Updated! Nobody does dairy-free vegetable-based patties like the sensible Dr. Praeger. With no shortage on options, Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers include TEN TWELVE varieties, all made without a drop of milk or speck of cheese!
I’ve yet to sample every flavor, but have happily taste-tested a few thus far. To note, I usually go all-veggie with my burgers. Though a bun occasionally comes into the equation, I prefer them either in lettuce wraps or atop salads.
Tasting Notes for Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers
All of the Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers that I’ve trialed to date got the veggie burger salad treatment, but these very soft and tender patties would also add nice flavor to any sandwich with a burger bun, pita, or simply two slices of your favorite bread.
Super Greens Veggie Burgers
Starting with my most recent trial first – I simply LOVE the ingredients in these things – they’re like a salad in a burger! If you’re looking for a meaty vegan burger, then this isn’t it, but if you love true variation and wholesome ingredient veggie burgers, these tender patties are worth a try. These lightly crispy on the outside, very soft on the inside, potato-y patties are visibly spiked with generous amounts of collards, kale and other greens. They also have stealth wholesome gluten-free ingredients like teff and hemp.
I really enjoyed the pleasant but mild flavor of these Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers as they fit with so many flavor profiles – curry, peanut sauce, tomato sauce, aioli – I even paired them with a flavorful Provencal mustard on the veggie burger bites pictured below! The only downfall is that these patties are quite soft in the middle, much like the California discussed below.
Kale Gluten Free Veggie Burgers
These trendy gems were released just before the summer of 2014, and they are a great addition to the veggie burger world, in my opinion. They actually aren’t overly intense in kale, which I like, but do contain an amazing list of vegetable and grain ingredients that starts with quinoa, brown rice, and millet. Yes, these are gluten-free, too. The Kale Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers are still very soft (not sturdy enough for grilling), but less tender than the Super Greens and California Gluten Free Veggie Burgers. The flavor is excellent, very deep and onion-y with just the right amount of salt. The kale is everpresent and tasty, butnot the least bit bitter. This is a true veggie and whole grain lover’s delight!
California Gluten Free Veggie Burgers
I adore the rich onion flavor in these patties. Dotted with chunks of carrots and zucchini along with whole peas and edamame, there is no doubt that these truly are vegetable-based burgers. My only qualm is that the burgers are very, very soft and a little difficult to handle unless well broiled on each side – even then, they tend to want to be a little mushy and wouldn’t hold up on a standard grill. I actually enjoyed the mouth feel of the texture, but found them difficult to transfer from oven to plate. If gluten-free isn’t a concern for you, Dr. Praeger does have a California burger with gluten that may hold up better.
TexMex Veggie Burgers
My first experience with Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers was the TexMex variety, which I discovered at Trader Joe’s. The first ingredients of these are carrots, black beans, onions, string beans, and oat bran, and the veggie love doesn’t stop there. They are also non-GMO, with no textured soy protein (they use a little whole soy). Whole little bits of vegetables and black beans dotted these Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers and the TexMex flavor was calm and influential rather than overly barbecue. They lacked the “wow” factor for us, but were generally tasty. We just wanted a bit more richness, which could possibly be had with some sliced avocado.
Black Bean Quinoa
I decided to pick up a new-to-me flavor when Dr. Praeger’s products were on sale locally. The Black Bean Quinoa had more protein than the other options (5 grams per patty), so I picked that box. Like some of their other burgers, this one cooks up a bit soft. I recommend frying it in a pan for the best results. It tastes a little bread-y, but I liked it. It had a nice savory flavor, with a hint of spice, and a lot of bean, corn, and grain interest going on. I did’t have a chance to take a picture. However, I found this spot on and enticing shot from Dr. Praeger’s.
The Facts on Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers
Price: $3.99 per 10-ounce (4 patty) box
Availability: Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers are available in the freezer section at natural food stores throughout the U.S and at many conventional grocers.
Certifications: Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers are Certified Kosher Parve and select varieties are Certified Gluten-Free. They are currently working on non-GMO verification and vegan certification for select varieties that are labeled as vegan.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers are dairy-free / non-dairy and vegetarian. Select varieties are also gluten-free, egg-free, and vegan. Nonetheless, check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.
For More Product Information: Visit The Dr. Praeger’s website at drpraegers.com.
35 Comments
The Asian Veggie Burgers are very mushy. They were not very tasty either. I would not recommend them.
They also fall apart very easily.
Thank you for sharing your review Jeff!
Okay, I am a 67y/o disabled vietnam vet, with bad eating habits (better than they used to be), open to making changes with health related motivations (diet/oral drug controlled diabetes, slightly high blood pressure). My problem is first defining truely “healthy” foods and how to prepare them so they are enjoyable. I do miss my big thick ribeye. I just tried Dr. Preager’a Kale/Quinoa burgers. I love them but see how I can easily over do it and end up getting tired of them. If bthe first stage of making the meal transition I am trying to make is starting with fresh veggie salads/roasted veggies then I guess I am starting stage 2, exploring prepared “nutritional” meals. Until I found Dr. Praeger’a products, I hadn’t found many others that helped keep me from returning to old habits. It does get frustrating making changes and finding out later that new research says it isn’t enough and mre changes have to be made. My point is, Thank you Dr. Preager for providing an array of healthy and good tasting products.
That’s wonderful and thank you for sharing your story and review of Dr. Praeger’s Michael! Little changes make a HUGE difference. There will always be conflicting news on what is healthy – got with your gut, your doctor’s advice, and what makes you feel the best.
The California Veggie Burgers, is the best I’ve ever had. It smells incredible. I took it out the package and I couldn’t believe this was coming from a “veggie burger”, like wtf?! I leave it in the oven longer than recommended. I topped it off with shitake mushrooms, onions and bell pepper and some avocado, tomatoes and baby lettuce! I recently became a Vegan. I must say this is a must try for people, who even eat meat!
Agreed! Thanks for sharing Moe – your preparation sounds marvelous.
these taste like baby food. Given by some pediatriian named dr. praeger. containing more fat than falafel, it tastes terrible and is more expensive
Dr. Praegers veggie burgers are the best on the market. Morning star has so many fillers in them.
Dr. Praegers are pure veggies.
Then (my bad)
MORNING STAR VEGGIE BURGERS HAVE CARCINOGENS IN THEM! Cancer causing chemicals. In a “health” food. YES they are delicious and addicting but they are not good for you. Dr Praegers burgers are great.
Hmmm. I heated up the Asian Burger in the oven, as per the instructions on the label this was the preferred method. It completely broke apart. The taste was good, but it does not stay together.
They are the nastiest burgers I have ever had try morning star that brand is great in flavor as well as taste and healthy
Yes, These were the nastiest ‘burgers’ I’ve ever had! Tried baking and grilling these and both times mushy mess of grossness – if that’s a term – !
I had no idea they had so many flavors! These look great.
Indeed – we’re still working our way through them all – but Tony loves the veggie “pancakes” even more. They are super allergen-aware, too!
Dr. Praeger’s gluten free products are my favorite. I am addicted to them. I stock up on them when I go to the store. My favorite one is the gluten free spinach littles followed by the gluten free fish sticks. I would by thrilled to win the giveaway.
Don’t be afraid to try the Asian veggie burger version. It is so tasty and the flavor is always awesome!
I, too, just tried the Asian veggie burgers. I’m not a vegetarian but try to eat healthy. These are the BEST I’ve ever had!!!!! Can’t wait to try the Thai flavored.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing your feedback Lisa.
I am so disappointing that we cannot find the American burger any more. That was by far our favorite and even our friends who still eat meat liked them. We still love the other kinds and Dr. P is the only ones we will buy.
The Black Bean burgers are mazing! My absolute favorite!
great flavor, lots of different veggies
We like the veggie burgers. A low fat alternative to regular hamburgers is always appealing.
I tried the Asian burgers and it was fresh and delicious.
I really love the California Burgers… served on a homemade roll with homemade condiments, some onion and fresh tomatoes in season. Best commercial veggie burger, hands down!
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I love Dr.Praegers veggie burgers and I like the spinach pancakes. I can even get my young son to eat the spinach pancakes, and he does not like anything even slightly green.
I agree the burgers are very soft, but on slices of homemade grain bread with mustard and nice fresh tomatoes, I have a complete lunch, in very little time.
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