Best Vegetarian Jerky of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Vegetarian jerky is a delicious and healthy snack that has gained popularity in recent years. Made from plant-based ingredients like soy, seitan, or mushrooms, it offers a meat-free alternative to traditional jerky. Vegetarian jerky comes in a variety of flavors and textures, from spicy to sweet, and can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a tasty snack. It is also a great source of protein and other nutrients, making it a perfect snack for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a healthier snack option, vegetarian jerky is definitely worth trying!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 3 Vegetarian Jerky
Louisville Vegan Jerky Variety Pack - Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly
The Louisville Vegan Jerky variety pack is an excellent source of protein, with 15-21 grams per bag and only 4 grams of fat. This guilt-free snack is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and free from cholesterol and trans fat. The jerky is locally sourced and marinated in gluten-free tamari, spiced up with sriracha hot sauce, and sweetened with locally sourced maple syrup. The three flavor variety pack includes Smoked Black Pepper, Maple Bacon, and Smokey Carolina BBQ, each with a savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavor. Handmade in small batches using freshly sourced Kentucky ingredients, this non-GMO certified jerky has inspired flavors and a delicious texture.
Louisville Vegan Jerky Smoked Black Pepper
Louisville Vegan Jerky offers a tasty, plant-based snack packed with 19 grams of protein per bag, making it a great option if you want to boost your protein intake without extra fat or cholesterol. The jerky uses organic, locally sourced ingredients, so you get fresh, natural flavors you can feel good about. Its smoked black pepper seasoning delivers a rich, meaty taste with just the right balance of salt and sweetness, perfect for satisfying your savory cravings. Handcrafted by skilled chefs in Louisville, KY, this jerky is a unique, flavorful choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a high-protein snack with a genuine, bold taste.
Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky Sampler Pack
The Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky Sampler Pack offers six classic flavors in one package, including Hickory Smoked, Teriyaki, Texas BBQ, Hot & Spicy - Sweet & Savory, Thai Peanut, and Mesquite Lime. This cruelty-free jerky has been voted Best New Vegan Snack by PETA and VegNews, offering the best taste and texture at an affordable price. Primal Spirit Foods sources their ingredients sustainably to create healthy, high-quality, vegan alternatives that provide 10 grams of high-energy plant-protein in a single-serving, sports-friendly package without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is vegetarian jerky made of?
Vegan jerky might be made from fungi, fruit, or other plants, and certain ingredients are better for particular nutritional needs. “If you're going for a high-protein snack, look for jerky made from soy or seitan (vital wheat gluten),” explains Taylor Wolfram, R.D.N., a dietitian specializing in vegan nutrition.
2. Is there such thing as a vegetarian beef jerky?
Vegan meat brand Beyond Meat launched this jerky as its first product created in collaboration with PepsiCo, as a part of The PLANeT Partnership. It's made of mung beans and peas that are slow roasted for a chewy jerky texture. It comes in three sizes and three flavors: Original, Hot & Spicy, and Teriyaki.
3. Is beyond meat jerky healthy?
Report. If you're seeking a lower fat option when it comes to your dried meat binges, Beyond's jerky might be a fit for you as it only has two grams in a 1/2 cup serving. A typical jerky contains about seven grams in an ounce, so yes, this is healthier than that.
4. What is plant-based beef jerky?
What is plant-based jerky? Also known as vegan beef jerky, plant-based jerky is an alternative to beef jerky made from dehydrated plants — fruits, vegetables, legumes or grains. Animal-based jerky is typically marinated and dehydrated to create a chewy texture with a concentrated meat flavor.
During our vegetarian jerky research, we found 24 vegetarian jerky products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 130,166 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vegetarian jerky list. We found that most customers choose vegetarian jerky with an average price of $11.47.
The vegetarian jerky are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vegetarian jerky, including Louisville Vegan Jerky, Primal Spirit Foods. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 116 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!