What are the best veggie burgers to buy?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent market data indicates a significant increase in consumer interest in plant-based alternatives, with taste test results from reputable sources like The Kitchn and Bon Appétit highlighting several standout frozen veggie burgers. To navigate the growing options, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on what are the best veggie burgers to buy for your personal preferences.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down top-rated veggie burgers from popular brands, including vegetable-forward classics and realistic meat alternatives. It provides detailed reviews of taste, texture, ingredients, and cookability to help you find the ideal option for any meal.

Key Points

Variety is Key: Veggie burgers come in two main types: vegetable-forward with visible ingredients or meat-like options that mimic beef.
Top Vegetable-Based Picks: For classic flavor and whole-food ingredients, Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers are consistently a favorite among taste testers.
Best Meat Replicas: If you want a convincing burger experience, Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger excel at replicating the taste and texture of beef patties.
Texture Varies Widely: Some patties, like Amy's, are softer and more suited for sauces, while others, like Field Roast, offer a firmer, more substantial bite.
Cooking Method Matters: Delicate patties are best pan-fried, while meat-like alternatives can hold up well on the grill.
Check Ingredients: For dietary restrictions or preferences, always check the ingredient list for soy, wheat gluten, or allergens, as ingredients vary significantly between brands.

Your Guide to the Best Veggie Burgers

For many, the journey to finding the perfect frozen veggie burger is a quest for balance—balancing taste and texture with ingredients and nutritional value. The market offers a wide spectrum, from savory, vegetable-packed patties to scientifically-engineered plant proteins that convincingly mimic meat. Understanding the differences is the first step toward making a satisfying choice. Taste tests frequently rank Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers highly for their fresh, vegetable-forward taste and texture, with chunks of identifiable veggies like carrots, peas, and corn. On the other end of the spectrum, companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods focus on creating burgers that replicate the experience of eating a traditional beef patty, with meaty texture and juiciness. Both approaches have merit, depending on whether you are serving a lifelong vegetarian or a meat-eater curious about alternatives.

The All-Stars of the Veggie-Forward Category

Brands that prioritize visible vegetables and whole-food ingredients appeal to those who prefer a less processed option. These burgers often showcase their plant-based origins with a satisfyingly earthy and garden-fresh flavor profile. Our top picks in this category include:

Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers: A long-standing favorite lauded for its homemade taste and hearty vegetable mix, including carrots, spinach, and soybeans.
Amy's Organic California Veggie Burger: Known for its simple, recognizable ingredient list featuring mushrooms, bulgur wheat, and walnuts.
Bubba Burger Original Veggie: A surprisingly robust patty made with black beans, oats, and a medley of vegetables that tastes satisfyingly homemade.
Actual Veggies Super Greens Veggie Burger: An excellent choice for those who love green vegetables, this burger is made with peas, broccoli, kale, and zucchini.

High-Tech Burgers for a Meaty Experience

For those seeking a realistic beef alternative, modern food science has delivered compelling options. These burgers often use pea protein or other innovative ingredients like heme to deliver a taste and texture that can fool even the most discerning palate. The most prominent brands include:

Beyond Burger: Made primarily from pea protein, this burger is praised for its beef-like texture, juicy mouthfeel, and versatile flavor profile. It's a favorite for its ability to mimic the cooking experience of ground beef.
Impossible Burger: Famous for its use of soy leghemoglobin (heme) to create a remarkably realistic, savory flavor profile. It cooks and looks like real ground beef.
Field Roast: Offering a robust and savory flavor, these vegan burgers are made with vital wheat gluten, barley, and mushrooms. They are known for a firmer, meatier bite than some other vegetable-based patties.

Comparison Table: Top Veggie Burgers at a Glance


Brand/Product	Taste Profile	Texture	Ingredients	Best For
Dr. Praeger's California	Earthy, savory, vegetable-forward	Firm, with identifiable vegetable pieces	Carrots, peas, spinach, soybeans	Fans of classic, wholesome veggie burgers
Beyond Burger	Meaty, savory, juicy	Juicy, fibrous, meat-like	Pea protein, coconut oil, rice protein	Grilling, mimicking a beef burger
Amy's Organic California	Umami, slightly nutty	Cohesive, shredded vegetable feel	Mushrooms, bulgur wheat, walnuts	Serving with bold sauces and condiments
MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean	Smoky, spicy, classic bean burger flavor	Hearty, with whole beans and corn	Black beans, brown rice, corn	Spicy food enthusiasts, adding to tacos
Impossible Burger	Realistic beefy, savory	Moist, beef-like springiness	Soy protein, sunflower oil, heme	Meat-eaters transitioning to plant-based

How to Cook Your Veggie Burger to Perfection

Cooking techniques can significantly impact the final result. Most frozen veggie burgers can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill, but some methods work better than others depending on the patty type.

Stovetop: Ideal for most patties. Use a little oil and medium heat to prevent sticking and achieve a golden-brown crust. For brands like Impossible or Beyond, a hot skillet helps replicate the sizzle of beef.
Grill: Works best for more durable, meat-like patties like Beyond and Impossible, which hold their shape well. More delicate vegetable-based burgers can fall apart. Use medium heat and a grill basket to prevent sticking.
Oven: A great hands-off option for cooking multiple patties at once. Preheat the oven and bake according to package directions, flipping halfway through for an even cook.

Conclusion: Finding Your Personal Best Veggie Burger

When faced with the sheer variety of options, the best veggie burger for you ultimately comes down to personal taste and how you plan to use it. If you crave a nutritious, vegetable-packed patty, a classic like Dr. Praeger's or Amy's will hit the spot. If you want a convincing meat replica for a backyard BBQ, look to the advanced technology of Beyond or Impossible. Consider the ingredients, the texture you desire, and your preferred cooking method. Many people find success by having a few different types on hand to suit various cravings. For further research on food trends and products, a resource like Bon Appétit can offer more insights into modern food tastes. Experiment with toppings and sauces to complement the patty's unique flavor profile and enjoy the versatile world of veggie burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, veggie burgers with whole, recognizable ingredients like beans, grains, and vegetables (such as Dr. Praeger's) are considered healthier than highly processed meat-mimicking versions. However, nutritional content varies, so it's best to check the specific nutrition label for sodium, saturated fat, and protein content.

No, not all frozen veggie burgers are ideal for grilling. Heartier, meat-like patties like Beyond and Impossible hold up well on a grill, while some delicate vegetable-based patties may crumble and stick to the grates. For less sturdy patties, using a grill basket or cooking on the stovetop is recommended.

MorningStar Farms is a popular brand known for its Spicy Black Bean Burgers, which are noted for a satisfying, smoky, and spicy flavor profile with whole beans and corn.

Beyond Burgers are vegan and soy-free, made with pea protein, and are generally considered gluten-free. Impossible Burgers are also vegan and soy-based, and while they can be made without gluten-containing ingredients, it is always best to check the product packaging for the most current allergen information, as ingredients and processing can change.

To prevent crumbling, ensure your pan is adequately heated before adding the burger and avoid flipping it too frequently. For delicate patties, using a smaller amount of oil or cooking it in the oven can help it hold its shape.

Heme, or soy leghemoglobin, is a molecule used by Impossible Foods to give their burgers a meaty flavor and color. It's produced through fermentation using genetically engineered yeast and is the key ingredient that makes the burger mimic the taste of real beef.

Brands like Field Roast and others that cater to a more niche market are often found in specialty grocery stores, natural food retailers like Whole Foods, or co-ops. Many are also available through online vegan or plant-based food retailers.