Gluten-Free, Soy-Free Plant-Based Meat: What Our Grounds Are Made Of
Oct 8, 2026
Yes, there's a gluten-free meat substitute that's soy-free too, and it cooks just like ground meat. The Better Butchers grounds are made from a protein blend of pea protein and oyster mushroom, and all three flavours (Natural, Italian and Chorizo) are gluten-free and soy-free.
If wheat-based seitan or soy-based tofu and TVP aren't on your list, here's what's in ours and how to cook it.
What are the gluten-free, soy-free meat substitutes?
Our grounds are one. Natural, Italian and Chorizo are gluten-free and soy-free, made from a protein blend of pea protein and oyster mushroom, and they cook like ground meat.
Other options include:
- Jackfruit, for pulled or shredded dishes
- Mushrooms, for savoury flavour and texture
- Lentils and beans, for chili, soups and stews
Is plant-based meat gluten-free?
Not always. Seitan is made from wheat gluten, and some plant-based meats use it too. So the protein source is the first thing to check on the label.
Our grounds are built on pea protein and oyster mushroom. All three are gluten-free, so they work in any recipe that calls for ground meat. One thing to check on the allergen line: all three may contain cashews.
What meat alternatives are soy-free?
Tofu and tempeh are made from soybeans, and TVP (textured vegetable protein) is usually made from soy too. If you skip soy, look for meat alternatives built on a different protein, like pea.
All three Better Butchers grounds are soy-free. They're plant-based too, so if you're after a vegan meat that's both soy-free and gluten-free, one pack covers both.
What are The Better Butchers grounds made of?
A protein blend of pea protein and oyster mushroom. The two come together as one new protein, so you get a plant-based ground meat that browns and crumbles in the pan, not a skillet of chopped mushrooms. Pea protein brings the structure. Oyster mushroom brings the savoury depth (here's why mushrooms taste meaty). Some people call it mushroom meat. We call it Plant-Based Meat.
Here's what's in each flavour:
- Natural: Water, Protein blend (pea protein, oyster mushroom), Mushroom extract, Chicory root powder, Salt. That's it. Five ingredients and 21 g protein per serving.
- Italian: The same protein blend, seasoned with tomato paste, sunflower oil, parsley, spices and apple cider vinegar. 17 g protein per serving.
- Chorizo: The same protein blend, seasoned with sunflower oil, chipotle sauce, spices and apple cider vinegar. 17 g protein and 190 calories per serving. It won Gold for Product of the Year at BC Food & Beverage's 2024 RISE Awards.
All three are gluten-free and soy-free, and may contain cashews.
Which flavour should you pick?
Natural if you like to season it yourself. Italian or Chorizo if you want dinner half done before you start.
| Flavour | Protein per serving | Flavour profile | Best uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | 21 g | Unseasoned and savoury, a blank canvas | Chili, shepherd's pie, stuffed peppers, rice bowls |
| Italian | 17 g | Tomato, parsley and spices | Bolognese, lasagna, pizza, meatballs |
| Chorizo | 17 g | Smoky chipotle and spice | Tacos, burritos, fried rice, skillet queso |
How do you cook them?
The same way you'd cook ground meat. Add a little oil to a hot pan, break up the ground and let it brown for about 5 minutes. It's ready when it's browned at the edges and crumbles easily.
Give it room in the pan. Crowd it and it steams instead of browning.
Natural takes whatever seasoning you give it. Italian and Chorizo are already seasoned, so they go straight into the sauce or the tortilla. Try Italian in this quick and easy vegan spaghetti bolognese, or Chorizo in this smoky chorizo fried rice. For more tips, see our guide to cooking plant-based ground meat.
Where can you buy them?
Order a 6-pack or 12-pack of Natural, Italian or Chorizo. Can't pick one? The Box of Plant-Based Meat has two of each flavour.
Rather shop in person? Find us at a store near you.
FAQ
Are The Better Butchers grounds gluten-free?
Yes. Natural, Italian and Chorizo are all gluten-free.
Are they soy-free?
Yes. All three flavours are soy-free. The protein comes from pea protein and oyster mushroom.
Are all The Better Butchers products gluten-free and soy-free?
No. The three grounds are. The Better Beast roast is made with wheat gluten, and Better Gravy contains soy and wheat.
Do they contain nuts?
All three may contain cashews. Check the allergen line on the pack if you're cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
Is it just chopped mushrooms?
No. It's a protein blend of pea protein and oyster mushroom, so it browns and crumbles like ground meat.
How much protein is in each flavour?
Natural has 21 g protein per serving. Italian and Chorizo have 17 g each.
Can I use it instead of seitan, tofu or TVP?
Yes. Use it anywhere a recipe calls for a ground, like tacos, bolognese, chili or rice bowls.
