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Our ancestors preserved meat for obvious reasons—food was scarce, winters were long, and traveling required portable food that was compact and long-lasting. For these reasons, jerky was a staple long before paleo dieters made it the snack trend it is today. However, it also creates a livestock industry that’s bad for our health, the planet, and the animals. Animal-based jerky products get their flavor—smoky, spicy, sweet—from plants, so why not go straight to the (cruelty-free) source for a jerky that ticks all the boxes? While consumers might think of animals as the only “meaty” option for jerky-making, the terrestrial and marine plant kingdoms offer much more variety, flavor, and textures because, of course, anything animal-based foods can do, plants can do better. And for the vegan jerky category, the proof is in the chew. With this in mind, we’re highlighting 12 innovative vegan jerkies that could upend traditional animal-based jerky sales.
It’s Jerky Y’all
Inspired by local Texan flavors and ingredients, this jerky is made using organic soybeans and also feautres chipotle peppers and the region’s famous cactus pears. Flavors include Black Pepper & Sea Salt, Prickly Pear Teriyaki, and Prickly Pear Chipotle. The best part? Portions from each bag sold benefit Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a cattle ranch turned vegan farm animal sanctuary. Learn More here
The Herbivorous Butcher’s chewy and flavorful jerky is seitan-based and comes in three flavors: Teriyaki Jerky, Sizzlin’ Cajun Jerky, and Salt ‘n Peppa Jerky. “Frankly,” Kale Walch, The Herbivorous Butcher co-founder says, “I think ours is more flavorful and the texture is spot on. Some people may not like that ours is a more realistic texture, but different strokes for different folks.” Learn more here
This jerky is made from mushrooms and kelp, making it high in fiber and protein, while also low in calories, sugar, and fat. The world’s first carbon-negative snack, you can rest easy as you munch on this innovative, protein-packed kelp jerky. Learn more here
Gourmet-crafted, Noble Jerky is made using soy protein resulting in a chewy, smoky taste that’s high in protein. Vegan and omnivores alike are sure to enjoy the authentic taste of the line’s Sweet BBQ, Chipotle, Teriyaki, and Original flavors. Learn more
New York City’s premiere vegetarian meat seller turned all-vegan grocer offers vegan jerkies made with Japanese konjac root (similar to sweet potato), wheat, or soy. All varieties come in several different flavors, including spicy, teriyaki, and vegan bacon. Learn more here
With flavors such as Maple Bacon, Smokey Carolina BBQ, and the limited-edition Sesame Gochujang, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chew and full of flavor. Learn more here
These individually-wrapped jerkies are comprised of soy, seitan, and shiitake mushrooms. Flavors such as Thai peanut and Texas BBQ make for a perfect portable snack for traveling, hiking, or keeping in your bag for snack emergencies. Learn more here
Don’t let the fancy spelling fool you! These single-serve “jerquees” are equal parts meaty, chewy, and savory. Learn more here
Coconut doesn’t just lend itself to milk, water, ice cream, and cheese, as it’s a natural jerky, too. To make the transformation, young coconut meat is marinated and dehydrated for an addictively healthy jerky. Learn more here
Famous for their fan-favorite vegan fried egg, BeLeaf’s line of plant-based jerky is another must-have for any vegan pantry. Made using soybrean protein, the company offers flavors like Spicy, Wasabi, and Original. Learn more here
The masterminds behind the world famous Beyond Burger are now whipping up vegan jerky. Made from peas and mung bean protein, flavors include Original, Hot & Spicy, and Teriyaki. Learn more here
Co-founded by Top Chef alumn Spike Mendelsohn, Eat the Change creates chewy vegan jerky using mushrooms sustainably sourced from a Pennsylvania-based family farm. Bruised and oversized mushrooms stems—which wouldn’t normally make it to grocery store shelves—are marinated in a spice blend and smoked to for a plant-based jerky you’ll want again and again. Learn more here
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