There’s no food that’s as quintessentially American as the hamburger. In fact, it’s safe to say that most of us grew up with a fondness for the iconic food—a savory patty topped with ketchup, mustard, crisp lettuce, and a juicy tomato slice, all sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. Thankfully, these days, there are a plethora of vegan burgers fit for the grill. And, they’re so good that they’re sure to please all palates, whether you love a traditional-style, meaty vegan patty or you prefer a retro, vegetable-forward veggie burger. 

The 5 Top Veggie Burger Picks From a Nutritionist

We often find our mouths watering when the smoky scent of a patty sizzling on a grill dances past our noses. This isn’t surprising—scent is deeply connected to memory, and that one, in particular, is often connected to warmer weather. Even better, vegan burgers are more sustainable and generally healthier than traditional patties.

Once upon a time, vegan burgers were relegated to a tiny freezer hidden away in the corner of the grocery store or worse, a health food store that’s a 45-minute drive away. But thankfully, things are different now. 

Beyond Meat

You can now find multiple options for plant-based burgers in just about every grocery store, from major chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Target to your local regional chain. Check the frozen aisle of your local grocery store, or use the store locator search function to find the nearest brick-and-mortar that carries the veggie burger you’re seeking.

So, you’ve got your patties sorted, but what about the buns?

The good news is that a lot of hamburger buns are free from animal-derived ingredients by default. But you should still check the label since some of the options on the market may contain milk, butter, or honey. If you’re looking for a gluten-free bun, keep an eye out for eggs. 

Some vegan hamburger buns include Dave’s Killer Bread (21 Whole Grains and Seeds Burger Buns and Burger Buns Done Right), Arnold (all options), Whole Foods’ 365 brand (all options), Ezekiel 4:9 (all options), and Ball Park (Hamburger Buns).

Ready to kick off the unofficial start of summer with the first grilling session of the season? Here are some of the best vegan burgers to get for your barbecue. 

Beyond Meat

The original Beyond Burger is a crowd-pleaser, but if you need to feed a group, get yourself the Cookout Classic version. This grill-ready, gluten- and soy-free patty is made from a blend of pea and rice protein, and it packs 18 grams of protein. It also comes in a box of eight, so it’s the perfect item to have on your grocery list while you’re planning your barbecue. 
FIND IT HERE

Impossible Foods

Vegan meat-maker Impossible Foods has that “tastes like the real thing” down pat. Soy protein delivers a whopping 19 grams of plant-based protein per patty, plus it gives the burger its juicy texture. Its super-meaty flavor is thanks to heme, an iron-rich molecule derived from soybeans. It also contains the power duo of coconut and sunflower oils, which give it that succulent char when it’s grilled—yum! The Impossible Burger comes in packs of two, six, or 10, which we love to pick up for barbecues.
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Gardein

Call us old-school, but black bean burgers still hit the spot. And, Gardein really nailed it with the Ultimate Black Bean Burger. These legume-packed patties feature black beans, cauliflower, avocado, and bell peppers, plus guajillo, jalapeño, ancho, and serrano chilies for a slightly spicy kick. Pass the dairy-free cheese, please. 
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Actual Veggies

Good-for-you greens make up the base of this chef-crafted veggie burger. Broccoli, spinach, kale, spirulina, quinoa, and white beans come together for a hearty and healthy burger that’s ready for summer grilling.
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Dr. Praeger’s

If you’re not keen on making burgers the star of your barbecue, but still don’t want to miss out on this cookout classic, sliders are the perfect solution. These barbecue-flavored black bean and sweet potato patties deliver the classic barbecue taste while serving up four grams of plant protein. Plus, they’re the perfect option for those who prefer the classic veggie burger over the meaty, plant-based patties popular today.
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Good & Gather | Target

We were ready to jump for joy when Target launched its line of plant-based meat through Good & Gather, its private-label brand. These frozen meatless were designed to satisfy your craving for a beef patty, but on a budget. They get their meaty taste and texture from pea protein. The patties come in packs of two, perfect for smaller or even solo barbecues. 
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If you’re catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, Abbot’s Protein Classic Smokehouse burgers are a great option. They’re free from the top nine allergens, including soy and gluten, and contain no seed oils. Made with whole food ingredients and packed with protein, these patties are both clean and satisfying.
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If you’re after a more wholesome alternative to meaty burgers, the NoBull Burger is a solid pick. Made with real ingredients like organic lentils, brown rice, spinach, and shredded carrots, it’s savory, satisfying, and sturdy enough to hold its own on the grill.
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The NotCo NotBurger is a great pick for a barbecue, especially if you’re after a plant-based burger that closely mimics the taste and texture of meat. It sizzles, browns, and delivers a juicy, umami-rich bite that’s seriously close to beef.
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Another protein-packed, umami-rich, beef-style option comes from 365 by Whole Foods Market. These patties hold up well on the grill and deliver a satisfying bite—all at a budget-friendly price.
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Avoiding ultra-processed foods? Shroomeats’ mushroom patties are made with just six simple ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, pea protein, sunflower oil, salt, pepper, and potato flour. They grill beautifully and deliver a beefy, satisfying bite—thanks to the naturally umami-rich shiitake.
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These burgers are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue—they bring bold, craveable flavor that stands out from typical plant-based options. Each patty packs 21 grams of protein and grills up beautifully, with a satisfying sizzle and a beef-like bite that even meat-lovers will appreciate.
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Even the fussiest eaters might be won over by these ultra-meaty, steakhouse-style patties from MorningStar Farms. Designed to replicate the taste and texture of a classic beef burger, they deliver a rich, savory bite that satisfies both meat-lovers and plant-based eaters alike.
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Light, classic, and affordable, Boca’s Original Vegan Veggie Burgers are a solid pick for a casual barbecue. They’re low in calories, high in protein, and pair well with bold toppings—just grill gently to avoid drying them out.
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Uncut Plant-Based Burgers from Before the Butcher are a barbecue-friendly option with 19 grams of protein and a satisfying, umami-rich bite. Made with soy and mushrooms, they hold up well on the grill and suit a range of dietary needs, including gluten-free.
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A more wholesome option, Amy’s Organic Veggie Burgers are made with organic bulgur wheat, mushrooms, and walnuts—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. They can dry out if overcooked, but with careful grilling, the rich, earthy flavor and texture really shine.
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If you want to win the barbecue, bring these along. Made with Lion’s Mane, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms, and finished with a touch of truffle oil, these patties pack a rich, umami-loaded flavor that’s honestly hard to beat.
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Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.