Best Plant Based Food Products

Plant-based food products have exploded in popularity due to the rising demand for sustainable, healthy, and cruelty-free alternatives. Here’s a review of some of the best plant-based food categories and leading products, with insights into their taste, texture, nutritional value, and overall experience.

1. Plant-Based Meats

• Beyond Meat (Beyond Burger, Beyond Sausage)
  • Taste & Texture: Known for mimicking the flavor and texture of real meat, Beyond Meat uses ingredients like pea protein and beet juice for a beefy taste and realistic “bleeding.” The sausage has a great snap and smoky flavor.
  • Nutrition: Beyond Meat products are high in protein, with around 20g per serving, but they can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
  • Review Summary: One of the top meat substitutes, offering an experience very close to beef. It’s great for people who crave the flavor of meat but want a plant-based option.
• Impossible Foods (Impossible Burger)
  • Taste & Texture: Impossible Burger is famous for its meat-like taste, thanks to heme, a molecule derived from plants that gives it a slightly bloody flavor. The texture is close to ground beef, and it’s often praised for its grill-ability.
  • Nutrition: Similar to Beyond Meat, with about 19g of protein per patty, but it can be higher in fat and sodium compared to lean meats.
  • Review Summary: A highly realistic alternative to beef, preferred by many for its meatiness and versatility in cooking.
• Lightlife (Smart Dogs, Gimme Lean Sausage)
  • Taste & Texture: Lightlife’s plant-based hot dogs have a mild, smoky flavor with a decent, firm bite. The Gimme Lean sausage is a softer product that works well in recipes.
  • Nutrition: Generally lower in calories and fat compared to Beyond and Impossible, making it a lighter option, but with less of the “meaty” richness.
  • Review Summary: While less intense in flavor, it’s a healthier option that still delivers good taste.

2. Dairy-Free Cheeses

• Miyoko’s Creamery (Mozzarella, Cream Cheese)
  • Taste & Texture: Miyoko’s products are highly regarded for their artisanal quality. The mozzarella melts well on pizza, while the cream cheese is rich and tangy, mimicking dairy versions very closely.
  • Nutrition: Made from cashews and coconut oil, it’s a bit high in fat but offers a natural, whole-food ingredient list.
  • Review Summary: Ideal for those looking for premium, sophisticated plant-based cheese alternatives that melt and taste great.
• Violife (Cheddar Slices, Feta)
  • Taste & Texture: Violife cheddar slices have a mild, cheesy flavor with a good melt. The feta has a crumbly texture and tangy taste, resembling traditional feta cheese.
  • Nutrition: Made from coconut oil, it’s lower in protein than dairy cheeses but is often fortified with B12.
  • Review Summary: A versatile, affordable option for everyday use with solid melting properties and good flavor.
• Follow Your Heart (Smoked Gouda, Parmesan)
  • Taste & Texture: The smoked gouda has a pleasantly rich, smoky flavor and melts reasonably well. The parmesan is finely grated and offers a savory, cheesy kick, perfect for topping pasta.
  • Nutrition: Typically lower in calories and fat compared to dairy versions, but also lower in protein.
  • Review Summary: Great for those seeking flavorful, plant-based cheese with a solid texture and melt-ability.

3. Plant-Based Milks

• Oatly (Oat Milk)
  • Taste & Texture: Oatly is known for its creamy, rich texture, making it ideal for coffee and cooking. It’s slightly sweet and has a mild oat flavor.
  • Nutrition: Fortified with calcium and vitamins D and B12, Oatly is also lower in fat and calories than whole milk. It’s also a good source of fiber.
  • Review Summary: One of the best oat milk brands for taste, versatility, and frothing for coffee.
• Califia Farms (Almond Milk, Barista Blend)
  • Taste & Texture: Smooth, mild almond flavor with a creamy texture, especially in the Barista Blend. It’s excellent for frothing in coffee and works well in smoothies.
  • Nutrition: Low in calories but doesn’t provide much protein. However, it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
  • Review Summary: A top pick for coffee lovers, offering great froth and flavor with added nutritional benefits.
• Ripple (Pea Milk)
  • Taste & Texture: Ripple is creamier than other plant milks with a slightly earthy, but mild taste. It’s closest in texture to cow’s milk.
  • Nutrition: High in protein (8g per cup), with omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D. It’s one of the most nutritionally balanced plant milks.
  • Review Summary: Ripple stands out for its protein content and creaminess, making it one of the best dairy-free milk options for those looking for nutrition.

4. Plant-Based Ice Creams

• Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy (Peanut Butter & Cookies, Chocolate Fudge Brownie)
  • Taste & Texture: Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy options have rich, indulgent flavors, with creamy textures that rival their dairy counterparts. The Peanut Butter & Cookies flavor is especially popular for its balanced sweetness and chunky mix-ins.
  • Nutrition: It’s still a dessert, so it’s high in sugar and calories, but made with almond milk and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Review Summary: A delicious, indulgent option for those wanting classic Ben & Jerry’s flavors without the dairy.
• So Delicious (Cashew Milk, Coconut Milk Ice Cream)
  • Taste & Texture: The cashew milk versions are particularly creamy and luxurious, while the coconut milk options have a slightly more tropical flavor. So Delicious ice creams are smooth, rich, and flavorful.
  • Nutrition: Typically lower in calories compared to dairy ice cream, with fewer sugars and more whole ingredients.
  • Review Summary: A reliable go-to for plant-based ice cream that still delivers creamy texture and rich taste.
• NadaMoo! (Coconut Milk Ice Cream)
  • Taste & Texture: NadaMoo’s coconut milk ice cream is light, creamy, and flavorful, without being overly sweet. The coconut flavor is present but subtle.
  • Nutrition: Lower in calories and sugar compared to many plant-based and dairy options, with simple, whole-food ingredients.
  • Review Summary: Great for those looking for a more health-conscious plant-based ice cream without sacrificing taste.

5. Egg Replacements

• JUST Egg
  • Taste & Texture: JUST Egg scrambles similarly to real eggs with a slightly nutty taste. It works well in recipes for quiches, omelets, and baked goods.
  • Nutrition: Made from mung beans, it’s high in protein but low in fat. It also contains no cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.
  • Review Summary: One of the best plant-based egg substitutes for cooking, with a close match in texture and versatility to real eggs.

General Considerations When Choosing Plant-Based Products:

• Taste & Texture: Many plant-based alternatives aim to closely mimic animal products. It’s important to find one that matches your preference in flavor and mouthfeel.
• Nutritional Value: Some products are fortified with vitamins and minerals (like B12, calcium, and vitamin D), which are often lacking in vegan diets. Watch out for sodium, saturated fat, and sugar levels in processed plant-based foods.
• Ingredients: Whole-food ingredients (like legumes, nuts, and grains) are preferable over highly processed items. Check for artificial additives and preservatives if you’re concerned about clean eating.
• Sustainability: Many plant-based products tout their environmental benefits. Brands like Beyond Meat, Oatly, and Ripple often highlight their lower carbon footprints and reduced water use.

Overall, the best plant-based products balance flavor, texture, and nutritional value, offering a delicious and sustainable alternative to animal-based foods.