Photo: Tofurky
Can vegans have turkey during festive meals? Not the ideal question to ask at the table, but thanks to a slew of companies, that could be possible as there are vegan turkey alternatives in the market.
Last year, Vegnews reported that Tofurky sold more than six million vegan turkey roasts since it launched two decades ago. Thankfully, more brands are introducing plant-based turkey substitutes that can take their place as your show-stopping centerpiece.
For this holiday season, we've picked five vegan turkey substitutes you can include in meals based on members' reviews. Whether you're vegan or not, these alternative roasts can help pave the way to a delicious meat-free meal.
Turkeyless protein patties by Trader Joes
For many of our members in the US, Trader Joe's is more than your regular store. This fan-favorite supermarket stocks lots of vegan-friendly products at great prices. That's a big win for us vegans.
Turkeyless protein patties by Trader Joes
Trader Joe's turkeyless protein patties contain 23 grams of protein per serving. It’s made with a combination of oat fiber, nutritional yeast, spices and pea protein.
@beckyyy, who has not eaten a turkey in 25 years, says, "Nice to have a high protein burger option that is a different flavor/variety. Crisps up nice. I used the Everything But the Leftovers to season. Would recommend and will repurchase. Thanks, TJs! Hope these stick around."
Holiday Roast by Gardein
No matter the menu, festive meals are not complete without cranberry stuffing. Gardein's Holiday Roast doesn’t let you miss on this classic ingredient. The stuffing is made with flavorful brown and wild rice, cranberry, and kale filling. Our members say this vegan roast "mimics" the taste of a real turkey, as @agreene428 reviews.
Holiday Roast by Gardein
The meaty and chewy texture is derived from three different types of plant protein, including soy, wheat gluten, and pea. It's easy to prepare and has two packets of homemade vegan gravy. The bonus? It can serve eight, which means plenty of leftovers for the next day. It comes as no surprise then, our member @joyrose calls this "the king of holiday roasts."
Stuffed Turk’y with Gravy by Sol Cuisine
Plant-based brand Sol Cuisine is a familiar name for many Canadians who love their frozen food alternatives. Some of its products are also available in the US. Last year, it launched a Stuffed Turk'y with Gravy for the festive season. This one has lots of cranberries, onions, and celery. This vegan roast has an exterior made with breaded soy and seitan (wheat gluten). Plus, it comes with two vegan gravy packets too.
Stuffed Turk’y with Gravy by Sol Cuisine
@marcusserrao says, "Great tasting. It just came out this year. Made vegan homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted veggies to go with it."
Plant-based roast and wild rice stuffing by Tofurky
Tofurky has built its name over the years, expanding into vegan products like deli slices, tempeh and burgers. If carving meat is a tradition, you can do the same with this savory vegan roast from Tofurky. The company’s version is made with wheat and tofu and stuffed with wild rice and breadcrumbs.
Plant-based roast and wild rice stuffing by Tofurky
You'll also find ideas on how to baste the vegan turkey on the packaging. @hajojo recommends making double the baste, depending on how big your dish is. She says, "If you make the recommended baste (oil, sage, and soy sauce), it's freegin' perfect."
Meatless Turkey Breast by Earth Grown
If you're hosting a small gathering, skip the roast in favor of these vegan turkey breasts for your mains. It comes seasoned with herbs and spices but some of our members prefer preparing without the additional ingredients.
Meatless Turkey Breast by Earth Grown