8 Mock Meats That Will Fool Diehard Meat Eaters

Jolia Allen
Jolia Allen

Whether you're jonesing for a juicy burger, some finger-lickin' chicken, or hearty meatballs, it's now easier and tastier than ever to turn to plant-based fauxs to get your fix. Sure, you can get plenty of plant-based protein from whole foods like beans, legumes, grains, and nuts, but satisfying your cravings for familiar "meaty" foods (whether you're a hardcore vegan or just trying to eat less meat) is half the battle — and half the fun! — of experimenting with a veg diet. Enter the new wave of mock meat alternatives: tasty doppelgängers with stellar mouth feel and taste profiles that would fool even diehard meat eaters, or at least leave them asking for seconds.

01
Finger-Lickin’ Chicken
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Finger-Lickin’ Chicken

Gardein’s finger-lickin' good Seven Grain Cripsy Tenders rival KFC's Extra Crispy Tenders in a heartbeat. To say they're highly addictive is an understatement. They make a fantastic finger food paired with a grown-up version of your favorite dipping sauce or are equally tasty served with a big kale salad. Blended from non-gmo soy and wheat protein, two tenders pack in eight grams of protein.

02
Fakin' Bacon
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Fakin' Bacon

Build your next mouthwatering BLT with Lightlife Organics’s Fakin’ Bacon Tempeh Strips, made from organic, non-gmo soy beans. The maple-smokehouse flavor and crunchy texture is oh so satisfying sans the saturated fat and cholesterol of real bacon. It's also amazing crumbled over pizza or spuds or used in dips and baked beans.

03
Satisfying Sausages
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Satisfying Sausages

Made with wheat gluten, apples, sage, and Yukon Gold potatoes, these satisfying Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage Sausages pack an impressive 23 grams of protein per link. We dig 'em hot off the BBQ, piled high with sauerkraut (with or without a bun), or served up in a hearty hash with roasted kale, potatoes, and onion or whatever veggies you have on hand. They are also superb sliced into soups or tossed with pasta, broccolini, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

04
The Ultimate Veggie Burger
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The Ultimate Veggie Burger

Looking for the juiciest beefless burger you can sink your teeth into? Look no further than Beyond Meat's Beast Burger. Sizzling hot and tattooed with grill marks, it's everything a burger should be, minus the cow. What's more? These protein-packed patties are derived from pea protein, so it's not only meat-free but also soy-free, wheat-free, and non-gmo; plus, this burger is loaded with a special blend of antioxidants; iron; calcium; vitamins B6, B12, D; potassium; DHA; and ALA omega-3s to aid muscle recovery.

05
Out-of-the-Park Dogs
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Out-of-the-Park Dogs

Get your grill on all Summer long with Lightlife's Smart Dogs. Topped with your favorite condiments, you'd never guess these juicy pups are made from soy and pea protein. Make a fun hot dog bar for your next Summer party, or take your dog to the next level by trying one of our irresistible haute dog recipes.

Related: This Hot-Dog Alternative Is So Simple, You're Going to Wonder Why You Didn't Think of It Yourself

06
Better Than Beef
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Better Than Beef

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds and transport yourself to Bali without ever leaving the comforts of home? Sweet Earth Curry Satay (tender pieces of savory-flavored seitan) is your passport to flavor. Never heard of seitan? It's basically a wheat meat that's loaded with protein, has a chewy texture, and is traditionally seasoned like beef. Try it in curry and rice dishes, stir-fry, or this fragrant beef dinner from Indonesia. This protein powerhouse packs a whopping 28 grams per serving.

07
Un-Turkey Deli Slices
Tofurky

Un-Turkey Deli Slices

We swear these Tofurky Oven-Roasted Deli Slices will satisfy your next sandwich hankering, whether you are packing your sammy up for the office or an afternoon at the beach. Do you love the day-after-Thanksgiving leftovers as much as we do? Here's how to make the ultimate leftover Thanksgiving sandwich.

08
Meatless Meatballs
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Meatless Meatballs

These hearty Classic Meatless Meatballs by Gardein taste like they took all day to prepare, yet all you have to do is heat them in your favorite marina and spoon over pasta. Presto: a weeknight dinner wonder in less than 30 minutes! Served on sticks, they'll be a hit at any party or potluck. Just three meatballs delivers 15 grams of soy and wheat-based protein.