Let’s be real: I’ve sampled more vegan burgers than most people have pairs of socks. My freezer is a battleground of patties, my grill is a shrine to plant-based protein, and I have strong feelings about what’s worth your bun. Here, in my very biased and burger-loving opinion, are the 10 best and worst vegan burgers—complete with pros, cons, and a score out of 10. (And yes, #3 is a shocker.)
1. Beyond Burger: The Beyoncé of Burgers
Let’s just get this out of the way: the Beyond Burger is the Beyoncé of vegan burgers. It’s everywhere, it’s beloved, and honestly, it’s kind of a show-off. I’ve grilled these for carnivores and watched them devour seconds before I could even say, “It’s made from peas!” Juicy, meaty, and available on Amazon for those of us who hate leaving the house.
Pros:
- Juicy and “meaty”—even my carnivore dad was fooled
- Cooks and smells like real beef
- Widely available (even on Amazon, for us introverts)
- Soy-free and non-GMO
Cons:
- Can be greasy
- Pricey—my wallet cries a little
- Not exactly a “health food” (hello, saturated fat)
Score: 9.5/10
I’d invite this burger to my wedding.
2. Impossible Burger: The Burger That “Bleeds”
If Beyond is Beyoncé, Impossible is Rihanna. It’s cool, it’s edgy, and it “bleeds” (thanks to science, not animal sacrifice). I made tacos with Impossible and my uncle—who thinks vegan is a dirty word—didn’t even notice. Find it here if you want to freak out your relatives, too.
Pros:
- Uncanny beef-like taste and texture
- “Bleeds” thanks to science (soy leghemoglobin)
- Sizzles and browns like the real deal
- Great for fooling meat-eaters
Cons:
- Contains soy (sorry, soy-avoiders)
- Expensive
- A bit salty for my taste buds
Score: 9/10
If Beyond is Beyoncé, Impossible is Rihanna. Both are icons.
3. MorningStar Farms Grillers Original: The Fallen Idol
Now for the shocker. Once upon a time, MorningStar Grillers were the veggie burger. I remember eating them in college and thinking, “Wow, the future is now.” Fast forward to today, and… yikes. Dry, bland, and somehow both chewy and crumbly. Also, some versions aren’t even vegan (eggs, anyone?). You can still find them on Amazon, but proceed with caution and maybe a gallon of ketchup.
Pros:
- Nostalgic for anyone who went vegetarian in the ‘90s
- Cheap and easy to find
- Cooks quickly
Cons:
- Dry, bland, and oddly chewy
- Some versions aren’t even vegan (eggs sneak in!)
- Tastes like disappointment
Score: 3/10
I’m as shocked as you are. This used to be my jam, now it’s just…jammed in the back of my freezer.
4. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger: The Overachiever
Gardein’s Ultimate Burger is like that kid who always did the extra credit. It’s thick, juicy, and actually tastes grilled. I threw one on my cast iron and almost tricked myself into thinking I was at a summer BBQ with people I like. Available here.
Pros:
- Thick and juicy, with a legit grill flavor
- Holds together well (no bun carnage)
- High in protein
Cons:
- Slightly artificial aftertaste
- Can be a bit dense
Score: 8.5/10
I’d swipe right on this burger.
5. Amy’s California Veggie Burger: The Hippie Cousin
If you want a burger that tastes like it’s wearing Birkenstocks and listening to Fleetwood Mac, Amy’s is your jam. It’s made with organic veggies, grains, and actual walnuts. It’s not “meaty,” but it’s hearty and wholesome. I eat these when I want to feel like I’m making good life choices. Check it out here.
Pros:
- Made with real, organic veggies and grains
- Wholesome and filling
- Nutty flavor and unique texture
- Feels healthy (because it is)
Cons:
- Not “meaty” at all—don’t expect a beefy bite
- Lower in protein
- Falls apart if you look at it wrong
Score: 7.5/10
Perfect for when I want to feel like a responsible adult.
6. Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burger: The Overcooked Oatmeal
Look, I love Dr. Praeger’s for their commitment to veggies, but this burger is… well, it’s like someone tried to make a burger out of baby food. It falls apart, tastes like wet carrots, and has the texture of overcooked oatmeal. Still, here it is. Maybe you’ll like it? Someone must.
Pros:
- Packed with actual vegetables
- Low-calorie and wholesome
- Allergy-friendly
Cons:
- Mushy texture (think veggie pancake)
- Bland, unless you love the taste of carrots
- Falls apart faster than my willpower at a donut shop
Score: 4.5/10
I want to love it, but my taste buds say “meh.”
7. Hilary’s World’s Best Veggie Burger: The Allergy Hero
Hilary’s is the burger you bring to a party when you don’t know if anyone is allergic to anything. It’s free from gluten, soy, corn, and nuts. It tastes wholesome, not meaty, but sometimes you just want to eat a burger and not die, right? Find it here.
Pros:
- Free from gluten, soy, corn, nuts, and more
- Clean, simple ingredients
- Mild, earthy flavor
Cons:
- Not remotely “meaty”
- Low in protein
- Texture is a little crumbly
Score: 6.5/10
For sensitive stomachs and gentle souls.
8. Lightlife Plant-Based Burger: The Strong Silent Type
Lightlife’s burger doesn’t have the same hype as Beyond or Impossible, but it’s solid. Good protein, simple ingredients, and a texture that says, “I lift, bro.” Check it out here.
Pros:
- Good beefy texture
- Simple, recognizable ingredients
- High in protein
Cons:
- Slightly dry if overcooked
- Flavor is solid but not mind-blowing
- Can taste a bit “beany” to some
Score: 8/10
A reliable burger for everyday cravings.
9. Boca Original Vegan Burger: The Time Traveler
Boca’s been around since the dawn of soy. I tried one recently and it was like eating a memory—specifically, a memory of bad cafeteria food. Chewy, rubbery, and somehow both dry and soggy. Available here, if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Pros:
- Cheap and easy to find
- High in protein
- Quick to cook
Cons:
- Rubbery, old-school texture
- Kind of tastes like the freezer
- Not for the flavor-obsessed
Score: 5/10
Eat only if you’re feeling nostalgic…or desperate.
Note: if you are going for low fat (less than 10% of calories) this is your only option. Just watch the sodium. It’s twice as high as ideal (1 mg/calorie ideal but this has 400 mg sodium for a 70 calorie patty).
10. Sweet Earth Awesome Burger: The Underdog
Sweet Earth’s Awesome Burger is like the indie band you discovered before they got cool. It’s meaty, juicy, and actually gets grill marks. I made one for a friend and she asked if I was sure it was vegan. (I triple-checked.) Find it here, sometimes.
Pros:
- Juicy, meaty, and grill-friendly
- High in protein
- Nice flavor and texture
Cons:
- Can be hard to find
- Slightly odd aftertaste (just a hint)
- Pricier than some
Score: 8/10
If you see it, grab it—your taste buds will thank you.
FAQ: Your Burning Vegan Burger Questions
Q: Are these scores objective?
A: Nope! These are my personal, highly unscientific opinions based on taste, texture, nostalgia, and how many napkins I needed.
Q: How can I create my own vegan burger ranking?
A: Easy! Here’s how:
- Pick your categories: Taste, texture, protein, price, “meaty” factor, healthiness, etc.
- Score each burger: Use a scale (1-10, stars, smiley faces—whatever works).
- Try different cooking methods: Some burgers are better grilled, some love a skillet.
- Note your preferences: Do you want something beefy, or do you love veggie-forward? Are you gluten-free? Allergic to soy?
- Invite friends for a taste test: Bonus points for blindfolds and dramatic reveals.
- Don’t forget the toppings: A sad bun can ruin even the best patty.
Q: What if I disagree with your ratings?
A: That’s the fun part! Everyone’s taste buds are different. Use my list as a starting point, then go forth and eat your way to your own personal vegan burger nirvana.
Q: Where do I even find these burgers?
A: Most are available at major grocery stores, and many can be found on Amazon (links above). For the freshest selection, check local health food stores or specialty markets.
Final Note:
Vegan burgers are a wild, wonderful world—some are meaty, some are veggie-packed, and some are best left in the past. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember: ketchup covers a multitude of sins.
Happy chomping!