Vegetarian BBQ Options for Summer

July 23, 2007

	©iStockphoto
	Veggie burgers are a tasty, low-fat choice for cookouts.

Barbequing is an American tradition—one that millions of us indulge in as the mercury rises every summer. For those of us who are increasingly concerned about how animals are routinely abused on factory farms, there's an abundance of hearty, delicious vegetarian foods ready to throw on the grill.

Each year, approximately 10 billion land animals endure miserable lives and are slaughtered in often shocking ways, many of them to create chicken patties, ribs, and hot dogs for the grill. Factory farms regularly inflict abuses on these animals that would likely result in felony cruelty charges if the victims were the dogs or cats we welcome into our homes.

For example, 500-pound breeding pigs are locked into two-foot-wide gestation crates that prevent them even from turning around for months on end. And more than nine billion chickens and turkeys are slaughtered each year by being shackled upside-down while fully conscious, then electrocuted and cut with mechanical blades. Those who miss the blade drown in tanks of scalding water designed to loosen their feathers.

Fortunately, there are countless satisfying and readily available vegetarian options that taste great, straight from the grill. Whether you barbeque marinated veggie kabobs, a portobello mushroom "steak" or any of the endless variety of mock meats, you're sure to enjoy a satisfying—and humane—cookout.

Fire up the grill and chow down humanely this summer. Sample some of our favorite mock meats for cookouts.

		Tofurky Kielbasa, Beer Brats, and Sweet Italian Sausages
Gardenburger's Chik'n Grill
		Boca's Original Vegan Burger
Amy's Texas Veggie Burger
		Gardenburger's BBQ Riblets

Related Links

The HSUS Guide to Vegetarian Eating

Choice Eats: Chicken-Friendly Products