I was lucky enough to be sent some coupons to try Gardein, a new vegetarian meat substitute. Here are some of my thoughts!
Information from their website:
what is gardein™?gardein™ is a wholesome range of tasty plant-based foods with a meaty texture. it’s made from soy, wheat and pea proteins, vegetables and ancient grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet and kamut®). gardein™ is easy to digest and free of cholesterol, trans and saturated fats. the majority of gardein™ foods are a good source of fiber and low fat too. gardein™ is also animal and dairy free.
gardein™ is complete protein – containing all the essential amino acids. it’s easy to digest and free of cholesterol, trans and saturated fats. the majority of gardein™ foods provide a good source of fiber and are low in fat too.
Tuscan Breast
What did I think…
I hate to say it, but I was not a fan of this Gardein product. It was the Tuscan breast.
Some pros and cons to this product:
+ Pros +
- Great nutritional value!
- good source of iron
- low fat
- no trans fats
- cholesterol free
- good source of protein
- ingredients gardein™ chick’n breast: water, soy protein, vital wheat gluten, ancient grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet and kamut®), natural flavors (from plant sources), potato starch, expeller pressed canola oil and/or safflower oil, pea protein, modified vegetable gum, carrot fiber, organic beet root fiber, organic evaporated cane juice, yeast extract, sea salt. marinade: water, tomato paste, spices, herbs (rosemary, oregano, basil), red bell pepper flakes, vinegar, citric acid, xanthan gum.
- nutrition facts
– Cons –
- Texture/taste – I am not eating meat because I don’t like the taste of it. I am not ethically against eating meat, I just don’t like it so my problem with this product was that it was trying to be like meat. It had a similar texture, taste and even look as regular chicken, which kind of grossed me out.
- Expense – two of these breasts were $4.59 at my Kroger. That seems like a lot.
This product would be great for someone who loved meat but was trying not to eat it for certain reasons. I have a few coupons left and I am excited to try something different that Gardein makes. I’ll let you know what I think!
Thanks for your honest review. I don’t understand the “meat that’s not meat” phenomenon. If I wanted the texture of meat, I’d eat meat. Boca Spicy Chik’n patties are my exception. I have no idea why. LOL
Why did I just figure out that you’re in Columbus? I live in a really small town near Chillicothe. Hope you’re staying warm and safe with all this snow!
Maybe it’s because it’s been so long since I’ve had meat at all, that I couldn’t tell you if the texture/taste was remotely close. I like that it feels more filling that some of the other meat substitute products. It is pricey unless you find it on sale. I don’t like the Tuscan flavor as much as the plain – which you can modify however you want. One of my favorite products is Quorn.
Since I eat regular meat I find the “look/taste alikes” to be somewhat pale in comparison. However, I am a big fan of boca products–but others I’ve tried just don’t spark me!
Why review a meat substitute if you don’t like the taste / texture of meat? This review isn’t helpful to those who are interested in these types of products as you clearly have different tastes in food then them (not that, that is a bad thing or anything)
Also, for those who “don’t understand” meat substitutes, they’re for people who like meat but don’t want to eat it for a wide range of ethical or nutritional reasons.
Thanks for your comment, Mike. Just to clarify, I don’t dislike all meat substitute products. I like many different veggie/soy burgers as well as some meat substitutes like soy sausage. I am always open to trying new products and I am honest when I give my opinion. I am looking forward to trying some of the other products Gardein offers.
The main problem I have with the non-organic, heavily processed meat analogs is that they are full of questionable ingredients that undergo a lot of manufacturing to become the final product. The ingredients themselves are generally saturated with pesticides, the manufacturing process itself denatures the proteins and fats, is full of unhealthy hidden additives while the advertising creates the illusion of a healthy food. The products themselves are packaged in plastic, which in most cases leaches well known carcinogenic endocrine disrupters like bisphenol-A.
Don’t get me wrong, I can’t say I’m a fan of meat products, they’re even worse in terms of pesticide concentrations, exposure to hormones and high levels of fat and then the cruelty to animals is a huge issue as well. Even ‘humanely’ raised meat still must be slaughtered.
I feel as though in America we have deviated so far away from a natural healthy diet that it’s no surprise products like Gardein are popular. It seems as though there’s a desire for manufactured food, rather than the real thing, regardless of the long term health consequences.