Are Beyond chicken nuggets good? A complete taste and nutrition review

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Boasting 14 grams of protein per serving and 50% less saturated fat than the leading traditional chicken nugget, Beyond chicken nuggets have entered the market promising a tasty plant-based alternative. But do these pea-and-wheat-based bites live up to the hype and deliver a satisfying experience for both vegans and meat-eaters?

Quick Summary

Beyond Chicken Nuggets are a plant-based alternative with a surprisingly authentic flavor profile, especially the crispy breading. This review examines their taste, texture, and nutritional value to help you determine if they're right for your diet and preferences.

Key Points

Taste: Beyond chicken nuggets are praised for their authentic and satisfying savory flavor, with many finding the seasoning very similar to traditional chicken nuggets.
Texture: The texture is dense and meaty, designed to mimic ground chicken, and is often considered a highlight, especially when the breading is cooked crispy in an air fryer.
Nutrition: They offer 14g of protein per serving and 50% less saturated fat than leading traditional nuggets, with no cholesterol, but contain moderate sodium.
Preparation: For the best results, cook Beyond nuggets in an air fryer or oven to achieve maximum crispiness.
Consumer Appeal: The product appeals to both vegans seeking alternatives and omnivores open to trying plant-based options, though the price point is often higher than traditional nuggets.
Ethical Consideration: As a plant-based product, Beyond nuggets have a lower environmental impact, though strict vegans should be aware of potential cross-contamination at fast-food chains.

A Closer Look at Beyond Chicken Nuggets

Beyond Meat, a leader in the plant-based protein space, introduced Beyond Chicken Nuggets to offer a direct, frozen-aisle competitor to traditional chicken nuggets. These nuggets are crafted from a blend of faba bean and pea proteins, along with wheat gluten, and are wrapped in a crispy, seasoned breading. The product aims to appeal to a broad audience, from dedicated vegans to meat-eaters exploring plant-based options. But how does this translate into the actual eating experience?

Taste Profile: Do They Pass the Test?

For many consumers, the most critical question is, "Do they taste like chicken?" According to various reviews and taste tests, Beyond Chicken Nuggets come remarkably close to replicating the savory flavor of processed chicken nuggets. The seasoning is a particular highlight, with many finding it well-balanced and reminiscent of popular fast-food versions. This makes them a strong vehicle for dipping sauces and a potential crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. One home reviewer even noted that their omnivore caregiver declared them the best frozen chicken nuggets they'd ever had.

Texture: A Meaty Experience

Texture is where plant-based proteins can sometimes miss the mark, but Beyond Meat has worked hard to create a realistic, meaty chew. Instead of a spongy or soft interior found in some alternatives, Beyond nuggets have a dense, packed texture. The breading provides a satisfying crunch, which is best achieved in an air fryer or oven. Some reviewers have noted the interior can be slightly rubbery, but the overall mouthfeel is designed to mimic the ground chicken found in conventional nuggets. For those accustomed to a classic fast-food nugget, the texture is a convincing and enjoyable substitute.

Nutritional Information: What’s in a Nugget?

Beyond Chicken Nuggets are positioned as a healthier alternative, and their nutritional profile reflects this. Here's a breakdown based on the Beyond Meat website:

Protein: 14g per serving
Saturated Fat: 50% less than the leading traditional breaded chicken nugget
Cholesterol: 0mg per serving
Other Benefits: No GMOs, antibiotics, or added hormones

It's important to note that while they are lower in saturated fat and have no cholesterol, they are still a processed food and contain elevated sodium levels.

Where to Find and How to Cook

Beyond Chicken Nuggets are available in the frozen food section of many grocery stores. They can also be found at some fast-food chains as a menu option. For optimal results, the recommended cooking methods are the air fryer or conventional oven, which yield the crispiest exterior. Microwaving is also an option for faster preparation but may result in a softer texture. For detailed cooking instructions, consult the package or visit the Beyond Meat website. For a delicious and reliable source of preparation information, refer to the official Beyond Meat product page for Beyond Chicken Nuggets.

Beyond Nuggets vs. Traditional Chicken Nuggets: A Comparison


Feature	Beyond Chicken Nuggets	Traditional Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients	Faba bean protein, pea protein, wheat gluten, breading	Mechanically separated chicken, fillers, breading
Cholesterol	0 mg	Present
Saturated Fat	50% less than leading brand	Higher content
Flavor	Savory, notably seasoned, convincingly chicken-like	Varies by brand, typically savory
Texture	Dense, meaty, and chewy	Varies, can be spongy or processed
Allergens	Contains wheat, may contain soy	May contain various allergens, depending on brand
Environmental Impact	Lower carbon footprint claimed	Higher carbon footprint
Cost	Generally higher per ounce	Varies widely, often cheaper

The Final Verdict: Are Beyond Chicken Nuggets a Good Choice?

Ultimately, whether Beyond chicken nuggets are "good" depends on your personal priorities. For vegans and flexitarians looking for a convincing, easy-to-prepare chicken nugget substitute, they are an excellent option. Their flavor is a standout among plant-based alternatives, and the texture is a satisfying imitation of the real deal. The nutritional advantages, such as lower saturated fat and no cholesterol, are a definite plus, making them a more appealing choice than many traditional counterparts.

However, it is important to remember they are still a processed food, and the sodium content should be considered. For those who are strict about their vegan diet, it is also worth noting that if you order them from a fast-food chain like KFC, they are often prepared in the same fryer as real chicken.

Pros:

Deliciously savory, chicken-like flavor
Crispy breading, especially when air-fried
Lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol
High in protein (14g per serving)
Vegan and a better environmental choice

Cons:

Higher cost compared to many traditional nuggets
Texture, while realistic, might feel slightly different to some
Still a processed food with moderate sodium
Cross-contamination potential at fast-food restaurants

In conclusion, Beyond chicken nuggets are a strong contender in the plant-based market, successfully mimicking the classic chicken nugget experience. They are a genuinely good choice for those seeking a tasty, ethical, and healthier alternative, but they come with a few trade-offs to consider.

Conclusion

Beyond chicken nuggets offer a compelling and delicious plant-based alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Their well-seasoned flavor and satisfyingly dense texture have earned them positive reviews from both plant-based and meat-eating consumers. While they present nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and no cholesterol, their processed nature means they are not a health food and still contain moderate sodium levels. The cost is generally higher than conventional nuggets, reflecting their specialized ingredients and production. Ultimately, the quality of Beyond chicken nuggets makes them a highly recommended option for anyone exploring plant-based meat substitutes, especially when cooked for maximum crispiness in an air fryer or oven. They successfully provide the nostalgia and enjoyment of a classic nugget, with the added benefit of being a more sustainable and ethical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Beyond nuggets have nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol compared to traditional nuggets, they are still a processed food with moderate sodium and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The nuggets themselves are plant-based and vegan-friendly. However, if purchased from a fast-food restaurant, they may be cooked in the same fryer as real chicken, making them unsuitable for strict vegans due to cross-contamination.

Beyond chicken nuggets are primarily made from faba bean protein, pea protein, and wheat gluten, combined with a blend of spices and a crispy breading.

Many reviewers find the taste and seasoning of Beyond nuggets remarkably close to traditional fast-food chicken nuggets. The flavor is notably savory and often praised, even by meat-eaters.

Cooking Beyond nuggets in an air fryer is generally considered the best method, as it produces a crispier and more satisfying texture in a short amount of time. An oven is also a good option.

The higher price point is typically due to the specialized ingredients (plant-based proteins) and innovative manufacturing processes used to create the product, which are generally more costly than traditional poultry production.

Yes, Beyond nuggets are designed to be kid-friendly and are a good option for kids who enjoy traditional chicken nuggets. Their familiar shape and flavor make them a potential favorite for younger picky eaters.