Boca, Gardenburger, MorningStar

[PinkGlttr]

Just thought it was time for an alternative veggie food pep rally!!!

I just think it is so awesome that supermarkets are carrying these items as common as they carry all the other junk. What a relief to not feel like I am the odd one out....

They are making the most amazing tastin' stuff nowadays where as before I would get frowned on for trying to take care of myself.:)

My favorites are the original gardenburgers, Boca spicy chik'n patties, Morningstar corn dogs and buffalo wings....mmmmm:p

GO VEGETARIAN MARKET!:exercise2

[Paris Madeleine]

My faves:

Boca: spicy chicken patties & their ground "beef"
Gardenburger: the riblet!!!
MSF: breakfast patty, buffalo wings & mini corn dogs

[AdamandEve]

Morning Star has a philly cheese steak flavored burger that is great for 2 points.

[rincaro]

You should see me get all excited when I can get boca vegan burgers - 2 boxes for $5 and I have a coupon! People think I'm loony. Well, people think I'm loony all the time, but that's a different story.

My faves are boca's vegan burgers, morningstar's chik patties and trader joe's corn dog. :sobbing: i sure miss my trader joe's.

[LoserJen]

Last week DH and I bought these really tasty "chick" nuggets and "meat"balls from walmart, but I can't remember the name for the life of me. :ugh:

My weekly faves are MSF veggie crumbles and their veggie sausage crumbles, MSF nine bean loaf, chik patties, and Quorn naked cutlets. We get the Quorn tenders now and then for fajitas or burritos. Mmm!! When we can get to Wild Oats or Whole Foods, I always have to get my Tofurky!!! I love the Tofurky Jerky and the Peppered deli meat! :headover:
Paris: I second the Gardenburger Riblet!! Yum! :p

Veggie meats really have come a looooonnnggg way since I became a veggie over 12 years ago!! :D

[Zina in Zushi]

Morningstar Farm Tomato Basil Burgers are the BEST...they are 2.5 points as they have a little cheese in them. Also The Morningstar Farms crumbles are great.


I make chili with them...here's the recipe...
saute a small onion in Pam
put a bag of crumbles in too
saute all,
add 2 cans of mexican style tomatoes
add 1can of rinsed kidney beans
add a teaspoon of cumin and teaspoon of chili powder....this stuff is great...
3 points for a cup.

[WWCarol]

Oh GREAT! I've got an amazing find to share...

Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burgers!

I found them at Trader Joe's.

I avoided them for quite awhile...I don't like the word "doctor" in my foods, usually... ;) But I finally caved after the enormous amount of "rave reviews" on the WW website.

They are fantastic! 1 point each. [Edit: Sorry, Buddies~ They're 2 points each.] You can see the vegetables in them. On the California, they're Main Ingredient is: carrots!

They taste like...onion rings. And the Bombay (I read) tastes like the Indian appetizers of deep-fat fried batter-covered vegetables.

My DH, DD, and a WW friend have all fallen hard for these veggie burgers~ :D

[rincaro]

SmartLife brand GimmeLean sausage is really good also. I use it to make biscuits with sausage gravy with some tofu scrambler on the side. (Yes, we're hardcore... lol). Because there's really no fat in the sausage and it's high fiber you end up with a very decadent tasting dinner/breakfast for very low points.

[Newliferva]

We put the Boca hot sausages crumbled up in sphagetti, it tastes great. Corrina-I will try the sauage biscuit, sounds good!
:bcbsalute
Katie

[WWCarol]

Just checked the Dr. Praeger's. The California veggie burger is TWO points.

You "broil" it for 5 minutes on each side and it SIZZLES...You can see the fat (canola oil, expeller-pressed)! I think the points are in the oil...:eek:

But the GOOD thing is, the fat makes it very filling. And yummy.

[judyjudyjudy]

Carol -- would these be considered CORE? I would love to try them!

[Joyfulgirl]

I love so many of these! The gardenburger riblets are awesome and so filling (the only analog DB likes), and Boca's original vegan is always good. I also have to say that I love Nate's meatless meatballs... can't find them here, but they are really yummy. I've found one vegan meatless chicken patty that they sell here at my loal store that I like, and it's only 2 points. I'll post the brand name next time I go stock up.

I've heard so many good things about Dr. Praeger's (also from the WW veggie board), and I'm going to pick some up on my next Trader Joe's visit.

SmartLife's GimmeLean is really good, and I've also used it to make biscuits and gravy! I also like their veggie crumbles for a fast protein that I can add to things.

You guys have great taste :D

[Zina in Zushi]

Trying the riblets for the first time tonite....very excited!:headover:

[Zina in Zushi]

WOW! Love them! No need to ever eat meat ribs again!:exercise2

[WWCarol]

Judy~ I would think they're CORE.

On page 26 of the Getting Started booklet, describing the CORE plan food list it says, "Meat substitutes: Vegetarian burgers, frozen."

That's what I would call this Dr. Praeger veggie burger! :D :bcbsalute

[PinkGlttr]

mmm... I hadn't thought about the ribs... they are so yummy. I have some in the freezer... dinner tonight maybe with some fresh shucked corn and brocolli?:exercise2

[judyjudyjudy]

Thanks for the tip Carol :bcbsalute I can't wait to try them!

[EmilyHell]

Judy~ I would think they're CORE.

On page 26 of the Getting Started booklet, describing the CORE plan food list it says, "Meat substitutes: Vegetarian burgers, frozen."

That's what I would call this Dr. Praeger veggie burger! :D :bcbsalute

Dr. Praegers burgers are Definately CORE! the ingredients are almost all veggies:

Carrots, onions, string beans, zucchini, oat bran, fresh soy beans, sprouts, peas, corn, spinach, broccoli, chickpeas, soy, red pepper, arrowroot, corn meal, fresh garlic, soy flake, salt, parsley, black pepper, and canola oil

for the flexers, they're only 1 point each and SOOOO yummy. i prefer the veggie burgers to the soy/ fake meat kind (IE Boca).

Emily

[WWCarol]

Emily~ I thought they were one point, also....Then I plugged in the nutritional information for the California ones...and they were TWO points! :eek:

I wonder if they've changed the nutritional information? :confused:

(Don't forget the fiber cap at 4~)

[PinkGlttr]

I second the fake meat burger- blech! I only like the original gardenburgers versus the imitation meat. I haven't tried many other brands of burgers, but I am thinking of looking into it with all the good gossip goin' around.:)

[EmilyHell]

Carol, you're right! that's so wierd - in the food companion it says one point but when you plug in the info it's two... i guess it's better to count it as two to be safe!

thanks.

[WWCarol]

You're welcome, Emily...I kind of hate to share bad news... :p :sobbing:

[LoserJen]

I think I'm in love......... with TVP!! I had it for the first time last night. I made the Red Beans and Rice recipe from the package and it was sooo yummy!! :D I can't wait to make it again! I need to look for more recipes to use it in, anyone have a favorite they could share?

[sunny4475]

Hello everyone, sorry to barge in on your thread. Have been browsing the site for a couple days now, but registered so I could ask....where do you find Dr praegers veggie burgers? I live in Michigan. Thanks

[judyjudyjudy]

:welcome: Sunny. According to WWCarol, she found them at Trader Joes. I'm going to go there today and see if they carry them here in So. Calif. Not sure if you have Trader Joes where you live or not. Anyway, hope that helps you. Why not stick around for a while! You'll find a lot of useful information plus a lot of support!

[sunny4475]

Thanks Judy, I havnt seen any trader joes out here, but they sound like they are really good....so I was wondering if they could be found in any other grocery stores. I am going to stick around...looks like a great place to be.:D

[Joyfulgirl]

I'm so excited! I just found dr. Praeger's at my local Stop N Shop, and man are those things yummy! The texmex ones that I got are only 1 point each when calculated.

And if anyone ever gets the chance to try Loma Linda, they're incredibly good also. I love their hot dogs, only 1-2 points and they're a pretty good size. They come in a can which was very weird to me at first, but they're delicious. I know that some majoy supermarket chains carry them. They would be in a can on the bottom shelf of their health food section.

[soxgrl]

hello, I also love Dr. Preaggers vegi burgers....I never imagnied they could be soooooo yummy. But, is everyone sure they are 1 pt. I calculated them and thought it was 2 pts. I may be wrong and hope that I am b/c that would mean my favorite sandwhich is only 3pts!!
Kelly

[WWCarol]

Joyfulgirl says the Tex-Mex flavor computes to one point. I have some in my freezer, but haven't tried them yet~ That's good news~ :)

I computed the California flavor at 2 points.

Also, today I had the Gardenburger "Portabella Mushroom"...OMG! It was sooooo good, too~

Choices, choices... :D

[Joyfulgirl]

The nutritional info on the Tex Mex is -

100 cal
3.3 fat
4 fiber

That calculates to just under 1.5 points, and I round it down to 1 point (double checking my points calculator also says 1 point). Those who do half points might want to count it as 1.5

And for that you get 8 grams of protein and 50% vit A. :)

I'm going to try the California one next.

[Newliferva]

Hey, you guys ever try the boca crumbles? yummy as tacos!!

[suzie_lightning]

I finally tried the Dr. Praeger veggie burgers today. I think they are FANTASTIC! They remind me of Indian veggie cutlets my aunt used to make me when I was little. Thanks for sharing the find, buddies--I've been seeing them at TJ's but like Carol, am suspicious of the word "doctor" in my food.

[plcm111195]

I just tried Dr. Praegers today for the first time too. They are only at Costco here in Dallas and a friend from WW took me so I could get some. They are awesome! They only have the California ones here.

Sunny, you can check for stores at http://www.drpraegers.com/buy/index.aspx
It looks like there are Trader Joes in Michigan, just depends on what part of MI you're in.

[Radcliffe]

Okay, so I'm lost on the whole Boca craze. I tried the gardenburgers as well as Morningstar sausage and all I can say is..........EEEEEWWWWW!!!! They were the worst things I've ever had. I'd love to try something to keep my cholesterol and bp down, but there is no way I can eat those things when there's the real deal out there.

Okay, that's it for my rant. :) Are there any other types of products out there like these that have a little more flavor or is it just me and my taste buds? If so, I guess turkey burgers will have to do. :) Thanks.

Laura

[pakmom]

Laura - Try Boca Spicy Chickn burger. I love that one. I can't stand the usual gardenburgers either. Noni

[schlomcj]

Laura: The flame grilled Boca burgers are awesome..I make me a double burger: cook 2 patties on my grill..add a slice of Swiss free & put on reduced calorie whole wheat bun with lettuce, pickle, onion & ketchup...yummmy!! And only 4.5 points for whole thing!!!

[daisyrae]

My faves -

Boca: smoked sausage, Italian sausage and breakfast sausage patties. I love using the smoked sausage in beans and rice dishes.

Morningstar: Better n burgers, bacon, sausage links and patties, corn dogs, crumbles, hotdogs, and the pizza isn't too bad, either.

Quorn: cutlets, nuggets and patties

Nate's: Meatless meatballs - these are awesome! If you aren't sure what they are you can see what they are here (http://www.elenasfoods.com/meatballs.html) The chicken style nuggets are great too. I like to use both in sandwiches, soups or pasta dishes.

Garden Burger: I rarely buy GB products, but I do like the products that are not the meat style. The fake meat type products make me queasy for some reason.

Galaxy: For imitation dairy I love Galaxy brand cheese slices, brick cheese and shredded varieties. Their parmesan is great, too.

[WWCarol]

Glad you Buddies liked the Dr. Praeger's! :D

Now if my Costco would just carry them...! ;)

[jmo818]

You should see me get all excited when I can get boca vegan burgers - 2 boxes for $5 and I have a coupon! People think I'm loony. Well, people think I'm loony all the time, but that's a different story.

My faves are boca's vegan burgers, morningstar's chik patties and trader joe's corn dog. :sobbing: i sure miss my trader joe's.
BJ's wholesale carries the BOCA vegan burger. You get 16 burgers for I think 9 bucks. They hace saved me this summer. I bring them to every BBQ I have gone to, alony with some Portabello mushrooms and corn on the cob. I cook my own food and I have a great time. I've also been grilling the low fat English muffins instead of using a hamburger roll....They come out good on the grill...

[KacyLynnRN]

I just tried the Boca Chili today...it was SOOOO good! A good portion of yummy, spicy chili for only 2 points! Highly recommended!!!

[*Lisa*]

I love the original gardenburgers :) I need to try some of the others :)

[NV_flower]

I just love Morning Star's Black Bean burgers. They don't try to be a "hamburger" but they are tasty!

[Arlene_Dallas]

I went to Dr Praegers website and it says they are available at Costco here in Plano, so I am going to buy some on my next shopping trip. If they dont have the TexMex, I will get some of those at Trader Joes when I am in Cincinnati this month.

Has anyone tried their nuggets or potato pancakes? I saw them listed on the website too.

[OHStar]

Hahaha, I was at G.Eagle Fri. after work, was making hamburgers for DH and needed veggie burgers...debated with myself over Boca: 2/$6 or Morningstar Farms for $4.; love the MSF! The skinny little thing behind the register asked if I'd ever tried Boca...yes, but I LOVE the MSF...and she said her mom feels just the opposite LOL! (Everyone's a critic!)

[Kila]

I am new to trying all these products too. I am hooked on Boca All American flame grilled burgers and Boca crumbles, Boca Chili.

I am anxious to try some of the other brands you are talking about!

[rsante]

I think it was Arlene who recommended them, but I found and tried the Gardenburger brand meatless riblets. Those were VERY GOOD and one riblet, a salad and veggie is a very low point FULL meal.

Thanks Arlene for tipping me off on those.

[ricosha]

I'm with you guys - Morningstar are my faves. Philly Cheese ones are the best!

And, I'm a HUGE fan of the Morningstar hot dogs. They are only 1 point - eat them in a lite whole wheat hot dog bun and it's 2 points for an entire hot dog!!

And, speaking of Boca, tonight I tried a dinner that I found posted on the Singles thread (cooking for one) and it filled me up to the brim and was only about 8 points total for the entire dinner:

I started by browning a Boca burger, added in a quarter cup of black beans, and a couple of tablespoons of medium (fat free) salsa just long enough to warm it all up. I threw it onto a bed of lettuce, tomato and a little FF cheese....it made a heaping plate that filled me up and was an awesome taco salad!

Busted a gut - all for less than 8 points. YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rsante]

bought some of the philly cheese morningstar patties tonight. gonna try them tomorrow. problem is, if i like them i'm out of luck because the place i bought them have discontinued them. once they sell them all they won't get more in.

[Arlene_Dallas]

bought some of the philly cheese morningstar patties tonight. gonna try them tomorrow. problem is, if i like them i'm out of luck because the place i bought them have discontinued them. once they sell them all they won't get more in.
Roger,

I'm bumming with you buddy! Those are my ABSOLUTE favorites and my WalMarts have discontinued them. I cant find them anywhere so once I finish the last box in my freezer I am done :( I am going to Cincy the end of this month so guess I will look for them there.

[mrss]

I just love Morning Star's Black Bean burgers. They don't try to be a "hamburger" but they are tasty!
Me too. :)

[Lulie]

Has anyone tried Morningstar's new Chick'n Strips (I think they have steak as well)? I bought some but I haven't tried them yet. I'm so used to *not* eating, I'm not sure what to do with them. :) I'm thinking of making burritos or fajitas or something like that.

[crazylady]

I also bought some, but have to wait for a night off from work to cook again. Thought I would try some of them in a stir fry with rice, vegs, etc. I tend to only buy MorningStar, not Gardenburger or Boca. I did try some of the ones from LightLife and liked them...again in a stir fry.

[BurlingtonCTMan]

Hello Everyone.

Just tried Dr. Praeger's and they were pretty good, microwaving them they a bit mushy, but taste good.

I like Morningstar/Boca/Gardenburger. Ribblets are good from Gardenburger. I have also made shepards pie with textured protien, mashed potatoes and corn and it was very good :)

Have a great weekend!

[JoyL]

I have tried several but am in LOVE with Dr. Praeger's California Burgers. Zap 'em in the micro for about 30 seconds, then saute them in a pan with 1 tsp. garlic olive oil. Top with A bit of guacamole or FF yogurt. Yummmmmm....:D

Joy

[Theresa S.]

I'm all over the Veggie products.....we eat veggie burgers a lot around here. They make a great quick meal for my DH whose a student and has to get off work, rush home, grab dinner and head to class. :crazy:

[lisam427]

The boca meatballs and burgers are really good. I also like the morningstar farms burgers as well. I have never tried any of their products that i didn't like.

[Kila]

Boca meatball????? I hope my local stores start carrying them! sounds yum, i have alot of ideas for recipes to use them. meatball veggie packets in foil for one!!

[Shayner]

Trader Joe's has lots of great frozen veggie products. i.e. Veggie Corn Dogs, chix nuggets, etc.

Check those out too!

[lulu5724]

I like Amy's California Burgers. They're mostly mushrooms as well as other veggies and no suspicious sounding ingredients. And they don't try to taste like meat. (I hate that kind, the texture is so nasty to me.) The flavor's a little lacking, but that's easily remedied with a little mustard. Two points each.

[andy4pr]

I like the Gardenburgers the best. They have that solay protein in them that doesn't taste beany. Apparently that company sells better soy stuff. Might just be a marketing gimmick but it is on Gardenburgers stuff and I love gardenburgers so it must not hurt!.

[Joyced]

I love Morningstart Farms veggie burgers. They taste fantastic.

[Joyced]

God am I on drugs or what? I MEANT to say Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Burgers. I'm so disoriented from a very busy day at work here, I hope I got the name right at least!:headover:

I really love practically all the Morningstar products. As a vegetarian, they are a great source of good tasting protein to me.

The only product I truly hate is Morningstar Farms Tuno. It's a canned tuna substitute and tastes awful. I will NEVER buy it again.