Help with vegetarian burgers

amylouisechambers

Hi everyone! So, recently I decided to become vegetarian - I have a few reasons for this... but that's a story for somewhere else...

I'm trying to up my intake in protein and veggies in different ways. I have a few good recipes for some lovely veggie burgers I'm going to try at some point but for now I wanted some advice on supermarket frozen vegetarian stuff that I've been looking at. I realise everything made from scratch is 10x better than buying packaged stuff but I still want to know what you guys think about them anyway as i'd like to try them for lazy days. I've been looking at some spicy bean burgers and quinoa and lentil burgers from Sainsburys... sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/sainsburys-sweet-potato--quinoa---lentil-burger-x4-350g?langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=d2x%2BbwQ2H%2Fyb2wCkk6mLohvEvqYpJWyiEygQ5iLaVq4fF%2FI19wvy4SoNWmn%2F7cuaDpgC4vQ7jWvhno2QcCNCk0V0muPFyzCIYrXM6ajO9dsfxJl8cJheYbF34h6MjT0obMRr7iuijnblpur0CUEB2sNF02rlM6O17mZY8SYdt4I%3D&ddkey=http%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fsainsburys-sweet-potato--quinoa---lentil-burger-x4-350g
Although they're quite high in fat and salt, do you think I would get much nutrition from these (veggies, protein etc) or are they basically processed rubbish?

janejellyroll

There is no reason to avoid a food just because it is processed and your body actually needs fat to thrive.

When choosing a product, consider if the calories and macro/micronutrients fit into your plans. I would personally prefer a burger that had more protein (this one doesn't have much, as veggie burgers go), but that doesn't mean that it won't fit well into your plans. They don't look like rubbish at all to me -- they have fat, carbohydrates, fiber, protein -- all things your body needs.

I love to make veggie burgers, but I will also often choose commercial faux meat products.

sparklyglitterbomb

The salt is always what gets me in the prepackaged veggie burgers/meatwannabe products. (I remember one "Italian sausage" link had 800 mg sodium) they were also pretty tasteless.. except for the salt. But if you like the taste of the brands you listed and all the sodium doesn't bother you (I don't care for overly salted things) then they are fine as far as I know.

Maybe find a recipe you like, wrap them up and freeze them on your own? Many should do well frozen and then you have your own special recipe on hand for when you don't want to cook.

SkunkOnARug

I'm a vegetarian as well and I personally try not to eat any processed food due to the ingredients in them sometimes, but I looked at the ingredients list on the burgers you posted and I think I'd eat these and hope they would taste good.

HealthierRayne

I have found some brands in my area that are higher in protein such as these Then I just load up the burger with lots of veggie toppings.

I agree with Janejellyroll - if the item you are choosing works for your plan and fits your calories/macros then I say go for it, especially if you like the taste, which is often the toughest part in finding a veg burger you'll want to buy again.

Wophie

Hey! Well done going veggie! As for burgers, its always best to make your own, but obviously sometimes life happens and we need something easy to cook. I would say those burgers look pretty good - the salt although it seems high, is still not too bad, and there is a decent amount of fibre. I have heard good things about these:

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/linda-mccartney-mozzarella-burger-227g

However they are higher in salt and fat, so maybe better for when you've had a lower calorie day, or to have with a big salad instead of chips.

You could also pre-make a lot of homemade veggie burgers to keep in the freezer, meaning you can use them for a quick to prepare meal, and you have full control of the ingredients.

AlisonH729

You mentioned black bean burgers. While not grab and go like a pre-packaged variety, they are pretty easy to make. I use this recipe, but I use less pepper & onion and add in corn that I roast in the toaster oven. (I buy bags of all of those veggies frozen.) You could always make a big batch and freeze them. It ends up being way cheaper too.

143tobe

They sound delicious. When it comes to veggie burgers, I have a few thoughts. Try many different kinds. Yes, some will have a better protein to fat ratio, (Quorn in amazing in that regard, plus they taste most burger-like.) but I think it's most important to find the ones that taste the best to you. There really is only so many vegetables you can smash into a burger for it to really count towards your daily goal, so I find it best to just find the patty that leaves me most satisfied, and to spruce up the burger with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, whatever, to pick up the veggie count. I generally don't count on veggie burgers to up my protein, I could, but the ones I love the most (the Quorn ones) are so good that I just can't limit myself to one, and with the buns, the calories just add up too fast. So I do eat them, but as more of a treat. Regardless of the exact content or macros of the vegetarian hamburger patties you find, like you said, it's for lazy days. As long as it fits in your daily allowance, go for it. The particular ones you linked, sound good, the ingredients seem authentic, but they really would not count as a protein fix if that is what you are going for. Still, I say try them out! If you have just transitioned from a meat eating diet to a vegetarian one, deprivation is not the name of the game. Find what tastes good and satisfies you. Make the macros fit.

whmscll

I don't like the spicy black bean burgers. Too spicy. I like the "regular" frozen veggie burgers. I am not vegetarian but eat them fairly often...sometimes as a sandwich, sometimes crumbld into a lunch salad. I don't worrty about fat and salt. They are pretty low in calories, so that's what I focus on.