Meat Alternatives

Where to Buy the Best Meat Alternatives in the US: Top Stores, Brands, and Buying Tips

Why meat alternatives are more than a trend

If you’ve noticed plant-based burgers, vegan sausages, and seitan strips popping up next to traditional meat in your local grocery store, you’re not imagining things. Meat alternatives have shifted from niche health-food aisles to mainstream shelves because they deliver on taste, convenience, and a lower environmental footprint. Whether you’re reducing meat for health reasons, trying to shrink your carbon footprint, or simply curious, grocery aisles now offer options that can satisfy cravings without sacrificing flavor.

Top US retailers to find meat alternatives

Shopping for plant-based proteins is easier than ever because big-box stores, specialty grocers, and online marketplaces all stock a broad range of products. Below I break down where to shop, what to expect, and which retailers are especially strong for bulk buys and specialty finds.

Walmart — one-stop for mainstream and bulk items

Walmart has become a major destination for plant-based shoppers who want variety and value. You can find national brands like Beyond Meat in single packs and multi-packs, and plant-based deli slices from Tofurky. If you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for meal prep, Walmart also carries large bulk formats such as Uptons Naturals Seitan Strip in a 5 pound bulk option and Hungry Planet Vegan Ground Beef chubs at 5 pounds, making it straightforward to buy in bulk and save. Walmart’s inventory typically includes frozen patties, sausages, and chilled deli items, so you’ll rarely need to go elsewhere for common favorites.

Whole Foods Market — premium and specialty selections

If you’re after artisanal or organic plant-based products, Whole Foods is often the go-to. Expect a selection that emphasizes clean-label ingredients and specialty producers. Whole Foods frequently stocks smaller regional brands and higher-end options, and it’s an excellent place to discover crafted items like artisanal seitan, organic tofu varieties, and chef-driven meatless meal kits.

Target — convenience meets quality

Target blends convenience with an expanding assortment of plant-based food. Its grocery aisles often mirror big-box offerings but also include Target’s own affordable alternatives and limited-time exclusive brands. If you want a quick shop for a weeknight dinner, Target usually has frozen patties, meatless crumbles, and pre-seasoned sausage alternatives in sizes suitable for single households.

Kroger and affiliated chains — wide selection, loyalty savings

Kroger and its family of stores (Fry’s, Ralphs, King Soopers) carry an extensive range of plant-based proteins. You’ll find national staples like Beyond Meat and Tofurky, plus store-branded meatless options that tend to be budget-friendly. Keep an eye on loyalty-card promotions—Kroger’s weekly deals often make it cheaper to try premium brands without a premium price tag.

Costco — bulk bargains for families and meal preppers

Costco is perfect for stocking up. If you routinely cook for a family or meal-prep for the week, bulk packages such as 12-packs of patties or larger multi-pound chubs make Costco a cost-effective choice. Buying heavier formats like 5 pound chubs or large packs can lower the per-ounce cost significantly—useful if you’re feeding a crowd or freezing portions for later use.

Trader Joe’s and Sprouts — for adventurous and diet-focused shoppers

Trader Joe’s delights shoppers with unique, affordable items that rotate seasonally. You’ll find inventive plant-based snacks and premade items that make weeknight dinners quick and interesting. Sprouts focuses on fresh, natural products and often has a broad tofu selection, tempeh, and local plant-based makers that you won’t see in big chains. Both are good bets if you like trying different things without committing to large packages.

Amazon, Thrive Market, and online specialty shops

Online marketplaces excel at convenience and hard-to-find items. Amazon can ship freezer-friendly items or pantry staples quickly, while membership-based services like Thrive Market offer discounts on organic and specialty brands. For rare or bulk products—think 50-count cases of plant-based brat-style sausages—you’ll often find the widest selection online, sometimes with free shipping thresholds that make larger buys worthwhile.

Proanabolics.com — supplements and plant-based protein options

Proanabolics.com appears in some product listings and is an online site primarily known for performance supplements. If you’re pairing meat alternatives with fitness goals, this kind of retailer can be useful for protein powders, mass-gain formulas, and other supplements that complement a plant-forward diet. While not a traditional grocery, it’s worth checking for specialty protein mixes that help meet daily protein targets when you prefer plant-based sources.

Popular plant-based brands and hero products

Knowing the standout brands and their flagship products helps you decide what to try first. Some brands aim to mimic meat textures closely, others focus on clean ingredients or unique flavors. Below are a few names you’ll often see in the US market.

Beyond Meat — burgers, crumbles, and breakfast sausages

Beyond Meat is famous for its burger patties and has expanded into breakfast sausages and brat-style links. Their products deliver a meaty texture and are widely available in single packs and bulk options, including multi-packs geared toward foodservice or large households. Beyond’s breakfast sausage patties often come in 7.4 ounce packs, and you might find bulk cases for catering or meal prep situations.

Tofurky — deli slices and roasts

Tofurky is a legacy brand for plant-based deli slices and roast-style products. A popular item is the Roast Beef Deli slice, usually sold in around 5.5 ounce packages, which is perfect for sandwiches and cold platters. Tofurky’s products are well-suited to cooks who want straightforward replacements for deli meat in recipes.

Uptons Naturals — seitan for rich, meaty texture

Uptons Naturals specializes in seitan—a wheat-based protein prized for its dense, chewy texture. Bulk options like 5 pound packages of seitan strips are a favorite in restaurants and for home cooks who enjoy slicing and seasoning seitan for stir-fries, sandwiches, or stews. Seitan stands out if you want a hearty, meat-like mouthfeel.

Hungry Planet — plant-based ground beef

Hungry Planet produces plant-based ground beef chubs commonly found in foodservice and retail. A 5 pound chub is ideal for making large batches of tacos, meatloaf alternatives, or store-bought-style dishes where you want to mimic ground beef closely. Their texture and fat profile make it a versatile building block in savory dishes.

Amoy and international items — potstickers and hybrids

Products like Amoy’s gourmet chicken potstickers are often listed in bulk formats (for example, a 0.67 ounce per piece pack in 120-count cartons). While not strictly plant-based, frozen dumplings and potstickers sometimes include vegetarian or mock-meat fillings. International brands add diversity, offering flavors and textures that expand what “meat alternatives” can mean in your kitchen.

How to choose the right meat alternative for your needs

Shopping for plant-based proteins can feel overwhelming, but a few simple questions will narrow your choices. Do you care most about matching meat texture, cutting calories, avoiding soy or gluten, or saving money? Answering those helps you pick between tofu, seitan, pea-protein patties, tempeh, or hybrid products.

Taste and texture preferences

If you crave the chew and bite of meat, seitan and some pea-protein blends will feel closest. For milder, more neutral flavors that absorb sauces—think curries or stir-fries—firm tofu or tempeh works well. Burger-lovers often prefer brands purposely engineered to mimic ground beef or patties with similar fat and juiciness.

Nutritional priorities

Check protein-per-serving, fat content, sodium, and fiber. Some meat alternatives are protein-dense while others emphasize lower calories or cleaner labels. If protein is a priority, look for options providing at least 10 to 20 grams of protein per serving. Supplements from specialist sites can help hit higher protein targets if needed.

Allergen considerations

Allergens matter: seitan contains wheat (gluten), tempeh and some tofu contain soy, and certain processed products use nuts or pea protein. If you or someone in your household has allergies, read labels carefully—many brands now offer gluten-free or soy-free recipes.

Cooking versatility

Think about how you’ll use the product. Do you want something that browns well on a skillet, holds up in a stew, or slices cleanly for sandwiches? Seitan and some plant-based grounds handle high-heat searing well, while tofu is excellent in soups and curries because it absorbs flavor.

Storage, shelf life, and portioning tips

Buying in bulk makes sense for savings, but you’ll need a plan to store and portion. Most frozen and refrigerated vegan meats freeze well—separating into single-meal portions and using airtight bags preserves texture. For example, a 5 pound chub can be divided into 8 to 10 meal-sized packages, each labeled and frozen for quick thawing on the day you cook.

Quick, delicious ways to cook meat alternatives

Not sure how to prepare your new purchases? Try these easy approaches: crisp frozen patties in a skillet for a quick burger, crumble plant-based ground into tacos with bold spices, braise seitan in barbecue sauce for pulled-style sandwiches, or cube tofu and roast it with a sweet-spicy glaze. Simple seasoning and high heat are often all you need to transform packaged alternatives into memorable meals.

Price-wise: when to buy bulk versus single packs

Bulk makes sense if you have freezer space and plan to use the product regularly. For occasional tryouts, single packs are better—so you avoid waste and can sample vibes from different brands. If you cook for a family or entertain, bulk 5 pound chubs or multi-pack sausages will usually lower your per-ounce cost significantly compared to buy-one-get-one style single packages.

Environmental and health considerations

One reason many people switch is environmental—plant-based proteins generally have a smaller carbon footprint and use less water than conventional meat. On the health side, some plant-based meats are engineered to be lower in saturated fat, though sodium and processing levels vary widely. Compare labels and choose products aligned with your health goals—whole-foods options like tempeh and tofu are less processed than some ready-to-eat patties, for example.

Where to start if you’re new to meat alternatives

Start small and pick one meal per week to replace with a plant-based version. Burgers and tacos are great entry points because they rely heavily on seasoning. Keep spices bold and familiar—smoky paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a little acid like lime or vinegar go a long way at turning a plant-based base into a crave-worthy dish. Once you find a brand you like, experiment with bulk buying to save money.

Final shopping checklist

Before you checkout, scan for the following: protein grams per serving, serving size in ounces, whether it’s frozen or refrigerated, allergen statements, and whether bulk packaging suits your storage space. Armed with this checklist, you’ll make smarter choices and get more value from each purchase.

Conclusion: The plant-based aisle is now a fully stocked playground for anyone looking to cut back on meat or simply explore new flavors. From Walmart’s bulk-friendly options and national brands like Beyond Meat and Tofurky to specialty stores and online marketplaces, the choices are abundant. With a little planning—thinking about taste, nutrition, allergens, and storage—you can easily integrate meat alternatives into your weekly rotation and discover favorites that fit your budget and lifestyle.