Plant-based eating has exploded in popularity, with vegan burgers now filling supermarket freezers across the UK.
But not all meat-free options deserve a spot on your plate. Some disappoint with bland flavours, weird textures, or questionable ingredients that might make you question why you bothered going meat-free in the first place.
Meatless Farm
Once a pioneer in plant-based alternatives, Meatless Farm has sadly lost its way. Their burgers often crumble faster than a biscuit in tea, leaving your bun a soggy mess.
The overwhelming artificial smoke flavour attempts to mask the bland base, but fails spectacularly. Even with generous toppings, these patties remain utterly forgettable.
Plant Pioneers Ultimate Plant Burgers
Sainsbury's own-brand offering promises the moon but delivers a pebble. The texture resembles wet cardboard that's been left in the rain – simultaneously mushy and tough.
Their odd aftertaste lingers uncomfortably, reminiscent of stale beans. Despite the 'ultimate' name, these burgers fall squarely into the category of 'ultimately avoidable'.
Richmond
Famous for sausages, Richmond should have stayed in their lane instead of venturing into burger territory. Their vegan patties have an alarmingly rubbery bounce that's more reminiscent of a dog's chew toy than food.
The overly processed ingredients list reads like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Save yourself the disappointment and give these a wide berth.
Linda McCartney
While a pioneer in vegetarian foods, Linda McCartney's burgers have failed to keep pace with modern plant-based innovations. The recipe feels stuck in the 1990s – dry, grainy, and desperately crying out for moisture.
Even after careful cooking, they remain parched like the Sahara. Nostalgia might tempt you, but your taste buds deserve better in 2023.
Plantlife's Mushroom
Mushrooms and chestnuts should create a rich, earthy burger. Instead, Plantlife delivers a confusing jumble of flavours that never quite harmonise.
The mushy interior collapses at first bite, while peculiar spice choices fight against rather than complement the mushroom base. What could be a woodland delight ends up tasting like compost – and not in the good, earthy way.
The Curators
With a name like 'The Curators', you'd expect carefully crafted flavours. Instead, their mushroom burgers deliver a bewildering blandness that defies explanation.
The texture resembles wet newspaper – simultaneously soggy and tough. Despite packaging boasting about umami richness, the actual experience is more akin to chewing on a damp kitchen sponge that's absorbed dishwater.
No Meat Co's Burger
The audacity of naming this the 'Ultimate Burger' when it's barely passable as food! No Meat Co's offering reeks of artificial smoke flavouring that clings to your palate for hours afterward.
The texture manages to be both powdery and greasy simultaneously – a truly baffling culinary achievement. Even generous condiments can't mask its fundamental flaws.
Plant Revolution
The term 'revolution' suggests progress, but these burgers are regressive at best. Visible chunks of vegetables that should add character instead create a disjointed eating experience, with bits falling out at every bite.
The binding agent has an unpleasant gumminess that sticks to your teeth. What's meant to be wholesome ends up being wholly troublesome – a revolution you'll want no part in.
Miami Classic
Despite the sunny name, there's nothing bright about this burger experience. Miami Classic patties have an artificial coconut undertone that clashes horribly with their attempt at a 'meaty' profile.
The texture somehow manages to be both grainy and slick. After trying these oddly sweet yet chemical-tasting discs, you'll wish they'd stayed in Miami rather than making it to your plate.
Beyond Burger
Perhaps the most disappointing due to its popularity and price point. Beyond Burgers bleed beetroot juice in a gimmicky attempt to mimic meat, but the flavour falls short of justifying the premium cost.
The peculiar aftertaste has notes of rancid peanuts, while the texture becomes increasingly off-putting with each chew. Your wallet and taste buds would both prefer you looked elsewhere.
