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The Top 3 Veggie Burgers
The Top 3 Veggie Burgers
In the beginning, there was the Gardenburger. Today, there are more kinds of veggie burgers in the frozen-food aisle than you can shake a drumstick at. But the perennial question remains: Do they taste good? Yes -- at least the good ones do. And while they can be microwaved in a flash (a big plus when time's tight) like any burger, they taste even better if you throw them on the grill -- Weber or Foreman -- indoors or out.
To rate the tastes, we picked up where the experts left off: with two recent flavor tests done by Vegetarian Times and Consumer Reports. We started with each of their top five picks and did follow-up tests to narrow down to the best.
And the Winners Are . . . RealAge Gold: Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Patties 110 cal., 3.5 grams fat, 350 milligrams sodium, 10 grams protein This burger was seriously underrated in previous surveys; just don't expect it to taste anything like a BK Whopper. This is a real vegetable burger, with visible chunks of carrots, olives, chestnuts, and bell peppers. Once bitten into, the chewy, nongreasy burger unleashes a veggie flavor that’s a real standout. Plus, it's a bit lower in calories than many others.
RealAge Silver: Quorn Chick'n Patties 150 cal., 6 grams fat, 400 milligrams sodium, 9 grams protein It’s possible that these taste better than chick'n! The soy-free patty cooks up crispy outside and juicy inside. Wrap it in warm pita bread with all the fixings, or chop it up and throw it in a spinach salad with some goat cheese and dried cranberries, or have it for breakfast on a whole-wheat English muffin.
One note: Quorn and most meatless "chicken" is made from mycoprotein, a fermented fungus that sounds icky but tastes surprisingly good. However, it has triggered food allergies in some people (as does soy, occasionally). There were zero problems in the tests, but still, better to be aware.
RealAge Bronze: Boca All American Flame Grilled 90 cal., 3 grams fat, 280 milligrams sodium, 14 grams protein This one's for the beef lovers. Boca seems to have perfected the traditional, fast-food, charbroiled flavor, complete with the juiciness of fat without the actual grease. This soy-protein burger is as close to the real thing as you can get without eating red meat. It's also lower in calories and sodium than most of the brands tested, as well as higher in protein.
And if you've still got a soft spot for Gardenburger, try their Savory Portabella. It's low in calories (90) and came in fifth in our taste test, right after Boca Spicy Chik'n Patties.
Special Mention to . . . What the tastiest veggie burgers lack in fat they often make up for in flavor-boosting sodium, and that includes our winners. While their sodium content still doesn't hold a candle to, say, a cup of Campbell's chicken noodle soup, which scores a staggering 1,780 milligrams, all top the 185 milligrams of sodium found in a plain Burger King hamburger (though, add a bun and ketchup, and that leaps to 580 milligrams). For a tasty veggie burger with less salt, try: Morningstar Farms Grillers Original, which came in 7th on our taste test. 130 cal., 6 grams fat, 260 milligrams sodium, 15 grams protein
The Other Reward Making at least some of your burgers veggie burgers does your body good in a simple, powerful way: Avoiding the saturated fat that red meat's filled with can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
It’s baaaa-con! Or is it? We’ve gathered the greatest fake bacon brands for you.
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: Comments (55)
Comments
On the subjrct of fake meat- I soaked some soy protien, then fried it with some onions and added canned sloppy joe mix. My daughter and her boyfriend, who are not vegetarians gobbled that up so fast I am going to have to make more just so I get a sandwich. They said it was great. Posted by: kathleen | April 28, 2008 at 06:02 PM
On the subjrct of fake meat- I soaked some soy protien, then fried it with some onions and added canned sloppy joe mix. My daughter and her boyfriend, who are not vegetarians gobbled that up so fast I am going to have to make more just so I get a sandwich. They said it was great. Posted by: kathleen | April 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I really enjoy two of the MorningStar Products. The Grillers Vegan have a really great taste. The sodium is a little high, but they are only 100 calories per burger, 2.5 Grams of fat (no saturated or trans fats) They have 4 grams of dietary fiber and 12 grams of protein. Their sausage crumbles are also very good. They taste like Italian sausage. You have to be careful to not overcook them, though. Posted by: Jan | April 28, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Okay, hello, Carnivore... The point of "veggie burgers" is that some of us are looking for a good-tasting, convenient source of protein that doesn't involve the animal cruelty of today's factory farms.
As an added bonus, veggie burgers are lower in fat than meat, making them better for our own health as well as a more compassionate choice. Posted by: Mary | January 01, 2008 at 11:18 AM
An easy quick treat is just cook a Portabella mushroom like a burger. Can be put in a bun with all the burger fixings if you like. Wish I could handle any added cheese, but it's still a great easy burger substitute. Posted by: Lois | December 28, 2007 at 10:32 AM
A healthy diet and a healthy life style is the key to longevity of life. Lets also keep in mind that are bodies are the temples of God. Posted by: Zina | December 15, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Try Quorn Grounds in place of groung beef or turkey. My husband will not eat any of the patties but he always wants the Quorn Grounds in pasta sauces. Posted by: Kate | December 14, 2007 at 12:11 PM
One person complained why we don't eat the real cow. There are many reasons as the inspections went away in the 1970's. And, the land area it takes to produce the food for one cow can feed several people on the same piece of land. Growing grasses and grain for cattle to be eaten as a second hand protein doesn't make good ecological sense. Besides, in Genesis 1:29, man was designed to eat fruit, nuts and grains. Animals were to eat vegetables of the field in Genesis 1:30. So, it seems that we were not designed to eat animals as our teeth and digestive system match other mammals in the animal kingdom that have molars and their disgestive tract. Something to think about and research. Posted by: Steve | December 13, 2007 at 07:53 PM
My family has eaten Morning Star Farms Veggie burgers for at least 30 years. Our blood pressure is excellent (110/70), our chlorestol is low and we are basically healthier for it. Before Morning Star Farms, we made our own from Loma Linda or Worthington. There has never been any MSG in any of these products. We eat the salted products sparingly as it is not good for the body either. Thanks for posting this info about veggie burgers. Have been a solid vegetarian since April 1, 1975. A recent heart cath revealed very clean arteries including the carotid. Posted by: Steve | December 13, 2007 at 07:41 PM
Don't they all have msg in them. I used to eat them and loved the crumbles too. Made chili and other things with them till someone said they were full of msg. I can't eat anything with that in it.
Reva Posted by: Reva | December 12, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I love Morning Star Veggie Burgers and eat them because they taste good, not because they pretend to be meat. They are quick to fix and I can feed them to someone who wouldn't eat them if he knew they were called called Veggie anything! And hey, Diana Cao, instead of nitpicking the grammer of these jottings, why don't you learn how to post a comment just once, and why are you so critical, anyway? Posted by: Beth | December 12, 2007 at 12:48 PM
What can be helpfull for pain caused be stenosis of the spine? Posted by: stan Fryer | December 11, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Where can I find the recipes????? Posted by: Elizabeth | December 11, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Some of the writers who submitted their comments need to learn the correct words to use, and a dictionary. One person means content, not contact. And it is "too" much, not to much. Posted by: Diana Cao | December 11, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Some of the writers who submitted their comments need to learn the correct words to use, and a dictionary. One person means content, not contact. And it is "too" much, not to much. Posted by: Diana Cao | December 11, 2007 at 12:02 PM
One thing I have noticed, and not just with the veggie burgers, is that if it advertises that it is low fat, the sodium content is higher than the regular portions, and it costs more. Can anyone explain this enigma? Posted by: Jim | December 10, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Here's a great one from Australia, for all requesting a good vegie burger recipe. Enjoy!!
PORTSEA HOTEL’S CHICKPEA PATTIES
250g dried chickpeas
1 kg potatoes, peeled & chopped
1 medium (150g) onion, chopped
olive oil
2 medium (240g) carrots, grated
2 medium (240g) zucchini, grated
100g shelled peas
1 corn cob, kernels removed
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp tabasco sauce
150g corn chips
1 cup mustard pickles
Soak chickpeas in water overnight, drain. Cook in boiling water for 1 hour or until very soft, drain. Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender, drain. Mash chickpeas and potatoes together.
Fry onion until tender in pan with a little olive oil. Add carrot, zucchini, peas, corn kernels and cumin; stir fry for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Drain vegetables on absorbent paper, stir into potato mixture with Tabasco. Divide mixture into 12, shape into patties. Crush corn chips finely, sprinkle all over the patties, press on firmly.
Heat olive oil in a fry pan, add patties and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes on both sides, or until heated through and golden brown. Serve with the mustard pickles. Posted by: Jane | December 10, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Okay, hello, people... What exactly is the point of "veggie burgers"? for those of you that can't or won't eat meat, why do you look for something that tastes like/simulates meat? Why not just eat normal vegetables?
For those that just want to reduce meat consumption, why not just eat a little less real meat and add more vegetables?
Everything in moderation, right?
And for those of you whining about the sodium content, here is an awesome idea: if you don't like it, DON'T EAT IT! OMG! just eat normal vegetables and stop trying find a substitute for something that can't be matched (at least not until biotech gets a bit more advanced...) Posted by: Carnivore | December 10, 2007 at 05:37 PM
I was glad to see the Quorn Chik'n Patties show up (even though they are not "burgers" per se) but you missed the best of their offerings: the Quorn Chik'n Naked Cutlets are amazing! Yes, still, high in sodium (420 mg), but pretty good on fats. Not a lot of fiber, but low sugar and high protein. Their taste and texture are so close to the "real thing" that my sister had to pull the package out of the trash to show to a vegetarian friend to convince her she hadn't slipped something in on her. I've been impressed with all their offerings, but those are by far the best. Posted by: Sunny | December 10, 2007 at 04:41 PM
I couldn't stand it, I had to nuke a Boca cheese burger with to much sodium before I could finish reading these comments. Tomorrow black bean burgers with to much sodium Posted by: Mike | December 10, 2007 at 03:15 PM
My personal favorite is Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers. It contains 250 mg. of sodium--much less than the top three. It has wonderful flavor and is loaded with veggies--carrots, onions, string beans, soybeans, zucchini, broccoli, corn, as well as oat bran, peas, spinach and spices. Yum! Posted by: Florence | December 10, 2007 at 02:12 PM
I totally agree with your 3 wonderful selections, but nothing compares to any of the 3 items made by Sunshine Burgers of Ellenville, NY. They are UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by: Norrie | December 10, 2007 at 01:59 PM
going off the subject of veggie burgers....the best soups ever are Amy's Soups...so like what a European mother would cook! Very filling and oh so tasty!!
Better than looking for veggie burgers and more filling indeed. Posted by: helen | December 10, 2007 at 01:12 PM
Don't live in the US so can't get any brand of veggie burgers. How about sending a recipe so I can make them from scratch? Posted by: Monica | December 10, 2007 at 12:29 PM
I really enjoy all your research even the general info is good to point the way.
Um; yes I could use some veggie receipes for the patties. Thank you! Posted by: susannah | December 10, 2007 at 12:11 PM
What a treat to find you! Lots of good comment, and useful information, i.e. recipes, etc. that are going to be very useful. I'm 87 and still cooking, and enjoying each day as fully as I can, after I finish tormenting myself at the gym! Keep it up! Posted by: Robert Snook | December 10, 2007 at 11:28 AM
I really love Sunshine Burgers - to me THEY are the best I always feel badly when they are overlooked - great ingredients and big on flavor. Posted by: Miss Edde Sailer | December 10, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Maybe....maybe...I need to try them again. Previously, I tried since they were supposed to be a better choice, but the taste was far from good. In fact, it tasted bitter with some spice (whatever) that I just could not eat. Posted by: mary | December 10, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Re: burgers--I meant to say Morinu silken firm tofu with the "quick" oatmeal for a good baked burger. Then garnish with your choice of salt free katsup, onions, pickles, etc.
again see Page 203 of McDougal's QUICK & EASY COOKBOOK. Posted by: jim | December 10, 2007 at 11:01 AM
What about Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers with real large pieces of vegetables! Now available at Trader Joe's too. My family and I think they are divine (as are all of his products). Posted by: Gwen | December 10, 2007 at 10:36 AM
RE: healty burgers-I make mine out of oatmeal and morinu ofus per the recipie from John McDougal.'s QUICK & EASY COOKBOOK. PAGE 203 Posted by: Jim | December 10, 2007 at 10:34 AM
What about gluten content? I have yet to find one that's gluten-free, though I admit I haven't done exhaustive research. Posted by: B.J. | December 10, 2007 at 09:23 AM
I'm so glad to see other people asking for recipes for veggie burgers. I, too, object to unacceptable additives in pre-prepared food.
But more importantly for me, I'm one of your subscribers who do not live in the U.S. and live in Europe. Your website is super. Keep up the clear recipes with some suggested subsitutes for U.S.-only. brands or ingredients. Cheers! Posted by: Gail | December 10, 2007 at 09:18 AM
You missed the boat in advising us about
veggie burger and good protein what about
the numbers for good carbs and fiber. In my opinion, all meals and snacks should
be balanced with simple carbs (10g), good
protein(7g), good fats (3g) and FIBER and of course low salt.
Posted by: mildred rosin | December 10, 2007 at 09:07 AM
If I had some input for this list, I would have recommended Mushroom Lover's Burger by Morning Star. Posted by: Odocoileus | December 10, 2007 at 09:02 AM
The commercial ones are too salty...how bout some recipes so I can make them. Posted by: Mary Beth | December 10, 2007 at 08:35 AM
I too cannot eat these veggie burgers and would appreciate some mouoth watering recipes that I can make myself Posted by: Mary beth MacCauley | December 10, 2007 at 08:33 AM
I have no interest in fast food, a recipe for veggie burgers from scratch woul be more interesting. Sodium in prepared food is out of line. Posted by: Doris | December 10, 2007 at 07:49 AM
I was eating a Boca All American Flame Grilled patty as I was reading your comments. Having tasty options like these has helped me decrease my meat intake. Posted by: Rudy | December 10, 2007 at 07:46 AM
I would prefer a recipe from scratch, not a rating of fast food. Posted by: melinda | December 10, 2007 at 07:15 AM
If you are really health concious and giving advice to those that are...you should check out the very high sodium contact per burger in each of your choices. tsk. tsk. Posted by: Bob Levey | December 10, 2007 at 07:08 AM
If you are really health concious and giving advice to those that are...you should check out the very high sodium contact per burger in each of your choices. tsk. tsk. Posted by: Bob Levey | December 10, 2007 at 07:07 AM
How bout the boca chicken patties? Posted by: Kathy | December 10, 2007 at 07:03 AM
you mentioned the burger king veggie burger how does that rate in terms of healthfulness Posted by: rob stevenson | December 10, 2007 at 06:35 AM
All well and good, but these veggie burgers are packed with salt. I thought healthy eating included the elimination,or reduction in salt intake? Too bad the processors haven't gotten that right either.
If not for the salt and the fact that veggie burgers are quite expensive for what one gets, I'd be eating them daily. But then what do I know? Posted by: Norman | December 10, 2007 at 06:32 AM
Very interesting...we need to give these a try.My palette seems to be changing lately...for the better, as yours. Posted by: Ron | December 10, 2007 at 06:06 AM
We ate Morningstar Black Bean burgers until my friend discovered they had a lot of dairy product mixed in. That's a real no-no for a vegan, so read that label, folks. Posted by: Dale | December 10, 2007 at 06:04 AM
you don`t say anything about fishes. Your comments are very vlueable. I prefer grilling with charcoal if we can. if possible avoid microwave. Steamed items are better than fried ones. Posted by: joe varkey | December 10, 2007 at 06:02 AM
I, personally, don't like meat, and haven't eaten it in about 10 years, and thusly, I also don't like veggie burgers that attempt to mimic the taste of meat. I prefer to make my own veggie burgers, but barring that, I like the Garden Burger Garden Vegan offering. Posted by: mischa | December 10, 2007 at 05:43 AM
I can't believe that Morning Star's Tomato Pizza Basel didn't make your list! We offered them at a company outing and now everyone at work eats them. They are so delicious that our market can't buy enough. Posted by: Dyan | December 10, 2007 at 05:43 AM
I agree with the Loma Linda/Worthington foods comment. Their veggie meats are awesome, great flavor, good variety and most of their products come in a low fat version as well. Love them!! Posted by: Erika | December 10, 2007 at 04:43 AM
I like the recipes, however, would it be possible to include the grams of fiber in each serving. Thank you, Posted by: Richard | December 10, 2007 at 04:07 AM
I would agree with your choice of the Boca Flame Grilled burger - that one is delicious! I haven't tried the others, so will give them a shot when I can. Posted by: Ann Cummings | December 10, 2007 at 03:32 AM
What happened to Loma Linda/Worthington Foods? They can provide good protien also. I cant find here in Missouri so I have to go online. I am supplying my shelves with it to stock ahead for the months to come and I dont have to pay high prices Posted by: Kat | December 10, 2007 at 01:14 AM
What happened to Loma Linda/Worthington Foods? They can provide good protien also. I cant find here in Missouri so I have to go online. I am supplying my shelves with it to stock ahead for the months to come and I dont have to pay high prices Posted by: Kat | December 10, 2007 at 01:14 AM
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