The Best Vegan Sausages for Protein-Rich Meal Inspiration

Last Updated: August 29, 2022

Start your morning with delicious breakfast sausages or splash in the pool while a link cooks on the barbecue. Vegans don’t have to miss out on delicious brunches or backyard get-togethers just because they don’t eat meat.

We’ve tested and tried different options of vegan sausages to help you find the best vegan sausage. What makes a good vegan sausage, you ask? Well, it has to taste delicious, taste like meat (or really close), and not have too many processed ingredients.

The options below are sizzlingly-delicious, have a meaty texture and taste, and use plant-based ingredients for low cholesterol and lower fat sausage options. Use these best vegan sausages for high-protein meal inspiration, whether you’re vegan or looking for a way to reduce your cholesterol, saturated fat, or sodium intake. Let’s get cooking!

Winner: Beyond Meat Sausage Plant-Based Dinner Links, Hot Italian

The Beyond Meat Sausage is the best vegan sausage with a delicious flavor, meat-free yet meaty texture, and a serious sizzle.

The Beyond Meat vegan sausage links add an incredible 16 grams of protein to your diet from plant-based sources, like peas, fava beans, and brown rice. Beyond Meat’s vegan sausages contain five grams of saturated fat, 35% less than the leading pork sausage brands.

These hot Italian vegan sausages are made from non-GMO ingredients that are 100% vegan and kosher.

Each pack has four sausage links that you can grill on a barbecue or fry on a pan for a delicious and convenient meal.

Review

Beyond Meat is one of the most recognizable vegan sausage brands, and it’s no surprise why! These Beyond Meat sausages are packed with flavor and have an amazing texture that simulates a real sausage almost to perfection.

These delicious gluten-free, vegan sausages are Hot Italian flavored, with a slight spiciness that adds just the right touch of heat to your meal.

Beyond Meat’s vegan sausages contain no soy, gluten, antibiotics, or hormones. Instead, these sausage links use non-GMO ingredients.

Each package contains four sausage links. If you’ve got extra after your meal, pop them in the freezer to keep them fresher for longer.

One vegan sausage has a whopping 16 grams of protein sourced from plant-based proteins like brown rice, peas, and fava beans. While lower in sodium and saturated fat than meat sausages, you should still eat these in moderation.

We loved how easy to prepare these vegan sausages are. They taste great when grilled on a barbecue or pan-fried in a skillet. Eat these tasty plant-based sausages in a bun with your favorite sauces, or you can also chop them up and use them in pasta, sauces, and breakfast dishes.

We love supporting brands that make a positive impact on the planet and produce high-quality products. Beyond Meat’s process of creating delicious, cruelty-free dishes use less water, land, GHGE, and energy than a conventional burger.

Be sure to check the expiration date on the label. If the date is coming up soon, these vegan sausages by Beyond Meat freeze and dethaw well.

A downside we noticed with these sizzling sausages was that these sausages are layers in an oily outer casing that melts with heat. It gives them a good sizzle but does leave a mess on the pan or barbecue after use.

Specs

Weight: 14.11 Ounces
Flavor: Hot Italian
Ingredients: Apple Fiber, Brown Rice Protein, Calcium Alginate Casing. Faba Bean Protein, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Color, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Methylcellulose, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Potato Starch, Refined Coconut Oil, Salt, Water.

Pros

16 grams of protein
Zero cholesterol
2 grams net carbs
20% daily iron intake
Non-GMO
Soy-free
Gluten-free
Kosher
No antibiotics or hormones

Cons

Needs some extra seasoning
Greasy outer casing

Runner Up: El Burrito, Organic Soyrizo

El Burrito’s Organic Soyrizo is one of the best vegan sausages for that touch of Spanish or Latin American flavor. Feel inspired to cook dishes from any continent with this plant-based sausage.

This vegan sausage is made from 100% plant-based and non-GMO ingredients and is a breeze to fry in a pan whenever your hunger strikes. Unlike meat-based chorizo, this organic soyrizo by El Burrito contains no cholesterol or preservatives.

The mix of spices and seasonings will transform your kitchen and elevate any meal idea you have. Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite and seven grams of protein in every serving. This delicious vegan chorizo is gluten-free, kosher, and made in the USA.

Review

The organic soyrizo by El Burrito is a top contender for the best vegan sausage because it’s so delicious that you’ll wish you bought more.

This vegan chorizo has an authentic flavor that is a near-perfect match in taste and texture to real chorizo sausage. El Burrito makes your life easier by having the chorizo preground in the package. The ground vegan chorizo is ideal for adding to a skillet and quickly frying up some breakfast, even when you’re late for work.

The main ingredient in these vegan sausages is soy protein flavored with a seasoning blend. Enjoy the smell of all the spices wafting through your kitchen and the flavor of chorizo with each bite.

Every tube of soyrizo by El Burrito is made from non-GMO ingredients, like soybeans grown in the United States. This vegan sausage is also kosher and gluten-free, so feel free to serve this to guests following more than plant-based diets.

On the downside, one two-inch serving contains 370 mg of sodium and only 6% of your daily intake for iron.

This product is super diverse. Use these organic vegan chorizo sausages to make vegan sausage rolls, stuffed peppers, breakfast burritos, pasta, and more.

One package of soyrizo has six servings in a tube, and the vegan meat is preground for easy prep on a pan or skillet. Just cook on high for a few minutes until browned and hot.

Another worthwhile feature about El Burrito’s soyrizo is that all of their ingredients are certified USDA organic, and the company is Climate Pledge Friendly. This soyrizo uses simple and non-GMO ingredients that are sustainable for the planet and better for your health than animal-based sausages.

As the name states, the soyrizo contains soy; those with allergies to soy should opt for another vegan sausage on this list.

Something we were a bit disappointed about was that it isn’t suited for grilling on a barbecue like other vegan sausage links. Instead, this delicious ground vegan sausage is in a tube that lets you squeeze it into a pan for frying. While highly convenient, this would disappoint someone who purchased this product for a hot-dog style sausage.

Specs

Weight: 11.2 Ounces
Flavor: Chorizo
Ingredients: Caramel Color, Distilled Vinegar, Extractives Of Paprika (For Color), Salt, Seasoning Blend (Paprika, Ancho Chili, Chili Pepper, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sea Salt), Soybean Oil, Textured Soy Protein (Soy Flour), Water, Xanthan Gum.

Pros

7 grams of protein
4 grams of fat
Zero cholesterol
4 grams net carbs
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
Kosher
USDA organic
Climate Pledge Friendly

Cons

Contains soy
Won’t work on a BBQ

Alternative: Jack & Annie's - Breakfast Jack Sausage Links

Jack & Annie’s Breakfast Jack Sausage Links are some of the best vegan sausages around. When it comes to vegan breakfast sausages, it doesn’t get much better than a maple flavor mixed with the savory taste of vegan meat.

Jackfruit (see also ‘Durian vs. Jackfruit‘) is the not-so-secret ingredient in Jack and Annie’s breakfast sausage links. With non-GMO plant-based ingredients that are cruelty-free and gluten-free, these sausages are anything but taste-free.

Jack and Annie’s uses sustainably sourced jackfruits for less food waste and more goodness in every delicious, maple-flavored bite.

With five grams of protein and only three and a half grams of saturated fat, you’re in for a much healthier start to your day than with a meat sausage. Taste the difference that the touch of maple makes to your breakfast spread.

Review

You won’t believe how good Jack and Annie’s vegan sausages are. They smell just like a meat maple sausage and have an exceptional texture, which closely mimics the meaty taste and texture of regular breakfast sausages.

One of the most noteworthy features about Jack and Annie’s vegan sausages is that they’re the least processed option on this list.

This vegan sausage was fun to prepare. The moment you open the box, the smell of maple permeates the kitchen, starting the morning off on a sweet note. The package recommends frying these in a skillet with some cooking coconut oil. On the stovetop, these sausages take about seven minutes with a few flips to get every angle golden-brown.

If you’re a bit more patient, it’s worth the 11-minute wait for these to cook in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re in a rush, you can pop these into the microwave for two zaps of 45 seconds, flipping the sausages between microwave sessions.

The number one ingredient in these delicious gluten-free breakfast sausage links is jackfruit. Jackfruit is a giant fruit grown in tropical Asia, and makes for a flavor-packed meat substitute.

Jack and Annie’s uses non-GMO ingredients for a sweet and savory dish that is low in cholesterol, lower in fat than conventional sausages, and low in sodium.

This gluten-free vegan sausage is lower in sodium than the other options on this list at 260 mg per serving. On the flip side, these vegan sausages are higher in carbs than other options, with ten grams of total carbs and seven grams of net carbs. It also isn’t surprising that these maple-flavored sausages have four grams of added sugars.

Use these sweet and savory vegan maple sausages for breakfast dishes, sweet potato hash, or sweet and savory rice dishes. Or chop these delicious maple-flavored sausages up and make vegan sausage patties for breakfast.

We loved buying these vegan sausages from Jack and Annie’s because the company has a strong social impact. Jackfruits used in all Jack and Annie’s products are sustainably sourced from family farmers. The company also partnered with farmers and helped make over 8,000 acres of land certified organic.

Jack and Annie’s have other jackfruit-based meats, like vegan meatballs, nuggets, buffalo wings, breakfast sausage patties, and pulled pork.

While these vegan sausages have an incredible taste and texture, they don’t quite pass as the real thing. If you’re trying to trick someone into trying a vegan meal, this one might not be your best bet.

A downside to these vegan sausages is that they are relatively high in carbs, especially if you’re on the keto diet. With four grams of added sugars, this may not be the healthiest choice, but with zero cholesterol, it’s certainly a healthier option than meat sausages.

Specs

Weight: 7.8 Ounces
Flavor: Maple
Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Canola Oil, Coconut Oil, Fruit and Vegetable Juice (Color), Garlic Powder, Jackfruit, Maple Sugar, Methylcellulose (Plant Fiber), Natural Flavor, Onion Powder, Salt, Soy Flour, Spices, Water, White Onion

Pros

5 grams of protein
7 grams of fat
Zero cholesterol
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
12 sausages per package
130 calories
Uses whole ingredients

Cons

7 grams net carbs

Contains soy
4 grams of added sugar

Alternative: Impossible™ Sausage

As iconic as the Beyond Sausage, this option is a high-protein sausage choice that’s packed with flavor. The Impossible Sausage is created by Impossible Foods using soy and an array of spices. While they’re not suitable for people with a soy allergy, they are gluten-free.

Review

If you’re looking for something that tastes like meat, this product is perfect for you. The flavor is rich and the sausage even sizzles like the real thing. The best part about this option is its versatility. You can throw it in a pan, bake it, or cook it on an open flame.

The outside gets crispy, while the inside is textured and juicy. Although you may have to splurge on this product, the four flavorful sausages are well worth the money.

Specs

Weight: 13.5 Ounces
Flavor: Bratwurst
Ingredients: Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, 2% Or Less Of: Methylcellulose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Vegetal Casing (Sodium Alginate, Konjac Gum, Guar Gum), Cultured Dextrose, Food Starch Modified, Dextrose, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Spices, Marjoram, Soy Leghemoglobin, Mixed Tocopherols (Antioxidant), L-Tryptophan, Soy Protein Isolate, Vitamins and Minerals (Zinc Gluconate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12)

Pros

Versatile
Delicious flavor
13 grams of protein
Zero cholesterol
Gluten-free

Cons

22 grams of total fat
Expensive

Alternative: Fresh Brand – Plant-Based Italian Sausages

Fresh Brand is an Amazon brand that creates these plant-based Italian sausages. This product contains five protein-packed sausages that come frozen. The pea protein gives these sausages their meaty texture and high protein content.

Additionally, these sausages are low-calorie and have no cholesterol.

Review

The Italian flavoring means that these sausages are perfect on a bun or sliced onto a vegan pizza. These sausages have a rich umami flavor with a smoky aftertaste that some may find too intense.

Compared to other options on this list, these sausages are affordable and convenient since you can store these in your freezer until you’re ready to prepare them. Although these are healthier than their meat-based alternative, they should be had in moderation since they are high in sodium.

The spicy kick in these sausages makes them the perfect choice if you’re looking to add a bit of depth to your dish.

Specs

Weight: 15 Ounces
Flavor: Italian-Spiced
Ingredients: Water, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Dried Garlic, Dried Onion, Dried Parsley, Vegetable and Fruit Juice for Color, Natural Flavor, Yeast Extract, Salt, Sugar, Rice Bran Extract, Methylcellulose, Sodium Alginate, Konjac Gum, Guar Gum.

Pros

15 grams of protein per serving
No artificial flavors
No synthetic colors
Non-GMO

Cons

High-sodium content
12 grams of fat
Flavor can be overpowering

Vegan Sausage FAQ

Do you have some questions sizzling around in your head? Check out the answers below to the most frequently asked questions about vegan sausages.

Does vegan sausage taste like sausage?

Some vegan sausages replicate the taste and texture of meat so much that they really do taste like meat sausages. In some blind consumer tests, many tasters couldn’t tell the difference between processed vegan meats like sausages and burgers and the real thing.

Of course, not all vegan sausages taste exactly like meat. In that case, smother it in the same sauces or spices that you would a regular sausage to amp up the flavor.

Is plant-based sausage healthier?

Vegan sausages are generally a healthier option than meat sausages. However, taste and texture are important factors to enable a wide consumer market. To replicate those flavors and textures, nutrition plays second fiddle in many processed vegan foods.

Plant-based sausages are still considered processed foods and should be eaten in moderation for a healthy and balanced diet.

Vegan sausages are high in sodium. Sodium is the culprit contributing to high blood pressure, strokes, and heart disease.

Despite high levels of sodium, which are also present in meaty sausages, vegan sausages are low in saturated fat and have zero cholesterol.

Saturated fat raises cholesterol in your bloodstream. High cholesterol paired with high sodium intake constricts and blocks blood vessels which leads to heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.

How bad is processed vegan food?

You can paint processed foods with the same brush and label all of them unhealthy in one way or another because they all contain some ingredients that aren’t the best for our health.

All processed food use added sugars, starches, colors, stabilizers, and saturated fats to give food a succulent flavor that could convince a meat eater to enjoy a vegan sausage. The flavor is an important part of a good food experience, though it’s not always brought out by the most nutritious ingredients.

These ingredients aren’t unhealthy if incorporated into a balanced diet rich in whole foods and unprocessed ingredients. However, they’re unhealthy if processed vegan foods are your main go-to for most meals.

Processed vegan food is a convenient way to ensure vegans and vegetarians are meeting their protein needs. While eating it all the time isn’t advised, eating nothing at the BBQ because there’s no vegan option also isn’t good for you.

Do you lose weight eating vegan?

It’s possible to lose weight eating a vegan diet, but it’s also possible not to if you don’t plan your meals and maintain balanced nutrition. Weight loss occurs when you use more energy than you consume.

Vegans don’t just eat vegetables; they balance their diets with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from plant sources. To promote weight loss by eating vegan, opt for more raw and cooked veggies, eat beans and lentils, and use vegan milk with no added sugars.

A good rule for keeping your nutrition rounded is to introduce new ingredients to meals and regularly rotate the foods you eat. Add some exercise into the mix, and you’re likely to output more energy than you ingest, leading to weight loss.

There are many foods that will surprise you that are vegan. Oreos, bread, and french fries are some of our favorite examples. If you satiate yourself with vegan foods that aren’t nutritionally dense, you’ll technically be eating vegan but not a nutritionally rounded diet that enables weight loss.

Conclusion

Never miss out on a barbecue or brunch with these best vegan sausages. Try these tasty flavored vegan sausage links for something different to add to your vegan dishes and make breakfast a meal worth looking forward to.

Convenient, quick, and delicious vegan sausages are a great way to pack in some protein while hanging around the barbecue or as you slurp down spaghetti. They taste great with or without your favorite sauces and spices but feel free to get messy and enjoy yourself to the fullest with each bite.

Whether you want a regular sausage in a bun or are seeking ways to spice up recipes with plant-based ingredients, check out these top three vegan sausages. Since they’re all cruelty-free, you won’t be sorry!

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Sources:

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/8/1541/pdf

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions

https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-jackfruit-and-is-it-healthy/

https://minimalistbaker.com/bbq-jackfruit-sandwiches-with-avocado-slaw/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326729

https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5466943/

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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