Five vegan meat substitutes that’ll make you forget the real thing

Whether we like it or not, the truth is that vegan meat doesn’t taste exactly like real meat (yet) but there are some darn good substitutes out there. In fact, some might even be better, but that’s up to you to decide.

Whether you’re looking for your very own fix, newly embarking on a meat-free diet, or just hoping your bacon-loving brother will start coming over for dinner again, there’s a plant-based product out there for you.

Here are some vegan meat alternatives so good you’ll find yourself wanting for nothing — except maybe seconds. Yes, even on a vegan diet.

Beyond Burgers

The Beyond Burger has earned itself a cult-like following in North America and beyond.

This flagship product from meat alternative brand Beyond Meat is not without its fanfare. In fact, restaurants and stores in Canada and the US have struggled to keep it in stock since its debut.

This is a product so meaty and savory, it’s the perfect fix after a big night out. Let’s face it, quinoa has no place on your plate when you’re running on four hours’ sleep and waiting for the sweet release of a food coma.

Naturali’ Minced

Naturali’ Mined puts any beef-like crumble you’ve had in the past to shame.

Perhaps its most remarkable quality is its texture. This is a product with the substance to hold its own in your next bolognese, so you won’t end up with a mushy sauce on date night.

Oh, and go nuts on the garlic. Anyone who doesn’t like the smell of garlic isn’t worth your time, anyway. You deserve better.

Gardein Crispy Tenders

Gardein Crispy Tenders are the vegan meat product for the kid in all of us.

When perfectly matched with the cartoons we all know you still watch, and ketchup, these chicken finger substitutes will have you finger fooding your way into salty, crispy nostalgia in no time.

They also go great chopped up over a vegan Caesar salad, if you’re looking to keep things classy-ish.

Pulled jackfruit

Yes, really. A fruit.

It’s one of those things you really just can’t get your head around until you try it yourself, but pulled jackfruit is an amazing substitute for pulled pork.

It’s very easy to make at home, but you can also buy packets of the fruit already porkified.

Sure, it’s a word! Aquafaba is in the Scrabble dictionary now, so we’re pretty much just making things up as we go at this point.

Field Roast Sausages

Field Roast Sausages come in a number of flavors, and they’re all awesome.

This is a product as tasty as it is easy to prepare, the perfect thing for your next barbecue or bonfire cookout.

Follow it up with some Dandies marshmallows and you’ve got yourself a vegan night you won’t soon forget.

As an added bonus, these puppies have almost 10 ounces (28 grams) of protein per sausage, depending on the product. Oh, and they’re not actually made from puppies — just to be clear.

Image source: Instagram