

Lightlife Smart Meatless Jerky, sold at select Giant stores, and Louisville Vegan Jerky, available at MOM’s Organic Markets. (photos by Goran Kosanovic, left and Dixie D. Vereen, right, for The Washington Post)

NO BEEF: When it comes to jerky, texture is key — even if that jerky is vegan and made from soy protein. Lightlife Meatless Smart Jerky features wide strips that deliver a satisfying, dry chew similar to that of meat but slightly softer. We preferred the “original” flavor, although the teriyaki offers a nice balance of sweet and salty. For a smokier treat, we also recommend the snacks from Louisville Vegan Jerky. The narrow pieces pack a chewy taste of Kentucky: Some flavors are concocted with Kentucky sorghum and spices smoked with Kentucky bourbon barrels. While neither snack mimics the texture of meat completely (the Lightlife is a little grainy, the Louisville a little stringy), they both capture an addictive meaty bite — and the tug and pull commonly associated with jerky — that makes it all too easy to eat an entire bag in one sitting.

— Kara Elder

Lightlife Meatless Smart Jerky, $5.49 for 3 ounces. Available at select Giant stores in the District, Maryland and Virginia; lightlife.com. Louisville Vegan Jerky, $3.99 for 2.5 ounces at MOM’s Organic markets in the District, Maryland and Virginia; lvjco.com.