Plant Protein Made Easy in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Meat Replacements

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us resolve to eat better, feel healthier, and make choices that matter. For an ever-growing number of people, this means giving eating vegan a try.

Whether you’re drawn to it for the animals, to leave a smaller footprint on the environment, or even for your own personal health goals, we at The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark are here to support each vegan by certifying over 70,000 products across a range of categories as vegan according to our strict standards. As the organisation to coin the term Vegan in 1944, and having certified vegan products since 1990, we know vegan.

You can find a lot of educational support for your personal journey through our resources here, but one question always seems to pop up: "How do vegans get enough protein?"

Spoiler alert: It’s not only possible to get plenty of protein on a vegan diet, it’s delicious, varied and simpler than ever thanks to the huge range of certified vegan products on the market.

From vegan classics like tofu and chickpeas, to innovative meat-substitutes, whatever you’re looking for, in 2025 consumers can find many plant protein options that not only meets their nutritional needs but are tasty and exciting too. When shopping for these products, look for the trusted Vegan Trademark on packaging. This means that the product has been certified by our expert team to guarantee that there are no animal ingredients and the product has not been tested on animals.

In a world of confusing labels, to make it simpler for you, we are asking brands to proudly claim their vegan status by using the Vegan Trademark. When you mean vegan, say vegan.

A photograph of a moving mountains burger with the text "A guide to vegan meat replacements" and the Vegan Trademark logo.

Why are we even talking about protein?

You may have seen more and more high-protein ranges popping up in supermarkets, from protein yoghurts, to bread, to cereals; what once was a more niche nutritional focus has catapulted into the mainstream.

How many grams of protein should we be eating? What sources of protein are better? How much does it all matter?

Well, protein gives our bodies structure as part of our muscles and bones. It is also used for fighting infection, speeding up chemical reactions, making hormones, transporting oxygen, and for growth and repair of body tissues. In the UK, a daily intake of 0.75g of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended for adults. For example, a person weighing 60 kg requires a protein intake of about 45 g per day. For Vegans, due to the way that the body processes and digests plant protein, this recommendation is a little higher at 1g of protein per kilogram per day.

But really, most people do not need to work out their protein requirement and intake. If you are eating well and ensuring your meals are balanced (containing carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetables and healthy fats), it is likely that you are getting enough protein. Once you know where to get your protein, and try and include a portion in every meal, it really doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.

For more information from our registered dieticians at The Vegan Society, check out this page.

The Protein Myth: Debunked

For anyone asking, “But where do you get your protein?”, the answer is: everywhere. A well-balanced vegan diet provides all the protein your body needs, including all of the essential amino acids with the added bonus of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein from plants is nutritious, readily available and can be made so deliciously you won’t be missing a thing. If you think protein is synonymous with animal-based sources, it’s time to broaden your horizons. From whole and minimally processed sources like lentils and beans, to meat substitutes that will feel familiar, here are some vegan protein MVPs that make ditching animal products a breeze:

Lentils and Chickpeas: These humble legumes are as versatile as they are nutritious. From curries to soups to salads to hummus, they’re always a crowd-pleaser and can be made into so many different recipes that getting bored would be a struggle. For a warming winter creamy chickpea and brown rice soup with 16g of protein, try this recipe. Lentils originated in southwest Asia and are one of the oldest foods cultivated by humans, having been eaten since prehistoric times! Try this Lentil Moussaka recipe.
Beans: Black beans, kidney beans butter beans, and good old beans on toast – there are so many ways to pack in protein and fibre with beans. From Chilli Non Carne, to Aubergine and Butter Bean Cassoulet, you can find many recipes highlighting beans on The Vegan Society’s recipe pages.
Tofu and Tempeh: Forget the myth that tofu is boring or bland. Made from soybeans which are a protein powerhouse, tofu has been a staple in cooking for 2000 years in many east and southeast Asian countries. It soaks up flavour like a sponge and can be fried or baked in a marinade, or scrambled up for an egg swap. Check out our reel with 4 creative ways to cook tofu here. Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food is a nuttier, fermented option. It’s a complete protein and perfect for hearty dishes. Check out this Carbonara recipe featuring homemade tempeh ‘bacon’ here.
Seitan (Wheat Meat): High in protein and meaty in texture, seitan is a favourite for satisfying meals like vegan roasts and stir-fries. You can find a Vegan Trademark certified option by Tofoo at Tesco and Ocado.
Meat substitutes: For new vegans, meat alternatives are a reassuring starting point for your journey. Check out some of our recommendations below.
Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butters: Almond butter, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are a great protein boost and a good source of healthy fats, while adding crunch and creaminess to your meals.
Plant-Based Protein Powders: For a boost or those with higher protein needs, protein powders can be very helpful. Blend the powder into smoothies or shakes or even bake them into energy bars. You can find a range of vegan certified products from My Vegan.

An infographic detailing vegan sources of protein.

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Vegan Trademark Certified Meat Alternatives Not To Miss

With little swaps to your favourite dishes, you can create a vegan meal that feels both familiar and delicious. Whether it’s swapping ground beef for a plant-based mince in a hearty spaghetti Bolognese or replacing chicken with soy-based strips in a flavourful stir-fry, the options are endless. For many long-time vegans, these substitutes play a crucial role in maintaining a varied and satisfying diet, allowing them to recreate beloved meals without compromising on taste or texture. The rise of innovative products, such as pea-protein-based burgers that sizzle and sear just like the real thing or ‘smoked salmon’ products that accompany a vegan cream cheese bagel perfectly, has revolutionized vegan cooking. These exciting additions not only bring convenience but also inspire creativity in the kitchen, ensuring that plant-based eating never feels restrictive.

With over 12,000 food products certified as vegan by the Vegan Trademark, trust us when we tell you that whatever you’re craving, there’s most likely a product on the market that you can try. We’re going to break down the categories of Meat and Fish Alternatives and link you to products that our expert team have verified are vegan to make it super simple for you.

Why the Vegan Trademark Matters to Consumers

For those navigating their first Veganuary (or their fifth!), spotting the Vegan Trademark is a game-changer. Here’s why:

Clear Standards: When you see the Vegan Trademark, you know exactly what that means. No animal ingredients and no animal testing. Simple.
Peace of Mind: No more second-guessing whether your favourite snack or skincare product fits your vegan lifestyle.
Growing Options: With more and more brands registering their products, you’ll find the Vegan Trademark on everything from protein powders to cosmetics.

Say Vegan in 2025

This New Year, let’s make vegan eating fun, flavourful, and accessible. Whether you’re whipping up a lentil stew, blending a protein-packed smoothie, or finally nailing that tofu marinade, plant protein has your back.

And the next time you’re at the store, look for the Vegan Trademark—it’s your trusted guarantee of ethical, animal-free products.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit The Vegan Society to learn more about going vegan. And if you’re a brand with a vegan product, to certify, get in touch. We can’t wait to work with you. Follow the Vegan Trademark on Instagram and X to keep up with new vegan product releases, tips for going and staying vegan, and much more.

By Vegan Society Marketing Officer, Charis Collier

Charis.Collier's blog

The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.

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As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us resolve to eat better, feel healthier, and make choices that matter. For an ever-growing number of people, this means giving eating vegan a try.

Why are we even talking about protein?

The Protein Myth: Debunked

Vegan Trademark Certified Meat Alternatives Not To Miss

Vegan Burgers

Chicken Alternatives

Vegan Sausages

Vegan Bacon

Mince Alternatives

Vegan Roasts

Fish Alternatives

Lunch ‘meat’ options

Picnic Essentials

Why the Vegan Trademark Matters to Consumers

Say Vegan in 2025

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