10 Healthy Veggie Burgers to Buy at the Store

Whether you’re looking to add more whole, plant-based foods to your diet, reduce your meat consumption, or are in need of convenient ways to get dinner on the table fast, store-bought veggie burgers can help you achieve your goals.

“Veggie burgers offer several nutritional advantages,” says Trista Best, MPH, RD, who is a consultant with Balance One Supplements. Those go beyond just reducing red meat intake, the expert says. “Many veggie burgers have more fiber and micronutrients, as well as lower saturated fat and calories, than your standard beef burger.”

Here’s what to know about choosing a veggie burger, and the 10 best healthy ones to buy at the store.

What to Look for in a Veggie Burger

To choose the healthiest frozen veggie burger at the grocery store, Best recommends looking for one with 10 g or more of protein and 3 to 5 g of fiber to keep you satiated, and trying to avoid burgers with 3 g or more of saturated fat per serving.

Look for whole foods and minimal sugars or additives. As a rule of thumb for any veggie burger, Best recommends that “ingredients lists should include recognizable, whole-food ingredients such as beans, lentils, whole grains, vegetables, herbs, and spices.” Typically, the shorter the ingredient list, the better chance you’ll find more healthy ingredients and fewer preservatives, the expert says.

And if you’re swapping out a meat burger for a plant-based alternative, you don’t necessarily have to worry about sacrificing protein. “Look for [vegan] protein sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, or soy protein isolate,” Best recommends. (It should be noted that soy protein isolate is more processed than whole foods.) Best also says that “whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables, and seeds are typically good sources of fiber.”

One thing to be mindful of when shopping for veggie burgers is the sodium content, Best says, as frozen products are more likely to contain added salt compared with ones you make at home. When you are shopping in the frozen food aisle, says Best, “choose burgers with moderate sodium content and consider seasoning with herbs and spices instead of relying solely on salt for flavor.”

This is especially important if you have high blood pressure or if your doctor recommends a low-sodium diet. For quick reference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that most people consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and that a product should not exceed 20 percent of your daily value of sodium.

Are Veggie Burgers Helpful for Weight Loss?

Many packaged veggie burgers can be quite nutritious, as well as lower-calorie and satiating. So if your personal health goal is to lose weight, they can be a handy way to make a quick lunch or dinner that fits into your daily meal plan. “Depending on the ingredients used, veggie burgers can be lower in calories compared to beef burgers,” says Best. “This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake.”

The veggie burgers on our list contain between 100 and 260 calories, and between 2 and 16 g of fat. For comparison, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100 g serving of 80 percent lean/20 percent fat beef has about 243 calories and 19.4 g of fat. Also, a 100 g serving of 93 percent lean/7 percent fat turkey has about 153 calories and 9.6 g of fat, per the USDA.

Before we get to the list, it’s important to remember there are many definitions of what’s healthy based on your individual medical history and health goals.

Also, keep in mind that if you’re looking for lower sodium or want more control over all of the ingredients, you might consider the healthiest option: making your own veggie burgers at home. So, at the end of this post, we’ve included recipe links for when you have time to make a batch from scratch.

Here’s our list of 10 nutritious and tasty veggie burgers you can buy. Many of the brands have a product locator on their website so you can find them at a supermarket, big-box store, or health food market near you. 

10 Tasty and Healthy Veggie Burgers

1. Good Seed All American Hempseed Burgers

If you’re looking to add more seeds, legumes, and grains to your diet, consider this pick from Good Seed. Good Seed veggie burgers are a great choice, as they are made with mostly whole ingredients (including pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, beets, and carrots), all while offering a good amount of protein, even compared with other plant-based burgers on the market. The All American burger in particular is a go-to as it’s the highest in protein and has a nutty, savory flavor that’s perfect for a cookout. These burgers are also high in fiber, vegan, and gluten-free.

Nutrition stats per patty:

200 calories, 10g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 12g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 1g sugar, 390mg sodium

Ingredients:

Organic millet, organic sprouted lentils, organic germinated brown rice, hemp seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic chia seeds, organic beets, organic carrots, kombu, organic dulse, organic orange zest powder, organic garlic, non-irradiated herbs and spices, sea salt

Where to find it:

These burgers are available at a variety of stores including Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, ShopRite, and select Kroger stores.

2. Sunshine Black Bean South West Burger

When you like a bit of spice to your burger, try Sunshine Black Bean South West veggie burger. This pick packs a lot of flavor, thanks to ingredients like paprika, green peppers, and jalapeño peppers, and boasts a short ingredient list of primarily whole foods. You can’t go wrong with any of the Sunshine Plant-Based Foods veggie burger line — they’re all tasty, as well as vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and USDA certified organic.

Nutrition stats per patty:

260 calories, 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, 8g fiber, 16g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 31g sugar, 320mg sodium

Ingredients:

Organic ground raw sunflower seeds, organic cooked brown rice, organic carrots, organic cooked black beans, organic paprika, organic cumin, organic onion, organic garlic, organic green pepper, sea salt, organic cilantro, organic jalapeño pepper

Where to find it:

Sunshine Burgers are available at a variety of stores including Walmart, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, ShopRite, and Star Market.

3. Sol Cuisine Spicy Black Bean Burger

For the black bean patty fans, Sol Cuisine is another great option. Their Spicy Black Bean Burger is made with mostly whole ingredients, including brown rice, black beans, bell peppers, and corn, and the zesty ingredients can satisfy a spicier palate.

This black bean burger contains a bit less protein than other veggie burgers on this list, and the sodium content is high considering the low caloric content. However, at just 90 calories per patty, there’s plenty of room in your calorie budget to pair it with higher-protein toppings and side dishes.

Nutrition stats per patty:

100 calories, 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 2g total fat, 0.3g saturated fat, 2g sugar, 340mg sodium

Ingredients:

Filtered water, cooked brown rice, cooked black beans, expeller pressed sunflower oil and/or canola oil, cooked dry black beans, corn, onions, tomato paste, pea protein isolate, spices, potato starch, pea protein concentrate, sugars (organic cane sugar, molasses), green bell pepper, red bell pepper, modified cellulose, salt, natural flavors, onion powder, garlic powder, yeast extract, lime juice concentrate, paprika, sunflower lecithin

Where to find it:

You can find these burgers at Whole Foods and Target.

4. Amy’s Organic California Veggie Burger

Amy’s is a well-known and trusted brand that produces a variety of frozen vegetarian-friendly products, including burritos, dinner bowls, and plant-based burgers, and can be found at many major supermarkets and health food stores. While Amy’s has several veggie burger options, the California Veggie Burger is one of the company’s healthiest options as it has a short ingredient list with mostly whole foods, along with 4 g of fiber and 150 calories per patty.

Thanks to the mushrooms, potatoes, and bulgur, this burger has a nice chew, and the inclusion of walnuts and oats gives it an earthy flavor. The biggest downside is that it’s low in protein, so you may want to consider adding higher-protein toppings or sides. Additionally, they contain gluten. If you’re gluten-free, try Amy’s Organic Sonoma Veggie Burger that’s made with quinoa, oats, walnuts, mushrooms, and garbanzo bean flour, and has no gluten-containing ingredients.

There’s a lot to like about the California Veggie Burger — except for the high sodium content.

Nutrition stats per patty:

150 calories, 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 1g sugar, 550mg sodium

Ingredients:

Organic mushrooms, organic bulgur wheat, organic onions, organic celery, organic carrots, organic oats, organic walnuts, organic wheat gluten, organic potatoes, sea salt, organic high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, organic garlic

Where to find it:

Amy’s products are widely available and can be found at Kroger-owned stores (such as King Soopers, City Market, Pick ’n Save, and Ralphs), Albertson-owned stores (such as Safeway, Shaw’s, Vons, and Acme), Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and several smaller natural grocery stores.

5. Hilary’s Grain-Free Super Cauliflower

Hilary’s is another plant-based food company that offers products such as veggie burgers, meatless sausages, and whole-grain medleys. Ingredient-wise, Hilary’s offers multiple good veggie burger picks, but their Grain-Free Super Cauliflower veggie burger is one of the higher-protein options they offer. Plus, this product from Hilary’s fits Best’s recommendation of offering a recognizable, whole-food list of ingredients and it’s quite flavorful.

If you’re looking for a plant-based burger that is also free of some of the most common allergens, you might consider Hilary’s Grain-Free Super Cauliflower burger. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, and sesame. This burger doesn’t contain any of these ingredients, per the product label, and it's gluten-free.

Nutrition stats per patty:

180 calories, 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 7g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 2g sugar, 270mg sodium

Ingredients:

Cooked green lentils, garbanzo beans, cauliflower, carrot, fava bean protein concentrate, expeller pressed canola oil, green peas, red peppers, potato starch, ground flaxseed, dried minced onion, parsley, garbanzo bean flour, sea salt, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, white pepper

Where to find it:

Look for it at Wegmans, Kroger-owned stores (such as King Soopers, City Market, Pick ’n Save, and Ralphs), Albertsons-owned stores (such as Safeway, Shaw’s, Vons, and Acme), and Amazon.

6. Foodies Vegan Original Artichoke Burger

Foodies Vegan is a smaller food company that makes plant-based burgers with an ingredient you might not see in a mainstream brand: artichokes. These burgers have an impressively short, good-quality ingredient list. They’re also vegan, flavorful, and among one of the lower-sodium options on the market.

In addition to the Original flavor, you can find other tasty varieties with varying spices, including French Herb, Italian Herb, Thai Coconut, and Indian Tandoori.

Nutrition stats per patty:

210 calories, 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 14g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 3g sugar, 150 mg sodium

Ingredients:

Brown rice, artichoke hearts, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, onions, sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, potato flour, organic evaporated cane sugar, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, spices, sea salt, citric acid

Where to find it:

Since this is a small company, these burgers may be harder to find than those from some of the bigger names on this list. The best way is to use their store locator online.

You can find these burgers at Big Y, Wild by Nature, Mercato, VeganEssentials online marketplace, and some Whole Foods locations.

7. Field Roast Vegan Hand-Formed FieldBurgers

If your diet allows for wheat gluten, consider trying these tasty vegan burgers from Field Roast, which contain an impressive 21 g of protein and flavor from spices and veggies including onions, celery, carrots, and shiitake and porcini mushrooms.

These are a higher-sodium pick, so you may choose to consume them in moderation, particularly if you’re trying to eat a lower-sodium diet. “Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues,” Best points out. When you’re eating these or another higher-sodium burger, pair it with lower-sodium sides and accompaniments, such as a wrap of butterhead lettuce or a low-sodium bun.

Nutrition stats per patty:

240 calories, 21g protein, 12g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 12g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 0g sugar, 610mg sodium

Ingredients:

Vital wheat gluten, filtered water, organic expeller-pressed palm fruit oil, barley, garlic, expeller pressed safflower oil, onions, tomato paste, celery, carrots, naturally flavored yeast extract, onion powder, mushrooms, barley malt, sea salt, spices, celery seed, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushroom powder, and yellow pea flour

Where to find it:

These are typically easy to find at most Albertson-owned grocery stores (such as Safeway, Shaw’s, Vons, and Acme), as well as Sprouts Farmers Market.

8. MorningStar Farms Garden Veggie Burgers

MorningStar Farms is a classic option when it comes to veggie burgers. Not only are they widely available, but they’re also budget-friendly and have an extensive lineup of vegetarian picks. If you are looking for a good vegetarian option, consider the brand’s Garden Veggie Burgers. These soy protein burgers offer a suitable amount of fiber and protein per serving and are only 100 calories. Plus, they contain several whole ingredients, including mushrooms, water chestnuts, bell peppers, grains, and seasonings from soy sauce, garlic powder, and jalapeño.

While MorningStar products are vegetarian-friendly, do read the labels if you are trying to avoid certain ingredients. For example, some of their foods include egg whites and thus aren’t suitable for vegans; many also have wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.

Nutrition stats per patty:

100 calories, 10g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 3g total fat, 0g saturated fat, less than 1g sugar, 280mg sodium

Ingredients:

Water, carrots, onions, soy protein concentrate, mushrooms, water chestnuts, soy flour, wheat gluten, vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower), green bell peppers, soy protein isolate, cooked brown rice, whole grain oats, onion powder, red bell peppers, cornstarch. Contains 2% or less of: sugar, black olives, salt, methylcellulose, konjac flour, soy sauce, spices, garlic powder, potassium salt, xanthan gum, jalapeño pepper.

Where to find it:

Find it at Costco, Walmart, Kroger-owned grocery stores (such as King Soopers, City Market, Pick ’n Save, and Ralphs), Alberston’s-owned grocery stores (such as Safeway, Shaw’s, Vons, and Acme), Target, Walgreens, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

9. Gardein Ultimate Italian-Style Chickpea Burger

For flavor variety, Best also likes Gardein products when considering store-bought veggie burgers. “Gardein specializes in plant-based protein products, including veggie burgers made from ingredients like soy, wheat, and vegetables,” she explains. “Their burgers are available in different flavors and textures, catering to various tastes and preferences.”

Gardein’s Ultimate Italian-Style Chickpea Burger is one example. This plant-based, vegan product is both dairy-free and soy-free. It has a higher protein content than most of the other veggie burgers on this list, at 11 g of protein per patty. It’s a good source of potassium as well, at 360 mg per patty.

Gardein also offers plant-based burgers from pea protein, black beans, and more. What stands out about their Italian-Style Chickpea Burger, however, is the nutritional content. (For example, while Gardein’s Ultimate Plant-Based Burger has 20 g of protein, it also contains 9 g of saturated fat.)

Just be advised that these patties contain wheat, so if you have a wheat or gluten allergy, these aren’t a good choice.

Nutrition stats per patty:

210 calories, 11g protein, 21g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 9g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 5g sugar, 480mg sodium

Ingredients:

Cooked garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, water, tomato paste, tomatoes, canola oil, leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach), pea protein concentrate, rolled oats, textured pea protein, cauliflower, onions, cooked quinoa, red wine vinegar, enriched wheat flour, green onion, methylcellulose, salt, spice, garlic, onion powder, dried red bell pepper, basil, distilled vinegar, sunflower oil, yeast extract, leavening (sodium bicarbonate), yeast, spice extractives

Where to find it:

You can find these at major grocery stores, such as Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Weis, and BJ’s.

10. Hodo Tofu Veggie Burgers

Hodo Tofu Veggie Burgers offer a “meatier” taste and heartier texture, which might appeal to people who enjoy a more traditional burger. They’re a top choice for several other reasons besides their tastiness, including their short ingredient list consisting of whole foods and seasonings, their high protein and fiber content, and their gluten-free, vegan ingredient list.

Nutrition stats per patty:

200 calories, 19g protein, 11g carbohydrates, 9g fiber, 9g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 1g sugar, 400 mg sodium

Ingredients:

Organic tofu, organic carrots, organic cabbage, organic onion, organic soybean oil, salt, organic dried shiitake mushrooms, organic garlic powder, white pepper

Where to find it:

The biggest downside is these burgers aren’t always the easiest to find. According to the company website, Hodo products are available at Wegmans, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Publix.

Homemade Veggie Burger Recipes

Store-bought veggie burgers are great for quick lunches and last-minute meals, but making your own veggie burgers can be affordable and allow for all sorts of creativity and customization. Though they’re more labor intensive than a frozen veggie burger, many homemade veggie burger recipes are freezer-friendly, so you can whip up a batch or two and store the extra patties in your freezer to defrost and reheat for later.

Here are two recipes to try:

• Wonderful Walnut Burger (vegan)
• Chili Lime Bean Burger (vegan)

Veggie-Packed Toppings and Side Dishes

Looking to increase the protein content of your meal? Here are some plant-based ways to add more protein to your veggie patty:

• BBQ Lentils (227 calories and 10g protein per serving)
• Maple Glazed Tempeh (205 calories and 14.9g protein per serving)
• Quinoa and Chickpea Salad (347 calories and 12g protein per serving)
• Baked Falafel (58 calories and 2.1g protein per 3- to 4-piece serving)

The Bottom Line

When it comes to the best veggie burgers, there are many excellent options on the market. Whether you’re choosing store-bought or making your own veggie burgers, these are also good alternatives to healthy fast-food vegetarian options that don’t require a lot of time to make.

In addition to taking into consideration personal nutritional needs, such as if you’re vegan or looking for products that are gluten-free, opt for products with ideally 10 g of protein or more, at least 3 g of fiber, and a relatively limited ingredient list that’s free of, or contains small amounts of, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

 

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Houghton T. Protein Isolates: Do They Have a Place in a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet? T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. February 23, 2023.
• Sodium in Your Diet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 5, 2024.
• Beef, Ground, 80% Lean Meat / 20% Fat, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 20, 2023.
• Turkey, Ground, 93% Lean / 7% Fat, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 20, 2023.
• Common Allergens. Food Allergy Research and Education.