I Tested 10 Vegan Chicken Nuggets—Here’s the Best (and Worst)

Vegan chicken nuggets have come a long way. Five years ago, they were dry, tasteless, and weirdly rubbery. Now? Some of them are genuinely good. I spent last weekend taste-testing 10 brands with my skeptical carnivore friend Mike. We ranked them on taste, texture, and how close they come to real chicken. Spoiler: the winner surprised both of us.

1. Impossible Nuggets (Best Overall)

Impossible Foods just dropped their nuggets nationwide, and they’re incredible. The texture is spot-on—juicy with a crispy breading. The flavor has that slight chickeny taste from their heme protein. Mike said, “I’d eat these even if I wasn’t vegan.” They’re not cheap—$6.99 for a 12-ounce bag—but they’re worth it. Best cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes.

2. Beyond Meat Chicken Tenders (Best Texture)

Beyond Meat’s tenders are thicker and more like actual chicken strips. The texture is slightly chewy, which I love. The seasoning is a bit salty, but that’s fixable with a dip. They’re great in salads or wraps. At $7.49 for a 10-ounce bag, they’re pricier than Impossible, but the size makes up for it.

3. MorningStar Farms Chik’n Nuggets (Best Value)

MorningStar has been making these for years, and they’re a classic. They’re not as realistic as Impossible, but they taste good—like a chicken-flavored snack. The texture is a bit mushy inside, but the breading is crispy. At $4.99 for a 16-ounce bag, they’re the best value. I keep a bag in my freezer for lazy dinners.

4. Gardein Ultimate Chicken Tenders (Best for Kids)

Gardein’s ultimate tenders are mild and kid-friendly. The breading is sweet, almost like a honey glaze. Mike’s kids devoured them. The texture is soft and easy to chew. They’re not the most realistic, but they’re delicious. $5.99 for a 12-ounce bag.

5. Quorn Meatless Chicken Nuggets (Most Chicken-Like)

Quorn uses mycoprotein, which gives their nuggets a unique texture that’s eerily close to real chicken. The flavor is mild, but the texture is spot-on. The downside? Some people have digestive issues with mycoprotein. I didn’t, but Mike felt bloated. Worth trying if you’re curious.

6. Alpha Foods Chik’n Nuggets (Best Spicy)

Alpha Foods makes a spicy version that actually has heat. The breading is seasoned with cayenne and paprika. The texture is a bit dry, but the spice makes up for it. Dip them in ranch to cool down. $6.49 for a 10-ounce bag.

7. Daring Original Chicken Pieces (Best for Cooking)

Daring pieces are more for cooking than snacking. They’re un-breaded, so you can season them yourself. I made buffalo nuggets with them, and they were fantastic. The texture is a bit firm. $5.99 for a 10-ounce bag. Better for DIY recipes.

8. Simulate Nuggs (Disappointing)

Simulate Nuggs were all over social media a couple years ago, but they’ve fallen off. The texture is mealy and dry. The taste is bland. Even with sauce, they’re not good. $5.49 for a 12-ounce bag. Skip these.

9. Tofurky Chick’n Nuggets (Weird Texture)

Tofurky’s nuggets have a strange, spongy texture. The flavor is okay—like a bland chicken substitute. Mike described them as “eating a sponge.” I agree. $5.29 for a 10-ounce bag. Not recommended.

10. Whole Foods 365 Plant-Based Nuggets (The Worst)

These are the cheapest at $3.99, but they’re also the worst. The breading falls off, the inside is mushy, and the taste is artificial. Even my dog wouldn’t eat them. Avoid.

Final verdict: Impossible Nuggets are the clear winner. They’re realistic, tasty, and satisfying. Beyond Meat is a close second. MorningStar is the budget pick. Skip the rest unless you’re desperate. Plant-based eating has never been easier—or tastier.