3. Best healthy plant-based burger: Nabati Foods Plant-based Chick’n Burger
These soy-free plant-based chicken burger patties are loaded with 21 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. (FYI: Nabati Foods also sells other plant-based items, such as cheese, eggs, fish burgers, plant-based grounds, and dairy-free cheesecake.)
The expert’s take: “Due to the high protein count, 1 gram of saturated fat, and lower sodium counts than most burger alternatives, this plant-based burger takes the top spot,” says Upton.
Our tasting notes: “This chicken burger gets you pretty close to the original—the texture and taste are almost identical. Paired with a bun, barbecue sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s hard to taste the difference. I liked this patty not only because it was delicious but also because it was easy to cook from frozen—no grill required!” says McDonald.
4. Best healthy milk alternative: Good Karma Foods Unsweetened Plantmilk
Alternative milks like almond, coconut, oat, and more are taking over grocery store shelves. Good Karma’s new version is made with a mix of pea protein, oats, and flax oil—and it doesn’t have the greasy, oily film that some other alt-milks do. In addition to 5 grams of protein, the Good Karma Plant Milk contains 800 milligrams of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
The expert’s take: “This option provides 5 grams of protein and no sugar with just 2 grams of carbs. At 70 calories per cup, it’s also lower in calories than skim milk,” says Upton.
Our tasting notes: “Some alt-milks are filled with sweeteners, which make them taste more like sugary coffee creamer. This version was smooth and creamy with just the right amount of flavor. Unlike coconut or some oat milks that don’t pair well with coffee or cereal, this one tastes like a good alternative in anything from baked goods to oatmeal to pasta,” says McDonald.