Recently, I posted on my Facebook page an announcement that Trader Joe’s was introducing its turkeyless burgers. Since I love to try new vegan products, I went to Trader Joe’s to find the turkeyless burger. So, let’s talk about this new turkeyless burger phenomenon.
WHERE TO FIND TURKEYLESS BURGERS IN TRADER JOE’S
My first obstacle was finding the turkeyless burgers art Trader Joe’s. I assumed, which I should never do, they would be in the freezer section of with the other meatless items. After two attempts, I told my husband our store probably didn’t have the turkeyless burgers yet. But then, a nice young man, who worked at Trader Joe’s pointed me in the right direction.
These burgers are in the refrigerator section next to the real meat, with the other meat alternatives. Apparently they are popular, as there were only two packages left, so I snagged both.
Of course, I glanced at the package to get an overall impression, but I was pleasantly surprised by label and calorie count per burger.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN A TURKEYLESS TRADER JOE’S BURGER?
Let’s check out the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Turkeyless Burger. For instance, the following ingredients are listed in order as they appear on the label.
- Hydrated Pea Protein Blend
- Sunflower Oil
- Natural Flavors
- Methyl Cellulose
- Oat Fiber
- Sea Salt
- Nutritional Yeast
- Onion Powder
- Mushroom Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Fruit Juice (Color)
- Vegetable Juice (Color)
COOKING OPTIONS FOR TRADER JOE’S TURKEYLESS BURGER
Similar to a Beyond Burger, Trader Joe’s Turkeyless burger can be grilled or cooked on a stovetop. As a result, we chose the grilling option, which was quick and easy. The cost of these burgers, however, is a little less expensive at $4.99 for 2 patties.
GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Grill patties for 3 to 4 minutes (we did 4 minutes)
- Flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes (we did 4 minutes) until the patties are lightly charred and heated through.
As a matter of fact, my husband, the grill master, said the turkeyless burgers were easier to cook than the Beyond burger, because it was easier to indicate when they were done. Because there isn’t a red center or “blood color” like the Beyond burger, the turekyless burger was firm and clearly cooked through.
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat pan over medium heat
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes
- Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until heated through
TRADER JOE’S TURKEYLESS BURGER VS. THE BEYOND BURGER
Here is a side by side comparison:
HOW DOES THE TURKEYLESS BURGER TASTE?
Without a doubt, this burger was REALLY GOOD! In fact, the whole family loved them, and they said they wanted me to buy them again. Although we don’t eat a lot of alternative meats, Trader’s Joe’s Turkeyless Burgers got a 5 out of 5 with my crew.
Not only did they taste fabulous, but they were also easy to cook. And, no, they don’t taste like turkey. Instead, they taste like a really good veggie burger that stays together when you cook and eat it. That is always a win with any veggie burger.
I served grilled corn on the cob, a large green salad with Vegan Ranch Dressing, and my Oven Baked FriesbPerfect Crispy Oil-Free and Garlic. I also added Follow Your Heart American Cheese Slices, to the burgers in the last 2 minutes of cooking, for those who wanted vegan cheese. Of course, I also offered lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles as toppings.
Jean bogardus
Sunflower oil is listed as second ingredient. That is a turnoff for me.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Jean, I couldn’t agree more. That was a turn-off, but that is why I try products, list the ingredients, and write the review. That way, you know if it works for your plant-based plan. Everyone follows different plans. Like you, I eat oil-free, so this was indulging for me. Stay safe and healthy 🙂
Brenda
Thanks for the great review. Can’t wait to try them. Like you, I don’t want to eat a lot of processed foods, however, it sounds like these burgers will be a great alternative for cook-outs, and when I’m short on time!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Brenda, thanks for the feedback. They were very good, but like you, I only indulge from time to time when I am testing a product or just curious. Try my beet burger if you are looking for an oil-free option. They grill and stay together when you eat them.
Diane Barnett
I was excited when I first saw this but then I read the fat content per burger and it has added oil and is 14gms per patty. Not for me. I wish someone would make a meatless burger that hold together, isn’t mushy on the inside, and has NO added oils. I guess that is too good to be true.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Diane, I try to review products and try them so I can help inform people so you don’t waste your money or time. Try my beet burger. It does stay together, is oil-free, and easy to make. You can also grill it or make it on the stove. And it doesn’t fall apart. Thanks for reaching out.
Betty Bashaw
Thank you for your review. I, too, couldn’t find the burgers in the frozen food section of Trader Joe’s. Now I know where to look. 🙂 I’m fairly new to your site. Since we are striving toward an oil-free lifestyle, your recipes for dressings have been so wonderful! Thank you.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Betty, I’m glad I could help. I eat oil-free too, but from time to time I buy products and try them so I can help people before they go to the store. I thought they were very good, but I only indulge once in a while. Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it.
Nancy
Did you add or need to add any spices? I sure don’t like a bland burger but I don’t want to over salt either. Just bought yesterday and having tonight! Thanks for the review.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Nancy, I didn’t add any spices. I did add Follow Your Heart Cheese and condiments. I hope you like them. They grill really well.