Put Down the Meat Sticks and Try These Vegan Jerky Options for a Healthier Snack

Our ancestors preserved meat for obvious reasons—food was scarce, winters were long, and traveling required portable food that was compact and long-lasting. For these reasons, jerky was a staple long before paleo dieters made it the snack trend it is today. However, today, the jerky market also contributes to a livestock industry that’s bad for our health, the planet, and animals. Here’s why it’s time to switch to plant-based jerky.

Jump to the jerkIES

What is plant-based jerky?

First eaten by ancient civilizations, jerky refers to thin, lightweight strips of dried, salted meat. Usually made with beef, it’s still a popular snack today. In fact, the jerky industry is predicted to hit a global market value of $6.5 billion by 2027.

RELATED: 25 Vegan Condiments to Liven Up Any Meal

But there are other ways to make jerky that don’t involve meat. As you’ll see on the list below, several plant-based brands are using ingredients like mushrooms, fruits, and soy to make jerky products. 

For the vegan jerky category, the proof is in the chew. With this in mind, we’re highlighting innovative vegan jerkies (listed in no particular order) that we believe could potentially upend traditional animal-based jerky sales.

Vegan jerky brands

Pick up one of these vegan jerkies the next time hunger strikes. 

Louisville Jerky Co.

1 Louisville Jerky Co.

It’s no surprise Louisville Jerky Co. won the 2026 Veggie Award for Best Vegan Jerky. With flavors such as Smoked Black Pepper, Maple Bacon, Smoky Carolina BBQ, and Jamaican Jerk, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chew and full of flavor.
FIND IT HERE

Bangkok Bites

2Bangkok Bites

Launched in October 2025, Bangkok Bites is relatively new to the vegan jerky scene. But already, the brand has proved its worth come snack time. Currently, this vegan jerky is available in two Asian-inspired flavors: Pad Thai and Thai BBQ. 
Find it here

Jack & Friends

3Jack & Friends

Instead of the usual soy or seitan, Jack & Friends makes its vegan jerky with another plant-based powerhouse: jackfruit. This versatile ingredient is transformed into meaty, chewy jerky that packs up to 15 grams of protein thanks to pea protein. Plus, each bag boasts up to nine grams of fiber. 

Pan’s Mushroom Jerky

4
Pan’s Mushroom Jerky

Backed by Shark Tank billionaire Mark Cuban, this vegan jerky is made of shiitake mushrooms for a savory snack rich in umami. Flavors include Original, Zesty Thai, Applewood BBQ, Salt & Pepper, Teriyaki, and Curry. Stock up for your next road trip!
FIND IT HERE

It’s Jerky Y’all

5 It’s Jerky Y’all

Inspired by local Texan flavors and ingredients, this jerky is made using organic soybeans and also features chipotle peppers and the region’s famous cactus pears. Flavors include Black Pepper & Sea Salt, Prickly Pear Teriyaki, and Prickly Pear Chipotle. The best part? Portions from each bag sold benefit Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a cattle ranch turned vegan farm animal sanctuary.
FIND IT HERE

Moku Foods

6Moku Foods Plant-Based Jerky

Crafted by world-renowned chefs, Moku Foods’ plant-based jerkies are nothing short of delicious. Made in six signature flavors (Original, Hawaiian Teriyaki, Sweet & Spicy, Korean Barbecue, Maui Onion, and Lemon Pepper), this meatless jerky owes its meaty bite to mushrooms. Plus, 1 percent of every purchase is donated to a nonprofit of your choice. 
FIND IT HERE

Noble Jerky

7 Noble Jerky

Gourmet-crafted, Noble Jerky is made using soy protein resulting in a chewy, smoky taste that’s high in protein. Vegans and omnivores alike are sure to enjoy the authentic taste of the line’s Sweet BBQ, Chipotle, Teriyaki, and Original flavors. 
FIND IT HERE

Agro

8Agro

For a real boost of protein, reach for Agro’s plant-based meat sticks. Each flavor in this vegan line packs 10 grams of protein. Choose between flavors like Savory Original, Spicy Chipotle, Grilled Teriyaki, and Texas BBQ. For even more protein, each bag of Agro jerky boasts 25 grams of protein. 
Find it here

Beleaf

9BeLeaf Plant-Based Jerky

Famous for their vegan fried egg, BeLeaf’s line of plant-based jerky is another must-have for any vegan pantry. Made using soybean protein, the company offers flavors like Spicy, Thai Hot & Sour, and Original.
FIND IT HERE 

Primal Spirit

10
Primal Spirit Foods Primal Strips

These individually-wrapped jerkies are comprised of soy, seitan, and shiitake mushrooms. Flavors such as Thai Peanut and Texas BBQ make for a perfect portable snack for traveling, hiking, or keeping in your bag for snack emergencies.
FIND IT HERE

Stonewall’s Jerquee

11Stonewall’s Jerquee

Launched in the 1980s, Stonewall’s Jerquee has stood the test of time. And when it comes to flavor, this longtime brand delivers. Choose between Hot Pastrami, Country Bacon, BBQ Beef, Peppy Pepperoni, and more. 
Find it here

The Herbivorous Butcher

12The Herbivorous Butcher

The Herbivorous Butcher’s chewy and flavorful jerky is seitan-based and comes in four flavors: Teriyaki, Sizzlin’ Cajun, Salt ‘n Peppa, and Korean Jerky. “Frankly, I think ours is more flavorful and the texture is spot on,” Kale Walch, The Herbivorous Butcher co-founder says. “Some people may not like that ours is a more realistic texture, but different strokes for different folks.”