Why Cling to Cruelty? Step Aside, Meat—Vegan Alternatives Are Here to Play

As someone who has always prided myself on a refined palate—think charcuterie boards and aged cheeses—I never imagined I’d be praising chicken tenders/nuggets, let alone vegan ones. My secret indulgence in those nostalgic bites of processed comfort food was something I kept on the down-low, a guilty pleasure for lazy Sunday afternoons.

Writing “vegan and gluten-free” next to my name still makes me laugh, as I was always the person who ate everything—and I mean everything. We were raised to eat what you were given and never complain, but as a rebel, I’m saying no to meat and well, gluten and I just don’t get along. So as a vegan and gluten-free person, I resigned myself to the idea that my tender/nugget days were over. Little did I know, I was in for a surprise.

Then I discovered jack & annie’s gluten-free jackfruit “chicken” tenders/nuggets. Different ingredients, same comfort. These aren’t just a passable substitute; they’re a revelation. The first bite transported me back to my tender/nugget-eating days but with an added layer of satisfaction. The texture, the flavor, the crunch—it was all there, minus the guilt of consuming tortured poultry. As a fine food lover, I can confidently say these vegan tenders/nuggets don’t just match up to the real thing—they surpass it.

I’m sure Annie’s nuggets with gluten are even better than the gluten-free ones I eat. If I could replace all of McDonald’s chicken nuggets with these jackfruit ones like Santa Claus delivering presents in one night, I would. Vegan food has changed, folks. It is evolving. I remember the vegan options in the ’90s. They were cardboard pretending to be food—not now.

Growing up, we were all raised to believe that farm animals had a great life and were peacefully led to slaughter. It’s a comforting narrative, but one that’s far from reality. The thought of eating something that came from such cruelty is disturbing, especially when there are kinder, tastier alternatives available. Switching to vegan options isn’t just about saving animals; it’s about making a choice that’s better for our bodies and the planet. And the best part? The taste is phenomenal. What began as a commitment to animal welfare has now evolved into a genuine appreciation for the flavors of plant-based foods.

Food ignites a feeling and that feeling can be joy. But it doesn’t have to be joy derived from pain; it can be real joy from activities like grilling with your family and friends minus the huge sacrifice and suffering. As Australians, people joke about throwing a shrimp on the barbie. Leave the shrimp in the sea where it belongs.

But the shift doesn’t stop at tenders/nuggets. Consider the burger—a staple of quick dinners and backyard barbecues. Impossible Burgers, Beyond Burgers and other plant-based patties offer an experience so close to beef that even the most dedicated carnivores are often fooled. My switch to these vegan options has been seamless and those sizzling patties on the grill are indistinguishable from their animal-based counterparts. Juicy, flavorful and kinder to our arteries.

Being fully vegan has been a revelation. Not only do I feel lighter and more energetic, but there’s also a sense of moral clarity that’s hard to overstate. Every plant-based meal is a small protest against an industry that thrives on suffering. It’s a step toward a more compassionate world, one satisfying meal at a time.

As a former tender/nugget aficionado turned vegan evangelist, I encourage you to give these alternatives a try. Start with the easy swaps—tenders, nuggets, burgers, even plant-based dairy products. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself preferring these kinder options, savoring the flavors and appreciating the positive impact you’re making. Your taste buds—and your conscience—will thank you.

So, why settle for tortured chicken tenders/nuggets when the vegan options are not only incredible but also better for everyone involved? Make the switch. Embrace the new wave of plant-based cuisine. You might just find that you never look back.

(And just to be clear, this is an unpaid promotion—just a lady sharing her journey with her favorite vegan finds.)