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Summertime always makes us want to eat more fresh and healthy food. And now that grilling season is here, we’re educating ourselves about the latest non-meat alternative protein sources that will be good for us, our guests and our planet. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has curated a list of 15 plant-based protein foods and meats best for easy and delicious vegetarian and vegan summer grilling 2022, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs. Who says summer grilling and backyard BBQs can’t be plant-based, vegan and eco-friendly? Fire up the grill.

plant-based protein foods best for vegetarian and vegan summer grilling 2022

Summer is almost here, and we cannot wait for the many picnics, barbecues and dinner parties that await us in the days of post-vaccination. Food brings people together like nothing else does, and we are so excited to connect over a meal with the people we love.

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Plant-based protein foods and meats best for easy vegetarian and vegan summer grilling in 2022, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs.

If you’ve started to put together your menus for the summer, we urge you to consider including some plant-based alternative proteins. As you may already know, vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise, and there is a good chance that some of your guests may be meat-free. Besides, vegan alternatives are better for the planet, and these days, they’re tasting just as good as actual meat.

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Plant-based protein foods and meats best for easy vegetarian and vegan summer grilling in 2022, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs.

If you’ve never explored the world of alternative proteins, you may find yourself a little overwhelmed. And that’s a good thing – it means there are many delicious options to choose from. Even so, we’re here to offer you some advice. Here are fifteen alternatives to meat that we know you’d be proud to throw on the grill this summer.

15 best plant-based protein meats, including burgers and hot dogs, for vegan summer grilling 2021

1. Beyond Meat Tailgate Bundle

Beyond Burger may be the best-known name in plant-based protein foods and meatless meat. And with good reason. There’s even a chance you’ve tried their burgers at a restaurant. Like many of the most popular meat-mimics, Beyond’s vegan burgers are made from pea protein, and seasoned so that they taste exactly like the real thing. And with their tailgate bundle, you’ll get four burger and four sausages – perfect for your first small gathering of the summer.

 plant based protein foods and meats best for easy vegetarian and vegan summer grilling in 2021, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs.

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2. Beyond Cookout Classic

And because it doesn’t get better than Beyond, we have a second recommendation: Beyond Cookout Classic burgers. These are made with peas and brown rice, and the flavor so closely resembles meat, you’ll think that’s what you have on the grill. As you may have been able to guess from the name, these guys may be your best choice for all summer activities.

plant based hot dogs

3. Impossible Grilling Pack

Like Beyond Burger, the Impossible Burger has developed quite the reputation in the meat-free world. Made entirely from plants, these burgers have the same flavor (and sizzle!) of the meat patties that you know and love.  And they’re proud to say that they use 96% less land and 87% less water than beef. Order this patty two-pack and try them on the grill. And the grilling pack – with two packages of ten 10 ¼-pound burgers each – might just be enough to satisfy all your vegetarian guests. Impossible’s patties have zero mg of cholesterol, and 19 grams of protein each.

plant based hot dogs

4. Sensational Burger

If you’re having trouble keeping all these names straight, we don’t blame you. But try to remember just one more. The Sensational Burger (or “Garden Gourmet Burger”) is plant-based and made with Soya protein, and best of all, it’s totally vegan. Like Beyond and Impossible, Sensational promises to deliver all the flavor of meat, in a completely animal-free package.  You can cook their burgers in the oven, on the grill or in a pan, and your vegetarian and vegan friends will be grateful you thought of them.

 plant based proteins and powders, including bean and quinoa, best for healthy vegan meals all summer

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5. Raised & Rooted

A brand-new member of the you-won’t-believe-it’s-not-beef club, Raised & Rooted from Tyson Foods offers soy-free pea patties with 21 grams of protein each. As juicy as if they were meat, these epic burgers would be an exceptional choice around any campfire. In fact, they were made with summer grilling in mind, and seasoned for chefs – and for grill masters. Be one of the first to try them this season. Try them this season.

6. Jackfruit

Maybe all this talk about meatless meat is making you nervous. Maybe you aren’t actually a fan of meat’s taste, and you want to get your requisite protein and enjoy what you’re eating, without having to think about beef the entire time. Or maybe you just want to try something new. No problem. Not all alternative proteins are pretending to be something they’re not – meet Jackfruit. Jackfruit has taken the protein-rich, spiky fruits and paired them with unforgettable flavors like barbecue, curry, and lemon garlic, making for a delicious, nutritious meal that will take your mind off of meat completely.

plant based protein for grilling hot dogs

7. Hilary’s World’s Best Veggie Burger

Of course, we haven’t forgotten about the good old-fashioned veggie burger. Simple and classic, veggie burgers are a fantastic standby, and they taste just as good as – and sometimes better than – an actual burger.  And if you’re looking for the best veggie burgers around, then you must try Hilary’s. Made with grain, kale, sweet potatoes, flax seed, and seasoning, these taste like the platonic ideal of a veggie patty, and we’d be thrilled to find them at any dinner party.

plant based protein for grilling hot dogs

Plant based protein foods and meats best for easy vegetarian and vegan summer grilling in 2022, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs.

8. Gardein

We haven’t forgotten about all of you chicken fans – or “chick’n fans.”  And if you want to make any chicken-free tenders, filets, wings, or nuggets this summer, you may want to start with the ones from Gardein. Plant-based and completely vegan, these have the same crispy outside and chewy insides of actual breaded chicken. And if you’re looking for patties, you’re in luck – Gardein has those as well.

plant based protein for grilling hot dogs

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9. Nuggs

Those of you with children (or inner-children!) have got to add Nuggs to your shopping list. These chicken-less nuggets are the self-proclaimed “Tesla” of meat-less chicken. Why is that? Well, they use an advanced soy protein technology to create a “simulation” of chicken that accounts for both the texture and flavor of the real thing – and yes, it’s realistic enough to fool even the biggest bird-fan. These nuggets also contain more protein and less fat than the actual chicken nugget –  are you curious yet? Nuggs are a must-try.

 plant based proteins and powders, including bean and quinoa, best for healthy vegan meals all summer

The plant based proteins and powders, including bean and quinoa, best for healthy vegan meals all summer.

10. Soyrizo

Soyrizo earned a spot on our meat-free list, because it’s one of the best-tasting meat-free proteins on the planet. Soy-based, this chorizo alternative is something you’ll want to eat whether you’re a meat-eater or not. For those who are lukewarm on tofu and tempeh, tentative about pretend-burgers, soyrizo might just be your gateway to the meatless world. We promise you won’t regret it.

 plant based proteins and powders, including bean and quinoa, best for healthy vegan meals all summer

The plant based proteins and powders, including bean and quinoa, best for healthy vegan meals all summer.

11. Tofurky Sausages

Tofurky has been in the business of fake meat for a long time – you may have even had one of their holiday roasts. Their products are some of the best plant-based protein alternatives out there, and we are particular fans of their veggie sausages. They come in three varieties – Italian, beer brat, and kielbasa – and they grill in only a few minutes. A summer staple.

12. Yeah Dawg

We love everything about Yeah Dawg. We love that they’re vegan and their adorable logo. And we love that we can order their meat-free, soy-free, gluten-free dogs. Or “Dawgs.” These are made with fresh beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, sunflower seeds, and gluten free flours, making them the perfect fit for lots of different dietary restrictions. Order this six-pack, and you’ll have enough to grill for any party.

13. Boca Extra Large All American Veggie Burgers

Everything Boca makes deserves a seat at your picnic table, but we have to recommend the “Boca XL Burger.” Otherwise known as the “Extra Large All American Veggie Burgers.” If you’re someone who worries that veggie burgers leave you hungrier than a good old patty of beef, have no fear – Boca’s ginormous patties will fill you up. As a warning – these are not vegan, as they are made with cheese. Perfect for the meatless cheese-lovers among you.

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14. Field Roast Chef’s Signature Burgers

Field Roast is another trusty supplier of all things vegan and vegetarian. We love their plant-based sausages, appetizers, and even their pepperoni. But today we’re here to talk to you about their Chef’s Signature Burgers, which is flavored with mushroom, onion, and garlic. This savory, satisfying patty does not taste like your average veggie burger.

15. The Big Fry Burger

The Family Fry makes a line of amazing alternative meats, but we particularly love their Big Fry Burger. Guaranteed to “look, taste, and sizzle” just like the real deal, every patty contains 20 grams of protein – made with vegetable protein, mustard, and all your favorite burger seasonings.

15 of the best plant-based protein meats for grilling, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs

That’s our take on the best plant-based protein foods and meat for vegetarian and vegan summer grilling, including burgers, nuggets and hot dogs. Which one of these is at the top of your list, dear reader?

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

Abbie Martin Greenbaum

Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.