The classic meatball is a comfort food staple known and loved by many. But what happens when tradition meets innovation and a twist of sustainability? Enter the frozen vegan meatball, the modern rendition of a beloved classic. With increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, the best frozen vegan meatballs are carving out their niche in freezers across the globe.
For centuries, the meatball has been a symbol of hearty meals between families and friends. But as the world shifts towards more conscious eating, there’s been a transformative wave in how we approach these traditional dishes. Today’s frozen vegan meatballs are packed with protein, fibers, and plant flavors and taste very close to the real thing! Whether you’re a vegan, a flexitarian, or just a curious eater, a whole new world of meatballs is waiting to be explored. If you’re on the hunt for the crème de la crème of vegan spheres, our list has you covered.
For those relying on vegan protein like the kind found in frozen veggie balls to build muscle in the gym, we have good news. A study finds using vegan protein works just as well to build muscle as animal proteins, but just how well? Researchers say plant protein is comparable to animal proteins in its ability to increase muscle mass and strength in young adults who take part in resistance training.
With increasing research highlighting the advantages of plant-based diets, many of us are considering alternatives to traditional meat dishes, like grandma’s beloved meatballs. Yet, in our busy lives, it’s tempting to grab a pre-made bag of meatless balls from the freezer rather than crafting our own. For those time-crunched moments, here’s our curated list of the top seven best frozen vegan meatballs. Did we miss a fan favorite? Share your picks in the comments!
The List: Best Frozen Vegan Meatballs, Per Experts
1. Beyond Plant-Based Italian Style Meatballs
This popular brand tops our list and also gets a 10 out of 10 on Sporked. “Multiple members of the Sporked team agreed that they would think these were made with real meat if they didn’t know otherwise. These look and taste like meat. There’s a nice bouncy texture. They’re lightly seasoned and have a strong savory, meaty umami-ness. I would buy these for my future spaghetti dinners.”
Food For Net writes, “Beyond Meat Meatballs are the perfect example of a flavorful, authentic meatless meatball from a company that knows what it’s doing. The meatballs are soy-free, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and 100 percent plant-based. They use pea protein as the base with other ingredients including coconut oil, potato starch, apple extract, onion powder, carrots, and more.”
These meatballs are juicy and perfectly seasoned, according to PETA. “Serve them in a meatball sub or on top of a bowl of fresh spaghetti.”
2. Gardein’s Plant-Based Meatballs
What should you expect from this brand? “Delicious but not too fancy, perfect for a wide range of tastes, preferences, and dishes,” writes Food For Net. “They’re not too spicy, so they’re perfect for even the most sensitive palate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spice them up if you want!”
VegOut says, “While they taste great in a variety of creative preparations, we love to serve ours over roasted spaghetti squash with plant-based marinara, torn basil, and vegan parmesan cheese.”
PETA loves that “three of these meatless meatballs pack 15 grams of protein.”
3. Impossible Homestyle Meatballs
Sporked loves the flavor of these meatballs. “They are so filled with seasoning, including a rich oniony flavor that reminds me of a White Castle burger patty. I know that sounds weird, but it’s a good thing! Trust me! Their texture is so close to real meat, it might gross out a vegan. To me, they have the perfect mouthfeel. These were my personal number one and I have already bought them again for my own personal use since this taste test.”
“Sporting 12g of protein per serving, they’ve got what it takes to contribute to a satisfying vegan meal,” according to VegOut. “Craving juicy meatball sliders? Give Impossible a try! As one of our favorite vegan meatball brands, Impossible prides itself on using fewer resources than traditional beef products—that’s less water, land, and greenhouse gases.”
VegNews reports, “The not-so-secret ingredient to Impossible Foods’ meaty vegan products is heme, which, in a nutshell, is a group of molecules that contain iron, and likely why meat tastes like, well, meat.”
4. Jack & Annie’s Jack Classic Meatballs
Everything from Jack & Annie’s is made with jackfruit, known for its meaty texture. “If you’ve not tried this ingredient before, then Jack & Annie’s Classic Jack Meatballs are a great place to start,” writes VegNews. “You’re guaranteed to be hooked.”
VegOut states, “The Classic Jack Meatballs from Jack & Annie’s are your new freezer staple. These jackfruit-based meatballs are perfectly seasoned and pack a chewy, meaty texture. Each serving contains 8g of plant-based protein and 6g of fiber. We love these plant-based meatballs in spaghetti, on pizzas, and packed into saucy sub sandwiches—the options are endless!”
“One of the standout features is the texture, which astutely replicates the mouthfeel of traditional meatballs,” according to The Daily Meal. “These meatballs set a high bar when it comes to mimicking the texture of meat, making them an enticing choice for those seeking an authentic meatball experience.”
5. MorningStar Farms Veggie Meatballs
These are a longtime VegOut favorite! “Made with wheat gluten and soy protein, these meatless meatballs are loaded with plant-based protein—15g per serving, baby! These reputable freezer favorites make for an easy dinnertime meal starter.”
World of Vegan says, “These vegan meatballs are a good source of protein and fiber and contain 75% less fat than regular meatballs. With a savory taste and a satisfying texture, they’re a versatile addition to pasta dishes or sandwiches.”
“MorningStar Farms’ Veggie Meatballs are a pretty healthy (and tasty) choice, when it comes to midweek dinners,” according to VegNews. “Serve with mashed potatoes or spaghetti (depending on whether you’re feeling more Swedish or Italian!).”
6. Lightlife Smart Meatballs
VegOut states, “Delicious in a variety of preparations, these soy-based vegan meatballs were made for hearty soups, loaded flatbreads, party sliders, and homemade pasta creations. Check out these Sicilian-inspired plant-based Meatballs on your next trip to the grocery store. You won’t regret it!”
“Lightlife’s Smart Meatballs are protein-packed and easy to cook, just fry them in a skillet, or if you’re in a rush, you can also pop them in the microwave for less than a minute (no, seriously!),” writes VegNews.
According to World of Vegan, “These Sicilian-style plant-based meatballs are a delectable and tasty option made with a blend of non-GMO soy protein, tapioca, and beet powder.”
7. Earth Grown Vegan Classic Meatless Meatballs
This Aldi brand is the “best budget” vegan meatball according to Sporked. “They’re delicious. They’re super savory and salty. They’re so tender. I would recommend these for vegans who don’t want a meatball. These are plantballs and delicious plantballs at that! If you’re shopping at Aldi, throw these in your cart.”
“In terms of flavor, these meatballs offer a unique profile,” says The Daily Meal. “While they lack the ‘traditional meatball taste,’ the incorporation of garlic and parsley adds a welcome layer of flavor complexity, which is essential in the world of plant-based cuisine.”
World of Vegan writes, “Aldi’s Earth Grown plant-based meatballs are a delicious alternative to classic meatballs, made from a blend of soy protein and natural ingredients. They’re also gluten-free and contain no cholesterol or trans fats.”
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