When it’s time to fire up the grill and get outside for meals, what is the first food that probably comes to mind?
Burgers, right?
Burgers on the grill are a classic summertime food. But what about those who don’t eat meat or want to try something different?
While everyone enjoyed grilled burgers with all their favorite toppings, I grew up eating buns with cheese. But no more! We have evolved, folks, and there are lots of great burger alternatives out there to eat.
As a near-lifelong vegetarian, I am always on the lookout for a good veggie burger I can grill at home. Throughout the years, I have found a few standouts that I buy over and over again. I have also come up with ways to eat them that go beyond the bun.
Here are my three favorite types of veggie burgers. Plus, check out the different ways to style and shake them up to make veggie burgers the star of your meal.
Favorite Veggie Burgers
1. California-Style Burgers
Looking for a veggie burger that tastes like veggies? The California-style burger tops the list. Peas, carrots, and red peppers are often the easiest to spot and taste. Veggies come up big here.
One of the reasons these are a great go-to burger for everyone is the simple flavor makes it easy to dress up this burger to your liking. Top with spinach, cheese, even a fried egg to add a little more protein. Add avocado, tomato, lettuce, and pickle to keep it classic. Or, stick with simple and add good old ketchup and mustard.
These burgers are best enjoyed between the bread or between the leaves for those who like to swap bread for lettuce.
Note that California burgers tend to be on the low side when it comes to protein. Two brands that I really like are Dr. Praeger’s and Wild Harvest. Both come in at five grams per burger.
Where to find them: Hornbacher’s.
2. Black Bean Burgers
I would say black bean burgers are perhaps the best choice for the first-time veggie burger eater. They have a great flavor and a little kick that is somewhat unexpected when thinking of a veggie burger.
My favorite thing to do with black bean burgers is sort of strange: I like to eat them NOT as burgers. I’ll cut up the burger into smaller pieces, then toss in a taco or a salad. Because of their unique flavor, black bean styles offer a great way to add protein to other types of meals.
In addition to a more powerful flavor punch, black bean burgers bring more protein compared to California-style.
My favorite brand here is Morningstar Farms, which come in at 10 grams of protein per burger.
Where to find them: Hornbacher’s, Target, Walmart.
3. Falafel Burgers
I recently discovered the falafel-style burger. I think veggie burgers get a bad rap as being bland or boring and falafel stomps that theory.
This is another good one that can be eaten as a burger or works great cut up and tossed in a veggie wrap or a salad. Think a non-traditional route for a burger but very in line with falafel, additions like hummus and feta cheese.
The Gardein brand falafel burger is the only one of its kind I have found thus far. And it is highest in calories and protein, coming in at 12 grams of protein.
Where to find them: Target.
Other Options
These three burgers are just scratching the surface. There are many other options, including the classic grillers and vegan styles. Personally, I do not love those. I find them to be lacking in taste and with questionable texture.
Also noticeably absent from this list are burgers that try to look, taste and act like actual meat. Think the Impossible or Beyond brands. I’m not into food that’s pretending to be meat. If you want the look, taste and feel of a real burger, have the real burger. Based on everything I have read, the plant-based knock-off varieties are not healthier than true meat burgers.
The veggie burgers on this list are my best recommendations for a non-meat burger that is actually tasty and satisfying. I hope you find them to be a great option for tossing on the grill this summer, as well as enjoying all year round.
Did I miss your favorite type of veggie burger? Are there other ways you dress up yours or use veggie burgers in other meals? Share with me, @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Find more running and wellness advice on my blog, Wellness In Real Life.
As a vegetarian myself, I fully agree with this entire post. Fake meat is gross, these burgers are great.