From golden nuggets to juicy patties, vegan chicken is catching up to the trend of plant-based burgers.
The traditional hamburger patty was the first product to truly challenge the omnivore status quo. In 2018, the Beyond Burger outsold beef-based patties in some supermarkets, while the introduction of the Impossible Whopper skyrocketed Burger King’s sales, resulting in the chain’s greatest quarter in four years. Vegan beef was the star of the late 2010s, but vegan chicken is the star of the 2020s. Vegan chicken is here to stay, as seen by the growth of store-bought chicken nuggets and the complete vegan overhaul of Morningstar Farms. Here are all of the succulent, tender, golden, and crispy vegan chicken options available in stores and online.
1 . Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC)
This United Kingdom-based startup is filling in the holes left by KFC’s vegan fried chicken. Now available in the United States, VFC’s collection of delicate, crispy vegan chicken items satisfies cravings for this classic dish. The assortment consists of breaded Chick*n Filets, Bites, and Popcorn Chick*n, which can be ordered online via Vejii and GTFO It’s Vegan.
2. Quorn
This venerable vegetarian brand now provides a variety of vegan chicken choices, including kid-friendly dinosaur nuggets (currently only available in the UK). Quorn offers Meatless Spicy Patties, Buffalo Dippers, Chipotle Cutlets, Pineapple Chipotle Meatless Chiqin Dippers, and grilled Meatless Fillets and Meatless Pieces in the United States. Note that the Meatless Nuggets are not vegan because they include egg and milk.
3. Morningstar Farms and Incognito
This decades-old vegetarian meat manufacturer introduced a new plant-based meat line to compete in the freezer aisle, capitalizing on the vegan market trend. The chicken options at Incogmeato range from basic chicken nuggets to nuggets shaped like Mickey Mouse. Additionally, the Incogmeato brand includes both original and Sweet BBQ Chick’n Tenders. Morningstar, the parent company, also offers a variety of vegan-friendly frozen chicken options, from patties to nuggets.
4. Gardein
Gardein dominated veg fests in the early to mid-2010s, leaving vegans and omnivores equally amazed by “how authentic” its vegetarian goods tasted. Despite being eclipsed by some of the more recent food-tech startups, Gardein has maintained a huge and easily accessible selection of vegan chicken options. Gardein offers vegan Chick’n Sliders, Chick’n Scallopini, and Chick’n Wings in a range of tastes, from sweet barbecue to buffalo. If you crave a certain chicken preparation, Gardein likely offers a vegan alternative.
5. NUGGS
Made by the food-tech company SIMULATE, these golden meaty nibbles seek to be the “Tesla of chicken nuggets.” They are composed of a blend of soy and wheat proteins that replicate both taste and texture. The manufacturer claims that these nuggets are as close as possible to actual chicken, minus the cruelty and harmful environmental impact. Some of the nation’s top shops, including Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club, carry NUGGS. Additionally, the company produces vegan chicken wings that are ideal for any game day buffet.
6. Alpha Foods
Alpha offers all the essential vegan chicken dishes, including nuggets, chick’n burgers, and grilled strips. In addition to its Chik’n Veggie tamales and Chik’n, Basil, & Garlic meatballs, the company’s unique plant-based chicken is included in its Chik’n Veggie tamales. Alpha vegan chicken products are available at several retailers, including Costco, Sprouts, Kroger, and Albertsons.
7. Boca
Originally recognized for its vegetable burgers, Boca now offers vegan chicken. Soy-based nuggets and original and spicy vegan chicken burger patties are available.
8. Dr. Praeger’s
Not all of Dr. Praeger’s goods are vegan, but the vegan chicken sliders and tenders in the Pure Plant Protein line are a safe choice. All goods are created with Non-GMO Project-verified, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredients.
9. Atlas Monroe
This vegan fried chicken is not available in stores, but you can get it online if you act quickly. After starring on the popular ABC reality show Shark Tank, founder Deborah Torres’s business gained traction. While the Sharks smashed her samples and made a $1 million offer, Torres declined to sell her enterprises to retain control. Since then, she has teamed with the vegan restaurant chain Copper Branch and continues to ship her vegan fried chicken around the country. Follow @atlas.monroe on Instagram to receive restocking updates.
10. Tofurky
The company that created the legendary vegan Thanksgiving roast has significantly expanded its product line to include burgers, deli slices, ground meat, and pieces. The Plant-Based Chick’n line consists of grilled and seasoned vegan chicken pieces available in the refrigerated department of the supermarket. Lightly Seasoned, Thai Basil, Sesame Garlic, and Barbecue are the available flavors.
