What is vegan deli meat?

Vegan deli meat is simply a plant-based version of traditional deli meats. You can use plant-based deli meat anywhere you would normally see deli meat. The PlantX mission is to bring you the best vegan deli meat on the market.

Our carefully selected range of the best plant-based deli meats is bursting with flavor and nutrients. But the benefits of vegan deli meat do not stop at taste and nutrition. 

Consuming animal products has a negative impact on the climate. Greenpeace lay out a comprehensive list of the reasons that consuming meat is bad for the planet.

Switching to plant-based products - such as vegan deli meat - is the right thing to do for your body, for your taste buds, for our planet, our communities, and for the amazing wildlife that inhabits it.

At PlantX we want to bring you the best vegan deli meat to help convince you that plant-based does not equal compromise!

What is vegan deli meat made of?

The best vegan deli meat that PlantX carefully selects for you is made of pure plant goodness. This can include plant-based starches and proteins, soy, rice, seaweed, and wholesome legumes

There’s no standard formula - each plant-based deli meat uses its own unique combination of ingredients that have been carefully developed. 

The protein is then mixed with a blend of herbs and spices to create the flavor profile of deli meat. Each company will use its own blend of herbs and spices depending on what meat they are trying to replicate.


We encourage you to try a few and see what hits the spot! All product pages feature a full list of ingredients.

Are vegan deli meats healthy?

Animal-based deli meats contain high amounts of salt, fat, cholesterol, and preservatives. Studies have found that consuming processed deli meats may contribute to the development of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. Processed deli meats are considered a Group 1 carcinogen.

This is why we are proud to bring you the best vegan deli meat. Our plant-based deli meats are made of wholesome ingredients such as seaweed and legumes and are packed full of plant-based protein. They contain good amounts of iron, folate, and fiber so it’s a win for your body.

We carefully select our range of plant-based deli meats to ensure they are made with simple, natural ingredients that support you. This is why we believe vegan deli meat is healthier than processed animal-based deli meat.

Top vegan deli meat brands

  • LightLife - Deli Slices - Smart Slice Ham

    This delicious vegan deli meat is the perfect addition to a simple salad or sandwich. It’s sweet and smoky with a totally moreish texture that’s better than ham!

  • Field Roast - Lentil Sage Deli Slices

    This plant-based deli meat is lentil-based and packed with garlic, lemon and sage. The rich, savory flavor is perfect in a crusty baguette with some mustard and watercress.

  • Sweet Earth - Traditional Seitan Strips and Slices

    Seitan is made from wheat gluten and has a wonderful meaty texture. These vegan deli meat strips are great not only in sandwiches but in stir fry, salads, and much more.

  • The Herbivorous Butcher - Pepperoni

    Finally the perfect vegan pepperoni! It’s a plant-based deli meat classic that is awesome on pizza, with sliced jalapenos and onions. Alternatively, slice thinly and serve with crackers and vegan cheese, tapas-style!

  • Viana - Vegan Cold Cuts

    Viana Vegan Cold Cuts come in three tasty varieties: Velami, Roast Beef, and Shenandoah. They’re all amazing and will create a huge variety of sandwiches your colleagues will be jealous of.

  • Yves Veggie - Deli Slices

    This brilliant plant-based deli meat comes in 3 veggie varieties: Ham, Bologna, and Pepperoni. Bologna is flavored with mouthwatering onion, garlic, and spices. Try it on Rye bread with mustard and pickles!

Recipes using vegan deli meat

There are so many great vegan deli meats to choose from, you’ll never get bored. What to eat it with depends on which one you choose. Let's look at some of the options…

  • Try plant-based turkey slices in a simple lunchtime sandwich. Lay a couple of slices, alongside some lettuce and tomato, between two pieces of vegan mayo-slathered brown bread.

  • Vegan steak slices are a rich and savory option. Try making a vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Fry some onion and red pepper then layer in a hoagie roll with some vegan steak slices (you can fry these too if you want them crispy). Top with sliced or grated vegan cheese, grill till it melts, and add mustard and ketchup to taste.

  • Unreal Deli Plant-Based Deli Meat Corned Beef Slices have captured that unique corned beef texture that melts in the mouth. Try a vegan version of the classic Reuben sandwich. Load a few into some sliced white bread with sauerkraut, vegan cheese, and a vegan thousand island dressing. You’ll be instantly transported to a New York deli!

  • Salami is a great Italian classic, and Yves Veggie Salami Deli Slices have captured the flavor in a nutritious, plant-based form. They have a deliciously rich and smoky depth to them. Use them in the ultimate vegan muffuletta, alongside plant-based ham and cheese. Layer inside a crusty, round Italian bread with chopped olive salad and roasted red peppers to enjoy this New Orleans classic!

  • Chop up some vegan deli meat to scatter on your favorite pizza. We love a pizza with vegan mozzarella, vegan ham, black olives, onion, and mushrooms. What about a Hawaiian pizza with vegan ham and pineapple?

  • Slice some plant-based deli meat such as salami, ham, or pepperoni, to fry in a pan and add to a tomato-based pasta sauce. We like it when it’s crispy on the edges!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vegan deli meat healthier than real meat?

The best vegan deli meat that PlantX carefully selects for you is made of pure plant goodness. This can include plant-based starches and proteins, soy, rice, seaweed, and wholesome legumes. For this reason, we believe it is healthier for you than the regular fatty, processed deli meats. 

In fact, numerous studies have found that processed deli meats may pose many health risks. In fact, the World Health Organization has classed processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Does vegan deli meat taste the same?

Our plant-based deli meats strive to bring you the flavors of deli meats but without the meat. With their own unique combinations of plant-based proteins, spices, herbs, and vegetables, their flavors are not uniform. 

Each deli meat substitute rethinks the tastes of its meaty predecessor for a healthy, environmentally conscious, plant-based world. Whilst we wouldn’t say they taste exactly like their meaty counterparts, we assure you they taste even better!
Check out the product descriptions for details on the flavors, and read the ingredients list for information on what creates the flavor!

Is vegan deli meat highly processed?

We bring you only the best vegan deli meat to ensure they are minimally processed and made from only the finest natural ingredients. Some vegan deli meat may be highly processed, but we carefully select the best quality, most nutritious products to keep you on the right track. 

Looking at the wider picture, we believe plant-based deli meat to be a more nutritious alternative to fatty, processed deli meats.

Does vegan deli meat contain chemicals?

The vegan deli meat brands we sell contain all-natural ingredients and none of the nasty chemical preservatives or flavorings. Our range of the best vegan deli meat is flavored with tasty plant-based ingredients such as garlic, onion, herbs, and spices. 

We are committed to keeping the products we offer simple, nourishing, and natural. If in any doubt, check the ingredients list on a products page and see for yourself!