15 Vegan Jerky That Prove Plants Are The Ultimate Protein Snack

Our ancestors preserved meat for obvious reasons – food was scarce, winters were long, and travel required portable food that was compact and long-lasting. For this reason, jerky was a staple long before paleo dieters made it the snack trend it is today. However, today, jerky markets contribute to a livestock industry that is bad for our health, the planet and the animals. Here’s why it’s time to switch to plant-based shakes, which, it turns out, are just as satisfying and delicious as the animal versions.

What is a plant based shake?

First eaten by ancient civilizations, jerky refers to thin, lightweight strips of dried, salted meat. Usually made with beef, it is still a popular snack. In fact, the global market value of the shaker industry is predicted to hit $6.5 billion by 2027.

But there are other ways to make jerky that don’t involve animal husbandry. As you’ll see in the list below, many plant-based brands today are using ingredients like mushrooms, fruit, and soy to make shake products. Because, while consumers may think of animals as the only “meaty” option for making jerky, the terrestrial and marine plant kingdoms offer far more variety, flavor, and texture because, of course, anything animal-based foods can do, plants can do. do better

For the vegan jerky category, the proof is in the chewing. With that in mind, we’re highlighting 18 innovative vegan jerkies that we believe can boost the sales potential of traditional animal-based jerky.

Vegan jerky brand

Opt for one of these vegan jerkies next time you’re hungry.

It’s jerky y’all

1 It’s jerky y’all

Inspired by local Texan flavors and ingredients, this shake is made using organic soybeans and includes chipotle peppers and the region’s famous cactus pear. Flavors include black pepper and sea salt, prickly pear teriyaki and prickly pear chipotle. The main part? Portions of each bag sold go to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a cattle farm turned vegan farm animal sanctuary.
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Herbivorous butchers

2 Herbivorous butchers

Herbivore Butcher’s chewy and flavorful jerky is seitan-based and comes in three flavors: Teriyaki Jerky, Sizzlin’ Cajun Jerky, and Salt ‘N Peppa Jerky. “Honestly,” says Kale Walch, co-founder of The Herbivorous Butcher, “I think ours is more flavorful and the texture is impeccable. Some people may not like that we have a more realistic texture, but different strokes for different people.”
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Noble Jerky

3 Noble Jerky

Gourmet-crafted, Noble Jerky is made using soy protein resulting in a chewy, smoky flavor that’s high in protein. Vegans and omnivores alike are sure to enjoy the line’s authentic flavors of sweet BBQ, chipotle, teriyaki, hickory and original flavors.
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@seitanmademedoit/Instagram

4
Lily’s Vegan Pantry

New York City’s premier vegetarian butcher turned all-vegan grocer offers vegan jerky made with Japanese konjac root (like sweet potato), wheat or soy. All varieties come in a variety of flavors, including spicy, teriyaki, and vegan bacon.
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Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.

5 Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.

With flavors like maple bacon, smoky Carolina BBQ, and limited-edition, small-batch Jamaican jerky, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chewy and full of flavor.
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6
Primal Spirit Foods Primal Strips

These individually wrapped jerkies consist of soy, seitan and shiitake mushrooms. Flavors like Thai Peanut and Texas BBQ make a perfect portable snack to keep in your bag for travel, hiking, or snack emergencies.
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Pan’s Mushroom Jerky/Instagram

7
Panned Mushroom Jerky

Supported by Shark Tank By billionaire Mark Cuban, this vegan jerky is made with shiitake mushrooms for a delicious snack rich in umami. Flavors include Original, Zesty Thai, Applewood BBQ, Salt & Pepper, Teriyaki and Curry. Stock up for your next road trip!
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8
Stonewall Jerky

Don’t let the fancy spelling fool you! These single serving “jerquees” are equal parts meaty, chewy, and delicious.
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9Foreal Food Coconut Jerky

Not only does coconut lend itself to milk, water, ice cream and cheese, it’s also a natural shaker. To make the transformation, young coconut meat is marinated and dehydrated for an addictively healthy shake.
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Moku Foods

10Moku Foods Plant-Based Jerky

Made by world-renowned chefs, Moku Foods’ plant-based jerky is nothing short of delicious. Made in three signature flavors (Original, Hawaiian Teriyaki, and Sweet & Spicy), this meatless jerky is responsible for the meaty bite of mushrooms. Plus, 1% of every purchase is donated to a nonprofit of your choice.
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@tweedykat/Instagram

11Bailiff Vegan Jerky

Famous for their fan-favorite vegan fried eggs, Belif’s line of plant-based shakes is another must-have for any vegan pantry. Made using soybean protein, the company offers flavors like Spicy, Wasabi and Original.
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out of the flesh

12 Beyond Meat Jerky

The masterminds behind the world-famous Beyond Burger are now whipping up vegan jerky Made from pea and mung bean protein, flavors include Original, Hot & Spicy and Teriyaki.
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eat change

13Eat change mushroom jerky

Co-founded top boss Alumnus Spike Mendelsohn, Eat the Change makes chewy vegan jerky using sustainably sourced mushrooms from a Pennsylvania-based family farm. Bruised and large mushroom stalks—which don’t usually make it onto grocery store shelves—are marinated in a spice blend and smoked for a plant-based jerky you’ll want again and again.
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14Uniso Vegan Jerky

With a total of six flavors, there’s a UniSoy Vegan Jerky to satisfy every craving. Whether you choose cracked pepper, hot ‘n spicy, teriyaki, carne asada, habanero, or smoky chipotle, each bag packs a punch of flavor.
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Country Archery Rules

15Country Archery Provisions Plant-Based Jerky

Between BBQ, Teriyaki, and spiced bacon flavors, this vegan-friendly brand delivers when it comes to plant-based shakes. King oyster mushrooms lend their tender texture to this classic snack.
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