Boca veggie crumbles - what do they taste like?

[cheri]

Hello all - I just bought a box of Boca veggie crumbles - apparently inside there are 3 pouches of veggie crumbles, the box also says two pouches are equivalent to 1 lb. of ground beef. I am so afraid to use them now because I am so unsure of how they will taste. What do you think about them and their taste?

[Al_Pal]

I'm so glad someone asked this! I've always wondered about them. I make a meat sauce that I've always wanted to use them in, but I've never been brave enough to try. It just seemed like a lot of effort to go to if there was a good chance it would turn out to be gross. Reading this makes me feel a lot better though, so I'll be giving it a shot sometime soon!

[lloydmarket]

Personally, I like the Veggie Crumbles from Morningstar Farms better. They have a better base flavor and we use them for all kinds of dishes from taco salad to lasagne. They should be a staple in any vegetarian's or health conscious kitchen.

[invinotheresverde]

"They should be a staple in any vegetarian's or health conscious kitchen."

Be aware that any Morningstar products not labeled as organic are loaded with GMOs. While not everything is known about genetic modification, there are many people who believe that the practice poses many serious health risks. Enjoy at your own risk.

[galleygirl]

I guess I've been vegetarian for a Loooooong time, because I thought they tasted just like ground beef...My SO, a meat-eater, was actually the one who introduced me to them...He eats them all the time, mixed with various pasta sauces, over spaghetti squash.

[cheri]

Thanks for all of your replies, I bought them because I want to become a vegetarian again (I keep having lapses), but then got them home and panicked thinking maybe they were going to be like little pieces of rubber. Without trying them, it seemed their texture might be weird. Anyway, you guys have given me a new-found bravery and I will try them! Thanks!

[mcc]

I made chili with the crumbles last week. I thought they were good in my chili. My daughter thought it was ground beef. Don't be afraid.

[LikestoEatout]

I've used them to make stuffed peppers and it tasted just like it would have had I used ground beef. The sauce and spices give it the flavor.

[lizzy]

I agree with the above posters, they don't taste like much of anything. I like the Boca brand because of the pouches, 1 pouch is perfect for two, and I find there texture to be better than the Morningstar Farms brand. I also think the crumbles work well with dishes like tacos, pasta sauce and sloppy joes because they just soak up the flavors of the dish. I wouldn't be afraid to use them, for your first time out choose a recipe with strong flavors and make sure the crumbles are not the main focus of the dish.

[invinotheresverde]

I find there to be, if anything, a very mild flavor which is faintly reminiscent of mushrooms. Again, the flavor is very, very mild. The crumbles really pick up the flavor of whatever you're cooking them with.

[enbell]

They don't taste much like anything really. They do take on whatever flavor you cook them with (pasta sauce, taco seasoning, meatloaf). They're okay, but there is other TVP I prefer cooking with. What were you planning on using the crumbles in?