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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Tech-Fueled Alt Meats
Motif FoodWorks' Innovations Mimic Taste and Texture of Animal Meat
Heart-Healthy Meatless Steaks
Beyond Steak is Now Certified by the Heart-Check Program
Plant-Powered Calamari Steaks
Boldly's Calamari Steaks are Vegan, Versatile and Easy to Prepare
Beet Jerky Snacks
Theo’s Plant-Based Makes Savory, Soy-Free & Vegan Jerky
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
Meat Alternative Egg Bites
Veggies Made Great's Frittata Bites Now Include Beyond Meat® Options
Bean-Based Alt Meats
Heinz's Meatless Burgers & Mince are "Powered by Beanz"
Vegetarian Bean-Based Burgers
Burger King Re-Released its 'Bean Burger' for Veganuary
Jackfruit-Based Meat Alternatives
jack & annie's Introduces Three New Plant-Based Meat Offerings
Salad-Style QSR Sandwiches
The McDonald's Salad Burger is Available in New Zealand
Vegan Ground Meat Mixtures
Trader Joe's New Meatless Ground is a Vegan Ground Meat Substitute
Exceptional Plant-Based Cheeses
These Vegan Cheeses Aim to Be First Choices, Not Alternatives
Bulk Plant-Based Burger Packs
Beyond Burger Family Packs are Arriving at Costco
Organic Cashew Fruit Meats
This Fully Plant-Based Meat Alternative Uses Brazilian Cashew Apples
Indulgent Plant-Based Patties
Impossible Foods' Indulgent Burger Patties are Bold and Gourmet
Cruciferous Cheese Alternatives
Chizou is Made from Cauliflower and Chickpea Protein
Innovative Plant-Based Food Brands
Black Sheep Foods Adds More Flavor to the Plant-Based Diet
Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives
Recreate Foods Makes Nuggets, Filets & More for Foodservice
Versatile Meat Alternatives
These Better Balance Meat Alternatives Come in Five Varieties
Upcycled Meat Alternatives
Migros Crafts Alt Meat from Spent Brewer’s Grain
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
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
Plant-Based Asian Cuisine Bites
Nasoya Plantspired Plant-Based Chick’n Bites Come in Two Flavors
Blended Meat Brands
Paul's Table Blends Plant-Based Meat & Animal Components
Plant-Based Loins
Juicy Marbles' Large Whole-Cut Loin is Made with Soy & Wheat
Katsu-Style Vegan Chicken Fillets
These Crunchy Meat-Free Fillets Are Made With Mycoprotein
Fermented Plant-Based Steaks
The Planted.steak is Inspired by a Beef Fillet Steak
Plant-Powered Tuna Salads
John West's Plant-Based Salads Feature a Tuna-Style Protein Alternative
Mycelium-Based Meatless Products
Meati Foods Uses AI to Fuel Its Research
Aromatic Plant-Based Sausages
The Latest 'Beyond Sausage' Products Are Delicious and Nutritious
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
Delectable Plant-Based Bacons
The 'NoBacon 2.0' Strips Look, Taste and Cook Like Real Bacon
Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Appetizers
The Habit is Now Offering New Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
Vegan Veggie Fries
These Frozen Fries Offer a Copious Helping Of Vegetables
Chef-Approved Plant-Based Meats
These Redefine Meat Products are Arriving in the European Market
Bean-Based Nuggets
Heinz UK Launched Meatless Nuggets Made from Beans
Sea-Veggie Burgers
Kelp, Green Chickpeas & Brown Rice Make Up These Atlantic Sea Farms Patties
Nostalgic Vegan Fast Food
Mr.Charlie's Meatless Meals Make Adults Feel Like Kids Again
Seitan-Based Vegan Steaks
This Plant-Based Steak is Crafted With Low-Fat Wheat Gluten
Ready-to-Eat Plant-Based Meals
Home Chef and Impossible Foods Created Two Vegetarian Meal Options
Plant-Based Chicken Sandwiches
Burger King is Testing the 'Impossible Original Chick’n Sandwich'
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
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
Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving Pastries
Native Foods is Offering the Original Wellington This Holiday
Ready-to-Eat Vegan Meals
These Jar-Borne Warm Meals Are Nutritious and Deliciously Meat-Free
Texturized Chickpea Protein Burgers
These Vegan Burgers Are Made With a Unique Source Ingredient
Tenderly Cooked Meat Options
Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak Has a Tender Texture and Bold Flavor
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
Collaborative Meatless Menus
The Breakfast Club is Serving a Fully Meatless Menu
Plant-Based Beef Burgers
Native Foods is Serving Up a New Vegan Burger Called the 'Basic B(urger)'
Meatless Ground Turkey Products
Trader Joe's New Turkeyless Ground is a Free-free Protein Option
Grab-and-Go Meatless Steaks
Pukka's Vegan No Steak Slice is Ready to Enjoy Anywhere, Hot or Cold
Meatless Cheeseburger Pizzas
Trader Joe's Vegetarian Meatless Cheeseburger Pizza is Fully Loaded
Plant-Based Snacking Sausages
Richmond's Mini Vegan Sausages are Low in Sugar, Fat & Salt
Heart-Healthy Plant-Based Meats
Beyond Meat Plant-Based Crumbles Have an Improved New Recipe
Upcycled Vegan Meats
Planetarians Makes Vegan Meat Using Just Two Upcycled Ingredients
Plant-Derived Smash Burgers
This Delicious Smash Burger is Crafted From Peas and Fava Beans
Vegan Steakhouses
The Queen Inn Pub is an Entirely Plant-Based Establishment
Cauliflower-Based Ice Creams
EatKinda Makes a Creamy Frozen Dessert with a Veggie Base
Alt Protein Dog Meals
Planet A's High-Protein Food for Dogs Blends Plant & Insect Ingredients
Faux Meat Chicken Sandwiches
Plnt Burger's Crispy Chik’n Sandwich Features a Meati Crispy Cutlet
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
Mycoprotein Plant-Based Burgers
This 'KFC France' Burger is Made From Mushroom-Sourced Ingredients
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
Lentil-Infused Mushroom Sausages
These Plant-Based Sausages Offer a High-Protein Grilling Solution
Wood-Smoked Plant-Based Meats
Barvecue Delivers Great Taste & Texture Without Gluten or GMOs
Steak-Inspired Meat Alternatives
The Beyond Steak Plant-Based Seared Tips are Low in Saturated Fat
Plant-Based Rib Sandwiches
Native Foods Just Unveiled a Vegan Rib Sandwich Called 'The VeggRib'
Plant-Based Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Native Foods is Serving Up a New Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
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
Cauilflower-Based Frozen Meals
Caulipower's Frozen Meals Share Vegetable-Based Pastas
Vegan Bistro Baguettes
These Baguettes Feature a Pea Protein-Based Topping
Canned Vegan Meats
ANEW Makes Meatless Canned Products from Wheat, Soy Protein & Vegetable Juice
Plant-Based QSR Collections
Shake Shack Launches the New Veggie and Non-Dairy Menu Items
Gluten-Free Egg Patties
Veggies Made Great Now Offers New Veggie-Infused Egg Patties
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
Lamb-Inspired Meat Alternatives
PLNT Plant-Based Lamb Strips Pair Well with Indian Curry
Mushroom-Derived Hybrid Meats
Mush Foods Upcycles Food Waste to Grow Nutritious Mycelium Protein
Meat Alternative Food Mixes
The VITATEX Vegan-Snack-Mix is Perfect for Savory Applications
Protein-Packed Meatless Nuggets
Tyson Foods Has Launched Its First Line Of Plant-Based Nuggets
Meatless Chicken Minces
VFC's Vegan-Friendly Chicken Mince is Protein-Rich & Low in Saturated Fat
Plant-Based Chicken Salads
Just Salad’s Chipotle Cowboy Salad Will Now Include Beyond Chicken
Veggie-Forward Deli Slices
Plant Provisions' Plant-Based Meats are Free from Soy or Gluten Fillers
Plant-Based Fat Substitutes
These Animal-Free Fats Are Healthy and Reliable to Cook With
Cost-Conscious Jackfruit Products
Biff's Creates Competitively Priced Alternatives to Alt Meat
Meaty Beef Alternatives
THIS' Plant-Based Beef Alternatives Use a New Fat 2.0 Substitute
Plant-Forward Cauliflower Sandwiches
The Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich is Marinated & Breaded
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
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
Mycelium-Based Alt-Meats
Millow is Grown in a Controlled Fermentation Process with Oats & Mycelium
Kelp-Based Vegan Meatballs
"Seaweedish Meatballs" are Plant-Based, Gluten-Free & Nutritious
Vegan Minced Pork Substitutes
Rügenwalder Mühle Just Debuted New Plant-Based Mühlen Chili Mett
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
Virtual Vegan Bowl Menus
Veggie Grill Launches New Delivery-Only Menu. 'Vegan Bowls For All'
Plant-Based Mushroom Balls
Shroomeats' Balls are Made with Just Six Simple Ingredients
Meat-Free Retailer Meal Ranges
The Marks & Spencer Veggie Range Includes 14 Meal Options
Naturally Smoked Plant-Based Sausages
Vegami's Plant-Based Salami Celebrates Simple Veggies
Plant-Based Carne Asada
Taco Bell Launches the New ‘Beyond Carne Asada Steak' with Beyond Meat
Plant-Based Skewer Wraps
Smashing Plates & Symplicity Foods Collaborated on a Kofta Wrap
Plant-Based Beef Sandwiches
Native Foods' New Italian Beef Sandwich is Made with Faux Roast Beef
Dairy-Free Goat Cheeses
Treeline's Goat Cheese Alternatives Elevate Salads, Pizzas & Sandwiches
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
Lean Plant-Based Beef
Impossible Beef Lite Has Less Saturated Fat and Less Total Fat
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
Seasoned Plant-Based Meats
Taco Bell is Testing a Third Type of Plant-Based Meat in Birmingham
Piquant Plant-Based Chicken Products
These New Impossible Foods Products Come in Three Varieties
Saucy Meat-Free Meal Menus
The Veggie Grill Bitchin’ Menu Includes Four Options
Meatless Mushroom Chilis
Man Fook Vegan Crispy Mushroom Chili is an Umami-Rich Meat Alternative
Quarter-Pound Meatless Patties
MorningStar Farms' Steakhouse Style Burger is Rich in Plant Protein
Soy-Based Beef Alternatives
The Imagic® Plant-Based Beef is Ready to Be Used in Recipes
Pizza-Inspired Tofu Quiches
This Margherita Pizza-Style Quiche is Made for Sharing
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