The Best Meat-Free Chicken Brands for Every Meal

The classic burger patty was the first breakout product to truly disrupt the meat industry’s status quo. In 2018, the Beyond Burger was outselling beef-based patties in some supermarkets, and in 2019, the debut of the Impossible Whopper sent sales at Burger King soaring.

RELATED: 38 Accidentally Vegan Snacks You Can Find at Any Supermarket

While vegan beef dominated the spotlight in the late 2010s, however, vegan chicken is arguably the star of the 2020s—from the explosion of store-bought plant-based nuggets to the rapid rise of vegan chicken at fast-food chains.

The best vegan chicken brands

Looking to skip the poultry but keep the flavor? Here are the top vegan chicken brands you’re most likely to find in grocery stores, perfect for everything from sandwiches to stir-fries.

1 Daring

In recent years, Daring has established itself as one of the prominent players in the vegan chicken category. Its pieces are both high-protein and low-calorie—we’re talking 120 calories per serving and 18 grams of protein for the Original variety. Other options include Buffalo Plant Chicken Wings, Cajun Plant Chicken Pieces, and Shredded Plant Chicken.
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2 Eat Just

A few years ago, you might have associated Eat Just with vegan mayo or egg alternatives—but the brand has since expanded. While it remains firmly rooted in the condiment and egg space, Eat Just has branched out with its new Just Meat line. The vegan chicken strips are impressively tender and meaty, packing 18 grams of protein per serving.
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Beyond Meat

3 Beyond Meat

From the brand that revolutionized the “bleeding” vegan burger comes Beyond Chicken. After iconic past collaborations with KFC and Panda Express, Beyond Meat continues to satisfy cravings with its growing range of chicken alternatives. Today, that lineup includes Beyond Chicken, Beyond Chicken Nuggets, and Beyond Chicken Pieces—vegan chicken for all.
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Impossible Foods

4Impossible Foods

This vegan food tech giant won’t be left behind. Since perfecting its meaty vegan burgers, Impossible Foods has churned out a bevy of plant-based beef and pork products, as well as vegan chicken. Choose between nuggets, tenders, and patties.
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5 Gardein

In the early-to-mid 2010s, Gardein swept veg fests, leaving vegans and omnivores alike astonished at “how real” its meatless products tasted. While perhaps overshadowed by some of the newer food tech startups, Gardein has remained solid in its widely accessible and vast range of vegan chicken options. Not only does it produce the standard vegan nuggets and filets, but Gardein also sells frozen vegan Chick’n Strips and Chick’n Wings in a variety of flavors from teriyaki to BBQ. If you’re craving a specific preparation of chicken, Gardein is likely to have a vegan version of it. 
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6 Tofurky

The originator of the iconic vegan Thanksgiving roast has massively expanded its product line to include deli slices, sausages, tofu, and steak bites. The Plant-Based Chick’n line encompasses grilled and seasoned vegan chicken pieces you can find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Flavors include Lightly Seasoned, Thai Basil, Barbecue, and Butter Chick’n.
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7 Field Roast

The Fruffalo Wings are no more—well, at least not by name. This vegan meat-and-cheese company rebranded its spicy, wingless frozen chicken appetizer, opting to drop the whimsical name for something more straightforward: Buffalo Wings. While we miss saying “fruffalo,” these wings still deliver the same taste that hooked us from day one. 
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8 MorningStar Farms

This decades-old vegetarian meat company offers a wide range of frozen, vegan-friendly chicken options from patties to nuggets and tenders. The brand even offers Pringles Original Flavored Chik’n Fries. 
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The Baking Fairy

9 Boca

Originally known for its veggie burgers, Boca has branched out to include vegan chicken. Its tasty range of soy-based options includes Spicy Chik’n Veggie Patties and Original Vegan Chik’n Veggie Patties.
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Trader Joe’s

10Trader Joe’s

This tiki-themed grocer tends to abide by the philosophy of “why have others do it for you if you could do it yourself?” In addition to its name-brand assortment of vegan chorizo and ice cream, TJ’s created its own plant-based chicken. We recommend stocking up on Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels ASAP.
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11Abbot’s

With 14 grams of protein per serving, Abbot’s whole food-based chopped chicken is versatile and nutritious. Its primary components include pea protein, extra virgin olive oil, and a blend of herbs and spices like sage, thyme, and garlic powder.
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Meati

12Meati

This company transforms nutrient-rich mushroom roots into juicy chicken cutlets with an unbeatable texture. With a focus on whole cuts, Meati is poised to transform the vegan chicken sector. Choose between the Classic Cutlet and the Crispy Cutlet and enjoy them in fajitas, salads, burritos, and more. 
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13Jack & Annie’s

Jack & Annie’s takes a unique approach to its vegan chicken. Instead of using the typical soy, seitan, or pea-based proteins, the company relies on jackfruit to replicate chicken’s tender, meaty chew. While several vegan meats are made under this brand (meatballs, sausages, patties, etc), the chicken options are outstanding. 
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VFC

14 Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC)

In the US, KFC’s vegan fried chicken may come and go, but this UK-based company is filling in the gaps. Available in the UK, VFC’s line of tender, crispy vegan chicken products satisfies that itch for this familiar food. The range includes breaded Chick*n Fillets, Popcorn Chick*n, and Chick*n Tenders.
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15 This

It hasn’t made it to the US yet, but British brand This offers its vegan chicken pieces in most UK supermarkets. On top of this, it also offers products like This Isn’t Chicken Thighs, This Isn’t Chicken Shawarma, and This Isn’t Roast Chicken & Stuffing.
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16 Heura

Based in Barcelona, Spain, Heura is committed to transitioning the Mediterranean region to plant-based food. Its tasty products include Mediterranean Chunks, Breaded Chick’n Fillets, Tex Mex Chunks, and much more.
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17The Vegetarian Butcher 

When it comes to plant-based meat, the Dutch brand The Vegetarian Butcher is a favorite in Europe. You can even find its products on the menu at some Burger King locations! One of its most popular offerings is its What The Cluck vegan chicken-style chunks, which are perfect for pastas, curries, stir-fries, and more.
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18Shicken

Vegan chicken without the hassle in ready-made meals? Shicken is making it happen. The brand has four products available in the US: Tikka Kebab Skewers, Tikka Masala Curry & Pilau Rice, Butter Curry & Pilau Rice, and Jalfrezi Curry & Pilau Rice.
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19Whole Foods 365

This better-for-you grocer is continually adding to its plant-based line of products. These Chicken Style Bites, for example, are a great source of fiber and protein, and would make a tasty addition to everything from stir fry to salad to pasta.
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20UnMeat

If you want something pantry-friendly, UnMeat’s got you. They’re convenient and versatile, particularly suited to dishes like pot pies, casseroles, and salads. If you want to fill your pantry with more canned vegan meats, UnMeat also offers everything from vegan roast beef to tuna-style flakes.
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