15 Best Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives at Whole Foods
I have two friends who are trying to reduce animal-products consumption or go vegan altogether but are having a difficult time because they like chicken. Fortunately, they found out about plant-based chicken alternatives, popularly known as chick’n, and they were amazed at how good they tasted, having a similar flavor to chicken.
This is a very important factor, because flavor is the main reason why people consume animal products, considering we can get all nutrients from plants. However, temporary sensory pleasure should not be prioritized over the environment and animal rights–an animal’s life for ten minutes of tasty? – and now it doesn’t have to, anymore.
Plant-based meat alternatives are great for this group of people, who want to go plant-based because they know it is better for the environment and the animals, but don’t dislike the taste of animal-derived products. These alternatives offer the same flavor, without the cruelty and the negative environmental impact. It makes transitioning to a plant-based or vegan diet so much easier. They can be a starting point for them, a way of removing animal products little by little.
If you are already plant-based or vegan, these are also great for you! You can buy them occasionally, to make your meals more varied or to satisfy a sporadic craving. I wouldn’t consume them every day, of course, as they are still processed (wouldn’t consume chicken daily too, if I were you, as it has cholesterol, carcinogens, pathogens, and feces), so plant-based chicken is still better than chicken in terms of environment, animals, and health. Although we can have something ‘unhealthy’ in moderation, I recommend eating a whole foods plant-based diet, which still helps the environment and the animals, but also your health. Just like I told you in ‘Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Vegan’, when I first went vegan, the only thing I cared about was not contributing to animal cruelty, and to save those wonderful creatures. As I started getting more comfortable and to know more about veganism, I also started eating healthier.
Whether you want to start replacing chicken for a plant-based alternative, or you are already vegan or eat a plant-based diet, you will find this list useful. Here are the plant-based chick’n products I found at Whole Foods!
15 GREAT PLANT-BASED AND VEGAN CHICK’N AT WHOLE FOODS
1) Breaded Tenders
by Beyond Meat
Their products are plant-based and vegan, and non-Gmo. This breaded tenders also offer a nice amount of protein, and you will be amazed at how similar they taste to animal chicken.
2. Plant chicken pieces
by Daring
In their website they say these plant chicken pieces are also vegan, although they aren’t certified. They are non gmo and also offer a good amount of protein. A very distinguished fact about these is that they are also gluten-free, which is not common in plant-based chicken alternatives, as they often use wheat to prepare them.
3. nuggets
by 365 Whole Foods Market
A plant-based and vegan option for chicken nuggets by Whole Foods’ own brand. They come with recipes in the background, and are non gmo.
4. mindful chik’n strips
by Sweet Earth
These strips aren’t certified gluten-free, but I don’t thing they have any gluten ingredients. They are made with soy protein and are non-gmo, and are great to eat in salads, bowls, or pasta.
5. Chick’n scallopini
by Gardein
This vegan chicken alternative offers a unique approach: plant-based lightly seasoned chick’n scallopini. Great for fancier meals and accompanied with a salad or vegan mashed sweet potatoes, these are also kosher.
6. crispy chick’n sliders
by Gardein
Another option for you are these vegan crispy chick’n sliders, that can be eaten as burgers, as shown in the photo. The box contains 4 sliders and buns, and you can add anything you like to eat in burgers, like tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, onions, you name it.
7. chick’n filets
by Gardein
Gardein takes the crown in the vegan chicken market, offering many products to satisfy all your plant-based cravings! These chick’n filets are yet another way of substituting chicken for plants.
8. BUFFALO JACK WINGS
by Jack & Annie’s
These buffalo wings are made from jackfruit, a wonderful fruit that is often used to emulate the texture of chicken. They are vegan and non gmo.
9. mandarin orange crispy chick’n
by Gardein
Gardein offers us yet another option! This vegan mandarin orange crispy chick’n offers protein and cruelty-free flavor to fancy-up your meals.
10. thay curry nuggets
by Hodo
A unique plant-based chicken alternative that is organic, gluten free, vegan, and kosher. It is a versatile product, which can be mixed with noodles, stir fried with veggies, or tossed into salads and bowls.
11. breaded plant chicken pieces
by Daring
Similar to Daring’s chicken pieces I showed you before but breaded, making this option not suitable for gluten-free diets.
12. crispy Golden chick’n nuggets
by Gardein
These vegan crispy chicken nuggets are perfect to eat finger-food-style, dipping them in the vegan sauce you choose. Personally, I would dip them in tomato sauce or barbecue!
13. korean bbq chik’n
by Sweet Earth
These plant-based chicken shreds are seasoned with a sweet and spicy glaze with hints of garlic and onion, which make it a perfect option to eat in wraps, salads, and bowls.
14. ultimate plant-based chick’n tenders
by Gardein
Another protein-filled, non-gmo option in the form of vegan chicken tenders. These are great to include in a vegan movie night, or to dip in ketchup as a snack.
15. seven grain crispy tenders
by Gardein
Vegan, kosher, and with 10 grams of protein every 3 pieces, and includes quinoa, millet, and amaranth flour in the ingredients.
Another option I like to play with, since I’m celiac and need to eat gluten-free meals, is using tofu. It has a similar consistency to chicken, but vegan! One of my friends, who I mentioned at the beginning of the post, suggested trying to freeze tofu, defrosting it, and squeezing the water, so that its texture becomes chewy, making it a great substitute for chicken.
Have you ever tried anything from this list? If not, which ones are you excited to try?
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Hi, I’m Melina,
I’m the creator of Sustainable Rookie, and my goal is to share what I learn throughout my sustainability journey, so that I can help other people live a more conscious life.
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