Every country has an iconic food creation that they’re known for. Mexico has tacos, Canada has poutine, Italy has pasta, and the UK is known for fish n’ chips.
Burgers are arguably the most iconic food in the U.S. No matter where you go in the country, you’ll find burgers. From fast-food restaurants to high-end burger joints, you’ll find $1 burgers and $30 burgers.
Even though vegans may not take part in the bloody meat industry, you’d best believe we still love our burgers! The burgers we eat aren’t the product of slaughter, but rather the product of harvest.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, I’m talking about veggie burgers. With the right blend of plant-based protein and seasoning, a raw vegan burger can taste just as good as (if not better than) a meat burger.
Don’t believe me?
Well, I’m about to show you the best vegan burgers that money can buy. Are you ready to get on the grill again?
What Are Raw Vegan Burgers Made From?
Before I jump straight into the list, you’re probably curious about what vegan burgers are made from. So, to give you a better idea of what to expect from a raw vegan burger, I’ll start by giving you a brief breakdown.
The simplest form of a vegan burger is a black bean burger. These are simple patties made from mashed black beans, a bit of oil, and seasoning.
It doesn’t just stop at black beans, though. Modern vegan burger companies use all sorts of plant-based protein to make veggie burgers, including:
- Chickpeas
- Peas and pea protein
- Mushrooms
- Tofu and soy protein
- Spinach
These are the main ingredients that you’ll find in most raw vegan burgers. However, manufacturers may also include a wide variety of garden greens to enhance the flavor and consistency of the burger.
Add in a bit of seasoning, and you’ve got a flavorful vegan burger that’ll taste good on any grill.
9 Best Raw Vegan Burgers That Money Can Buy
When I first went vegan, vegan burgers weren’t that popular. You could find them at specialty grocery stores, but you’d almost never see them in your local supermarket.
Thankfully, veganism is a lot more popular these days, and mainstream grocers are starting to catch on. I’ve even seen vegan burgers sold at Wal-Mart!
With the ongoing pandemic, though, I’m not always a fan of going into crowded stores. So, I’ve started ordering groceries online more. This gave me the opportunity to try a wide variety of different raw vegan burger brands and flavors.
Below is a list I’ve compiled showcasing my top 9 favorite raw vegan burgers. Check it out!
1) The Very Good Butchers – A Very Good Box of Plant-Based Meat (link)
Burger Rating: 5/5
The Very Good Butchers happen to make my favorite plant-based burger of all time. When I’m looking to treat myself right after a long week, this is what’s on the grill!
The first thing you’ll notice is their unique packaging with the company’s slogan, “We butcher beans” printed right on the front. That’s what you call clever marketing.
Underneath all of the fancy packaging, though, you’ll find that The Very Good Butchers have some truly amazing burgers. They make two varieties; their classic burger and a BBQ-flavored burger (made with vegan BBQ sauce). Personally, I prefer the BBQ flavor.
The burgers feature a bean base with added vegetables, such as carrots and beets. Then, mustard seed and tahini are added for extra flavor. The BBQ flavor shares the same base but features a smoky blend of chipotle chili, paprika, onion, and garlic for a kick you won’t forget.
If you end up getting their variety meat pack, The Very Good Butchers’ handcrafted vegan sausages make for an amazing grill item as well!
What I Love About It:
- Two amazing burger flavors.
- High-quality patties that don’t fall apart.
- Tastes better than a real beef burger.
- Large, filling patties leave you full and satisfied.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- The burgers are a bit more expensive than other bean burgers.
2) Vegan Burger (9 Patties) – Vege Caliente (link)
Burger Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re looking for a more affordable vegan burger, then why not go with the original Vegan Burger company?
They offer three different flavors, including Black Bean & Olive, Veggie 6 (which includes extra veggies), and Vege Caliente. The Vege Caliente is, by far, my favorite of the three for the mere fact that I like my food spicy.
Unlike many of the other premade patties on this list, this comes as a batch of burger mix that you have to mix yourself. Depending on how many patties you’re making, you’ll mix the dry veggie burger mix with a bit of water and then press them into patties.
On the upside, this allows you to make the patties as small or large as you want. The downside is that they require a bit more effort to make. In my opinion, it doesn’t take that long, though.
Vege Caliente’s burger mix is a blend of black and pinto beans, corn, and tomato, which make for a nice firm patty. Bell pepper, jalapenos, and chipotle peppers are mixed in to provide the raw vegan burger’s spicy taste.
What I Love About It:
- The delicious spicy flavor from three added peppers.
- Made with non-GMO ingredients.
- You can make the patties into whatever size you want.
- Preservative-free. \
- Very affordable.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- It takes a couple of extra minutes to make the patties yourself.
3) Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties (link)
Burger Rating: 4/5
When most people think of vegan burgers (and vegan meat, in general), Beyond Meat is usually the first thing that comes to mind. This is because they’re the only vegan meat company I know of that’s been big enough to go public on the stock market.
This is mostly due to the brand’s partnerships with major fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.
Due to the brand’s massive popularity, Beyond Meat burgers can be found at most grocery stores in the U.S. Overall, they have a solid vegan burger. It may not be the most flavorful (as far as spiciness goes), but the burger itself has a near-perfect consistency and texture.
A lot of the vegan burgers I’ve tried tend to fall apart easily once you turn the temperature of the grill up. I’ve found that Beyond Meat burgers are a lot more solid.
This is because they’re made from a base of pea protein, rice protein, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and yeast which stick together very well.
If you’re curious, here’s an awesome video explaining how Beyond Meat burger patties are made:
The only problem I have with Beyond Meat burgers is that they’re loaded with sodium and have several artificial ingredients. Just one burger has almost 20% of your daily sodium intake, meaning that it may not be so healthy for your heart.
Aside from that, though, it’s a well-made plant-based burger with a reliable texture and consistency.
What I Love About It:
- They don’t fall apart on the grill.
- They are thick and filling.
- They have a moderate flavor that’s great for picky eaters.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- They have a lot of sodium.
4) Dr. Praeger’s, Frozen California Veggie Burgers (link)
Burger Rating: 4/5
If you’re looking for a true veggie burger, Dr. Praeger’s Frozen California Veggie Burgers are where it’s at!
Unlike your average bean burger, these veggie burgers are made from a blend of carrots, corn, onions, string beans, zucchini, oat bran, broccoli, peas, soybeans, spinach, peppers, and several other spices and peppers.
The result is a 100% plant-based veggie burger that tastes absolutely amazing. Since the burgers aren’t made with any beans, you’ll find that they don’t have the high protein content that other brands are known for.
With only 5 grams of protein per burger, these make for a light, healthy snack. If you’re feeling extra-hungry, you can always make a double-stacked burger!
The only downside is that the patties come frozen, so you’ll need to thaw them before cooking. They’re pretty thin, though, and it usually doesn’t take more than a couple of hours before they’re fully thawed.
What I Love About It:
- 100% plant and vegetable-based, for a full, rich flavor.
- If you’re sensitive to beans, these are a great bean-free option.
- They’re affordable.
- They’re low-calorie and low-sodium.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- There’s only 5 grams of protein per patty, so they’re not very filling.
5) Burger Patty Mix with Mushroom (link)
Burger Rating: 4/5
The Live Green Co. offers four different raw vegan burger flavors including Black Bean With Mushroom, Chickpea With Ginger, Mung Bean With Moringa, and a Mushroom burger. I’ve always been a fan of mushrooms, so this is easily my favorite of the four flavors.
I really like the Live Green Co. because of their commitment to using no artificial flavors or ingredients. They’re also low cholesterol, free of trans fats, and are naturally gluten-free (for those who suffer from gluten allergies).
The base of these burgers is crafted from pea protein, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, black beans, and lentils. Tomato, flax seeds, onion, rice, garlic, nutmeg, ginger, cilantro, and natural sea salt are added to provide a mouth-watering flavor.
This product comes as a mix instead of pre-made patties, allowing you to make the patties as large as you want.
All you have to do is add some water, stir the mixture, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then press the mixture into handmade veggie patties. Each package contains enough mix to make eight decent-sized patties.
I also love how much protein these patties have! Each patty contains 17 grams of plant-based protein, making them perfect for a post-workout protein boost or a filling meal at dinner.
What I Love About It:
- 17 grams of plant-based protein per burger.
- No artificial coloring or ingredients.
- Low-sodium.
- Pre-portioned sachets make portion control easy.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- You have to mix and press your own patties.
6) Alpha Foods Spicy Chik’n Patties (link)
Burger Rating: 5/5
I know, I know… I said this was going to be a list of raw vegan burgers. However, I just had to mention this delicious vegan “chik’n” patty on the list. If you’re looking for a fried chicken-style patty that tastes like a McDonald’s McChicken, then this should be your go-to vegan option.
The patty base is made from soy protein, wheat gluten, and canola oil, along with several other spices that provide a chicken-like flavor.
Then, the patties are breaded with a vegan breading mix to provide a wonderfully crispy, freshly-fried texture. I like to eat them on a bun with a large slice of tomato, lettuce, and buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
If you’re tired of the same old raw vegan burgers that taste like beef, these are a nice alternative to add into the mix!
What I Love About It:
- Tastes just like a fried chicken patty.
- 10 grams of protein per patty.
- Lightly spicy flavor, courtesy of cayenne pepper.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- They’re a bit expensive.
7) Impossible Burger 2.0 Plant-Based Meat Patty (link)
Burger Rating: 3.5/5
If you’re the “go big or go home” type of person, then you’ll love these giant quarter-pound vegan burger patties. Each patty has 240 calories, 19 grams of protein, and should be more than enough to fill up even the most voracious of eaters.
The burger base is made from a blend of concentrated soy protein, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, along with some “natural flavors” (don’t worry, they’re vegan-friendly). While I love the massive size of these patties, I have to say that they’re a bit lacking in the flavor department.
To make up for this, I always sprinkle a few of my own seasonings, like paprika, onion powder, and black pepper on each patty before throwing them on the grill.
What I Love About It:
- Great texture and consistency.
- Extra-large quarter-pound patties.
- 19 grams of protein per patty.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- They’re expensive.
- The patties don’t have a lot of flavor, so you’ll likely need to add your own.
8) World’s Best Veggie Burger by Hilary’s Eat Well (link)
Burger Rating: 4.5/5
Hilary’s Eat Well has my second-favorite veggie burger (the first being Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burgers, listed above).
The burger base is made from a blend of whole-grain millet, spinach, kale, vegetable oil, sweet potatoes, potato starch, flaxseed, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and onion. Oh, and let’s not forget that all of the ingredients are 100% organic!
Hilary’s started as a small restaurant serving plant-based foods. After their customers repeatedly named their veggie burgers the “world’s best,” the small restaurant started packaging and distributing their veggie burgers directly to consumers.
Like other beanless veggie burgers, they don’t have a lot of protein (just 3 grams per patty). However, what they lack in protein, these patties make up for with extreme flavor and a great texture.
What I Love About It:
- Uses all-natural organic ingredients.
- Tons of flavor.
- Doesn’t contain beans (for those who have sensitive digestion).
- Low-calorie.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- Only 3 grams of protein per patty.
9) The Live Green Co Chickpea Burger Mix with Ginger (link)
Burger Rating: 5/5
Above, I reviewed The Live Green Co.’s mushroom vegan burger. While that’s my favorite flavor, their Chickpea and Ginger burger is a very close second. What really makes this raw vegan burger stand out is its tangy, ginger flavor that’s strongly reminiscent of Thai curry.
The burger base is made from a blend of chickpeas, lentils, onion, ginger, bell peppers, green peas, and tapioca. Black pepper, cilantro, garlic, sunflower seeds, flax, and sea salt are added to give it a savory, wholesome flavor.
If you’re looking for a rangy gingery twist on vegan meat, then these are some of the best raw vegan burgers you can find.
As I mentioned above, The Live Green Co. is committed to keeping their burgers free from artificial ingredients and uses minimal salt; just two more great reasons to give this vegan burger a try!
What I Love About It:
- Zesty, tangy ginger flavor.
- No artificial coloring or ingredients.
- Packed full of protein and fiber.
What’s Not-So-Great:
- The patties need to be hand-mixed with water, which can take a few extra minutes.
The Low-Down On Veggie Burgers
There you have it! My conclusive list of the nine best raw vegan burgers that money can buy. In recent months, I’ve received several questions from my readers related to vegan burgers. So, I figured that this was the perfect place to address some of them. Keep on reading to learn more…
Do They Make Vegan Condiments?
Yes! In fact, most popular brands of ketchup are vegan-friendly. Many brands of BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and mustard are also vegan as well. If you’re looking for some vegan mayonnaise, I recently posted a list of my favorite vegan mayo brands as well!
Are Vegan Burgers Low-Calorie?
Pound for pound, most vegan burgers contain fewer calories than their red meat counterparts. This is thanks to the fact that plant-based proteins are low-fat (or fat-free) and aren’t as nutrient-dense. So, if you’re watching your calories, then raw vegan burgers are a great option!
Of course, if you’re feeling hungry, you can always double-up your patties or try an extra-large quarter-pound patty like the Impossible Burger 2.0 I mentioned in the list.
What Do Vegan Burgers Taste Like?
Overall, vegan burgers don’t taste all that different from red meat burgers. They share the same savory flavor that you’re already used to, but just have an aftertaste of beans or veggies instead of meat.
The flavor of raw vegan burgers also depends on the plants used to make the burger mix.
Some brands use black beans, which have a stronger flavor, whereas other brands use chickpeas or pinto beans, which have a more mild taste. Some brands don’t use any beans at all, opting for garden vegetables or soy protein instead.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-cook snack or you want to cook burgers for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
The best raw vegan burgers are just a click away! Combine your burger patties with vegan buns, some sliced veggies, and your favorite vegan-friendly condiments for an unforgettably delicious meal.
If you’re feeling creative and you’re looking for a sweet treat for dessert, check out my next article on the best vegan puff pastries!
