Taste Test: Faux Turkey Faves

Published November 7, 2011 10:19PM

On the lookout for an un-turkey for your Thanksgiving table? Here’s our roundup of tasty turkey alternatives for the big meal. All but the Wellington are available nationwide at Whole Foods and other natural food stores (details below).

These vegan stuffed cutlets scored rave reviews from VT staffers for their “meaty” texture, breaded crusts, and combination of fall flavors; sold frozen.

What we like: Takes only 30 minutes cook, but guests will think you were baking for hours.
Heads up: No centerpiece roast here, these breaded beauties are individually sized.

Perfectly precooked, this vegan roast got compliments for its gourmet good looks (brown and luscious) and earthy taste; sold in the refrigerated section.

What we like: The crowd-size 2-lb. Loaf really looks like a feast.
Heads up: Because theyre sold fresh, Celebration Roasts cant be bought ahead of time; stores often sell out.

Tofurky Roast

The vegan holiday roast has a satisfying texture and is filled with a tasty herbed stuffing; sold refrigerated or frozen.

What we like: The hearty mouthfeel and rich, juicy taste seem to get better every year. Serving sizes are generous enough for leftovers.
Heads up: Allow plenty of oven timethis baby takes 90 minutes.

For taste-alike appeal, this one wins the most points. Mycoprotein, a product made from, well, fungus, gives it its poultry texture; sold frozen.

What we like: The unstuffed aspect, which means we can use our own stuffing. Plus, its soy-free.
Heads up: This roast is on the small size; the egg whites keep it from being vegan.

Side dishes come center stage in this puff pastry masterpiece, filled with seitan and stuffed with portabello mushrooms, yams, and kale; Available for pickup from Native Foods stores (locations in Southern California, Portland, and Chicago) and shipped nationwide from the Native Foods Café store.

What we like: It doesnt get easier than an entire thanksgiving meal neatly packed into a flaky crust. This is the perfect choice for the busy (or lazy) host who wants to enjoy a “homemade” meal.
Heads up: If youre ordering online, youll have to fork over an additional $55 for overnight shipping. Thats the cost of convenience: your Wellington will arrive on your doorstep the next day, frozen and ready to bake to perfection!