Which vegan store bought turkey roast is best for your Thanksgiving meal?

With the rise in vegetarian and vegan eaters, there's a likelihood of having non meat eatings guests at your Thanksgiving table. Or perhaps you've even decided to embrace a veg diet or lifestyle. Whatever the reason, you have found yourself seeking the best vegan turkey alternative to serve as a main course for your holiday feast. Fortunately, the abundance of plant-based turkey options makes it easier than ever to choose the perfect one for your preferences.

I've tasted and tested many over the years, but here are some of the best vegan 'turkey' roasts I wanted to call out—with a more in depth description of each below—that will surely please the pallet:

• Tofurky Plant-Based Roast & Wild Rice Stuffing

• Field Roast Sage & Garlic Celebration Roast

• Gardein Plant-Based Lightly Breaded Turk’y Cutlets

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Tofurky Plant-Based Roast & Wild Rice Stuffing

Tofurky is the original vegan turkey brand, and it remains one of the best on the market. The classic Tofurky plant-based roast has a delicious flavor and a generous amount of "meat." The stuffing is also excellent. If you like a higher meat-to-stuffing ratio, this would be a good choice.

Made from a blend of plant-based ingredients, including wheat gluten, water, tofu, expeller-pressed canola oil, natural flavors, sea salt, onions, carrot, celery, garlic, leek, rosemary extract, lemon juice concentrate, oat fiber, corn starch, calcium lactate, and potassium chloride. It is also seasoned with a blend of sage, rosemary, and other spices.

Field Roast - Celebration Roast

The roast is made from a blend of plant-based ingredients, including vital wheat gluten, expeller-pressed safflower oil, wheat protein isolate, yeast extract, and barley malt extract. It's also packed with nutritious vegetables, such as butternut squash, garlic, onions, and lentils. The roast is seasoned with a blend of sage, rosemary, and other spices to give it a savory and complex flavor profile.

To prepare the roast, simply remove it from its packaging and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the roast lightly with oil and bake it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. The roast can be served sliced on its own, with gravy, or as part of a larger meal.

You can use their product finder to pick up at a store near you.

Gardein Plant-Based Lightly Breaded Turk’y Cutlets

The Gardein Plant-Based Lightly Breaded Turk'y Cutlets are a quick, easy and delicious plant-based protein option that is perfect for a quick and easy Thanksgiving accompaniment. Dress up with cranberry sauce or gravy to turn it into a truly festive dish that will leave the veg eaters feeling like they are in the action. Made with a blend of plant-based proteins, including pea protein, wheat gluten, and soy protein, these cutlets are high in protein and fiber and low in fat and calories. They are also seasoned with a blend of savory herbs and spices that gives them a flavor that is both hearty and satisfying. The breaded coating is crispy and golden brown, and the interior of the cutlet is juicy and tender. The flavor is savory and herbaceous, with notes of sage, rosemary, and thyme. The cutlets are also slightly sweet, which balances out the savory flavors. The overall flavor is very similar to that of turkey, making them a great option for those who are looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

In addition to their delicious taste, the Gardein Plant-Based Lightly Breaded Turk'y Cutlets are also very easy to cook. They can be baked, pan-fried, or microwaved, and they cook in just a few minutes.

What vegan roasts will NOT be available this year?

Sadly, according to VegNews, this year, 2023, Trader Joe's, a staple store for veg-friendly items, has discontinued their breaded turkey roast—which is disappointing since that was honestly one of my favorite!