Fire Up the Grill: These Are the 16 Best Meat-Free Burgers for Summer Grilling

There’s no food that’s as quintessentially American as the hamburger. In fact, it’s safe to say that most of us grew up with a fondness for the iconic food—a savory patty topped with ketchup, mustard, crisp lettuce, and a juicy tomato slice, all sandwiched between sesame seed buns. Thankfully, these days, there are a plethora of vegan burgers fit for the grill. And, they’re so good that they’re sure to please all palates, whether you love a traditional-style, meaty vegan patty or you prefer a retro, vegetable-forward veggie burger. 

We often find our mouths watering when the smoky scent of a patty sizzling on a grill dances past our noses. This isn’t surprising—scent is deeply connected to memory, and that one, in particular, is often connected to warm summer days. Even better, vegan burgers are more sustainable and generally healthier than traditional patties.

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Where to find vegan burgers

Once upon a time, vegan burgers were relegated to a tiny freezer hidden away in the corner of the grocery store or worse, a health food store that’s a 45-minute drive away. But thankfully, things are different now.

Beyond Meat

RELATED: The Ultimate Vegan Guide to Grilling: Burgers, Brats, and Ribs

You can now find multiple options for plant-based burgers in just about every grocery store, from major chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Target to your local regional chain. Check the frozen aisle of your local grocery store, or use the store locator search function to find the nearest brick-and-mortar that carries the veggie burger you’re seeking.

Are hamburger buns vegan?

So, you’ve got your patties sorted, but what about the buns?

The good news is that a lot of hamburger buns are free from animal-derived ingredients by default. But you should still check the label since some of the options on the market may contain milk, butter, or honey. If you’re looking for a gluten-free bun, keep an eye out for eggs. 

RELATED: Juicy, Smoky, Sizzling: These Are the Best Vegan Sausages We’ve Tried, Hands Down

Some vegan hamburger buns include Dave’s Killer Bread (21 Whole Grains and Seeds Burger Buns and Burger Buns Done Right), Whole Foods’ 365 brand (all options), Ezekiel 4:9 (all options), and Ball Park (Hamburger Buns).

The best vegan burgers for your next barbecue

Here are some of the best vegan burgers to get for your next backyard barbecue. 

Beyond Meat

1 Beyond Burger 

Beyond Meat’s grill-ready, gluten- and soy-free patties are made from a blend of pea and rice protein, and packs 21 grams of protein. This six-pack is the perfect item to have on your grocery list while you’re planning your barbecue. 
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Impossible Foods

2 Impossible Burger

Plant meat-maker Impossible Foods has that “tastes like the real thing” down pat. Soy protein delivers a whopping 19 grams of plant-based protein per patty, plus it gives the burger its juicy texture. Its super-meaty flavor is thanks to heme, an iron-rich molecule derived from soybeans. It also contains the power duo of coconut and sunflower oils, which give it that succulent char when it’s grilled—yum! 
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3Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger

This longtime vegan brand isn’t to be overlooked. Gardein’s Ultimate Plant-Based Burger owes it juicy, meaty texture to pea protein, coconut oil, and beet juice. Onion, garlic, salt, spices, and a dash of sugar impart this plant patty with classic burger flavors. Pass the dairy-free cheese, please. 
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Amy’s

4 Amy’s Organic Veggie Burgers

A more wholesome option, Amy’s Organic Veggie Burgers are made with organic bulgur wheat, mushrooms, and walnuts—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. They can dry out if overcooked, but with careful grilling, the rich, earthy flavor and texture really shine.
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5 MorningStar Farms Steakhouse Style Burgers

Even the fussiest eaters might be won over by these ultra-meaty, steakhouse-style patties from MorningStar Farms. Designed to replicate the taste and texture of a classic beef burger, they deliver a rich, savory bite that satisfies both meat-lovers and plant-based eaters alike.
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Abbot’s

6 Abbot’s Classic Smokehouse Burger

If you’re catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, Abbot’s Classic Smokehouse burgers are a great option. They’re free from the top nine allergens, including soy and gluten. Made with whole food ingredients and packed with protein, these patties are both clean and satisfying.
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NotCo

7 NotCo Notburger

The NotCo NotBurger is a great pick for a barbecue, especially if you’re after a plant-based burger that closely mimics the taste and texture of meat. It sizzles, browns, and delivers a juicy, umami-rich bite that’s seriously close to beef.

Dr. Praeger’s

8Dr. Praeger’s Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Sometimes there’s nothing like an old school black bean burger. For that veggie burger fix, turn to Dr. Praeger’s. This wholesome patty is made with black beans, red bell peppers, quinoa, brown rice, onions, chipotle chilies, and more. They’re the perfect option for those who prefer the classic veggie burger over the meaty, plant-based patties popular today. 
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9 Boca Original Vegan Veggie Burgers

Light, classic, and affordable, Boca’s Original Vegan Veggie Burgers are a solid pick for a casual barbecue. They’re low in calories, high in protein, and pair well with bold toppings—just grill gently to avoid drying them out.

Actual Veggies

10 Actual Veggies Super Greens Veggie Burger

Good-for-you greens make up the base of this chef-crafted veggie burger. Broccoli, spinach, kale, spirulina, quinoa, and white beans come together for a hearty and healthy burger that’s ready for summer grilling.
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Jack & Annie’s

11Jack & Annie’s Classic Bistro Burgers

These diner-style burger patties owe their classic taste and texture to jackfruit and soy. Each patty packs and impressive 11 grams of protein and eight grams of fiber. Keep these in stock for your next grilling session or weeknight dinner. 
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NoBull

12NoBull Original Burger

If you’re after a more wholesome alternative to meaty burgers, the NoBull Burger is a solid pick. Made with real ingredients like organic lentils, brown rice, spinach, and shredded carrots, it’s savory, satisfying, and sturdy enough to hold its own on the grill.
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13365 by Whole Foods Market Falafel Burgers

Whole Foods’ store brand offers a selection of veggie burgers, including these falafel-inspired patties. Made from chickpeas, vegetables, and a blend of spices, these patties are perfect for burgers, pita wraps, and salads. Enjoy with a schmear of hummus.
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14Shroomeats Mushroom Burgers

Avoiding ultra-processed foods? Shroomeats’ mushroom patties are made with just six simple ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, pea protein, sunflower oil, salt, pepper, and potato flour. They grill beautifully and deliver a beefy, satisfying bite—thanks to the naturally umami-rich shiitake.
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Before the Butcher

15 Uncut Plant Based Burger

Uncut Plant-Based Burgers from Before the Butcher are a barbecue-friendly option with 19 grams of protein and a satisfying, umami-rich bite. Made with soy protein, they hold up well on the grill and suit a range of dietary needs, including gluten-free.

16 Big Mountain Foods Lion’s Mane Mushroom Burger

If you want to win the barbecue, bring these along. Made with Lion’s Mane, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms, and finished with a touch of truffle oil, these patties by Big Mountain Foods pack a rich, umami-loaded flavor that’s honestly hard to beat.