What Brand of Chorizo is Plant-Based?

As plant-based diets continue to grow, the demand for savory meat alternatives like chorizo has surged. For many, the question is simple: what brand of chorizo is plant-based? The good news is that several brands now offer delicious meatless versions using ingredients like soy, seitan, and even pumpkin.

Quick Summary

Numerous brands now produce plant-based chorizo, offering savory and spicy meatless alternatives. Options range from soy-based crumbles to seitan links, available at various major grocery stores.

Key Points

• Variety of Brands: Several major brands, including Cacique, Trader Joe's, and MorningStar Farms, offer plant-based chorizo products.

• Diverse Protein Bases: Ingredients like soy, vital wheat gluten (seitan), and even pumpkin are used to create different textures and flavors in vegan chorizo.

• Multiple Formats: Plant-based chorizo is available in various forms, such as crumbles for scrambles and tacos, or links for grilling and slicing.

• Healthier Alternative: Many vegan chorizo options are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free compared to traditional pork chorizo, making them a heart-healthy choice.

• Versatile for Cooking: Use plant-based chorizo in a wide range of dishes, including breakfast burritos, tacos, pasta sauces, and stews.

• Check Labels for Preferences: When shopping, be sure to check ingredients, flavor profiles, and allergen warnings, especially for soy and wheat.

Popular Plant-Based Chorizo Brands

The plant-based food market has expanded to include a diverse selection of meat-free chorizo. These products replicate the traditional sausage's signature smoky and spicy flavor profile using various plant-based ingredients. Here are some of the most widely available brands:

Cacique Soy Chorizo

Cacique is a well-known name in traditional Mexican-style products, and their soy chorizo has gained significant popularity as a vegetarian alternative. It delivers a robust, smoky flavor with a firm, crumbly texture that works perfectly in tacos, scrambles, and rice dishes. Cacique Soy Chorizo is widely available in many supermarkets, often in the refrigerated section near other plant-based proteins.

Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo

For many vegan shoppers, Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo is a long-standing favorite, celebrated for its authentic, spicy flavor and excellent texture. As a soy-based crumble, it is versatile and cooks up quickly. It has been a staple product for over 15 years, with a devoted following that appreciates its taste and affordability.

MorningStar Farms Veggie Chorizo Crumbles

MorningStar Farms offers a convenient option in the frozen foods aisle with their Veggie Chorizo Crumbles. These crumbles are a great choice for quick meals and can be easily added to sauces, soups, or skillet dinners. They are known for having a solid, savory flavor that complements a wide range of recipes.

Abbot's Plant-Based Chorizo

Abbot's offers a plant-rich chorizo that provides a satisfying, hearty texture. The brand focuses on clean, quality ingredients to create a delicious and authentic taste. Abbot's products can be found in a variety of grocery stores and are a good option for those seeking a premium vegan chorizo.

Simple Truth Plant-Based Meatless Chorizo Sausage

Kroger's store brand, Simple Truth, includes a popular plant-based meatless chorizo sausage. This product offers a classic sausage shape and can be cooked in an air fryer or pan-fried, making it a versatile option for meals from breakfast to dinner. Many customers praise its flavor and convenience.

Upton's Natural Chorizo Seitan

Upton's Natural specializes in seitan-based products, and their chorizo is no exception. Seitan, made from vital wheat gluten, provides a chewier, meatier texture compared to soy-based alternatives. This makes Upton's a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional sausage-like bite.

Calabizo Vegan Chorizo

Originating in Spain, Calabizo is a unique, plant-based chorizo made primarily from pumpkin. It is seasoned to replicate the smoky, spicy flavors of traditional chorizo without any animal products. It's a cholesterol-free, heart-healthy, and fiber-rich alternative that appeals to those looking for a healthier or more unique option.

Comparing Top Vegan Chorizo Options

When choosing a plant-based chorizo, considering the protein base, format, and flavor profile is important. The following table provides a quick comparison of some leading brands.

Brand	Protein Source	Format	Key Characteristics
Trader Joe's	Soy	Crumbles	Authentic spicy flavor, affordable, widely loved
Cacique	Soy	Crumbles	Smoky flavor, firm texture, widely available
MorningStar Farms	Soy	Crumbles	Convenient frozen crumbles, easy to use in various dishes
Simple Truth (Kroger)	Soy & Wheat	Sausage	Link format, great for pan-frying or air frying
Upton's Naturals	Seitan	Bulk/Crumbles	Hearty, chewy, meaty texture from vital wheat gluten
Calabizo	Pumpkin	Sausage	Unique pumpkin-based, high in fiber, cholesterol-free
Sweet Earth	Soy & Wheat	Links	Sausage link format, good source of protein

What to Look For When Buying Plant-Based Chorizo

To find the best plant-based chorizo for your needs, keep these factors in mind during your next shopping trip:

• Protein Base: The main ingredient, such as soy, seitan (wheat gluten), or vegetables (pumpkin, mushrooms), will significantly influence the product's texture and overall characteristics. Soy-based options tend to be crumbly, while seitan has a chewier, meatier consistency.
• Format: Decide whether you need a crumble for dishes like tacos and egg scrambles or a link for grilling and slicing. Some brands also offer pre-sliced options for convenience.
• Flavor Profile: Plant-based chorizo varies in spice level and seasoning. Some mimic traditional Mexican chorizo with bold paprika and chile, while others have a milder profile. Check the packaging for flavor descriptions.
• Ingredients and Nutrition: Check the label for saturated fat and sodium content. Compare different brands to find options that align with your nutritional goals. Also, be mindful of potential allergens like soy or wheat.
• Availability: Check major grocery chains like Kroger (Simple Truth) or Trader Joe's. Larger online retailers and specialty vegan shops also carry a wide selection, including international brands like Calabizo.

Cooking with Plant-Based Chorizo

Plant-based chorizo is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some popular uses:

• Breakfast Burritos: Crumble and cook the chorizo with potatoes and scrambled tofu for a hearty breakfast wrap.
• Tacos and Tostadas: Use the crumbles as a filling for tacos or tostadas, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime.
• Paella: Add slices of a link-style chorizo, like Heura or Veggyness, to a vegetable paella for a smoky, flavorful addition.
• Pasta Dishes: Mix crumbles into a tomato-based pasta sauce for a rich, spicy twist.
• Soups and Stews: Add plant-based chorizo to lentil soups or vegetable stews to add depth and a smoky character.

Conclusion

For those seeking a meat-free alternative, a wide selection of plant-based chorizo is available from various brands, each with a unique profile. Whether you prefer the classic taste of Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo, the convenience of MorningStar Farms crumbles, or the innovative ingredients in Calabizo's pumpkin-based product, there's a vegan chorizo to suit your palate. By considering the protein source, format, and flavor, you can easily find the perfect plant-based chorizo for your next meal.

For more information on plant-based products, you can explore the official website for Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plant-based chorizo is best for breakfast burritos?

Soy-based crumbles from brands like Trader Joe's or Cacique are often considered best for breakfast burritos. Their texture and flavor mimic ground sausage well and they cook quickly.

Is plant-based chorizo gluten-free?

Not all plant-based chorizo is gluten-free. Some options, particularly those made with soy, are gluten-free, like Trader Joe's. However, products made with seitan, like Upton's Naturals, contain wheat gluten. Always check the product label to be sure.

What is plant-based chorizo made of?

Plant-based chorizo can be made from a variety of ingredients, including textured soy protein, vital wheat gluten (seitan), pumpkin, and mushrooms. Spices like paprika, garlic, and chili powder are added to provide the signature chorizo flavor.

Where can I buy plant-based chorizo?

You can find plant-based chorizo at many major grocery stores, such as Trader Joe's, Kroger (Simple Truth), and H-E-B. Retailers like Whole Foods Market and Amazon also carry a wide selection of different brands.

Does vegan chorizo taste like real chorizo?

Most brands aim to replicate the authentic, smoky, and spicy flavor of traditional chorizo, and many shoppers feel they come very close. The exact flavor and texture will vary depending on the brand and its main ingredients.

What's the difference between soy chorizo and meat chorizo?

Soy chorizo replaces the ground pork in traditional chorizo with a soy protein base. As a result, it typically has no cholesterol, less saturated fat, and often more fiber. The key flavor difference comes from the lack of animal fat, which can affect the overall richness.

Can you grill plant-based chorizo sausages?

Yes, many brands offer plant-based chorizo in sausage or link form that can be grilled. Brands like Simple Truth and Sweet Earth produce links that are suitable for grilling and pan-frying.