Across India, there’s a noticeable shift toward healthier, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free food choices. Plant-based meats, also known as meatless meat, fake meat, or meat alternatives, are leading this trend.
A few brands in this segment are offering a healthier and more sustainable way to satisfy cravings for traditional meat dishes.
These brands highlight the benefits of plant-based meats, which are lower in saturated fats and calories compared to conventional meats while being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support gut health. Their associated health advantages include weight management, reduced risk of heart disease, and lower chances of certain cancers.
According to Statista, 64% of the Indian population is open to incorporating plant-based meat into their daily diets.
To meet this growing demand, meat alternative brands are creating innovative products crafted from plant-based sources like soy, wheat, peas, jackfruit, and mushrooms. These ingredients, combined with oils, spices, and binders, recreate the sensory experience of conventional meat.
The products almost replicate the taste and texture of real meat and come in various forms—from ready-to-cook items like nuggets, momos, and biryanis to raw ingredients such as sausages and kheema.
The plant-based meat market in India reached a valuation of USD 78.6 million in 2023, according to a MARC Group survey. Projections indicate that the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.4%, reaching USD 608.4 million by 2032.
Top 10 Meat Substitute Brands in India:
- GoodDot
- Blue Tribe
- Wakao Foods
- Imagine Meats
- Greenest Foods
- Vezlay Foods
- Mister Veg
- Veggie champ by Ahmisa food
- Evo Foods
- Unilever’s The Vegetarian Butcher
1. GoodDot – “A Little Good Adds Up!”
Founded in 2015 by Siddharth and Vivek Khandelwal, GoodDot is one of India’s first plant-based meat brands.
Based in Udaipur, the brand offers products that closely mimic the taste of meat while providing a healthier option.
GoodDot’s journey began with a heartfelt story of rescuing a goat named Gudu, whose name inspired the brand.
With an annual revenue of INR 100 crore, GoodDot’s popular offerings include BBQ Tikka, Biryani, Eggless Bhurji, and GoodDot Soya Chaap.
The brand’s mission is to create a more humane world by offering delicious and affordable meat substitutes.
2. Blue Tribe – “You Can’t Tell the Difference, But the Planet Can”
Established in 2020 by Sandeep Singh and Karan Puri, Blue Tribe focuses on delivering plant-based meat alternatives that taste, feel, and look like real meat.
Their products, made from lentils, peas, and soya, are high in protein, low in cholesterol, and enriched with Vitamin B12.
Committed to sustainability, Blue Tribe ensures eco-friendly practices like reduced greenhouse gas emissions and plastic neutrality through partnerships.
With a revenue of approximately INR 3.96 crore, Blue Tribe has gained widespread recognition with endorsements from celebrities like Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are both brand ambassadors and investors.
3. Wakao Foods – “Jackfruit Meat: Good for You, Great for the Planet”
Founded by Sairaj Dhond in 2020, Wakao Foods specializes in jackfruit-based meat alternatives.
The Goa-based brand emphasizes sustainability, offering products that are healthy, preservative-free, and shelf-stable for up to a year.
Wakao’s range includes jackfruit-based sausages, kheema, and burgers, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Featured on Shark Tank India, Wakao has achieved a revenue of INR 4.44 crore while promoting environmentally friendly food practices.
Also Read: 10 Top Biscuit Brands in India: A Comprehensive Guide
4. Imagine Meats – “Eat Your Meat Without Any Guilt”
Imagine Meats is founded by the Bollywood couple Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh with a mission to make plant-based food more accessible and delicious.
The brand offers a variety of vegan alternatives including biriyanis and curries that replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat dishes.
Imagine Meats stands out for combining global food science with Indian culinary traditions, catering to both health-conscious and environmentally aware-consumers. With an annual revenue of ₹4.44 crore, the brand has made notable progress in the direct-to-consumer market.
Their unique selling proposition lies in providing sustainable, cruelty-free, and flavorful plant-based alternatives that appeal to a growing demand for vegan food in India.
5. Greenest Foods – “The Future of Protein”
Founded by Gaurav Sharma in 2017, Greenest Foods is a plant-based protein brand based in the Delhi NCR region.
Using cutting-edge research, the company focuses on offering preservative-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and non-GMO food alternatives.
It specializes in mock meat products such as keema and shami kebabs in flavors like peri-peri, tandoori, and Moroccan spice.
Greenest Foods has carved a niche with its B2B partnerships, collaborating with over 200 restaurants and food chains, including Burgrill, Wat-a-Burger, and Freshmenu.
The brand was the first in India to launch a plant-based meat burger, cementing its position as a pioneer in the alternative protein market.
6. Vezlay Foods – “Savor the Taste of Kindness”
Founded in 2012 by Ravi K.K. and Sanjay Soni, Vezlay Foods focuses on healthy, affordable soya-based food options.
The brand’s offerings replicate the texture and taste of non-vegetarian dishes, making them a favorite among plant-based food enthusiasts.
With a revenue of over INR 40 crore, Vezlay continues to lead India’s meat alternatives market by offering products that cater to diverse consumer preferences.
7. Mister Veg – “Meatless Marvels”
Founded by Simarjeet Singh, Rupinder Singh, and Prakash Bisht, Mister Veg specializes in ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat plant-based products like pomfret fish substitutes and burger patties.
Their offerings are preservative-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and meat-free while retaining a meaty texture.
Mister Veg’s focus on innovation and quality has positioned it as a leader in the sustainable food space, appealing to a growing number of health-conscious consumers.
8. Veggie Champ by Ahimsa Foods – “Unleash Your Veggie Power”
Founded by Harish and Yasmin Ahmad Jadwani in 2008, Veggie Champ is a pioneer in plant-based meat products.
Their range includes salami, hot dogs, fish fillets, mutton, chicken drumsticks, and prawns made from plant-based ingredients like soya bean and seaweed.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has made it a trusted name in India’s plant-based meat market.
9. Shaka Harry – “Craveable Plant-Based Delights”
Founded in 2021 by Sandhya Sriram and Abhishek Sinha, Shaka Harry has quickly gained recognition for its innovative products like plant-based chicken wings, seekh kebabs, and meatballs.
Based in Bengaluru, the brand focuses on creating high-protein, low-fat alternatives without compromising on taste.
Shaka Harry’s partnerships with celebrity chefs and its presence in top-tier restaurants have enhanced its credibility and consumer reach. Its rapid adoption by urban households underscores the growing demand for sustainable protein sources.
10. The Vegetarian Butcher by Unilever – “A Global Giant Embraces Plant-Based”
Launched in 2018, The Vegetarian Butcher offers a variety of vegan chicken and meat alternatives in Indian markets.
Although not an Indian-origin brand, its global presence and commitment to sustainability have made it a key player in India’s plant-based food revolution.
Their products, available in supermarkets and online platforms, have brought the meat alternatives movement to millions of Indian households.
Though revenue figures for India are undisclosed, the brand’s global revenue is projected to reach $70 million by 2025.