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.
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.
But there are other ways to make jerky that don’t involve farming animals. As you’ll see on the list below, today a number of plant-based brands are using ingredients like mushrooms, fruits, and soy to make jerky products. Because, while consumers might think of animals as the only “meaty” option for jerky-making, the terrestrial and marine plant kingdoms offer much more variety, flavor, and textures because, of course, anything animal-based foods can do, plants can do better.
For the vegan jerky category, the proof is in the chew. With this in mind, we’re highlighting 19 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.
It’s Jerky Y’all
1 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
Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
2 Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
With flavors such as Maple Bacon, Smoky Carolina BBQ, and General Tso’s, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chew and full of flavor.
FIND IT HERE
@veggyjane/Instagram
3
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
Meati Foods
4Meati Foods Mushroom Jerky
This mushroom jerky is unlike any other. Unlike most mushroom-based jerky brands, Meati Foods utilizes mycelium, the fast-growing root systems of mushrooms. The result? A remarkable meaty texture. Available in Sweet Chile, Peppered, and Original flavors, each bag of jerky packs a whopping 15 grams of protein.
Find it here
Hive
5
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
Beleaf
6BeLeaf Vegan Jerky
Famous for their fan-favorite 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, Wasabi, and Original.
FIND IT HERE
Theo’s Plant-Based
7Theo’s Plant-Based Beet Jerky
Theo Mourad, co-founder of Theo’s Plant-Based, had more than a decade of experience in the food industry when he decided to create a “delicious vegetable experience” unlike any other. Armed with techniques he learned in Michelin star farm-to-table kitchens, Mourad created vegan jerky using, well, beets! Choose between Savory BBQ, Sesame-Ginger Teriyaki, and Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper.
Unlimeat
8 Unlimeat
One of the leading mock meat brands in South Korea, Unlimeat takes pride in its sustainable production methods. Using upcycled plants, Unlimeat creates a number of vegan products ranging from tuna to pulled pork and jerky. Available in Smoky Chili and Korean BBQ, this jerky is chewy, beefy, and packs an explosion of flavor.
Country Archer Provisions
9Country Archer Provisions Plant-Based Jerky
Between BBQ, Teriyaki, and Spiced Bacon flavors, this vegan-friendly brand delivers when it comes to plant-based jerky. King oyster mushrooms lend their tender texture to this classic snack.
FIND IT HERE
Krave
10Krave Plant-Based Jerky
Another vegan-friendly brand, Krave’s vegan jerky is made from a base of peas and fava beans for a protein-packed snack. Plus, they’re gluten-free to boot. Choose between Korean Barbecue and Smoked Chipotle.
@talkingdoll/Instagram
11UniSoy Vegan Jerky
With a whopping six flavors, there’s a UniSoy Vegan Jerky to satisfy every craving. Whether you opt for Black Pepper, Hot ‘n Spicy, Teriyaki, Carne Asada, Pineapple Habanero, or Smoky Chipotle, each bag packs a punch of flavor.
FIND IT HERE
Moku Foods
12Moku Foods Plant-Based Jerky
Crafted by world-renowned chefs, Moku Foods’ plant-based jerkies are nothing short of delicious. Made in four signature flavors (Original, Hawaiian Teriyaki, Sweet & Spicy, and Korean BBQ), this meatless jerky owes its meaty bite to mushrooms. Plus, 1% of every purchase is donated to a nonprofit of your choice.
FIND IT HERE
Beanstalk
13Beanstalk
Perhaps the most aptly named brand on this list, Beanstalk’s line of vegan jerky is made from soybeans. Tender and chewy, this on-the-go snack packs nine grams of protein and is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Noble Jerky
14 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, Sticky Hickory, and Original flavors.
FIND IT HERE
@seitanmademedoit/Instagram
15
Lily’s Vegan Pantry
New York City’s premiere vegetarian meat seller turned all-vegan grocer offers vegan jerkies made with Japanese konjac root (similar to sweet potato), wheat, or soy. All varieties come in several different flavors, including French truffle, teriyaki, and vegan bacon.
FIND IT HERE
@ldbeme/Instagram
16
Stonewall’s Jerquee
Don’t let the fancy spelling fool you! These single-serve “jerquees” are equal parts meaty, chewy, and savory.
FIND IT HERE
Jacked! Jackfruit Jerky
17Jacked! Jackfruit Jerky
Launched in 2022, Jacked! combines meaty jackfruit with flavor-forward seasoning blends to create the ultimate jerky snack. The new brand isn’t available in stores just yet, but hungry vegans can order online as we wait for Jacked! to hit store shelves. Choose between Malaysian Chili, Miso Ginger, and Sweet & Spicy Black Pepper.
Find it here
Agro
18Agro
For a real boost of energy, reach for Agro’s plant-based Energy Bolt jerky. Each flavor in this vegan line packs an impressive 25 grams of protein per bag, but the Energy Bolt variety has the added benefit of caffeine. Snacks with a buzz? We’re so in.
Find it here
The Herbivorous Butcher
19The 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,” Kale Walch, The Herbivorous Butcher co-founder says, “I think ours is more flavorful and the texture is spot on. Some people may not like that ours is a more realistic texture, but different strokes for different folks.”
FIND IT HERE
For more vegan snacks, read:
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