We Tested 6 Vegan Chicken Nugget Brands to Find the Best-Tasting Option

If you're looking to cut back on meat, you may be eyeing those plant-based nuggets in the frozen food section. But once you reach for a bag, you'll realize there are so many choices. So, which meatless nugget really delivers on taste? I sampled six of the most popular brands to find out.

We pitted the classic brands (Morning Star, Quorn, Gardein) against some of the newcomers (Impossible, Simulate, Daring) to crown the winner. These nuggets differed in their protein source, protein content, and coating, but all were cooked in the air fryer for that perfect crisp. I selected these brands based on their availability and how often they came up in conversation.

With so many great options, some nuggets still missed the mark in terms of flavor, texture, and presentation. The "chicken" textures ranged from stringy to spongy to dense, and how well the crust adhered to the protein was key for me (after all, no one likes an onion ring with the crispy coating sliding off!). That said, here are my top two picks for faux chicken nuggets:

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Nuggets

Ingredients: Made with Wheat and Soy

Protein: 15g per serving

These nuggets, shaped like Chick-fil-A's signature pieces, impressed me with their meaty texture and savory flavor. They nailed the "chicken" experience, satisfying the craving for a real nugget while packing in 15g of protein. The crispy coating stayed intact even if you don’t eat the whole nugget in one bite, making them perfect for savoring. If the smell of Chick-fil-A nuggets tempts you, these plant-based ones will definitely do the trick and leave you feeling satisfied.

SIMULATE NUGGS Plant-Based Original Nuggets

Made with Wheat and Soy

Protein: 13g per serving

I really enjoyed the irregular, distinctive shapes of these nuggets, which offered a delightful mix of crispy textures and gave the impression of being made from real, varied chicken pieces. The flavor of cracked black pepper was evident even before I took a bite, and when it comes to replicating the texture of chicken, these nuggets have nailed it. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re a great choice for both meat-lovers and plant-based eaters alike. I can only imagine how amazing the spicy version must be.

It can be tough to stick to a plant-based diet when you’re craving the satisfying crunch of a crispy chicken nugget. Fortunately, the meatless alternatives are becoming so convincing that even your meat-loving friends might not notice the difference.