Here are the best vegan chickn nuggets…
If you’ve recently transitioned to a vegan diet chances are cravings for meat are still haunting you. Even if you’ve been vegan for a while the cravings still surface from time to time. You’ll need a life line and I’m happy to inform that you have plenty of options on hand.
Here are some of our favorite vegan chickn nuggets to answer your S.O.S.
Nuggs
At the top of the list is Nuggs. Nuggs definitely has the secret sauce of vegan chickn nugget recipes. It’s made using a new texturized pea protein technology. Nuggs truly succeeded in creating a tender, meatier nugget that is more advanced than even an animal-based nugget! The insanely short list of ingredients are clean. Each serving contains a whopping 15g of protein (which is nearly 50% more than animal-based), 10g of fat (which is about 40% less than animal-based). Best of all Nuggs are also cholesterol free!
As for flavor, texture and appearance Nuggs check all the boxes. The batter is flavored fairly well. However, it does have a slightly weird after taste that pretty much confirms that it’s not real chicken. Sorry Nuggs, but you’re not likely to fool any meat eaters. Surprisingly, there is no mushiness in the center that has come to be the norm for so many competing brands. The crunch on the outside is dead on.
The only cons are the amount of sodium, price and availability. A serving size of Nuggs contains 470 milligrams of sodium, which is quite high. Also, they are a bit pricey. Besides that, Nuggs aren’t available in stores. You have to order from their site. However, they make up for it with free shipping.
Overall, even with the cons Nuggs are well worth the try. Vegans and non-vegans alike will love these.
The Alpha Nugget
Now as much as I like Nuggs, of all the brands I have to say that Alpha makes the best vegan chickn nuggets. The Alpha Nugget has been compared by most newly transitioned vegans as being most reminiscent of fast food chain, Wendy’s chicken nuggets. For a meatless brand that is quite the accolade.
The Alpha Nugget is made using soy protein concentrate and textured wheat protein giving it a texture that is dead on. The batter is seasoned to perfection giving it a mouth-watering flavor. The Alpha Nugget has 10 grams of protein and 280 milligrams of sodium, which is lower than competing brands.
Overall, it’s perfect for game day or as a snack. Besides that, it’s sure to be kid-approved as a dinner option. The Alpha Nugget is available at your local grocer.
Quorn
Next up is Quorn Meatless Buffalo Dippers. Made with mycoprotein, Quorn Meatless Buffalo Dippers are soy free, non-GMO and have 11 grams of protein. The ingredients list is impeccably clean.
They have a light, crispy breading consisting of oats, flaxseed, and quinoa giving them the perfect appearance and external texture. The interior texture is not bad. Like Nuggs, these also avoid the mushy center associated with most vegan brands. Quorn Meatless Buffalo Dippers are also flavored well for spicy food lovers. With or without sauce they are delicious.
Best of all, these are available at your local grocer. You can also get these at your nearest Hooters restaurant. Enjoy them with any of Hooters fourteen sauces.
Gardein
Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders are another delicious meat-free alternative. Now the texture still has a ways to go. However, Gardein still makes the list because these crispy tenders are perfect with some dipping sauce accompanied by some sides as dinner or solo as a snack. They have 7 grams of protein and no trans fat. The only con is the sodium level. Gardein Crispy Tenders have 300 milligrams of sodium, which is high overall. However, it’s low compared to competing brands. On a good note, Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders are conveniently available at your local grocer.
Boca
The Boca Nuggets are made using soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. Boca Nuggets are an oldie but goodie. These were out back when none of the rest were even an idea. They are my long-time favorite go-to brand for meatless chicken nuggets and for good reason.
The texture isn’t as good a some of the more innovative brands, but its satisfactory. The taste isn’t bad, but depending on your preference it may need a slight boost. The only con is that Boca Nuggets have the highest sodium level of all the brands at a whopping 780 milligrams per serving. So if you suffer from hypertension you may want to only eat these in moderation.
Nonetheless, with or without sauce and even without all the theatrics of innovative technology Boca still reigns supreme as a meatless nugget O.G.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders are made using textured wheat protein, which lends itself to a surprisingly amazing texture. These are the only nuggets that have held up in my meal preps. The texture also makes this a wonderful option for school bag lunches.
Seasoned to perfection, Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders offer a delightful surprise to the palate. You can absolutely enjoy these with or without sauce.
Yet, the best part of these is the low sodium. Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders have a sodium level that is significantly lower than competing brands. Likewise, so is the price tag. Talk about budget-friendly. So the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s be sure to give these a try.
What do you consider the best chickn nuggets?
