In recent years, vegan and vegetarian burgers have surged in popularity, driven by growing environmental awareness, ethical concerns, and health consciousness. Plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger mimic the taste and texture of beef, attracting even meat-eaters. Innovations in food technology have made these options more appealing and accessible, as consumers seek to reduce their carbon footprints and avoid animal cruelty. Restaurants and fast-food chains now offer a variety of plant-based burger options, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable, flexitarian diets. This rise marks a significant transformation in global eating habits and food culture.

The Leading Brands of Vegan Burgers 

Leading vegan burger brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have revolutionized the plant-based food market. Beyond Meat focuses on creating burgers from pea protein, offering a close replica of traditional beef in taste and texture. Impossible Foods uses soy and heme, a compound that mimics the “bleeding” effect of real meat, making its burgers especially appealing to meat-eaters. Other notable brands include Gardein and Boca, which offer a range of veggie-based patties. These brands are not only popular in grocery stores but have also partnered with major fast-food chains, expanding their reach to mainstream consumers.

My Taste Test for Vegan / Veggie Option Burgers

I tried a few different burger options and I used texture & flavour as rankable KPIs, I also rated if It tasted like an actual burger, plus a ranking of if I would have it again. I tested the McDonald’s McPlant, the Burger King Bean Burger, The Beyond Meat burger, and the Moving Mountains vegan burger and these were the results (with photos)

The McDonald’s McPlant

Firstly, I tried a McDonald’s burger purely for this test, I haven’t eaten in Mcdonald’s for over 25 years as I don’t think it’s healthy and for the same price as a BigMac Meal I can get a delicious traditional Pad Thai from my local Thai restaurant – That is just my opinion.

So, the McDonald McPlant. This was the worst burger I tried. Here are the results;

McPlant

Does it taste like an actual burger : No, definitely not

Texture : 2/10

Flavour : 2/10

Temperature : 8/10

Overall. : 3/10

Would I have it again : God no

The burger tasted so artificial and had a dreadful mouthfeel, akin to eating play-dough. It was not good. The flavour was almost nonexistent. Did McDonald’s think that Vegans will eat anything as long as there is no meat in it? It held its temperature well however but overall not a good option and I would never eat this again.

 

The Burger King Bean Burger

 

I did try sourcing a burger type burger from Burger King which was Veggie / Vegan but this was the best offering they had in the 5 stores I went to. This was the Burger King Bean Burger. Technically, it’s not the same as a standard burger but I added it in as it is an option for those who don’t want a meat option as a burger. So here are the results.

 

Burger King Bean Burger

Does it taste like an actual burger: No since it is a bean burger not a burger replacement

Texture : 7/10

Flavour :9:10

Temperature : 10/10

Overall. :7.5/10

Would I have it again : Yes

Price per burger meal : €9.60  (including fries and drink)

The burger tasted nice, there were nice flavours, and cumin was definitely in there and I enjoyed it. It was a little heavy for my taste, in that there’s a lot of burger, so if you are hungry this is certainly an option for you. The texture was good and the flavour as mentioned was well balanced and tasty. It did hold it’s temperature very well and overall it was a very good 7.5 out of 10.

 

The Beyond Burger at Eddie Rockets

I tried the Eddie Rockets Burger which used the Beyond Meat burger. Now you are getting into the real deal. Let’s take a look at the ingredients; Water, pea protein* (15%), rapeseed oil, flavouring, rice protein, coconut oil, dried yeast, preservative (potassium lactate), vinegar, stabilizers (methyl cellulose, calcium chloride), potato starch, salt, apple extract, colour (beetroot red), concentrated pomegranate juice, potassium salt. The inclusion of rapeseed oil, potassium lactate, methyl cellulose, and calcium chloride bring the number of ingredients which I would try to limit my intake of to 4 (as compared to 1 in Moving Mountains below). Saying that, the Beyond Burger is still one of the best, so lets look at the results for Beyond Meat;

 

Beyond Meat

Does it taste like an actual burger : Yes

Texture : 8/10

Flavour : 9/10

Temperature : 10/10

Overall. : 8.5/10

Would I have it again : Yes

This really did taste like a proper burger. It had the mouthfeel and bite that you expect from a burger and it really does have that burger-like look. It is a really excellent substitute.

 

 

Moving Mountains

Now we are discussing what I feel is the ultimate burger for those who want to avoid meat. I first tried the Moving Mountains Burger in the UK in 2022 and was well impressed. Since then, whenever I see this brand on a menu I will normally opt for it. It is a really delicious option. As good as Beyond Meat but just that bit better.  Looking at the ingredients there is very little artificial ingredients in this list; water, vegetables (oyster mushrooms, mushrooms, onion), vegetable oil (coconut), vegetable protein (Soya protein, Soya protein isolate, pea protein isolate), Wheat gluten, natural flavouring, starch (Wheat), Oat fibre, thickener (methyl cellulose), Barley malt extract, vinegar, colour (beetroot red), salt, preservative (lactic acid), vitamin B12. The inclusion of methyl cellulose is probably the only thing that might be an unknown ingredient – I looked into this and it is an approved supplement which acts as a thickener.

Let’s look at my results for Moving Mountains.

 

Moving Mountains

Does it taste like an actual burger : Oh Yes

Texture : 9.5/10

Flavour : 10/10

Temperature : 10/10

Overall. : 9.75/10

Would I have it again : Yes

It is so so good I would be hard pushed to differentiate it from an actual meat burger.

 

Conclusion

So what is your favourite vegan / veggie burger. If it wasn’t listed here please leave a comment. These are all my opinions and nothing here is sponsored or part of any affiliate or promotional campaign. I just wanted to compare the options out there and see what ones were best. If I find something new I will certainly update this post in the future.

Turning solo trips into opportunities to meet other solo travelers interested in dating involves strategic choices in accommodation, activities, and social interactions. Utilizing hostels, joining group tours, leveraging social media, and engaging in local events and dining experiences are practical methods to enhance social connections.

Choosing Accommodation and Activities to Foster Social Connections

Staying in hostels is an effective strategy for meeting other solo travelers. Hostels are designed to foster a sense of community, offering shared spaces such as common rooms, kitchens, and lounges. These areas serve as natural meeting spots where travelers can share stories. Additionally, many hostels organize events like happy hours, walking tours, and bar crawls, which are conducive to socializing.

Another method to meet like-minded people is by joining group tours and activities. These can range from guided city walks to more adventurous undertakings like scuba diving, rock climbing, or trekking. Group tours provide a structured environment that encourages interaction among participants. Shared activities often lead to deeper connections.

In addition, utilizing social media and online platforms can enhance your chances of meeting other solo travelers. Joining travel-specific Facebook groups, such as those catering to solo female travelers or regional advice groups, can facilitate connections based on shared travel plans or interests. Apps like Meetup, Tourlina, and Bumble BFF also offer opportunities to find companions with similar interests or itineraries.

Leveraging Social Events and Technology

Meetup.com is a valuable resource for discovering local events and groups that align with your interests. This platform allows you to join activities ranging from hiking to cultural exchanges, thereby increasing your chances of meeting compatible travelers. Social apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and OKCupid can also be useful. Being upfront about your intentions can help you find more compatible matches.

Engaging in social dining experiences can be another effective way to meet new people. Websites like EatWith organize supper clubs and cooking classes globally, providing a cultural and social setting to connect with fellow travelers and locals. These gatherings often center around food and shared activities, making it easier to establish connections.

One interesting aspect of contemporary travel relationships is the variety of non-traditional arrangements that travelers may explore. Some people may have preferences or interests in forward-thinking partnerships, such as being a sugar baby. Engaging with fellow travelers about relationship preferences and desires openly can lead to meaningful connections. Effective communication about individual aspirations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures compatibility within the relationship. Establishing mutual expectations fosters a transparent and respectful connection.

Practical Strategies for Enhanced Social Interaction

Choosing the right local venues can further enhance your opportunities for meeting other solo travelers. Visiting local bars and restaurants with bar seating areas allows for easier interaction with other patrons and staff. Engaging in conversations with bartenders or servers can provide insights about the area and lead to new social encounters.

Food markets and street food stalls offer another avenue for meeting people. These settings provide ample opportunity for spontaneous interactions, such as asking to take a seat at a shared table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line. These incidental meetings can sometimes lead to lasting friendships or more.

Moreover, participating in local groups and communities, such as nomad or freelancer networks, can help you meet people with similar lifestyles. Platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups make accessing these communities straightforward, allowing for more structured yet social interactions.

Even with ample opportunities to meet others, being comfortable with solitude remains essential. Enjoying your company can help you recharge and better appreciate the connections you make. Traveling off-season or visiting remote areas may limit social encounters, but these times also offer unique personal experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the social dynamics of travel, but with the easing of restrictions, hostels and group activities are gradually regaining their social vibrancy. However, maintaining a balance between openness to new activities and caution in uncertain social situations remains important. Being aware of your surroundings and maintaining a sense of safety ensures a more fulfilling travel experience.