Vegan Food
Original price was: ₹320.00.₹299.00Current price is: ₹299.00.
Original price was: ₹219.00.₹160.00Current price is: ₹160.00.
Vegan Meat vs Plant-Based Meat: What’s the Difference & Which Is Better?
Vegan Meat vs. Plant-Based Meat
I still remember the sound of the grill it was a loud hiss and the smell of charcoal smoke was all over my backyard last summer. It was a Sunday, a Sunday the kind of Sunday that you want to have good food and be with good people you know better company, like friends and family and just have a great time with the people you care about like I did with my backyard and the grill and the charcoal smoke, from the grill.
My grandfather is a person who really likes to eat meat and potatoes. He thinks that a meal is not a meal if it does not have something that has been cooked on a grill or in an oven or fried in a pan and it has to be from an animal. So when I decided to have a barbecue, with my family I was a little worried. I did not tell my grandfather. I replaced his favorite mutton seekh kebab with a different version that is made from pea protein and spices that have been roasted.
I watched the man nervously from, across the patio. The man picked up the food took a bite chewed slowly and then reached for some more of the food.
This marinade is really great he said, wiping the corner of his mouth. Is this the butcher, from the city? The marinade makes the texture of the meat perfect.
When I told him that my food was made entirely of plants he did not believe me. He actually laughed at me. I had to get the wrapper out of the recycling bin to show it to him and prove that I was telling the truth. This moment changed everything for me. It was not about saving animals or the planet anymore. The plants were the thing that I was thinking about. It was about realizing that giving things up is not necessary when you want to live a lifestyle that includes plants. You can have your kebab that is made of plants and eat it too which’s really great, for people who like plants and kebabs.
As I looked really closely at this world to find more options, for him I got very confused. I saw some labels that said “Vegan” loudly others that said “Plant-Based” really quietly and some that just said “Meat-Free”.
Are vegan meat and regular meat the same thing? Is vegan meat healthier than meat? If you have ever stood in the food section feeling a little cold looking at two vegan meat patties that look exactly the same, as regular meat patties and wondering what vegan meat is then you are not the only one who has done this. Vegan meat is something that can be confusing.
When choosing your next meal, understanding the nuances of vegan meat vs plant-based meat is essential for your health and the planet
Let’s clear the air, break down the science, and help you decide what actually deserves a spot on your plate.
The Great Label Debate: Defining the Terms
In the world of eating in a way that’s good for everyone the words we use are important. A lot of people say “vegan” and “plant-based” like they mean the thing.. There are some pretty big differences between the two especially when we talk about food that is not meat but is, like meat.
What is Vegan Meat?
Vegan meat is something that is made without using any animal products. It is made to look and taste like meat but it is not. Vegan meat is made with things, like soy and wheat gluten, which is also called seitan. Sometimes vegan meat is made with peas, lentils or even fungi. The people who make vegan meat want it to feel and taste like animal meat so they use these ingredients to make that happen with the vegan meat.
The word vegan means a lot more than what is in something. The label vegan is not about what is, in the food. A product that says it is vegan is promising you that it is following a way of thinking. A product that says it is vegan guarantees:
- Zero Animal Ingredients: No meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. We make sure that our production is cruelty free. This means that no animals were tested on when we were developing the product. The product was developed without involving any animal testing.
- Ethical Alignment: This is about living a way. The goal is to avoid hurting animals much as we can. We want to make sure we do not do things that’re cruel, to animals if we can help it. The idea is to not exploit animals. We try to do this much as possible.
What is Plant-Based Meat?
Plant based meat is a kind of food that is made from plants. It is meant to taste like meat that comes from animals. It is actually made from things like beans and seeds and mushrooms. People who do not eat meat from animals might like to eat plant based meat. The companies that make plant based meat try to make it look and taste like meat so people will want to eat it. Plant based meat is also good for the earth because it does not hurt animals and it does not make the air dirty. There are kinds of plant based meat, like burgers and sausages and chicken nuggets all made from plants. People can buy plant based meat in stores. Cook it at home just like they would cook real meat. Plant based meat is a cool thing because it is good for people and it is good, for the earth. It is made from plants. Plant-based meat alternatives are basically the things. Like patties, sausages and nuggets. But they are made from plants. The term plant-based meat alternatives is often used to describe what people eat not what they believe in. Plant-based meat alternatives can be a part of a diet and people who eat plant-based meat alternatives do, for many reasons.
The Flexitarian idea is about people who normally eat meat. They want to eat less of it. They do this because they think it is better for their health or for the environment. It is not really about following a set of rules but more about making a choice to eat less meat. The Flexitarian approach is for people who like to eat meat. Also want to make some changes, to their diet for good reasons.
The Hidden Fine Print: You should know that some plant-based products might have amounts of things that come from animals. This does not happen a lot in meats.. Some of these plant-based products might have things, like egg albumin to hold them together or honey to make them sweet. The other thing is that these plant-based products might be made in the places where they handle meat like plant-based products and meat are made in the same facility. This means that plant-based products can still have bits of animal things in them.
So what is the difference between plant-based and vegan?
It really comes down to what you want to achieve. The vegan way of living is about not using anything that comes from animals because you think it is wrong. On the hand plant-based is just about eating food that comes from plants.
The definition of vegan is like a rule that says you cannot use anything from animals. The definition of plant-based is, like a way to describe the food you eat.
Key Takeaway: All vegan meat is plant-based, but not all “plant-based” labeled foods are strictly vegan (though 99% of meat alternatives are). Always flip the pack and read the ingredients!
Nutritional Comparison: Vegan vs. Plant-Based Meat
One of the biggest questions we get at Veggora is: “Is it actually good for me?”
People often say that meat alternatives are not good because they are processed. And that is true. They are processed.. Just because something is processed does not mean it is bad for you. This is especially true when you compare meat alternatives to the things they are replacing like processed animal meat such as sausages and nuggets. The World Health Organization has said that these things can cause cancer. Meat alternatives are processed,. So are sausages and nuggets and those are really bad, for you.
Let us look at the comparison of vegan food versus plant-based meat against traditional animal meat. We are comparing vegan food and plant-based meat to animal meat to see what is different. The main thing we want to know is how vegan food and plant-based meat are different, from animal meat when it comes to the nutrients they have.
- Protein Content
Vegan meats are really good for you these days. They have a lot of protein in them. Companies that make vegan meats use things like soy and pea protein and mung beans. This helps them have the amount of protein as beef or chicken. Vegan meats are an option if you want to eat food that is good, for you and has a lot of protein.
Animal Meat: Complete protein, but comes packaged with cholesterol.
Vegan Meat is really good for people who want a lot of protein. You can get around 15 to 20 grams of protein in one serving of Vegan Meat. Some brands of Vegan Meat are also adding vitamins and minerals, like B12 and Iron. This means that Vegan Meat now has all the amino acids that our bodies need. Vegan Meat is an option because it has a complete amino acid profile just like the real thing. Vegan Meat is getting better and better.
- Saturated Fat & Cholesterol
I think that plant-based is really the option here. Plant-based is just better in many ways. When it comes to making a choice plant-based wins because it is good, for you and the earth. Plant-based is the way to go.
Animal Meat is bad for our health because it has a lot of cholesterol and saturated fats. These things are not good for our heart. Animal Meat can cause heart disease. We should be careful, about how Animal Meat we eat. Animal Meat is a part of the problem when it comes to heart disease.
Vegan meat has zero cholesterol. That is a fact. They use some oils like coconut oil or canola oil to make vegan meat juicy. This helps to make the fat content lower. The type of fat in vegan meat is also different from kinds of fat. Vegan meat is a choice if you want to eat something, with zero cholesterol.
- Fiber
Animal Meat has no fiber all it contains 0 grams of fiber. The Animal Meat does not have any fiber, in it. Vegan Meat is really good, for you. Vegan Meat is made from plants. So Vegan Meat has a lot of fiber in it. This fiber is great because it helps your body digest food.. It keeps you full for a long time when you eat Vegan Meat. - Sodium Warning
One thing to think about with vegan meats is sodium. The reason is that some of these foods have a lot of salt in them. This is because companies use salt to keep the food fresh and make it taste better. Vegan meats can be really high, in salt because of this.
Tip: Treat mock meats as a treat or a transition food. Pair them with fresh salads or roasted veggies to balance your salt intake.
| Feature | Animal Meat (Beef Burger) | Vegan Meat (Plant-Based Burger) |
| Protein | High (~20g) | High (~20g) |
| Cholesterol | High | 0mg |
| Fiber | 0g | 2g – 5g |
| Antibiotics | Common risk | None |
| Carcinogens | Class 1 (Processed meats) | None |
The Environmental Impact of Plant-Based Meat
When you pick a plant based meat alternative you are not just picking something to eat you are choosing the kind of world you want to live in. The fact that plant based meat is better for the earth is a big deal. Plant based meat is good for the planet. That is one of the best things, about plant based meat.
People who raise animals for food are a part of the reason we are losing so many trees using too much water and making the air dirty. Here is how eating vegan meat of regular meat helps:
- Water Conservation
To make one kilogram of beef it takes a lot of water around fifteen thousand liters.. To make the same amount of soy or pea-based meat it takes much less water, usually ninety to ninety five percent less. This is a deal because the world is running out of water so saving water is really important. The water needed to produce beef is a lot. The water needed to produce soy or pea-based meat is much less which is a big saving when it comes to water.
- Land Efficiency
Livestock farming takes up an amount of the land that people use to grow food, almost 80 percent of it.. Livestock farming only gives us a small part of the food we eat less, than 20 percent of the calories that people need. Plant-based meat is a good way to do things. We can use the land to grow food that people can eat of growing food to feed animals and then eating the animals. This way we do not need to cut down many trees to make space for animals to graze, which is what happens with livestock farming.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A 2024 study comparing major plant-based meat brands to conventional meat found that plant-based burgers generate about 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Eating a vegan burger once a week can save the equivalent emissions of driving a car for hundreds of miles over a year.
Case Study: The "Rustlers" Confusion & The Rise of Clarity
To understand why the distinction between “vegan” and “plant-based” matters practically, let’s look at a real-world example that caused quite a stir in the food industry.
The Situation
People in the UK really like a convenience food brand called Rustlers. They came out with a thing called the Plant-Based Burger. A lot of people were really excited, about this Plant-Based Burger. The box it came in was green. It said Plant-Based on it. They were selling the Plant-Based Burger near food that is vegan.
The Problem
People who follow a vegan diet and bought this burger were really upset when they found out that the burger had a slice of cheese on it. The patty itself was made from plants. The vegan buyers were still unhappy because the burger came with dairy cheese. Vegans do not eat dairy products so they were horrified by this discovery.
The Fallout
The backlash was immediate. The brand said their food was plant-based meaning the meat is made from plants. But people thought plant-based meant vegan so there was a misunderstanding. This shows how important it is to have definitions for things, like plant-based so everyone knows what it really means when we talk about plant-based food.
The Solution for You
This case study is an example that shows us: Marketing is not always clear.
Always look for the “Certified Vegan” logo.
On Veggora we take care of checking everything for you. Every product that says it is vegan on our site has been checked to make sure it does not have any animal products in it so you do not have to worry about having an experience like, with Rustlers.
Success Story: The Indian Shift
When we think about food that is made from plants we should consider Blue Tribe Foods in India. They made chicken nuggets and keema from plants. These were for people who normally eat meat. Blue Tribe Foods had a campaign where famous people from Bollywood like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma talked about how good the food tasted and how it was good for the planet not just because it was the thing to do. Blue Tribe Foods is an example of a company that makes plant-based food, like Blue Tribe Foods and they are doing well in India.
The result? They penetrated a market that was previously hostile to “soya chunks.” They proved that if you get the texture right (using high-moisture extrusion technology), people don’t care if it’s meat or plants—they care that it tastes good. This success has paved the way for the explosion of vegan meat benefits being recognized by the mainstream Indian public.
Examples of Vegan Meat Brands (And What to Try)
The market is exploding with options. Whether you are craving a juicy burger, a spicy seekh kebab, or just some nuggets for the kids, there is a brand for you. Here are some top examples of vegan meat brands dominating the shelf today:
Beyond Meat / Impossible Foods (Global Giants)
These are the pioneers that started the “bleeding” plant-based burger craze using beetroot juice. They are famous for their hyper-realistic beef texture.
Best for: Hardcore meat-eaters who miss the “meaty” taste.
Blue Tribe Foods (Indian Favorite)
Focused on Indian palettes, their plant-based Chicken Keema and Chicken Nuggets are legendary. They have mastered the spice blends that Indian households love.
Best for: Indian curries, snacks, and tandoori cravings.
Imagine Meats
Founded by Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh, this brand brings a touch of glam and great taste. Their Lucknowi Biryani and Mutton Seekh Kebab alternatives are crowd-pleasers.
Best for: Festive occasions and biryanis.
GoodDot
One of the most affordable options in the market. Their “Unmutton” curries and shelf-stable meat alternatives make vegan meat accessible to everyone, not just luxury shoppers.
Best for: Budget-friendly daily cooking.
Vezlay
Known for their Soya Chaap innovation, they offer a wide range of “mock meats” that are versatile and protein-rich.
Best for: Wraps, rolls, and stir-frys.
The "7 Differences" Cheat Sheet:
- Strictness: Vegan meat is 100% free of animal products; “Plant-Based” can sometimes refer to diets that include small amounts of dairy or eggs.
- Honey & Beeswax: Vegan meat never uses honey; some “plant-based” brands might use it as a sweetener/binder.
- Lifestyle Scope: Vegan implies a lifestyle (no leather, no wool); Plant-Based usually refers strictly to diet.
- Ethical Stance: Veganism is based on animal rights; Plant-Based is often motivated by health or environment.
- Animal Testing: Certified Vegan products cannot be tested on animals; Plant-Based products don’t always have this restriction.
- Cross-Contamination: Vegan certification requires strict separation from meat lines; “Plant-based” labels may be more lenient with “may contain traces” warnings.
- Processing Levels: While both can be processed, “Plant-Based” is sometimes associated with “Whole Food Plant Based” (WFPB) which avoids oil and refining, whereas “Vegan” meat (like nuggets) can be highly processed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most common questions we get about the vegan meat benefits and lifestyle.
1. Is vegan meat healthier than real meat?
Generally, yes. Vegan meat has no cholesterol and is usually lower in saturated fat. It eliminates the risks associated with antibiotics and hormones found in factory-farmed meat. However, it is still a processed food, so it should be eaten as part of a balanced diet rich in whole vegetables and grains.
2. What is the main ingredient in vegan meat?
It varies by brand! The most common bases are Soy protein (for texture), Pea protein (for a soy-free option), Wheat Gluten/Seitan (for a chewy texture), and increasingly, Jackfruit or Mushrooms for whole-food based textures.
3. Can I lose weight eating plant-based meat?
You can, but it’s not a magic pill. Plant-based meats often have fewer calories than fatty cuts of beef or pork, but they still contain calories and oils. Weight loss comes from an overall calorie deficit and a diet high in fiber—which a plant-based diet supports naturally.
4. Why is vegan meat sometimes more expensive?
Currently, the meat industry is heavily subsidized by governments, keeping animal meat artificially cheap. The plant-based industry is newer and relies on complex technology (like extrusion) to mimic meat textures. As demand grows and production scales up, prices are already dropping to match or beat animal meat.
5. Will plant-based meat give me enough protein?
Absolutely. Most plant-based meats are formulated specifically to match the protein content of their animal counterparts. For example, a typical plant-based burger patty contains roughly 18-20g of protein, which is comparable to a beef patty.
Conclusion
So, back to the title: Vegan Meat vs Plant-Based Meat—Which is Better?
The answer depends on what you are looking for.
If you want ethical purity and a guarantee of zero animal harm, look for the Vegan label.
If you are just dipping your toes in and want to reduce your carbon footprint without stressing over every minor ingredient, Plant-Based products are a fantastic start.
Ultimately, both are better than conventional animal meat for the planet, for the animals, and for your long-term health. The technology has evolved to a point where you no longer have to choose between your values and your taste buds.
Whether it’s that Sunday barbecue with your skeptical dad or a quick Tuesday night curry, swapping the meat for a plant-based alternative is a small change with a massive impact.
Ready to make the switch?
Don’t just read about it taste the revolution. Browse Veggora’s curated collection of Vegan Meats today and find the perfect patty, nugget, or keema for your next meal. Your body (and the planet) will thank you!
