Back in December, The Economist announced that 2019 would be “The Year of the Vegan.” Fast forward six months, and it seems their prophecy is certainly coming to fruition.

Look at what’s happened so far this year: Beyond Meat went public – the first plant-based meat company ever to do so – and its IPO is being called the most successful of 2019. Massive chain restaurant Burger King announced it’s launching a meat-free version of its iconic Whopper nationwide. And McDonald’s is testing vegan meats in Australia, Germany, and across Scandinavia.

So why is the world going plant-based? Well, aside from people finally waking up to the reality of how shiteous meat is for the planet, our health and the animals, vegan meat has actually become indistinguishable from meat that comes from animals. Don’t believe me? Just google some of the hundreds of taste test videos on YouTube. Vegan meat hasn’t just arrived, it’s taking over. Finally.

I’m sure most of us have people in our lives who are still eating meat – even after we’ve spoken to them about factory farming, made them watch documentaries, slipped literature in their bags, etc. Well, what if we could convince people to go meat-free not just because meat is horrible, but because the plant-based stuff is just as good – if not better? Worth a shot, no?

Here are five amazing vegan meats every meat-lover must try:

1. The Impossible Burger

Though you can’t pick up the Impossible Burger at your local supermarket (yet), major chain restaurants from The Cheesecake Factory to White Castle to Fatburger all carry this incredible plant-based burger that “bleeds.” I challenge any meat-lover to try and decipher the difference between this and animal-based meat. The taste is uncanny and honestly a little unsettling if you haven’t eaten meat in a while.

2. Beyond Sausage

Beyond Meat’s newest product, the Beyond Sausage brings vegan sausages to a whole new level. This product even has a plant-based casing to mimic animal-based sausages. This superb vegan meat can be picked up in supermarkets nationwide and it’s available in two varieties: Brat Original and Hot Italian. You can also find the Beyond Sausage in some restaurants like Veggie Grill and Bareburger.

3. Beyond Burger

Similar to the Impossible Burger, the Beyond Burger reinvents what a plant-based burger looks and tastes like. Truth be told, I like this burger even better than Impossible. You can find it at supermarkets all over the country or at restaurants like TGI Fridays and Carl’s Jr. (Pro tip: If you cook it at home, try making it in the oven – it comes out SO good!)

4. Gardein Fishless Filet

OK, let me preface this by saying that, much to my dismay, my brother is an avid fisherman and he LOVES this product. In my opinion, this is the best product in Gardein’s line. The taste and texture are remarkable. Put this in a baguette to make a fish sandwich or serve it up with some fries and vegan tartar sauce for fish & chips. The meat-lovers in your life will be astonished. Look for it at Target or your local supermarket. Gardein is everywhere.

5. Gardein Chicken Products

Gardein’s vegan chicken products are the best on the market. It was hard for me to decide which product to recommend because they’re all so great. Choose from their Chipotle Lime Crispy Fingers or their Seven Grain Crispy Tenders. Also, their Chick’n Sliders (in the photo) are excellent! Put these in a salad, a sandwich, pasta dish, or eat them alone. You can’t go wrong. Also, keep in mind that Yard House has an entire menu that substitutes meat with Gardein’s products and Veggie Grill uses Gardein in their chicken sandwiches.

—

Main image source: Impossible Foods