I tried these so you don’t have to…

Plant-based products are everywhere these days. Some are genuinely good (and good for you). Others? Let’s just say they taste like someone forgot that plant-based eaters have taste buds! Yes, we want to eat healthy—but we also want to enjoy our meals.

In my adventures with plant-based eating, I’ve developed a handy scale to rate products. My goal is to help you navigate this exciting but sometimes questionable world of plant-based foods. Try these products, and let me know if you agree with my ratings!

My Rating Scale:

Texture: 1-5
Taste: 1-5
Consistency: 1-5

Let’s dive into some recent contenders:

Boca Nuggets

Texture: 4
Taste: 3
Consistency: 4
Overall Score: 11/15

These nuggets are shockingly similar to McDonald’s chicken nuggets. It’s been a while since I had those, but they took me right back to childhood. Honestly, if you handed these to someone without telling them they’re plant-based, I doubt they’d notice. A solid option for nugget fans!

Dr. Praeger’s Black Bean Patties

Texture: 3
Taste: 4
Consistency: 3
Overall Score: 10/15

A little mushy, to be honest. I cooked them in my June oven alongside other items, which might’ve kept them moister than ideal. While mush isn’t great, the flavor made up for it—delicious with a hint of spice that wasn’t overpowering. Black beans tend to be bland, so kudos for packing in flavor without overdoing it.

What a colorful tasty display!

MorningStar BBQ Nuggets

Texture: 3 (a bit dense)
Taste: 2
Consistency: 2
Overall Score: 6/15

They technically pass as nuggets, but let’s be real: there are better options out there. The BBQ flavor barely registers, and you’ll need a good dipping sauce to make these enjoyable. In a pinch? Sure, they’ll do. But if you can grab Boca or Gardein instead, you’ll be happier.

Beyond Meat Chicken Tenders

Texture: 2
Taste: 2
Consistency: 2
Overall Score: 6/15

If these are your only option, give them a shot. But honestly, they’re not great. I had them a few times while living in France (limited options), but once I found better alternatives, I never looked back. Beyond Meat has some winners—their burgers and sausages are tasty—but their chicken products? Not so much. They have some catching up to do if they want to compete with brands like Daring or Gardein.

Looks can be deceiving…

The Takeaway

Trying different plant-based products is the key to discovering what works for you. Everyone’s tastes are different, but a little trial and error can make your plant-based journey much more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for more ideas or guidance to get started, I’d love to help you become Green, Wild, and Free!