Whether you're a vegan, veggie, flexi, or you're just interested in trying something new, there is an endless list of meat alternatives to choose from.
The meat-free market covers everything from standalone burgers and sausages to full-on plant-based ready meals, which means you can recreate almost any dish without animal harm being involved.
Discover our favourite plant-based alternatives, most of which you'll find in the fridges of the Omvits team too.
THIS
THIS is a slightly newer brand on the block, launching in early 2019, with a range of plant-based meats made predominantly from soybean protein, water and pea protein. Many have said their flagship product, THIS Isn't Bacon, tastes remarkably similar to the real thing, with good colour, a rich, smoky taste and a convincing texture.
They also sell chick'n nuggets, chick'n pieces, sea salt chick'n, tikka pieces and pork-style cocktail sausages, with reviews along the lines of "I had to double-check to make sure I wasn't eating chicken, this is good enough to pass off as chicken!" An excellent sign in our books.
Beyond Meat
Beyond believe that by shifting from animal to plant-based meat, we can have a positive impact on four growing global issues: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources, and animal welfare. By combining innovation with simple, non-GMO ingredients, they deliver the meaty experience you crave without compromise.
Between the Beyond Burger, which seems to be the restaurant default for a vegan burger, and their meatballs, sausages, beef and beef crumbles, you'll struggle to find a meal you can't replicate. As a bonus, the burgers are gluten and soy-free, made from pea protein that is heated, cooled and pressed to mimic meat.
Meatless Farm
The Meatless Farm was founded in 2016 by Morten Toft Bech, when he became concerned about health, the environment and animal welfare. He and his young family were keen to reduce their meat consumption but found there was a shortage of tasty plant-based options.
Their team of chefs and nutritionists are dedicated to making fresh plant-based alternatives that taste good, constantly experimenting with new flavours while working with farmers across the world on ingredient quality. Meatless Farm's plant-based beef range includes burgers and mince, with a pork range covering sausages, hot dogs, patties and more.
VBites
Founded in 1993 as the Redwood Wholefood Company, VBites is the brainchild of campaigner Heather Mills and has grown to become the largest plant-based food manufacturer in Europe. Mills said: "Although a practising vegan for many years I realised that I missed the taste of burgers, pizzas and sausages and wished I could still have them. So I decided to begin developing and perfecting plant-based alternatives, and VBites was born. We now have over 140 products, and I'm so proud of what we have achieved."
VBites' mission is to deliver the taste and texture of meat, fish and dairy products without the environmental, welfare and sustainability drawbacks of pastoral agriculture and fishing. From 'chkn' goujons to 'beeph' mince, you'll find an alternative to just about everything.
Quorn
Quorn is pretty much a household name for vegetarians and vegans. They aim to get people eating good food with recipes packed full of flavour and new taste experiences from around the world.
They're working on reducing the amount of packaging they use and making sure as much of it as possible comes from renewable sources and is recyclable. Alongside a large range of meat-free alternatives such as buffalo dippers, fish sticks, patties, chicken pieces and steaks, they also sell prepared meals like lasagnes and pies.
GRO
The Co-op's own brand GRO has a tasty, convenient and wide-ranging plant-based line, with more being introduced regularly.
What we like about GRO is the pricing. In 2021 the Co-op cut prices across the range, in some cases by around half, with the aim of bringing plant-based options closer to the cost of their meat and dairy equivalents. Check current prices in store, as they move.
Whatever plant-based meat brand you choose, these have a fraction of the environmental impact of their meat counterparts. Good for you, and good for the planet.
Taking supplements is an important part of a vegan diet. If you're looking to begin, then check out Omvits, a 100% vegan and palm-oil free vitamin producer.
