At the time, I couldn't say for sure whether I thought they tasted like steak, but my meat eating father said that they definitely tasted like the steak they were trying to imitate. I guess that means they were pretty bang on. These are definitely a BUY and I can't wait to try them in other recipes!

For someone who didn't really care all that much about nugs when he ate meat, I have an unhealthy obsession with plant-based chicken products! Nugs, burgers, bites, balls, whatever, give them all to me! Any time I spot a new plant-based chik'n on the market, it is snatched and sampled ASAP at home. This obsession ties directly to my former obsession with French fries if you really think about it. Crispy, seasonings, carb vibes, they're basically identical but with the addition of protein.

Without rambling too much, let's just get right in to my 2024 (so far) top plant-based chik'n products because as a self-proclaimed chik'n connoisseur, you guys need my list!

Please, forgive the heinous photos taken at night when the light is less than forgiving. As you can see, they were big patties that hung over the side of the bun. I served them up with some spicy sliced pickles and chipotle mayo. Honestly, the BEST chick'n burgers I've ever had, hands down. The breading was so unbelievably crisp and delicious while the meaty inside was flavourful and juicy. JUICY! Can you believe it? I've rarely had a plant-based patty described as juicy. 

Honestly, these were PHENOMENAL and I can't wait to have them again.

BUY! - Look, there were some short-comings with the patties, but overall, they were really tasty and worked perfectly for my recipe. Despite the inaccurate cook time and frankly, misleading photo of the product on the bag, they were super crispy, flavourful, and did the trick. I could see them utilized as burgers easily with some lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickled hot peppers. They were definitely worth the money and I would buy them again knowing now what they look like out of the bag. I would recommend you guys give them a try and let me know what your thoughts were!

Peep the link below to the Not Co website for a peek at their other products and information about their company and mission!

BUY! - The price is high in my opinion, but the products tasted like they were made with love. Quality ingredients, lots of flavour, and also, let's support our Canadian companies folks! I'd recommend the samosas as they're the signature product, but try their entire line of vegetarian / vegan offerings. I'm looking forward to trying the palak paneer next!

Peep their website for information about their company, how they started, and their product line!

BUY - Outside of the fact that the breading wasn't my favourite, everything else about the Impossible Nugs hit the spot. They had great texture and flavour, and great snackability. As I said, I demolished the entire tray myself which I think says it all folks. Definitely try these out and let me know what y'all thought. Peep the link below for more information about the Impossible Nuggets and other products from the Impossible line.

First thing I noticed was the off white, almost pink hue to the links. This not only matched what I saw on the front of the box, but also gave me a traditional breakfast link vibe. They cook from frozen, and I was using them in a hash recipe, so I started by heating up my oil. Once heated, it was as simple as browning them on all sides until nice & seared & cooked through. Out of the skillet, they were nice and caramelized looking and they had a nice smell as well. Unfortunately, that's where things went haywire.

Looks aside, I sliced them up in preparation for adding them to my hash and tried a piece. They were dry :( I didn't find that they had any natural juiciness and they lacked that familiar snap of a traditional sausage. The flavour was also kind of lacking sadly, like, they weren't terrible but I don't think that's a glowing review by any means. I will say that when I assembled and ate the hash, I didn't mind the sausages combined with everything else and my father who eats meat, found them enjoyable.

BYPASS - Look, they weren't the worst I've ever had but that's certainly not motivation to go and grab another box. Given that we were divided on whether we liked them or not, because it's my blog, I'll go with my thoughts on them. I'd still suggest you give them a try on your own and form your own opinion because at the end of the day, they worked for what I needed them for and you'll be able to finish the box, love them or hate them.

CONDITIONAL BUY - Look, if you're already a fan of the Dr. Oetker line, you'll enjoy this veggie forward option. It checked all the boxes like the original line does but clocked in with fewer calories & fat while providing a bit more in the vitamin / mineral department. If you're going to eat a frozen za, make it one that's focused on giving you the most nutritional bang for your buck.

I will argue that these tend to be on the expensive side, even over priced imo. Wait for them to go on sale because they always do and then they're worth the money. Some places are trying to charge $5.99 Canadian for these teeny tiny little zas and that's where I draw the line.

​Also, there's a difference between boxed, frozen zas and a fresh pie, obviously. If you're craving pizza, like, fresh dough, fresh toppings, melty cheese, etc., order in. This won't satisfy that urge. What it does do though is satisfy the urge to snack and provide a healthy dose of veggies.

Peep the Dr. Oetker website for more information on this line and the other product lines they offer. 
www.oetker.ca/ca-en/our-products/the-good-baker/product-range