The jerky jungle just got greener – here’s my deep dive into the wonderful world of vegan jerky! Let’s be real, folks. For years, “jerky” conjured images of dried meat strips, often packed with questionable ingredients and leaving you feeling, well, a little heavy. As a vegetarian, I had to write off the thought of jerky as a snack. But thankfully, times, they are a-changin’, and the vegan jerky market is absolutely exploding with innovative, delicious, and dare I say, better-for-you alternatives. As a self-proclaimed snack connoisseur, I decided it was high time to embark on a flavor adventure, sampling some of the best vegan jerky available online. And trust me, when it comes time to shop jerky brands, you’ll have no shortage of plant-based options. They’ve got an incredible selection, making it super easy to explore the vast and delicious world of vegan jerky.
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks – or rather, flavor and texture profiles! I dove into five distinct vegan jerkies, and here’s the lowdown on each:
Where to Buy Vegan Jerky Online
First up, a leading player considered the best mushroom jerky: Pan’s Mushroom Jerky. If you’re a purist who craves that super chewy, almost meaty texture, this one’s for you. They’re masters of the shiitake mushroom, delivering a delicious umami bomb with every bite. And get this – each bag boasts a whopping 15 grams of fiber. Talk about a win-win!
Next, another mushroom marvel: Moku’s Mushroom Jerky. I snagged the Hawaiian Teriyaki, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. While Pan’s goes for a tougher chew, Moku opts for a softer texture, allowing that full-bodied Hawaiian teriyaki flavor to shine through. They use king oyster mushrooms, and to my palate, this one had the most distinct mushroom taste – in the best way possible! Plus, it’s gluten-free, soy-free, and, of course, gloriously vegan. At 110 calories per serving and two servings per bag, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Now, for a delightful departure from the fungi kingdom, I discovered a soy-based gem from Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. – and I’m officially obsessed. Their Smoky Carolina BBQ flavor is a revelation. The chew is spot-on – not too hard, not too soft – and it just bursts with that traditional sweet BBQ flavor we all crave. With 15 grams of protein per bag, it’s an absolutely fun snack if you’re looking for a heart-healthy treat that still delivers on that classic BBQ punch. Honestly, the Louisville Vegan was my absolute favorite non-mushroom jerky of the bunch.
Then things got really interesting with the Plant-Based Tomato Jerky Chewy Bites. We’re talking only dried tomatoes here, infused with a strong and powerful teriyaki and cracked pepper flavor. This is undoubtedly the biggest departure from traditional jerky, but I was utterly captivated by the deep, rich tomato taste perfectly balanced with that spicy-sweet pepper kick. I could easily see myself devouring an entire bag of these – and at only 180 calories for the whole thing, why wouldn’t I?
Finally, I sampled the Wrawp Coconut Jerky in teriyaki. This is a truly unique offering – a raw jerky made entirely from dried young coconut, boasting a super simple, clean ingredient list. The prominent coconut flavor was definitely present, but the teriyaki perfectly complemented the thin, dried strips of coconut. This one was an instant hit with my daughter, who declared it her absolute favorite!
It’s exciting that Vegan jerky is no longer a niche product; it’s a vibrant and delicious category offering a diverse range of flavors and textures to satisfy every craving and I am honored to have sampled all of these amazing versions. And remember, for the best selection and an easy online shopping experience, head straight to jerkybrands.com. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
