Redefine Meat uses proprietary 3D printing technology to create substitutes that look, taste, and feel like traditional animal-based meat.
The consistent cuts of meat are realistic and indistinguishable from animal-based meat but without the environmental and ethical issues associated with animal farming.
Moreover, Redefine Meat’s meat substitutes are made from natural ingredients and free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals.
Redefine Meat also offers some easy-to-make and delicious recipes for each product, e.g. lamb flank recipes.
Redefine PRO Lamb Flank
Redefine PRO Beef Mince
2/10
Beans Protein
BEANVIVO
BeanVIVO is a plant-based food company that produces innovative, delicious, and sustainable meat substitutes and alternatives.
The brand is committed to creating nutritious, affordable, and easy-to-prepare products.
Their meat substitutes include burgers, sausages, and nuggets made from natural, non-GMO ingredients and free from cholesterol, hormones, antibiotics, and additives.
BeanVIVO Organic Baja Black Beans 6 Pack
$25.99
BeanVIVO Organic Refried Pinto Beans Pack of 6
$23.95
3/10
Peas Protein
PLANT BOSS
Plant Boss is another plant-based food company known for some of the highest-quality meat substitutes on the market.
The company’s meat substitute products are from soy, wheat, pea protein, and other non-GMO, vegan-friendly ingredients, praised by health experts for flavor and texture.
PLANT BOSS Mild Plant Taco Crumbles Pack of 6
$49
PLANT BOSS Southwest Plant Taco Crumbles Pack of 6
$36
4/10
Tempeh
LIGHT LIFE
Light Life is a company that produces plant-based meat alternatives.
The brand markets a wide range of vegan and vegetarian products that replicate real meat’s taste and texture.
Some of the most popular meat substitute products from Light Life include vegan burgers, sausages, deli slices, and tempeh, ideal for those on a plant-based diet.
Lightlife Original Organic Tempeh 8 oz
$4.49
Lightlife, Organic Fakin’ Bacon Smoky Tempeh Strips, 6oz
$6.29
5/10
Seitan
SWEET EARTH
Founded in 2011 by husband and wife team Kelly and Brian Swette in Moss Landing, California, Sweet Earth is a plant-based food company specializing in meat substitute products.
Some of the most successful Sweet Earth meat alternative products are burgers, sausages, burritos, and frozen and refrigerated faux meat products that retain a meaty texture.
Sweet Earth Seitan Traditional Strips 8 oz
$3.99
6/10
Jackfruit
NATIVE FOREST
Native Forest is an American company that produces and distributes organic, non-GMO, vegan meat substitutes.
Some of the best-sold meat alternative products by Native Forest include vegan burgers, sausages, deli slices, and especially jackfruit.
The company has been in the market for over 20 years and remains committed to providing plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based products.
Native Forest Organic Jackfruit 4 Ounce Pack of 6
$25.64
7/10
Tofu
MORI-NU
Located in Hayward, California, Mori-Nu is a plant-based food company that creates high-quality, healthy, and sustainable meat alternatives.
Their products are a rich source of protein made with non-GMO ingredients, free of gluten, dairy, allergens, hormones, antibiotics, and toxins.
Mori-Nu Silken Tofu Extra Firm 12 Pack
$27.50
Mori-Nu Silken Tofu Edamame Flavored 12 Pack
$29.30
8/10
Lentils
TASTY BITE
Based in Pune, India, Tasty Bite specialize in high-quality vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes.
The brand’s most popular products are Tofu Tikka Masala, Chana Masala, and Vegetable Biryani, all from vegetable protein ideal for those on a vegan diet.
However, the company also offers a variety of plant-based proteins extracted from lentils, seitan, tempeh, and vegetable.
Tasty Bite Madras Lentils 10 oz
$3.83
Tasty Bite Organic Indian Madras Lentils 10 oz Pack of 6
$21.25
9/10
Soy Protein
GARDEIN
Gardein is a Canadian-based company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, specializing in plant-based meat substitutes and vegan proteins.
Some of Gardein’s most popular products include meatless burgers, meatless tenders, and vegan breakfast sausages.
The company also offers a wide range of vegan sauces, dips, and snacks, ideal for those looking for essential amino acids as part of their healthy diets.
Gardein Classic Plant-Based Meatless Meatballs 12.7 oz
$5.99
Gardein Skillet Meal Italian Rigatoni n’ Plant-Based Saus’age 20 oz
$8.29
10/10
Chickpeas
LIVE GREEN CO
Located in Portland, Oregon, Live Green Co. is a plant-based food and beverage company that provides sustainable, plant-based meat substitutes.
Their most popular products include meat-substitute burgers and sausages with complete proteins and no environmental impact.
Chickpea and Ginger Burger Patty 14 oz
$12.99
Meat Substitutes FAQs
What is the Healthiest Substitute for Meat?
The healthiest substitute for animal meat in 2023 is plant-based and made from legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds.
Plant-based meat substitutes are high in protein and essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
What Are 3 Meat Alternatives?
The top 3 alternatives to animal meat are plant-based meat substitutes made from legumes, tofu, and tempeh.
Other vegan meat substitutes, such as seitan, jackfruit, and mushrooms, are also excellent alternatives to animal meat.
What is the Best Meatless Meat?
While the best meatless meat depends on your preference, Redefine Meat is renowned for creating some of the most popular meatless and vegan burgers.
The brand’s products are made from various plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, seitan, and mushrooms and can mimic animal meat’s texture, flavor, and nutrition.
What Does Taste Like Meat But Isn’t Meat?
Plant-based meat substitutes made from tofu, seitan, jackfruit, and tempeh have animal meat’s texture and flavor (look and taste) but are not meat.
Conclusion
The number of brands specializing in protein-packed meat substitutes and alternatives is rising.
Not only healthy and packed with vital nutrients, but in 2023 meat substitutes are equally natural, tasty, and delicious.
The top 10 brands curated in this article are ideal for those looking to diversify their options in the world of meatless meats without compromising on health or taste.
Weekly Newsletter
Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!
You have Successfully Subscribed!
Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these meat substitutes are you going to try next and why?
Which meat alternatives do you think we’ve missed and should include in our next article update?
What are the most important factors you consider when buying meat substitutes? Health, environmental impact, animal welfare, or something else?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
