Vegan, Plant-based, Meat-free: Five Up and Coming Brands

Whether you're fully committed to a vegan lifestyle, trying out meatless Mondays, or simply curious about plant-based meals, we have something for you. Germany is known for its thriving vegan food market, offering a wide range of high-quality, great-tasting plant-based meals, side dishes, and snacks—all made with simple, natural ingredients that rival their meat-based counterparts in flavor.

In this article, we introduce five up-and-coming vegan brands from Germany, each offering unique product lines crafted by small and medium-sized, family-owned businesses:

Vitam 

Since 1925, VITAM Hefe-Produkt GmbH has specialized in organic savory spreads, dips & soups, developing a  strong expertise in full-value nutrition. Committed to human health and environmental protection, the company has relied on certified organic ingredients for over 20 years. Try and test the following four product lines: 

VITAM-R yeast extract has been a unique favorite for over 90 years, known for its mild, delicious flavor unlike other yeast extracts. Rich in B-vitamins (including folic acid), amino acids, and minerals, it’s ideal as a sandwich spread or low-salt seasoning for sauces, stews, and more—perfect for vegetarians, children, and anyone needing extra B-vitamins. Also available in an organic version.

Organic Sandwich Spreads: VITAM offers a full range of flavorful spreads made from organically grown ingredients. With their bold, authentic taste, these low-fat, low-cholesterol spreads are a healthy alternative to traditional animal products like cheese, sausage, or pâté—tasting remarkably like tea sausage, fine liver sausage, or Palatinate liver sausage. No animal ingredients, artificial flavorings, or enhancers—just beans, spices, and years of experience. They're organic, vegan, and palm oil-free, making them a delicious, colorful choice for conscious eaters.

Vegetable spreads range from Red Beet to Sweet Potato & Quinoa to Wild Garlic & Sunflower Seed “herb butter.” Many offer added health benefits—supporting the immune system, acting as antioxidants, and helping lower cholesterol. These vibrant, vegan spreads taste as colorful as they look, made from organic vegetables, nuts, and pulses—without fillers like tofu or nutritional yeast. A perfect choice for anyone who values natural diversity and clean, plant-based ingredients.

Vegetable-Yeast and Wild-Mushroom Broths, praised by chefs and winning numerous culinary competitions, are delicious, organic, cholesterol-free, and low in calories. Also available in a vegan "Just-like-Chicken" version, these broths—based on the rich flavor of VITAM-R Yeast Extract—are perfect for seasoning or enjoying on their own, whether at home, on the go, or while dieting.

Seeberger

Since 1844, Seeberger has been dedicated to producing natural luxury fruit and nut snacks of the highest quality, guided by ecological awareness and social responsibility. Originating as a colonial goods store in Ulm, the family owned company grew into Europe’s leading brand for natural nourishment, while staying true to the regional roots in Baden-Württemberg. Globally and locally sourced ingredients are cleaned, processed and packed with a tradition of regional craftsmanship and excellence.

Nuts, Seed, Legumes: Premium-quality nuts and seeds provide a natural energy boost—perfect for home office productivity, post-workout recovery, or relaxed moments with friends. With options ranging from almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, fava beans, chick peas, candied hazelnuts and more, customers can choose according to their taste and lifestyle needs. These nutritious superfoods are ideal for snacking between meals, enhancing breakfast, or staying focused during busy days. Sustainably sourced and crafted to meet Seeberger’s high quality standards, they’re the perfect choice for those who value conscious, natural living.

Dried fruits offer a natural energy boost and a delicious escape from everyday life, transporting you to exotic places like Turkey with their hand-picked apricots or tropical beaches with coconut chips. Sourced from the world’s best growing regions, these full-bodied, naturally sweet fruits contain no added sugar and provide the perfect moment of indulgence and refreshment between busy activities.

Nut and fruit snack mixes offer a high-quality, natural treat perfect for on-the-go hunger or a pre-workout boost. Made from premium ingredients like hazelnuts, raisins, cranberries, aronia, and chocolate chips, these mixes—such as the Superfruit Selection—add variety and energy to your day.

Sweet and salty snacks perfectly blend the best of both worlds—combining juicy dried fruits with premium nuts or sweet almonds enhanced by a hint of sea salt. These irresistible mixes offer a unique flavor experience that satisfies cravings for both sweet and savory in one delicious snack.

Zimmermann

Fränkischer Grünkern (green spelt whole grain kernels and ground kernel flour) is a nutritious and versatile ancient grain rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium. Produced by the family-run Zimmermann Mill in Riedern, Germany, these green spelt whole kernels or flour can be enjoyed in recipes such as plant-based burger patties and green spelt soup.  The Zimmermann Mill prides itself on sourcing grain exclusively from responsible local Bavarian farmers and producing flour and baking mixes free from artificial additives, preservatives, and colorants. Powered entirely by environmentally friendly hydropower, their sustainable products—including old spelt varieties—are known for excellent digestibility.

Henry Lamotte 

Lamotte’s organic sunflower seed-based extract mix is a flavorful, nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to ground meat, perfect for vegan dishes like Bolognese, sloppy joes, or hamburgers. Made in Germany by Henry Lamotte Oil under the "LipoMill" brand, this easy-to-prepare mince offers a nutty, umami taste and crumbly texture, packed with protein, fiber, and minerals.

Seitenbacher

Seitenbacher GmbH, a family-owned German company founded in 1980 by miller Willi Pfannenschwarz, specializes in natural and organic foods with a strong focus on whole grains and health. Known especially for its wide range of nutritious muesli products, Seitenbacher has expanded into oils, baking mixes, snacks, and more, all made in Germany with a commitment to quality.

Rooted in milling tradition and named after the Seitenbach stream, the company emphasizes clean, healthy, and tasty foods aimed at promoting better, longer lives. Seitenbacher is also recognized for its distinctive and quirky marketing featuring its founder, which has helped establish its unique brand identity.