I taste-tested plant-based chicken nuggets from 11 brands — these 5 actually taste like the real thing

MorningStar Farms Chik'n Nuggets (10.5 oz), $4.59 available at Target

Not only do MorningStar Farms' Chik'n Nuggets look the part, they're also nicely seasoned, smell great, and successfully brown in the oven. Between the breading and interior, these perfectly mimic the texture of the real deal. My friend said she could barely tell they weren't chicken. 

Each serving has 13 grams of protein, and they're mainly composed of soy and wheat gluten, which is important to keep in mind if you're sensitive to those ingredients. (While they weren't one of our top picks, we recommend Dr. Praeger's Classic Chicken Tenders for gluten-free folks who would like to try plant-based chicken.)

And while some of the direct-to-consumer options on this list require you to buy in bulk, MorningStar Farms' Chik'n Nuggets are convenient to pick up when that craving for something savory hits (plus, they're among the more affordable vegan nuggets out there). 

SIMULATE Original NUGGS (100-count), $44.99 available on SIMULATE

NUGGS takes a start-up approach to their plant-based nugget formula, constantly tweaking it based on customer feedback. The crunch is heavenly (and audible), and we appreciate that there are plain and spicy versions. From a protein perspective, NUGGS pack a healthy 13 grams per serving. 

But they don't exactly make you feel like you're eating chicken — they're more like chicken-reminiscent junk food (this could actually be a positive thing, depending on what you're in the mood for). Also, they're not quite as flavorful as our top pick, and definitely benefit from dipping sauces. 

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Tenders (15 oz), $8.91 available on Amazon

These vegan chicken tenders are phenomenal, and if you served them to anyone on a plant-based diet, they would definitely ask you if you had accidentally given them chicken. Being among the bigger picks on this list (in terms of actual "nugget" size), they also pack an impressive 15 grams of protein per serving. My only issue was the texture; Gardein's Chick'n Tenders were slightly wobbly compared to other options I tried. 

Nowadays Original Plant-Based Nuggets (50-count), $33.99 available on Nowadays

These nuggets aren't perfect chicken replicas, but they're incredibly hard to stop eating, thanks to a breading that's unmatched in its crunchy texture. Each serving has 13 grams of protein, and Nowadays nuggets contain just seven ingredients total: water, pea protein, whole wheat flour, sunflower oil, yeast extract, maple fiber, and mushroom extract.

The only strange thing about these is that they're just a bit too juicy. They oozed slightly when I first bit into them, which was a weird sensation coming from a product that's supposed to approximate the texture of chicken. 

VFC Foods Popcorn Chik'n, $7.29 available on GTFO it's vegan!

Of all the vegan substitutes, VFC's Foods' Popcorn Chik'n came the closest to fulfilling my old longing for Southern fried chicken.

This U.K.-based brand, which is in the middle of breaking into the U.S. market, sets itself apart by coating its faux chicken in a cornflake batter. The result: plant-based meat that's so flavorful you'll forget to use a dipping sauce. These popcorn chicken-style bites also pack 14 grams of protein per serving, which is on the high end compared to competitors' offerings. 

Whole Foods Market Chicken-Style Plant-Based Nuggets

Whole Foods chicken nuggets deserve an honorable mention. These look just like chicken nuggets from the outside. Inside, they have a pleasant texture that's not too dry or too moist, giving a nice bite and softness. Since these aren't seasoned much, you may need to rely on a good dipping sauce. Plus, each serving has 12 grams of protein, which is less than our top picks. 

Jackie and Annie's Crispy Jack Nuggets

I had major doubts about these — mostly due to their slightly-too-light color — but after trying a few, they grew on me. Jackie and Annie's Crispy Jack Nuggets are the only ones on this list made with jackfruit, which gives them a unique flavor and texture (not as chewy as real chicken, but not too soft). These nuggets only have seven grams of protein per serving, which is significantly lower than other vegan nuggets on the market. 

Dr. Praeger's Classic Chick'n Tenders

While Dr. Praeger's Classic Chick'n Tenders are a no aesthetically (they look more like fish sticks), they're uniquely soy and gluten-free, which is helpful for those with celiac disease, bowel issues, or soy allergies. While we wouldn't call them flavorful, the texture is realistic and they shine in nutritional value. 

Gardein Crispy Golden Chick'n Nuggets

I'd rank these towards the bottom. They were mostly flavorless, and appearance-wise, they barely browned and came out of the oven looking like blocks of tofu. 

Lightlife Plant-Based Chicken Tenders

Lightlife's Plant-Based Chicken Tenders looked like fish filets but tasted like a comforting, home-cooked chicken soup. Coming out of the package, they had a strange stink to them, just like raw meat might, but they smelled fine after they had been cooked. The texture and taste mimicked chicken to a satisfying degree. In other words, these will do if your grocery store lacks other options, but they're nothing to rave about.