When it comes to premium vegan steak alternatives, Juicy Marbles and THIS™ Isn’t Steak are two of the most talked-about products on the market – but they deliver very different experiences once they hit the frying pan.
Juicy Marbles instantly feels more luxurious. The marbling genuinely resembles a real cut of beef, and when cooked properly it develops a rich, caramelised crust while remaining tender and moist inside. The texture is what really separates it from other plant-based steaks: it pulls apart in fibrous strands rather than bouncing back like processed soy protein. Every bite feels buttery, savoury, and deeply umami-rich, with a juicy finish that lingers in a way that’s surprisingly close to actual steak. Even the mouthfeel feels more natural and satisfying.
THIS™ Isn’t Steak, on the other hand, leans far more into the “high-protein meat alternative” category. Nutritionally it’s impressive, offering around 31g of protein depending on the cut, while Juicy Marbles typically sits closer to 18–21g per 100g. Calorie-wise, Juicy Marbles averages roughly 156–173 kcal per 100g, whereas THIS™ products tend to land around 180–210 kcal. (Juicy Marbles UK)
Price is another major difference. A pack of Juicy Marbles steaks in UK supermarkets is usually around £8 depending on the product and retailer, making it one of the most expensive vegan meats available. THIS™ Isn’t Steak is cheaper, generally around £7 per pack and often included in supermarket meal deals or promotions.
However, despite the stronger macros and lower price, THIS™ simply doesn’t recreate steak as convincingly. The texture is noticeably drier and firmer, the flavour flatter, and it lacks the rich juiciness that makes steak satisfying. Juicy Marbles ultimately wins because it tastes dramatically better – it’s juicier, more tender, breaks apart more naturally, and delivers a far more realistic and delicious steak experience overall.
Also a conscious reminder that “steak” is a concept, and it’s always better when we choose kindness and veganism!