So here is a returning classic that hits shelves before Thanksgiving, but in my store these hang around until the start of the new year. So while the turkeys might be gone, these vegan turkey-less roasts are there for the vegan or people who prefer to enjoy less meat at the dinner table.
Taste and review
I've seen this product in past years and just never thought to pick it up. I'm not a huge fan of turkey, but I do like fake chicken. So I picked it up before Thanksgiving and enjoyed it the day after. I promptly went back to pick up four more boxes. True story.
And yes, this product can be frozen and does freeze well. And looks a whole lot like Gardein's Holiday Roast.
While I haven't tried the Gardein product, they are clearly distinct from one another. Specifically, this product is vegan while Gardein's is vegetarian. This isn't your traditional turkey taste. Or texture.
What you have here is a breaded product that surrounds a loaf of turkey-less turkey. Within that, you have a stuffing that doesn't quite match up to stovetop stuffing, but it wasn't bad either. There is even a packet of vegan gravy.
If you can adjust your expectations, then what you have here is pretty solid. If you are familiar with a fake chicken patty, then you pretty much have an idea of what this would taste like, on clearly a larger scale.
The product comes in a box that is as sturdy as it gets. What you are doing on your end is nothing more than reheating it.
So after about 45 minutes, I got a turkey-less loaf with the added crunch of breadcrumbs. It was actually really good. Also, the serving sizes were on point. You can get 6 servings from this.
The gravy is far more soy in flavor than a regular gravy, but it was a solid substitute. It was flavorful, but just not as thick as a regular gravy.
Overall
It doesn't match the taste or texture of the turkey. But I didn't find that it mattered one bit. What you have here is a solid, presentable dinner option that would make a vegan happy as well as those who are partaking in the same "roast."
I personally really enjoyed this. I did buy a few more. They do freeze well. For $12.99 this is one of those items that are only around for the holiday season. But if you've ever wondered about it, it's totally worth a try.
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy:
Calories
Ingredients
Directions
Out of the package you get:
After being heated and served with side of Trader Joe's Orange Cranberry Relish you get:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy
Product Name: Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy
Product Description: A vegan turkey-less roast that is only available seasonally
Price: $12.99
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Vegans rejoice as there is a holiday option that is worth checking out.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Vegan and flavorful and not loaded with calories
- Filling and well portioned
- A great options for those who are vegan those who aren't
Cons
- Won't make a hardcore meat-lover choose this over a bird, but that isn't who this product is made for either
- Seasonal.
- For me, the stuffing was the weakness here, but overall I didn't find it mattered too much.
judilyn says
Oddball suggestion . . . If you have a bit of turkey leftover, but not a lot, this might be a way to stretch that amount into several servings, especially if you have leftover gravy to moisten everything. Gravy is easy to keep on hand. It doesn't necessarily need to be used with only the same kind of meat as originally. It can personalize packaged items that would be improved with a bit of flavorful moisture.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! Great suggestion! Thanks so very much for stopping by!
Penelope Tucker says
I’ve been tempted to get this product, but didn’t have any idea if it was good. Unfortunately, my body cannot process a chemical found in turkey (or many other foods), so my favorite protein had to be eliminated from my diet. But this might just be the ticket. I’m venturing out to TJs tomorrow; I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they have a box.
becomebetty says
Hey Penelope! That's a bummer you can't have turkey anymore. I hope you like this as much as I did. I hope your store has this in stock still. I saw this at my local store this morning in the refrigerated section.
Ttrockwood says
I’m vegetarian (and lactose intolerant) and totally loved this!! Glad you enjoyed it so much too!
I thought it was really rich, I don’t eat many faux meats so i just got more portions from this. Cranberry sauce with it is a must! The gravy was good enough but i do wish i had made myself a mushroom gravy to go with it instead. The bit of crunch on the outside of the roast was a great bit of texture
This is such an amazing deal compared to the similar smaller gardein roasts or field roasts! I bought an extra one for my freezer but am hoping to pick up at least one or two more. I even made a thanksgiving style sandwich with a thin slice and some cranberry sauce, a little gravy and chopped roasted veggies :))
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! Great suggestion for me to try this. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insights on this!
Ttrockwood says
FYI i just saw these at my store recently!! Of course i bought two :)) maybe they’re in stock through easter??
Kayla Capper says
FYI all Gardein products are vegan.
Margot says
How long can this be refrigerated before opening?
becomebetty says
Hey Margot! There should be a date on the box. I hope that helps!
Margarita Santiago says
How long can the turkey-less roast last in the freezer?
becomebetty says
Hey Margarita! This item is very well packaged. The box is super thick and then you'll find the product vacuum sealed on the inside. If you see freezer burn then it is less than ideal. But I can't give you an exact time how long it will last.