Paper Palate

Just in time for those Fourth of July barbecues, Vegetarian Times has rated that alternative grill favorite – veggie burgers.

The May/June issue of the magazine rates the commercial brands and even gives a recipe of its own. Since the information is not posted on Vegetarian Times’ own website, I thought I would share their rankings and grill tips here. (The website has a wealth of recipes and info, but it only has selected content of each issue.)

The Vegetarian Times’ 14-member tasting team sampled more than 25 different vegetarian burgers, patties and other goodies for the grills to come up with an overall winner, plus the top selections in eight categories.

According to Vegetarian Times, the best all-around burger was the Quorn Chicken-Style Patties for their excellent taste and texture. All the other burgers had to play “ketchup” to this overall taster favorite and some brands just didn’t cut the mustard.

Best fast-food style burger was the Boca All-American Flame Grilled for its meaty texture and grilled taste.

Best spicy burger was Boca Spicy Chik’n Patties, which were judged “flavorful with a delish peppery spice.”

Best traditional veggie burger was Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Patties, which were praised for their “nice veggie flavor with a slight crunch from the water chestnuts.”

The favorite mushroom burger was the Gardenburger Savory Portabella, which had “a hint of nuttiness.”

Best California Style Burger was Amy’s California Veggie. Tasters mentioned its “chunks of real veggies.”

The winner of the Tex-Mex category was Dr. Praeger Tex Mex, which won praise for partnering spice, veggies and black beans.

Dr. Praeger brand also scored best “unique” burger for its Bombay patties. The VT taste crew gushed over its Indian spicing.

The best Vegan Burger was judged to be Whole Foods Vegan, which won for its “hearty flavor.” The best spicy burger, California-style burger, unique burger and the Tex-Mex burger were also vegan.

The taste panel found that all the burgers could be grilled easily, even the softer ones, sometimes despite package directions. The magazine’s advice is to put “foil or a grill grate under softer vegetable patties.”

So if you want a vegetarian burger that reminds you of meat or wows you with crunchy vegetables or even one that “tastes like a samosa,” there is a veggie burger out there for you. Go forth and grill. With relish.