Our ancestors preserved meat for apparent causes—meals was scarce, winters had been lengthy, and touring required moveable meals that was compact and long-lasting. For these causes, jerky was a staple lengthy earlier than paleo dieters made it the snack development it’s as we speak. Nonetheless, it additionally creates a livestock business that’s unhealthy for our well being, the planet, and the animals.
Why select plant-based jerky?
Animal-based jerky merchandise get their taste—smoky, spicy, candy—from crops, so why not go straight to the (cruelty-free) supply for a jerky that ticks all of the bins? Whereas shoppers would possibly consider animals as the one “meaty” choice for jerky-making, the terrestrial and marine plant kingdoms supply far more selection, taste, and textures as a result of, in fact, something animal-based meals can do, crops can do higher. And for the vegan jerky class, the proof is within the chew. With this in thoughts, we’re highlighting 18 progressive vegan jerkies that might upend conventional animal-based jerky gross sales.
It’s Jerky Y’all
1 It’s Jerky Y’all
Impressed by native Texan flavors and elements, this jerky is made utilizing natural soybeans and in addition options chipotle peppers and the area’s well-known cactus pears. Flavors embody Black Pepper & Sea Salt, Prickly Pear Teriyaki, and Prickly Pear Chipotle. The very best half? Parts from every bag bought profit Rowdy Lady Sanctuary, a cattle ranch turned vegan farm animal sanctuary.
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The Herbivorous Butcher
2 The Herbivorous Butcher
The Herbivorous Butcher’s chewy and flavorful jerky is seitan-based and is available in three flavors: Teriyaki Jerky, Sizzlin’ Cajun Jerky, and Salt ‘n Peppa Jerky. “Frankly,” Kale Walch, The Herbivorous Butcher co-founder says, “I feel ours is extra flavorful and the feel is spot on. Some individuals could not like that ours is a extra sensible texture, however totally different strokes for various people.”
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Akua
3 Akua
This jerky is made out of mushrooms and kelp, making it excessive in fiber and protein, whereas additionally low in energy, sugar, and fats. The world’s first carbon-negative snack, you’ll be able to relaxation simple as you munch on this progressive, protein-packed kelp jerky.
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Noble Jerky
4 Noble Jerky
Connoisseur-crafted, Noble Jerky is made utilizing soy protein leading to a chewy, smoky style that’s excessive in protein. Vegans and omnivores alike are positive to benefit from the genuine style of the road’s Candy BBQ, Chipotle, Teriyaki, Hickory, and Unique flavors.
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5 Lily’s Vegan Pantry
New York Metropolis’s premiere vegetarian meat vendor turned all-vegan grocer provides vegan jerkies made with Japanese konjac root (just like candy potato), wheat, or soy. All varieties are available in a number of totally different flavors, together with spicy, teriyaki, and vegan bacon.
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Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
6 Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
With flavors reminiscent of Maple Bacon, Smokey Carolina BBQ, and the limited-edition, small-batch Jamaican Jerk, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chew and filled with taste.
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7 Primal Spirit Meals Primal Strips
These individually-wrapped jerkies are comprised of soy, seitan, and shiitake mushrooms. Flavors reminiscent of Thai peanut and Texas BBQ make for an ideal moveable snack for touring, mountaineering, or maintaining in your bag for snack emergencies.
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Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
8 Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
Backed by Shark Tank billionaire Mark Cuban, this vegan jerky is made from shiitake mushrooms for a savory snack wealthy in umami. Flavors embody Unique, Zesty Thai, Applewood BBQ, Salt & Pepper, Teriyaki, and Curry. Refill to your subsequent street journey!
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9
Stonewall’s Jerquee
Don’t let the flamboyant spelling idiot you! These single-serve “jerquees” are equal components meaty, chewy, and savory.
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10Foreal Meals Coconut Jerky
Coconut doesn’t simply lend itself to exploit, water, ice cream, and cheese, because it’s a pure jerky, too. To make the transformation, younger coconut meat is marinated and dehydrated for an addictively wholesome jerky.
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Moku Meals
11Moku Meals Plant-Based mostly Jerky
Crafted by world-renowned cooks, Moku Meals’ plant-based jerkies are nothing wanting scrumptious. Made in three signature flavors (Unique, Hawaiian Teriyaki, and Candy & Spicy), this meatless jerky owes its meaty chew to mushrooms. Plus, 1% of each buy is donated to a nonprofit of your selection.
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12BeLeaf Vegan Jerky
Well-known for his or her fan-favorite vegan fried egg, BeLeaf’s line of plant-based jerky is one other must-have for any vegan pantry. Made utilizing soybean protein, the corporate provides flavors like Spicy, Wasabi, and Unique.
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Past Meat
13 Past Meat Jerky
The masterminds behind the world-famous Past Burger are actually whipping up vegan jerky. Produced from peas and mung bean protein, flavors embody Unique, Scorching & Spicy, and Teriyaki.
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Eat the Change
14Eat the Change Mushroom Jerky
Co-founded by High Chef alumn Spike Mendelsohn, Eat the Change creates chewy vegan jerky utilizing mushrooms sustainably sourced from a Pennsylvania-based household farm. Bruised and outsized mushroom stems—which wouldn’t usually make it to grocery retailer cabinets—are marinated in a spice mix and smoked for a plant-based jerky you’ll need repeatedly.
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Gardein
15Gardein Final Plant-Based mostly Jerky
This vegan OG gained’t be left behind. Launched in 2020, Gardein’s smoky jerky is made out of seitan for added chewiness and meaty realness. Select between Unique, Teriyaki, and Scorching and Spicy flavors the subsequent time snack time strikes.
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UniSoy
16UniSoy Vegan Jerky
With a whopping six flavors, there’s a UniSoy Vegan Jerky to fulfill each craving. Whether or not you go for Cracked Pepper, Scorching ‘n Spicy, Teriyaki, Carne Asada, Habanero, or Smoky Chipotle, every bag packs a punch of taste.
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KRAVE
17KRAVE Plant-Based mostly Jerky
Snack model KRAVE is venturing into the world of plant-based eats with its line of vegan jerky. Produced from a mix of peas and fava beans, every serving boasts 8 grams of protein. The Smoked Chipotle taste is bound to fulfill, however the Korean BBQ can’t be missed.
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Nation Archer Provisions
18Country Archer Provisions Plant-Based mostly Jerky
Between BBQ, Teriyaki, and Spiced Bacon flavors, this vegan-friendly model delivers in relation to plant-based jerky. King oyster mushrooms lend their tender texture to this basic snack.
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