Summer is ‘summering’—which means it’s time for barbeque! If you plan to host a cookout, here are some great plant-based grilling must-tries.
Grilling season has officially kicked off and to help you out, we’re sharing some great vegan items for your next cookout.
From melty vegan cheese to flame-grilled burgers, here’s what to serve at a vegan bbq:
VIOLIFE Just Like Mature Cheddar Slices
Dairy-free and vegan-friendly, these slices are the perfect cheddary accompaniment for vegan sandwiches, burgers, or even tacos. The taste is absolutely delicious—as a previous cheese addict, this cheese hits all the right cheddary notes. The ingredients are simple enough (Filtered Water, Coconut Oil, Food Starch-Modified (Potato & Corn), Potato Starch, Salt (Sea Salt), Mature Cheddar Flavor (Vegan Sources), Olive Extract, Beta Carotene (Color), Vitamin B12); and it is free from nuts, gluten, and preservatives.
MorningStar Farms SteakHouse Style Burger
Thick, meaty, and irresistibly delicious. Launched in 2023, these burgers offer a heartier texture compared to softer blends like the Beyond Burger, making them a perfect vegan option for your next BBQ. Each patty packs a powerful 21g of protein and we love to pair it with our next item – a tasty vegan bun! 
Dave’s Killer Bread: 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Bun
Elevate your vegan BBQ with Dave’s Killer Bread’s organic buns, perfect for any summer gathering. Available in two flavors, “21 Whole Grains and Seeds” and “Burger Buns Done Right,” these buns are perfect for the ultimate bbq sandwich. The 21 Whole Grains and Seeds buns feature a hearty texture with a hint of sweetness, Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and vegan-friendly. As a plus, both flavors offer between 6g-8g of protein. 
Daring Cajun Plant Chicken Pieces
Spice up your vegan BBQ with Daring Cajun Plant Chicken Pieces. These plant-based chicken pieces pack a flavorful punch with cajun-inspired seasoning. Each 2.5 oz serving delivers 13g of protein and just 2g of carbs, making them a nutritious addition to any summer cookout. Daring’s plant-based chicken is proof that vegan doesn’t mean bland. All of the Daring brand plant-based chicken is great, if you’re a buffalo fan, you’ll love their buffalo wing pieces or if you’re a lemon pepper girl, check out their Lemon & Herb flavor. 
Hidden Valley Original Ranch® Plant Powered Topping & Dressing
Speaking of buffalo, did you know Hidden Valley has a vegan-friendly Ranch that tastes JUST like the original? Apparently, this dairy-free ranch has been on the market since 2021, but I’ve only recently seen it in my local store. This dairy-free ranch is great as a salad dressing, a dip for spicy buffalo anything, or even the secret ingredient in meatless meatballs. The texture is smooth, creamy and truly a must-have for any vegan gathering. 
PuraVida Fire Roasted Primavera Mistura
This item is Costco-specific, but listen, it’s worth it. Just have a friend get it for you if you’re still on the fence about a membership. If you’re not ready to grill vegetables individually, this fire-roasted vegetable mix is a perfect option for your vegan BBQ. It is made with just a few simple ingredients: avocado oil, broccoli, yellow and green Italian squash, red bell peppers, and red onions. Seasoned with cracked black peppercorns, garlic and onion powder, and Himalayan pink salt, this flavorful medley is a convenient and delicious addition to your summer cookout. 
Jeni’s Dairy-Free Lemon Bar
Is it even a BBQ if there’s no ice cream? Turn to Jeni’s Dairy-Free Vegan Ice Cream to beat the summer heat. Out of the four delicious flavors to choose from, the Lemon Bar flavor is our top pick. If you’ve ever tasted the Lemon Supreme pie from Baker’s Square in Chicago (late ’90s to early 2000s), this ice cream will bring back those memories. It’s creamy, decadent, tart, and simply the best ice cream ever. Made with simple ingredients, this treat features coconut cream, vegan lemon curd, and shortbread crumbles, all swirled together in a luscious coconut cream base. 
Earth Grown Vegan Classic Meatballs
We love this brand from Aldi if you’re cooking for a large group and prefer to buy pre-made meatless meatballs. Each serving offers 14g of protein, and it is nut-free, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free. However, it is soy-based, so if that’s an issue for you, this may not be an option. I love their meaty texture and how they go great in any sauce, from Italian marinara to a sweet and savory barbeque.
But what about the chips?
Here’s a quick list of accidentally vegan chip/cracker options via Vegnews.com:
- Hippeas Chickpea Puffs: Love these for macros and ingredients.
- Siete Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Another clean ingredient option.
- Garden Veggie Straws: Kids are huge fans of these fun-shaped snacks.
- Pringles: The Original and the Barbeque.
- Are Doritos vegan? Yes, the Sweet Chili Spicy flavor only.
- Fritos: Orginal only
- Ritz Crackers: Original
- Ruffles Classic Original
- Animal-free Lay’s: Classic, Barbecue, and Salt & Vinegar
- Sunchips: Original only
- Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels: Jalapeno flavor
As summer sizzles on, make your BBQs unforgettable with these plant-based must-haves. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious (check out a week of plant-based meals for newbies here), these goodies are a great addition to any party. To round out your BBQ gathering, grill up some fresh veggies and fresh-cut fruits.
Share your vegan BBQ moments with us at @officialloveherstuff on social media using #VeggieBBQBliss, and keep an eye out for more plant-based inspiration. Happy grilling!