Our ancestors preserved meat for apparent causes—meals was scarce, winters had been lengthy, and touring required transportable meals that was compact and long-lasting. For these causes, jerky was a staple lengthy earlier than paleo dieters made it the snack development it’s in the present day. Nonetheless, it additionally creates a livestock business that’s dangerous for our well being, the planet, and the animals. Animal-based jerky merchandise get their taste—smoky, spicy, candy—from crops, so why not go straight to the (cruelty-free) supply for a jerky that ticks all of the packing containers? Whereas customers may consider animals as the one “meaty” possibility for jerky-making, the terrestrial and marine plant kingdoms supply rather more selection, taste, and textures as a result of, in fact, something animal-based meals can do, crops can do higher. And for the vegan jerky class, the proof is within the chew. With this in thoughts, we’re highlighting 12 progressive vegan jerkies that would upend conventional animal-based jerky gross sales.
1 It’s Jerky Y’all
Impressed by native Texan flavors and elements, this jerky is made utilizing natural soybeans and likewise feautres chipotle peppers and the area’s well-known cactus pears. Flavors embody Black Pepper & Sea Salt, Prickly Pear Teriyaki, and Prickly Pear Chipotle. The perfect half? Parts from every bag bought profit Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a cattle ranch turned vegan farm animal sanctuary.
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2 The Herbivorous Butcher
The Herbivorous Butcher’s chewy and flavorful jerky is seitan-based and is available in three flavors: Teriyaki Jerky, Sizzlin’ Cajun Jerky, and Salt ‘n Peppa Jerky. “Frankly,” Kale Walch, The Herbivorous Butcher co-founder says, “I feel ours is extra flavorful and the feel is spot on. Some individuals might not like that ours is a extra real looking texture, however completely different strokes for various people.”
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Akua
3 Akua
This jerky is comprised of mushrooms and kelp, making it excessive in fiber and protein, whereas additionally low in energy, sugar, and fats. The world’s first carbon-negative snack, you may relaxation simple as you munch on this progressive, protein-packed kelp jerky.
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4 Noble Jerky
Gourmand-crafted, Noble Jerky is made utilizing soy protein leading to a chewy, smoky style that’s excessive in protein. Vegan and omnivores alike are positive to benefit from the genuine style of the road’s Candy BBQ, Chipotle, Teriyaki, and Authentic flavors.
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5 Lily’s Vegan Pantry
New York Metropolis’s premiere vegetarian meat vendor turned all-vegan grocer gives vegan jerkies made with Japanese konjac root (just like candy potato), wheat, or soy. All varieties are available in a number of completely different flavors, together with spicy, teriyaki, and vegan bacon.
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6 Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
With flavors comparable to Maple Bacon, Smokey Carolina BBQ, and the limited-edition Sesame Gochujang, this non-GMO textured soy protein-based jerky is all chew and filled with taste.
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7 Primal Spirit Meals Primal Strips
These individually-wrapped jerkies are comprised of soy, seitan, and shiitake mushrooms. Flavors comparable to Thai peanut and Texas BBQ make for an ideal transportable snack for touring, mountaineering, or protecting in your bag for snack emergencies.
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8 Stonewall’s Jerquee
Don’t let the flamboyant spelling idiot you! These single-serve “jerquees” are equal components meaty, chewy, and savory.
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9 Foreal Meals Coconut Jerky
Coconut doesn’t simply lend itself to take advantage of, water, ice cream, and cheese, because it’s a pure jerky, too. To make the transformation, younger coconut meat is marinated and dehydrated for an addictively wholesome jerky.
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10 BeLeaf Vegan Jerky
Well-known for his or her fan-favorite vegan fried egg, BeLeaf’s line of plant-based jerky is one other must-have for any vegan pantry. Made utilizing soybrean protein, the corporate gives flavors like Spicy, Wasabi, and Authentic.
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11 Past Meat Jerky
The masterminds behind the world well-known Past Burger at the moment are whipping up vegan jerky. Made out of peas and mung bean protein, flavors embody Authentic, Scorching & Spicy, and Teriyaki.
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12Eat the Change Mushroom Jerky
Co-founded by Prime Chef alumn Spike Mendelsohn, Eat the Change creates chewy vegan jerky utilizing mushrooms sustainably sourced from a Pennsylvania-based household farm. Bruised and outsized mushrooms stems—which wouldn’t usually make it to grocery retailer cabinets—are marinated in a spice mix and smoked to for a plant-based jerky you’ll need repeatedly.
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