In recent years, more people have consciously decided to include plant-based food in their diets. This shift is driven by a growing understanding of meat consumption’s impact on our planet.
The livestock industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. As consumers become more aware of these consequences, many are beginning to embrace plant-based alternatives that offer sustainable and compassionate approaches to food.
Restaurants, retailers, and producers are all responding to a marked increase in demand for vegan meats and dairy products. Gone are the days of scouring grocery store shelves just to find alternatives. Aside from the enduring staples like tofu, beans, or seitan, plant-based eaters can now enjoy everything from pate and fish sticks, to burgers, chicken nuggets, and even steak.
For today’s story, we will explore plant-based meat brands in Canada you should know about.
10 plant-based meat brands you can find in Canada
Modern Meat
Price range: CA$10-$15
Popular products: Burgers, ‘Crab’ cakes, Gyoza
Based in Vancouver, Modern Meat is an alternative protein company that produces 100 per cent vegan, soy, gluten, and GMO-free meat alternatives.
The company said its ultimate goal is to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional meat without sacrificing taste.
Beyond Meat
Price range: $6-$8
Popular products: ‘Chicken’ strips, Beyond Burger, Beyond Sausage, Beyond Meatballs
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based producer of plant-based meat substitutes founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown.
Beyond Meat launched its first product, Beyond Chicken Strips, at Whole Foods in 2012 and expanded nationally in 2013. In 2014, Beyond Meat developed its first plant-based beef product, Beyond Beef Crumbles, and has since expanded into plant-based pork.
Gardein
Price range: $5-$7
Popular products: Burgers, Chick’n, Fishless
Gardein is a plant-based food brand that specialises in creating a variety of meatless and vegan alternatives to traditional meat products. The company was founded in 2003 by Yves Potvin, a Canadian chef who aimed to provide delicious and sustainable plant-based options for those seeking meat alternatives.
Gardein’s product line includes a wide range of plant-based proteins, including meatless chicken, beef, pork, fish, and more. Its products are made from a blend of non-GMO soy, wheat, pea proteins, and other plant-based ingredients.
Yves
Price range: $6-$8
Popular products: Veggie burger, Spicy Italian, Veggie Bacon Strips
The company was founded in 1985 by Yves Potvin, a chef-inspired to create delicious and healthy vegetarian options for consumers seeking alternatives to traditional meat products.
Yves Veggie Cuisine’s product line includes many meatless alternatives, including veggie burgers, hot dogs, deli slices, ground meat, sausages, and more.
The products are made from natural and non-GMO ingredients, including soy, wheat, vegetables, and spices.
Sophie’s Kitchen
Price range: $6-$12
Popular products: Vegan Shrimp, Vegan Fish Fillet, Vegan Scallops
Sophie’s Kitchen specialises in creating a variety of seafood alternatives using plant-based ingredients, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans who want to enjoy the taste and texture of seafood without using animal products.
The company offers a range of products, including plant-based shrimp, fish fillets, crab cakes, and smoked salmon. These products are typically made from ingredients like konjac root powder, pea protein, and seaweed, which mimic the taste and texture of real seafood.
While Sophie’s Kitchen is not based in Canada, its products are distributed and available in many stores across North America.
Amy’s Kitchen
Price range: $5-$12
Popular products: Black bean enchilada, Veggie loaf, Asian dumpling bowl
Amy’s Kitchen uses high-quality, organic, non-GMO ingredients in its products, including various organic vegetables, beans, legumes, grains, tofu, tempeh, cheese, sauces, and seasonings.
With a commitment to providing wholesome and delicious food options, the Canadian food brand ensures its ingredient list reflects its philosophy of using organic and natural ingredients to create nutritious and flavorful meals.
Field Roast
Price range: $5-$9
Popular products: Field Burger, Chao Slices, Italian Sausage
Field Roast is a plant-based food company based in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1997, the company has been a prominent player in the plant-based food industry for over two decades. They are known for offering a variety of meat alternatives crafted from natural ingredients.
The company’s product range includes an assortment of plant-based meats, such as sausages, burgers, deli slices, roasts, and plant-based cheeses. Their products combine grains, vegetables, and flavorful spices to provide a satisfying taste and texture.
Sol Cuisine
Price range: $5-$12
Popular products: Cauliflower wings, Crispy Tempura, Meatballs
Established in 1980, Sol Cuisine is a plant-based food company in Toronto, Canada, that offers a range of products, including burgers, sausages, and deli slices.
The company takes pride in using high-quality, non-GMO, and organic ingredients such as legumes, grains, tofu, and tempeh.
Tofurky
Price range: $3-$10
Popular products: Chik’n, Ham Roast, Tufurky
Tofurky is a plant-based food company established in 1980 by Seth Tibbott, a significant player in the vegan and vegetarian food movement.
Headquartered in Hood River, Oregon, the company has gained popularity for its sustainable meat alternatives made from tofu, tempeh, and other vegetables.
Tofurky’s product lineup includes roasts, deli slices, sausages, burgers, ground meat, and more, all made with non-GMO and organic ingredients.
Atlas Monroe
Price range: $6-$10
Popular products: Fried ‘chicken’, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, BBQ Ribs
Atlas Monroe is a Los Angeles-based plant-based food company founded in 2017 by Deborah Torres and Jonathan Torres.
The brand is known for its innovative approach to vegan comfort food, offering plant-based versions of classic dishes.
One of its popular products is the crispy fried “chicken,” made from a blend of wheat, soy, and peas. Alongside their fried “chicken,” the company also offers various other options like mac ‘n’ cheese, BBQ ribs, and jambalaya, all crafted using natural and cruelty-free ingredients.
Conclusion
The rise of plant-based meat brands in Canada reflects a growing movement towards sustainable and compassionate food choices. Their innovative approaches offer a wide range of delicious plant-based alternatives catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. With the continued efforts of these companies and the increasing demand for plant-based options, the future of sustainable and flavorful eating looks promising.
