Best Frozen Veggie Burgers?

[gate_pourri]

I am new to the veggie burger. I travel a lot for work and always get stuck in the 'what to eat at the airport that isn't 1500+ calories' for one meal rut. It usually ends with getting a horribly unhealthy burger or greasy fast-food Chinese, and basically saying 'whatever' to the calories/diet.

Over the weekend, while traveling through DCA, I was back in my 'what to get for lunch, I had a horrible week of eating unhealthy while traveling, but wanting it to be healthy' rut. So, I decided to grab the veggie burger from Fuddruckers. I wasn't expecting much, as although I love veggies, I have never really tried veggie burgers, but figured, with the toppings bar, I could probably make cardboard somewhat edible.

OMG - this veggie burger was SOOOO tasty! I am now 4 days out from said veggie burger and I cannot stop thinking about it! It had huge chunks of veggies: mushrooms and water chestnuts were a major component. It was juicy and oh so tasty. And it was only 170 Calories, vs the 560 for a burger, which is a HUGE plus...

So, tonight I tried the Gardenburger Portabello burger and I gotta say.. Meh! It was very grainy (multi-grain rice perhaps?) and very dry... I ate it because I am cheap and it was in front of me, but I am not sure if I will end up eating the last 3 in the box.

So, can anyone recommend a tasty frozen veggie burger? I am not looking for a meat alternative. I want this to taste like veggies... I've Googled the Fuddruckers veggie burger and no one seems to know who supplies them. Can anyone recommend a tasty, veggie tasting veggie burger? Thanks!

 

[ShesAPirate]

Dr. Praeger's. It's the only one I like!
http://www.drpraegers.com/

 

[bgirldeb]

My favorite is the original Gardenburger.

 

[Imzadi]

I have the Gardenburger Portabello burger with a bit of mayo ora slice of cheese. Cuts the dryness. Sometimes, I nuke it in the microwave when I'm too lazy to cook it. That makes it soggy. If the dryness is the only problem, try that.

 

[briannesmom]

I like Morningstar Farms spicy black bean burger. It can be a bit dry but I usually put salsa on top.

 

[gate_pourri]

Dr. Praeger's. It's the only one I like!
http://www.drpraegers.com/

Is this the version that is sold at Trader Joes?

My favorite is the original Gardenburger.

I've read a few reviews that say this one is good, but I wavered and went with the portobello version because I love mushrooms... and am now a bit undecided of the Gardenburger. Is it not too grainy? I felt like the portobello version was very grainy and crunchy.

 

[cepmom]

Dr. Praeger's. It's the only one I like!
http://www.drpraegers.com/

this is the only one I like also. Put it on an Arnold sandwich thin with lettuce tomato onion, sometimes some salsa...sooo good! You can get them at Trader Joes and I see them at regular supermarkets in the healthy or organic section also.

 

[ShesAPirate]

Dr. Praeger's are also sold at Costco, and Stop and Shop.

 

[Imzadi]

I felt like the portobello version was very grainy and crunchy.

How are you cooking them?

It sounds like Fuddruckers might make their own special veggie burger that is not like the "normal" veggie burgers out. Most store bought, vegan veggie burgers will be made with a protein & a grain, to make a complete protein with all the amino acids, for the right nutrition balance. Fuddruckers, if they make their own, might not adhere to that, so they could put in more or less of their own ingredients to get a tasty burger over a properly nutritious one.

It's kind of like trying to find a protein bar not made with peanuts. Almost impossible to do, as that's the protein most of them use.