Choosing to become a vegan is an admirable decision, but it is not always an easy one. Despite making this lifestyle and diet choice for all of the right reasons, you may find that, at first, you struggle to make new recipes with all plant-based ingredients.
We’ve all been there, we have all missed things like Tacos, Chilli Con Carne, Lasagna and even Sloppy Joes, it’s normal to miss them.
But with new plant based replacements, you do not have to miss out on your favorite recipes anymore! More and more supermarkets are now offering vegan meat crumbles that replicate ground beef, so you can make your own 100% vegan friendly tacos and lasagna’s once again!
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Best Meatless Crumbles for Every Dish
If you are looking for the best vegan meat crumbles for your next meal, then we’re here to help!
We have gathered some of the best plant-based, vegan alternatives to ground beef available on the market. These are our top picks.
NOBLE PLATE MEATLESS CRUMBLES
Noble Plate have come to the table with an excellent vegan alternative to beef crumbles that’s super high in protein, low in fat, non-GMO and 100% made in the USA. What’s not to love?
The kicker? Because these vegan meat crumbles are made of dehydrated pea protein, you can stock up on this product and keep it in your pantry – no refrigeration required! This also makes it perfect for camping and cookouts.
Simply flavor the crumbles with your favorite sauces and spices, and use in bolognese, tacos, pies, or wherever you’d traditionally use meat crumbles – it’s super versatile!
BEYOND BEEF PLANT-BASED GROUND ‘MEAT’
Those looking for a versatile ground beef substitute need look no further than Beyond Beef’s offering. Ideal for those who prefer to avoid soy, GMO’s and gluten, this meat alternative is high in protein and low in fat.
A truly versatile product, use it in anything from nachos, to enchiladas, to making homemade hamburgers. Just be warned – this is a very realistic looking and tasting meat crumbles alternative! Better for those who really miss their meat.
- DELICIOUS & VERSATILE: If you can name it, beef can make it - from tacos and empanadas to sliders and beyond
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving from peas and brown rice. See nutrition panel for fat, sat fat and sodium content.
- BETTER-FOR-YOU: each serving has 35% less saturated fat than 80/20 ground beef and no cholesterol
- LESS IS MORE: made with simple, plant-based ingredients with no GMOs, soy or gluten. All of Beyond Meat products are vegan, kosher and have no antibiotics or hormones
- 1LB OF BEEF PER PACK: a convenient one-to-one swap for all your favorite recipes
GARDEIN GLUTEN-FREE ULTRA PLANT-BASED BEEFLESS GROUND CRUMBLES
Gardein meat crumbles are some of the most popular options when it comes to 100% plant-based ground crumbles. What makes it even better is that these are widely available in many supermarkets, and online.
In addition, these vegan beefless ground crumbles are only 110 calories per serving, and contain 18g of protein, perfect for your next taco Tuesday or ground ‘beef’ vegan recipe! They also cook up super quick, meaning your next meat-free meal is just minutes away…
- Contains one 13.7-ounce bag of Gardein Vegan Plant-Based Gluten Free Ground Be'f
- Gardein Ground Be'f is a tasty, tender and versatile vegan alternative to ground beef
- This plant-based beef is an easy gluten free substitute in tacos, sloppy joes, pasta dishes and more
- In 4 minutes, this Gardein beefless ground makes a delicious dish to enjoy whenever you want your favorite foods meat free
- This beefless ground is dairy free and certified vegan
URBAN ACCENTS PLANT-BASED CHIPOTLE TACO MEATLESS MIX
Looking for the perfect vegan taco crumbles? These plant-based crumbles are pre-seasoned with smoky chipotle chili peppers, garlic, coriander and cumin, so all you have to do is heat it up!
Ideal for lazy weeknight dinners, you can rest assured you’re also serving up a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron and magnesium. Simply throw it in a taco shell with your favorite toppings and you’re done. It couldn’t be simpler to eat cruelty-free.
- MEATLESS MIXES: Plant powered meatless mixes with globally inspired flavors! Our plant based protein and seasoning blends are small batch crafted with simple, clean ingredients and unique flavors.
- TACO SEASONING: This taco mix replaces 1lb of ground meat and is ready in just 15 minutes. Add the plant based meatless mix to a tortilla with pickled onions, jalapenos and herbs for an easy & satisfying bite.
- FANTASTIC FLAVORS: Bold and smokey, the plant protein is infused with a Mexican spice blend containing chipotle chili peppers, garlic, coriander and cumin in a classic taco mix.
- PLANT POWERED: High in fiber and protein and low in fat and calories, our taco seasoning blend is added to satisfying soy protein and will be enjoyed by meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
- URBAN ACCENTS: Urban Accents is a specialty food company based in Chicago, Illinois that manufactures and distributes spice blends, grilling rubs, sea salts and a full collection of products designed for use in gourmet cooking.
LIGHTLIFE SMART GROUND ORIGINAL CRUMBLES
If you are looking for the perfect alternative to ground beef, then you will have to try Lightlife Smart Ground Crumbles. This company has been around for nearly 40 years and is one of the leaders in the industry for non-GMO and plant-based foods.
The Lightlife Smart Ground Original Crumbles are absolutely delicious, 100% vegan, and contain about 16.5 g of protein, for only 105 calories, and zero grams of fat – a much healthier alternative than your average meat crumbles!
- Lightlife, Smart Ground Crumbles, Fat Free, 12 oz
BOCA ORIGINAL VEGAN CRUMBLES
If you are looking to keep down your fat intake and maintain a healthy diet, whilst still enjoying your favorite meat-based foods, then you may want to give BOCA Original Veggie Crumbles a try.
These fake beef crumbles contain 11g of protein, as well as 6% of your daily calcium requirements, and 8% of your daily iron requirements per 1/2 cup serving. A non-GMO soy-based product, they soak up the flavors of what you’re cooking them in and imitate beef crumbles convincingly.
- NON-GMO FROZEN VEGAN CRUMBLES: BOCA brings mouth-watering veggie crumbles made with soy protein. A great addition to your vegatarian or vegan meal
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: 11g of protein per serving
- ORIGINAL AND VERSATILE: BOCA veggie crumbles are a versatile option, give it your own touch to bring originality to your meals
- EASY TO MAKE: Ready in just a few minutes in the microwave, oven or skillet
- Not ready to eat. Cook Thoroughly
QUORN FOOD MEATLESS GROUNDS
Quorn also provides meat-free meatless grounds perfect for your next ‘ground beef’ recipes. Their Meatless Grounds are also Non-GMO, completely soy-free, and an excellent source of protein for your diet.
They are extremely versatile and provide the exact same taste and texture as real meat. In addition, these meatless grounds are 100% vegan, and easy to prepare, with a sustainably sourced protein included.
- Contains one frozen 12oz bag of Quorn Meatless Grounds
- Quorn Meatless Grounds are a vegetarian alternative to ground beef that taste delicious and have a great meat-like texture
- Only 100 calories per serving; Excellent source of protein (15g per serving); soy-free; non-GMO; 0g cholesterol
- Convenient to prepare (ready in 10 minutes); amazingly versatile, try them in chili, tacos, or spaghetti
- Sustainably produced with mycoprotein which has a 90% lower carbon footprint than beef production according to Quorn's 2019 Sustainability Report
BEYOND BEEF CRUMBLE
Beyond Meat is one of the biggest vegan food manufacturers these days. This company offers a myriad of different meatless options that look and taste just like the real thing, which makes the transition to veganism so much easier. In addition, Beyond Meat knows how difficult it can be for vegans and those who live plant-based lifestyles to get enough iron into their diets.
This is why the Beyond Meat Beef Free Crumbles contain 25% of your daily recommended intake of iron. These vegan crumbles are also very low in calories, and are perfect for making traditional beef dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese, tacos, burritos or Chilli Con Carne.
- CONVENIENT & FLAVORFUL: these plant-based beef crumbles add a punch of protein to any meal and go from freezer to plate in 5 minutes or less
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: 14 grams of plant-based protein per serving from peas. See nutrition panel for fat, sat fat and sodium content.
- NUTRITIOUS: each serving has only 3 grams of fat, no saturated fat and no cholesterol
- LESS IS MORE: made with simple, plant-based ingredients with no GMOs, soy or gluten. All of Beyond Meat products are vegan, kosher and have no antibiotics or hormones
- 10 OZ PLANT-BASED CRUMBLES PER BAG: frozen and ready to cook
CHICKFU TEXTURED CHICKPEA PROTEIN
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to meat crumbles, more like a plant-based ground chicken, then this option from Chickfu is for you!
Made from nutritious chickpeas, and free from soy, GMOs, animal products and sodium, this product delivers a whopping 19g of protein into each 1/2 cup serving! That’s give meat a run for its money any day of the week.
- VEGAN, SOY-FREE, NON-GMO: Meatless crumbles made from Non-GMO chickpeas here in the USA. This product is plant-based, soy-free, and gluten-free. One package is 6.4oz, which provides up to 5 servings per bag of vegan ground meat replacement.
- NO SODIUM, HIGH PROTEIN, HIGH FIBER: Vegan meat substitute with 19g of protein per serving (38g of protein / 1 cup). It is also high in fiber with 4g of fiber per serving. Most important, our chickpea meat crumbles have NO SODIUM in them, unlike other crumbles such as those made from peas or soy.
- NEUTRAL FLAVOR & MEATY TEXTURE: This product has a neutral flavor with no aftertaste & will take on the flavor of any dish or spices you add to it! The texture is similar to ground meat, and you can brown it on the skillet just like ground meat. Also a great source of iron and other nutrients.
- EASY TO COOK, SHELF STABLE: Prep your meatless crumbles in
- FAMILY OWNED, TRUSTED COMPANY: We are completely family owned, based in the state of Texas. Our goal is to make healthy plant-based products for our customers, each of whom we view as a part of our family! We love providing healthy, whole food products for everyone and hope you can try our meatless crumbles out!
ANTHONY’S TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN
Vegan beef crumbles don’t get any simpler than TVP – textured vegetable protein. Just sub out the meat, and use these instead for a protein boost to any meal. They contain a huge 12g protein per 1/4 cup serving!
TVP easily absorbs the flavors it’s cooked in, making it really versatile, and the texture is like ground meat. Another one that doesn’t require refrigeration, it’s great for camping too!
- Textured Vegetable Protein — Also Known as TVP or TSP
- Non-GMO, Batch Tested and Verified Gluten Free
- Meat Extender or Vegetarian Substitute, Unflavored — Easily Absorbs Flavors
- Product of USA, Packed in California
- Use to Make Vegetarian & Vegan Versions of Meat Based Dishes like Burgers, Tacos, Chili and more!
Summary
Making the change to a vegan lifestyle or diet does not have to be so difficult, when you know where to get the best meat free and plant based alternatives for your meals.
With our list of the best vegan meat crumbles, you can get back to making your old favorite recipes completely vegan friendly and guilt-free.
Related Reading: Best Vegan Deli Meat Brands
K Johnson
Tuesday 20th of June 2023
Writer needs to rethink the term "Low Fat". 14 grams of fat versus 20 grams of protein is NOT low in fat - Beyond Meat
Suzanne Perry-Paige
Saturday 15th of October 2022
Please add me to your email list if you have one. Thank you
Desiree
Sunday 2nd of October 2022
Ground beef (regular) is on sale nearly every week for $2.99/lb. Grass fed organic is $7.99/lb...not sure how frequently it goes on sale or for how much (Cape Cod, MA) Good to know that the gardein is both inexpensive and tasty. I've never tried beyond meat, but it kinda grosses me out that it's engineered to be super realistic. I'm assuming there is a "plain" version of the gardein to use for Bolognese or Asian flavored dishes. Do you have a favorite crumble that wasn't part of the taste test? Well done, thank you!
Anne
Tuesday 16th of November 2021
What about MorningStar Farms Veggie Grillers Crumbles? They’re the favorite!!!