Best Vegan Turkey: 7 Great Options for a Festive Feast

In the United States, holiday celebrations, especially Thanksgiving, are synonymous with bountiful feasts. Key dishes grace the table, including pumpkin pies, fluffy dinner rolls, sweet potato casseroles, and creamy deviled eggs. Each item adds to the warmth and spirit of the occasion.

Yet, at the heart of this festive spread sits the turkey. Often considered the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, it is carefully roasted to perfection and presented with pride. This cherished tradition makes turkey not just a meal, but a symbol of the holiday, bringing together family and friends in a moment of gratitude and joy.

With more people cutting out meat from their diets for health and environmental reasons, however, the traditional turkey is no longer a welcome entrée for the vegans’ holiday feast. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of creative turkey alternatives that not only tastes as good the real one but also align with vegan values.

If you are planning a holiday vegan feast and looking for the best plant-based turkey alternatives, we are here to help. We have scoured the market to find the most delicious and satisfying vegan and vegetarian turkey options that will make your holiday celebrations truly special.

We will introduce you to seven fantastic products that can take center stage at your festive thanksgiving table. From TOFURKY to Gardein, Field Roast to Trader Joe’s, we have got all the top vegan options covered. With these recommendations, you can easily put together a vegan-friendly feast for your next celebration.

TOFURKY Roast Vegetarian

The TOFURKY Roast Vegetarian is a classic in the world of plant-based turkey alternatives. It is a savory roast made from vital wheat gluten and tofu, seasoned to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices. The roast is stuffed with a wild rice and breadcrumb stuffing, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. TOFURKY Roast is known for its meaty texture and hearty taste, making it one of the most popular choice for turkey substitutes.

Best suited for:

Those who want a classic vegan turkey alternative with a meaty texture and rich flavor. It is also great for individuals looking for an alternative to turkey that tastes like the real deal but not as expensive.

Pros:

·         The TOFURKY Roast Vegetarian has a satisfyingly meaty texture that closely resembles traditional turkey.

·         The vegan stuffing that is a blend of herbs and spices used in this store-bought roast imparts a delicious and savory flavor profile.

·         Cooking this roast is a breeze; simply follow the instructions for a hassle-free holiday meal.

Cons:

·         Since it is made from vital wheat gluten, this roast is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

·         While many enjoy its hearty taste, some might find it too “meaty” for their liking.

·         The texture of the stuffing inside the roast can be a bit dense for some palates.

Gardein Holiday Plant-Based Roast

Gardein’s Holiday Plant-Based Roast is a mouthwatering vegan turkey alternative that is sure to make your thanksgiving guests hungry for more. This roast is crafted with a blend of pea protein and wheat gluten, resulting in a tender and meaty texture. It comes with a tasty mushroom and wild rice stuffing, and the roast itself is wrapped in puff pastry, giving it a delightful, flaky exterior. 

Gardein’s loaf shaped roast is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Best suited for:

Anyone seeking a flavorful and visually impressive vegan turkey roast.

Pros:

  • Great combination of taste and texture

·         The puff pastry exterior adds a layer of sophistication and a crispy, golden texture to the roast.

·         This perfect vegan roast looks stunning on the table, making it an excellent choice as a centerpiece for special occasions.

·         The mushroom and wild rice stuffing is generously portioned and bursting with flavor.

Cons:

·         Like many plant-based roasts, this one contains wheat gluten and is unsuitable for those with gluten allergies.

·         Some individuals prefer less processed options, and this roast contains several processed ingredients.

·         Gardein’s roast is on the pricier side compared to some other vegan turkey alternatives.

Field Roast Celebration Roast

The Field Roast Celebration Roast is a premium vegan turkey roast that combines classic flavors with a gourmet twist. This vegan meat roast is made from a blend of grains, vegetables, and wheat protein, creating a deliciously hearty and moist texture.

In terms of vegan ingredients, this is stuffed with butternut squash, apples, mushrooms, and herbs, providing a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. The outer layer of pastry dough adds a delightful crunch to every bite, making it a truly exceptional choice for holiday feasting.

Best suited for:

Those looking for a gourmet vegan turkey roast with a unique flavor profile that they can use a main dish for their vegan thanksgiving dinner.

Pros:

  • One of the best vegetarian turkey alternatives for its taste and appearance. 
  • The stuffing ingredients like butternut squash, apples, and mushrooms elevate the flavor and make it stand out. 
  • The pastry dough exterior offers a satisfying crunch that complements the tender roast. 
  • The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this roast appeals to a wide range of tastes. 

Cons:

·         This  meat-free roast contains wheat gluten, so it is not suitable for individuals with gluten allergies.

·         Field Roast Celebration Roast is often considered a premium product and comes with a higher price tag.

·         While the end result is delicious, preparing this roast can be more involved than some other options, making it an unsuitable choice if you are pressed for time preparing for your holiday celebration.

Trader Joe’s Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast

Trader Joe’s Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast is a budget-friendly vegan turkey roast that does not skimp on flavor. This roast is made from a blend of soy protein and wheat gluten, ensuring a satisfying texture.

It comes breaded and stuffed with tasty wild rice and cranberry stuffing. While it may not have the gourmet flair of some other options, it delivers a delicious and straightforward turkey alternative that will not break the bank, making it one of the best vegan turkey roast you can find in the market.

Best suited for:

Those on a budget who still want a tasty vegan turkey roast to go with their other vegan thanksgiving recipes.

Pros:

·         One of the more budget-friendly vegan alternatives on the market, making it accessible to many.

·         It offers a straightforward and delicious turkey alternative without any frills.

·         The cranberry stuffing adds a sweet and tart element that complements the roast nicely.

Cons:

·         It may not have the gourmet flavors and presentation of some other roasts.

·         This roast contains wheat gluten, so it is not suitable for individuals with gluten allergies.

·         Some may prefer roasts with more complex ingredient lists and flavors which this plant-based turkey alternative does not have.

TOFURKY Original Deli Slices – Roasted Turk’y

TOFURKY Original Deli Slices in Roasted Turk’y flavor offer a convenient and versatile way to incorporate turkey-like flavor into sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.

Made from a blend of wheat protein and tofu, these slices are seasoned to mimic the taste of roasted turkey. They are thinly sliced, making them ideal for quick and easy meal preparation.

Best suited for: 

Individuals who want the essence of turkey flavor in their holiday feast or even everyday meals without the fuss. The product is also suited for those looking to expand their plant-based recipes with the addition of turkey.

Pros:

·         These deli slices are ready to use and can be added to a variety of dishes.

·         They capture the roasted turkey flavor remarkably well, enhancing the taste of your meals.

·         You can use them in sandwiches, salads, or wraps to add a turkey twist to your favorite dishes.

Cons:

·         Some people may find the texture of these slices slightly different from traditional turkey slices.

·         While they offer great flavor, they do not have the visual appeal of a traditional roast on the holiday table.

·         Some people find these deli slices saltier compared to other meatless alternatives.

Lightlife Smart Deli Turkey

Lightlife’s Smart Deli Turkey is another option for those seeking convenient turkey-flavored deli slices. They are made from soy protein and boast a mild and slightly smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional turkey. They are perfect for creating sandwiches, wraps, and salads that satisfy your turkey cravings while adhering to a vegan diet.

Best suited for:

Individuals who crave the taste of turkey in their daily sandwiches and snacks.

Pros:

·         They are easy to use and a quick way to infuse turkey flavor into your meals.

·         The flavor profile is mild and smoky, making it versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes.

·         Suitable for those with wheat gluten sensitivities as it is made from soy protein.

Cons:

·         Some may find the texture slightly different from traditional turkey slices.

·         These deli slices are best suited for everyday meals and lack the elegance of a holiday roast.

·         Like many vegan deli slices, these contain processed ingredients.

Gardein Lightly Breaded Plant-Based Turk’y Cutlets

Gardein’s Lightly Breaded Plant-Based Turk’y Cutlets offer a tasty and easy way to enjoy the flavors of turkey in a convenient cutlet form. These breaded turk’y cutlets are made from a blend of pea protein and wheat gluten, providing a satisfying texture with a mild and savory taste. The delicious vegan gravy included in the pack is rich, elevating the taste of these vegan cutlets. They are perfect for creating turkey sandwiches, salads, or even a turkey-inspired dinner with all the fixings, like mashed potatoes.

Best suited for:

Individuals looking for a versatile and quick plant based turkey in cutlet form.

Pros:

·         These cutlets can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to side dish and main course meals.

·         The breading adds a pleasant crunch and texture to each bite.

·         They offer a mild turkey flavor that’s suitable for a wide range of culinary creations.

Cons:

·         These cutlets contain wheat gluten and are not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

·         While the texture is satisfying, it may not perfectly mimic traditional turkey.

·         Like many plant-based options, these cutlets contain processed ingredients.

Conclusion

Turkey for thanks giving is no longer limited to those who enjoy meat in their meals. As plant-based diets become more common, the selection of plant-based turkey alternatives has grown significantly. This variety ensures that the essence of a traditional thanksgiving turkey can still hold pride of place at your holiday table, without any of the guilt associated with eating animal products.

Choosing the best vegan turkey is a personal journey influenced by your taste preference, dietary restriction, budget, and desire for a memorable holiday experience. Each of the product we recommend above offers a unique take on the traditional turkey, ensuring that there is something for you and everyone else at the table.

With these options, you can create a festive and satisfying holiday meal that will delight both your vegan and non-vegan guests. Expect no leftover after your vegetarian and vegan thanksgiving!