The traditional burger patty was the primary breakaway product to essentially disrupt the meat trade’s established order. In 2018, the Past Burger was outselling beef-based patties in some supermarkets, and the debut of the Not possible Whopper shot Burger King’s gross sales by way of the roof because the financially declining chain reported its finest quarter in 4 years.
Whereas vegan beef stole the highlight within the late 2010s, vegan rooster is the star of the twenties. Between the explosion of store-bought rooster nuggets to the total vegan revamp of Morningstar Farms, vegan rooster is right here to remain. Listed below are the entire juicy, tender, golden, crispy vegan rooster merchandise you’ll find on the retailer and on-line. However first, what truly is vegan rooster?
What’s vegan rooster?
Because the title implies, there are not any actual chickens concerned within the making of vegan rooster. As an alternative, manufacturers use plenty of totally different plant-based substances, like soy, pea protein, and even jackfruit, to recreate the identical style and texture as the true factor.
Daring
They will are available a number of totally different varieties, together with nuggets, strips, shreds, chunks, popcorn, and extra. It’s additionally potential to make vegan rooster at dwelling, utilizing substances like seitan, cauliflower, tofu, or tempeh. (In case you’re craving vegan rooster, strive following these straightforward nugget recipes, this popcorn rooster recipe, or make this copycat Chipotle rooster burrito bowl.)
The place to purchase vegan rooster
In case you’re heading out to eat, a number of eating places promote vegan rooster. For instance, California and Nevada chain Plant Energy Quick Meals sells vegan rooster sandwiches, as do Slutty Vegan and Veggie Grill. Within the UK, you may even purchase Quorn vegan rooster from KFC. (In 2022, US places additionally provided Past Fried Hen for a restricted time.) However the best place to seize vegan rooster is on the grocery retailer. And if you’re there, listed below are a few of the manufacturers you’re prone to discover on retailer cabinets.
The very best vegan rooster manufacturers
VFC
1 Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC)
KFC’s vegan fried rooster could come and go, however this UK-based firm is filling within the gaps. Now out there within the US, VFC’s line of tender, crispy vegan rooster merchandise fulfill that itch for this acquainted meals. The vary consists of breaded Chick*n Fillets, Popcorn Chick*n, and Chick*n Tenders which are out there to order on-line by way of GTFO It’s Vegan.
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The Wholesome Habit
2 Quorn
This long-standing vegetarian model provides a medley of now-vegan rooster choices together with kid-friendly dino nuggets (at the moment solely out there within the UK). Within the US, Quorn carries crispy Meatless Spicy Chiqin Patties, Pineapple Chipotle Meatless Chiqin Dippers, Meatless Chiqin Fillets, and Meatless Diced Chiqin Items—all of that are freed from all animal merchandise. Word: the Meatless Nuggets will not be vegan—they include egg and milk substances.
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MorningStarFarms
3 Morningstar Farms/Incogmeato
Leaping on the vegan market development, this decades-old vegetarian meat firm launched a brand new plant-based meat line to compete within the freezer aisle. The Incogmeato rooster choices vary from conventional rooster nuggets to enjoyable Mickey Mouse-shaped nuggets. The Incogmeato model additionally consists of unique and Candy BBQ Chick’n Tenders. The mom model, Morningstar, additionally provides a variety of frozen, vegan-friendly rooster choices from patties to nuggets.
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Madison Vegan Eats
4 Gardein
Within the early-to-mid 2010s, Gardein swept veg fests, leaving vegans and omnivores alike astonished at “how actual” its meatless merchandise tasted. Whereas maybe overshadowed by a few of the newer meals tech startups, Gardein has remained stable in its broadly accessible and huge vary of vegan rooster choices. Not solely does it produce the usual vegan nugget and patty, Gardein sells frozen vegan Chick’n Sliders, Chick’n Scallopini, and Chick’n Wings in quite a lot of flavors from candy barbecue to buffalo. In case you’re craving a selected preparation of rooster, Gardein is prone to have a vegan model of it.
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SIMULATE
5
NUGGS
Made by food-tech startup SIMULATE, these golden meaty snacks intention to be the “Tesla of rooster nuggets.” They’re made with a mix of soy and wheat proteins to imitate each style and texture. The corporate posits these nuggets as near actual rooster as you may get—minus the cruelty and dangerous environmental impression. Shoppers can discover NUGGS at a few of the nation’s largest retailers together with Walmart, Goal, and Sam’s Membership. The model additionally makes vegan rooster tenders which are good for any sport day unfold.
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Acutely aware Chris
6
Alpha Meals
Alpha covers all of the vegan rooster fundamentals—nuggets, chick’n burgers, and grilled strips. The corporate’s signature plant-based rooster will also be discovered featured in its Chik’n Veggie tamales and Chik’n, Basil, & Garlic meatballs. Alpha vegan rooster merchandise could be present in quite a lot of shops together with Costco, Sprouts, Kroger shops, and Albertsons.
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Complete Meals Market
7 Complete Meals 365
This better-for-you-grocer is regularly including to its plant-based line of merchandise. The frozen Hen-Model Plant-Based mostly Nuggets and Hen-Model Plant-Based mostly Patties be a part of the lineup of vegan ice lotions, cheeses, and different meats that now make up the 365 line.
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The Baking Fairy
8 Boca
Initially recognized for its veggie burgers, Boca has branched out to incorporate vegan rooster. Choices span from soy-based nuggets to unique and spicy vegan rooster burger patties.
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Dr. Praeger’s
9 Dr. Praeger’s
Not all Dr. Praeger’s merchandise are vegan, however the Excellent line of vegan rooster tenders and nuggets are all a secure wager. All merchandise are gluten- and soy-free and made with Non-GMO Venture Verified substances. Discover the Excellent Chick’n Tenders, Nashville Sizzling Chick’n, and Common Tso’s Chick’n within the freezer aisle.
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Atlas Monroe
10 Atlas Monroe
You received’t discover this vegan fried rooster in shops, however should you’re fast, you may order it on-line. Founder Deborah Torres gained traction for her firm after showing on ABC hit actuality present, Shark Tank. Whereas the Sharks demolished her samples and made a $1 million provide, Torres turned them right down to preserve possession of her enterprise. Since then, she’s partnered with the vegan chain Copper Department for a restricted time, and continues to ship her vegan fried rooster nationwide. Observe @atlas.monroe on Instagram for updates on the subsequent restocking date.
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Rachely Hernandez
11 Tofurky
The originator of the long-lasting vegan Thanksgiving roast has massively expanded its product line to incorporate burgers, deli slices, grounds, and items. The Plant-Based mostly Chick’n line encompasses grilled and seasoned vegan rooster items you’ll find within the refrigerated part of the grocery retailer. Flavors embody Calmly Seasoned, Thai Basil, Sesame Garlic, and Barbecue.
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Candy Earth Meals/Fb
12 Candy Earth Meals
Put together to do a double take if you attain for Candy Earth’s Chick’n Strips and Shreds. Whereas it might seem like chunks of rooster, these soy-based items are utterly animal-free. Use them in stir-frys, salads, curries, grain bowls, and burritos for a scrumptious protein enhance to your meal.
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The Vegan Style Tester
13 Dealer Joe’s
This tiki-themed grocer tends to abide by the philosophy of “why have others do it for you should you might do it your self?” Along with its name-brand assortment of vegan burgers, chorizo, and ice cream, TJ’s created its personal plant-based rooster. The Chickenless line ranges from savory seasoning to mandarin orange bites to crispy tenders. Refill.
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Subject Roast
14 Subject Roast
The Fruffalo Wings are not any extra—properly, at the least not by title. This vegan meat-and-cheese firm rebranded its spicy, wingless frozen rooster appetizer, opting to drop the whimsical title for one thing extra simple: Buffalo Wings. Whereas we miss saying “fruffalo,” we don’t miss the style that hooked us from day one. Want a nugget to a wing? Subject Roast provides these, too.
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Daring
15 Daring
Lately, Daring has established itself as one of many outstanding gamers within the vegan rooster class. Its frozen items are each high-protein and low-calorie—we’re speaking 90 energy per serving and 14 grams of protein for the Unique selection. Different choices embody Lemon & Herb, Teriyaki, Cajun, Breaded, and Buffalo Wings. Shoppers can discover these merchandise at Sprouts, Goal, Complete Meals, and Kroger, amongst different retailers.
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Lightlife
16 Lightlife
For a soy-based vegan rooster you may season and stuff into burritos, take a look at Lightlife’s Sensible Tenders. One serving accommodates 18 grams of protein and nil saturated fats. They’re pretty plain on their very own, however they work wonders with a drenching of vegan alfredo sauce or a coating of taco seasoning. Fajita Friday, anybody?
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Hungry Planet
17 Hungry Planet
Odds are, you’ll have loved a crispy Chipotle Hen Patty from Hungry Planet and never realized it. This firm is a formidable participant within the foodservice market, offering many non-vegan eateries with its plant-based rooster patties and versatile grounds. Smaller, 12-ounce parts of the bottom rooster, nuggets, strips, and patties are additionally out there in choose grocers throughout the US. From selfmade nuggets to spicy fajitas, the meals you may create with this vegan rooster are infinite.
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Jack & Annie’s
18 Jack & Annie’s
Jack & Annie’s takes a novel strategy to its vegan rooster. In lieu of utilizing the standard soy, seitan, or pea-based proteins, the corporate depends on jackfruit to duplicate rooster’s tender, meaty chew. Whereas plenty of vegan meats are made underneath this model (meatballs, sausages, patties, and many others), the rooster choices are excellent. Discover the buffalo wings and crispy rooster nuggets within the frozen aisle of your native Goal, Sprouts, or Wegmans.
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Sol Delicacies
19 Sol Delicacies
Not a nugget and never fairly popcorn rooster, these juicy plant-based Crispy Chik’n Bites are addictively snackable. The package deal comes with barbecue sauce, however these bites work properly with any variety of dips from buffalo to vegan honey mustard. Bake up a batch for a hoard of hungry children or a board sport evening—it doesn’t matter what the event, they’ll go quick!
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@CaliforniaCalories/Instagram
20 These days
For one thing meant to imitate junk meals, these tender nuggets are surprisingly freed from junk. These days solely makes use of seven substances which are remodeled into extremely tasty vegan rooster nuggets. Who knew natural pea protein, complete wheat flour, yeast extract, mushroom extract, maple fiber, sunflower oil, and water might be so good?
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Past Meat
21 Past Meat
From the model that revolutionized “bleeding” vegan burgers comes Past Hen. After giving us iconic collaborations with KFC and Panda Categorical, Past Meat is satisfying our cravings with its rooster merchandise. The breaded plant-based tenders have been initially out there at 400 eating places, however have now expanded into 8,000 shops. At this time, the model additionally boasts nuggets and popcorn rooster. Vegan rooster for all!
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Not possible Meals
22 Not possible Meals
This vegan meals tech large received’t be left behind. Since perfecting its meaty vegan burgers, Not possible Meals has churned out a bevy of plant-based beef and pork merchandise, and now, it’s launched vegan rooster. Select between nuggets and patties now out there in unique and spicy flavors.
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Meatless Farm
23 Meatless Farm
Meatless Farm is on a mission to assist the planet, and so they’re banking on vegan meals to assist them do it. Whereas the model provides a number of plant-based meats starting from breakfast patties to sausages and grounds, it’s the rooster breast that may’t be missed. The seitan- and pea-based protein encompasses a cornflake breading for added crispyness.
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Rebellyous Meals
24 Rebellyous Meals
These golden, juicy, crispy nuggets, patties, and tenders can be found at choose retailers and eating places throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. Not on the West Coast? Don’t fret—Rebellyous Meals’ plant-based tenders, nuggets, and patties can be found for nationwide transport by way of on-line retailer GTFO It’s Vegan.
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Abbot’s Butcher
25 Abbot’s Butcher
It’s not a nugget nor a patty, however Abbot’s Butcher’s Chopped Chick’n is extraordinarily versatile due to this reality. Past its addictive style and spot-on texture, that is the one vegan rooster that is freed from soy, gluten, preservatives, and pure flavors. It’s additionally Whole30-approved, which you’ll be able to’t say for every other patty or nugget available on the market.
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@this.uk/Instagram
26 THIS
It hasn’t made it to the US but, however British model THIS provides its vegan rooster items in most UK supermarkets. Plus, you may even discover its lifelike chicken-style chunks in its Korean-Model Noodle Salad prepared meal, and should you’re in WH Smith, there’s additionally a small number of vegan rooster grab-and-go sandwiches, like This Isn’t Hen & Sweetcorn.
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@vegheadsfood/Instagram
27 Heura
Based mostly in Barcelona, Spain, Heura is dedicated to transitioning the Mediterranean area to plant-based meals. Its tasty merchandise embody Spiced Chik’n Items, Chik’n Fillet Burgers, Mediterranean Chunks, Breaded Chick’n Fillets, and way more.
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@futurefarm/Instagram
28 Future Farm
Brazilian model Future Farm has gained a repute for with the ability to mimic animal meat so properly, it’ll depart you asking “Did I truly simply eat meat?” However don’t fear, all of its merchandise are one hundred pc plant-based. The model provides a variety of merchandise, together with Future Chick’n chunks.
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@ukfoodiefinder/Instagram
29 The Vegetarian Butcher
In the case of plant-based meat, the Dutch model The Vegetarian Butcher is a European favourite. (You’ll be able to even discover its merchandise on the menu at Burger King places throughout Europe!) One in every of its hottest choices is its What The Cluck vegan chicken-style chunks, that are good for pastas, curries, stir-fries, and extra.
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Meati
30 Meati
This firm transforms nutrient-rich mushroom roots into juicy rooster cutlets with an unbeatable texture. With a give attention to whole-cuts, Meati is poised to remodel the vegan rooster sector. Select between the Traditional Cutlet and the Crispy Cutlet and luxuriate in in fajitas, salads, burritos, and extra.
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