Our resident food product tester thoroughly evaluated supermarket veggie burgers to determine which ones excelled in flavor and texture, and which fell short under scrutiny.
The best (and worst) meat-free sausages, tasted and rated
This test featured a diverse selection of burgers, ranging from classic 1960s-style bean patties to highly processed meat analogues. Although recent advances have made processed options more convincing, there remains skepticism about their authenticity due to the extensive use of numerous ingredients and synthetic additives designed to mimic flavor rather than provide genuine taste.
Consequently, the reviewer deducted points for high processing levels and synthetic additives, while acknowledging their purpose and value. Ultimately, the less processed burgers distinguished themselves, particularly for their exceptional value: they were rich in flavor and texture, offered a satisfying bite, and included ingredient lists abundant in nutritional content.
The best supermarket vegetarian burgers
Best overall:
All Plants sweet potato & black bean protein veggie burger
These two firm yet tender, orange-brown burgers are packed with flavor, featuring a spicy warmth from chipotle and pepper. Whole chickpeas provide a pleasant popping texture. The dominant flavor profile includes lemon-lime notes complemented by smoky paprika, coriander, and cumin. Importantly, these burgers contain no additives.
Best bargain:
Lidl Vemondo Plant! Moroccan-style burgers
This sweet, medium-spiced chickpea burger maintains its shape well and develops a good crust when cooked. It offers a complex flavor profile with highlights of lemon, cumin, and coriander, sweetened naturally with dried apricots. The ingredients list is straightforward and simple.
And the rest …
Biona Organic black bean cashew burgers
These two classic 1960s-style organic wholefood burgers are crafted from black beans, cashews, and red peppers. They deliver a smoky, rich, and umami-filled taste. Nutty and satisfying, they have a firm bite and represent the best splurge option in this selection.
Strong Roots pumpkin & spinach burger
Unlike typical veggie burgers, this minimally processed and flavorful patty resembles arancini. It features a soft texture with a filling of brown rice, spinach, and pumpkin "risotto," coated in a gluten-free puffed quinoa crumb. The product is B Corp-certified.
Tesco Plant Chef meat-free burgers
These pea protein meat-analogue patties are flavored with smoked paprika, malt and yeast extracts, carrot juice, onion, and thyme. They offer a complex, herby flavor of soya protein with a peppery aftertaste and a decent bite. The ingredients list is long and includes some stabilizers but primarily whole foods.
Moving Mountains superfood spicy burger
This burger has a very firm texture and is crumb-encrusted, positioned between a meat analogue and a retro veggie burger. It is made from a diverse mix of vegetables, grains, and pulses, including quinoa, lentils, and chia seeds, but is thickened with methyl cellulose. It is notably tasty, with a spicy cayenne kick and strong umami notes.
Co-op plant-based Incredible burgers
This firm, caramelized patty offers a simple, umami-rich flavor. It contains palm oil, the stabilizer methyl cellulose, and invert sugar syrup. Made from textured soya protein, it is a realistic meat analogue ideal for those seeking a faux meat experience.
This Isn’t beef burgers
These convincing meat-analogue patties are made from textured soya protein, pea protein, and fava bean protein isolate, with natural flavoring, apple and cacao extract, and various thickeners and gums. They provide a realistic imitation with good texture and bite.
Aldi Plant Menu Mediterranean-inspired vegetable burgers
This colorful patty includes red pepper, courgette, and onion, bound with haricot beans, sweet potato, and pea fiber. It features basil notes but has a slightly bitter taste. The burger has a firm bite with small vegetable chunks throughout and contains methyl cellulose and potassium sorbate.
Beyond Burger original plant-based patties
This meaty-looking analogue has a very rich, umami flavor but suffers from a rubbery mouthfeel with unappetizing, chewy, sinew-like particles. Each burger contains 18 grams of protein and is soy-free.
