Same but better
Meat swaps
Whether you're chomping down on a juicy burger, sizzling some sausages on the BBQ or whipping up some spicy ‘mince’ nachos – you can keep all your favourite 'meaty' meals on the menu when switching to plant-based foods. We have put together a list of the best 'meaty' alternatives that are kind to animals and the planet! This is not an exhaustive list, we have included products that are easily accessible in New Zealand supermarkets, not speciality items.
Meat alternatives in New Zealand
Plant-based Bacon
 | NEXT!: Plant-based bacon strips |
 | Let them eat vegan: ‘not bacon(Available from Commonsense organics, the Vegan Store NZ, and from Let them Eat Vegan, Dunedin) |
Plant-based mince
| Textured vegetable protein (or TVP)It can also be labelled “Textured soy protein”, or similar, and is found in most supermarkets and some bulk bin stores. This is a cheap, high-protein mince alternative for pork, chicken and beef mince. The product is dry and can be rehydrated using boiling water and vegetable stock or salt, drained, and then cooked like regular mince. |
 | Birdseye: Plant-based mince |
 | Impossible: Beef mince(FYI, this is incredibly similar to ‘beef’ mince) |
 | Birdseye: Meatballs |
 | Vegie Delights: Spicy Nutmeat |
Plant-based meat: slices chunks and strips
 | Birdseye: Plant-based lamb strips |
 | Fry’s: Steak-style strips |
 | Whole perfect food: Honey stewed plant-based porkThis and a range of other vegan ‘meat’ products avaliable at many asian supermarkets and from the ‘Vegan store NZ’. Always check the labels for ingredients before purchasing. |
 | Grater goods: Plant pastrami(This and their full range of plant-based meats available at many supermarkets and from the Grater goods online store) |
Plant-based sausages
 | Vegie Delights: Plant-based sausages |
 | Vegie Delights: Plant-based hot dogs |
 | Tonzu: Vegan saussages(Full range of flavours available at most NZ supermarkets) |
 | Fry’s: Plant-based braai sausages |
 | Plan*t: Spicy Chorizo saussages(Avalibility of Plan*t products may be limited – please see your local supermarket online to check for stock) |
*Information provided on this page is supplied to assist you in learning about plant-based products available in New Zealand, and make choices about what is suitable for you. However, products and their ingredients are liable to change at short notice, which may affect nutritional, country of origin, ingredient and allergen information. Therefore, you should always check product labels before consuming. If you require specific information to assist in your purchasing decision, we recommend that you make further enquiries of the manufacturer.
Love to cook?
Check out the delicious meat-free recipes on our website for plenty of delicious inspiration.
Shepherd’s Pie
Loaded full of veggies and savoury lentils, this pie packs a flavourful punch. A hearty, comforting meal and a total crowd pleaser!
Lasagna
A super simple yet sensational recipe! With a fabulously rich tomato and ‘mince’ filling, layered with a creamy ‘cheese’ sauce.