The World of Vegan Meat Has Expanded Tremendously in 2022

Whether you consider yourself vegan, vegetarian, or simply veg-curious, you've likely delved into the world of plant-based meats at least once in your life. The market is continuously expanding, with the ongoing expansion of the plant-based population. There are so many new vegan meat products to hit grocery store shelves as of 2022 alone, that are worth trying — below are a few of our favorite ones so far.

In March, Amazon announced its new Fresh Plant-Based product line that's available to shop online and in Amazon Fresh stores. According to a press release sent to Green Matters, the line includes 15 animal-free, protein-packed meat-alternatives, including Patties, Italian Meatballs, Chick’n Nuggets and various types of nut milks. So far, the line has received positive feedback, so needless to say, we can't wait to try it.

Although TiNDLE is new to the U.S. as of this year, it's been a favorite among plant-based folks in Singapore for a while now. The plant-based chicken is now being offered at a variety of New York and Los Angeles restaurants, including popular spots like New York's The Grey Dog and Orchard Grocer, as well as Los Angeles' Just What I Kneaded. High brow chefs like Food Network star Chad Rosenthal are all about it.

Although OZO has been around for a while now, the plant-based food company is now rolling out plant-based chicken cutlets and shreds to grocery stores nationwide. The company is also in the process of releasing a new plant-based bacon, which will hit grocery store shelves later this year — though if you were at Expo West, you may have been lucky enough to get a sneak preview.

Early this year, Goodside Foods launched our new favorite taco filling, pasta topper, and salad protein: meatless crumbles. The pea and rice protein blend is fermented by shiitake mushrooms, which make the plant protein more digestible. Additionally, they don't need to be refrigerated — all you need to do is add water, and you'll be good to go.

On March 1, popular plant-based meat company, Impossible Foods, debuted a conservation-centric spin on dinosaur nuggets: nuggets that are shaped like endangered animals. The new plant-based creation comes in four shapes: a black rhino, Galápagos tortoise, polar bear, and right whale. They include just as much protein, and the same nostalgic taste, of the brand's original nuggs.

Wild Harvest added Plant Based Burger Patties, Plant Based Grinds, Plant Based Meatballs, and Plant Based Breakfast Patties to its line of 400 products, making it easier than ever to enjoy plant-based meats in the comfort of your own home. They are made from pea protein, are non-GMO, and are soy-, gluten-, and palm oil-free, according to Store Brands.

Don't get too excited because it's only a limited-time menu item, but Chipotle started offering plant-based chorizo at all U.S restaurant locations earlier this year, according to CNBC. Hopefully this will become a mainstay at the chain, because it sounds like a truly droolworthy burrito bowl topper.

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