In the war between the Vegan Whole Turkey from Vegetarian Plus and Tofurkey's Feast, the clear winner is the...
Vegan Whole Turkey from Vegetarian Plus
By far my number one choice!
It runs about at about $45---so invite some friends over for a vegan feast and have them pitch in on the purchase!
Rating: 9 out of 10
*Note I've never had a perfect 10, but there's always room for improvement and I'm keeping my eye out for perfection.
It runs about at about $45---so invite some friends over for a vegan feast and have them pitch in on the purchase!
Rating: 9 out of 10
*Note I've never had a perfect 10, but there's always room for improvement and I'm keeping my eye out for perfection.
I used a simple homemade baste that turned out fine: a mix of pureed oranges, vegan beef bouillon, olive oil, and italian herbs.
What the omnivores thought - No complaints from my two omnivore friends who tried it (one of whom is very picky---she didn't complain once while she was eating it, a Christmas miracle).
Texture - Not exactly like turkey but a lot more-so than Tofurkey. It has the stringy consistency that real turkey has but a little squishier (best way i can describe it).
Shape - It's shaped like a turkey as the image shows, the Tofurkey is shaped like a football with softer edges. I like the traditional look of a turkey, the appearance of "a carcass on the table" doesn't bother me because I know it isn't REALLY a carcass on the table---mind over matter.
Taste - Tofurkey has more of a natural turkey taste. The Vegetarian Plus turkey is really sweet, it almost tastes like a sweet roll with the texture of turkey---which is one of the reasons I prefer it over Tofurkey. It may not taste as much like real turkey, but it has a good flavor!
Size - It's advertised to be able to feed over 20 people...that's really not going to happen. It's about twice the size of Tofurkey and will feed maybe 10 people at best.
Drumsticks - They were smaller than I expected (not really the kind you can grip and sink your teeth into unfortunately, I bought it FOR the drumsticks really) but still my favorite part of the dish.
Stuffing - They replaced the rice stuffing (that I read many complaints about on reviews online) with crouton-like bread pieces, so that was good with added seasonings/veggies/fruit. However be VERY careful when stuffing it! You have to be forceful to get it in there, but the turkey will split open on the sides if you're not careful.
Gravy - It was too salty for me and looked like goo even when watered down. Even so it was MUCH better than the one that comes with the Tofurkey---which tastes like piss to me. (I'll rarely throw away food even if I don't like it, but I won't eat the Tofurkey gravy.)
A word of warning: I cooked the turkey for much longer than 1 hour 15 min (the box says 45min to 1hr 15min) and it still wasn't done and I got a stomachache the first 1 or 2 times I ate it (over a period of 2 days). After i put it back in the oven it was fine though. So just make SURE its done cooking before you eat it (I'm not sure how you're supposed to know without trying it...maybe you could email the company and ask for a temperature for the inside of the turkey and check it with a thermometer.)
Tofurkey isn't bad! I ate it for years, but I much prefer the Vegetarian Plus Whole Turkey. So if you have the money for it (because it is a bit expensive) give yourself a treat. If you don't have the finances don't sweat it, the Tofurkey is still very enjoyable.
What the omnivores thought - No complaints from my two omnivore friends who tried it (one of whom is very picky---she didn't complain once while she was eating it, a Christmas miracle).
Texture - Not exactly like turkey but a lot more-so than Tofurkey. It has the stringy consistency that real turkey has but a little squishier (best way i can describe it).
Shape - It's shaped like a turkey as the image shows, the Tofurkey is shaped like a football with softer edges. I like the traditional look of a turkey, the appearance of "a carcass on the table" doesn't bother me because I know it isn't REALLY a carcass on the table---mind over matter.
Taste - Tofurkey has more of a natural turkey taste. The Vegetarian Plus turkey is really sweet, it almost tastes like a sweet roll with the texture of turkey---which is one of the reasons I prefer it over Tofurkey. It may not taste as much like real turkey, but it has a good flavor!
Size - It's advertised to be able to feed over 20 people...that's really not going to happen. It's about twice the size of Tofurkey and will feed maybe 10 people at best.
Drumsticks - They were smaller than I expected (not really the kind you can grip and sink your teeth into unfortunately, I bought it FOR the drumsticks really) but still my favorite part of the dish.
Stuffing - They replaced the rice stuffing (that I read many complaints about on reviews online) with crouton-like bread pieces, so that was good with added seasonings/veggies/fruit. However be VERY careful when stuffing it! You have to be forceful to get it in there, but the turkey will split open on the sides if you're not careful.
Gravy - It was too salty for me and looked like goo even when watered down. Even so it was MUCH better than the one that comes with the Tofurkey---which tastes like piss to me. (I'll rarely throw away food even if I don't like it, but I won't eat the Tofurkey gravy.)
A word of warning: I cooked the turkey for much longer than 1 hour 15 min (the box says 45min to 1hr 15min) and it still wasn't done and I got a stomachache the first 1 or 2 times I ate it (over a period of 2 days). After i put it back in the oven it was fine though. So just make SURE its done cooking before you eat it (I'm not sure how you're supposed to know without trying it...maybe you could email the company and ask for a temperature for the inside of the turkey and check it with a thermometer.)
Tofurkey isn't bad! I ate it for years, but I much prefer the Vegetarian Plus Whole Turkey. So if you have the money for it (because it is a bit expensive) give yourself a treat. If you don't have the finances don't sweat it, the Tofurkey is still very enjoyable.