Bypass or Buy - GARDEIN Supreme Falafel Burgers

Gardein has been around for a long freaking time, and I've tried just about everything they've put out to date. Their SUPREME line has been some of my favourite plant-based products I've tried. Their SUPREME Chik'n line is at the top of my list and I've created many recipes featuring those products. 

When it comes to burger alternatives, they also offer a few different options including these Falafel burgers which I was super excited to try. I love falafel, and with the success I'd had with other products from this line, I had big expectations. So, were they as good as other products from the line? 

I plucked them out of the box and was immediately struck by how thick the patties were. They were super thick and uniform in their shape. Perfectly round, thick yellow pucks. I started pre-heating some oil in a skillet and got my toppings ready. I wanted to keep the toppings simple so I could focus on the flavour of the patty itself. Crispy living lettuce, pickled hot peppers, and mayonnaise are what I went with.

As the patties fried up, the pops of green started to really come out. They looked really delicious and vibrant. After frying them up golden brown on both sides, I slapped them on some grilled burger buns with my toppings and excitedly went in for a taste. Upon first taste, I really enjoyed the flavour of the patties. I was picking up some familiar spices that were enjoyable to me and I also really appreciated the texture of the patties as well. Nice and hearty. 

With that being said, I'm not sure I enjoyed the patties as  "burgers" necessarily. I found that the burger as a whole ate dry, but the patty itself was delicious and didn't read as being dry. Was it the buns I chose? Would a different bun have made a difference? Did I not use the right toppings? Would some juicy tomato have helped? I'm not really sure, but I don't think I loved them on buns. With that being said, they were really tasty and I'd definitely eat them again, but maybe in a different format. I could see these crumbled up on a salad, served as a component for a falafel bowl of sorts, in a pita even, but not on buns.

BYPASS or BUY

As you can see, I had Leroy's full attention as I tested these burgers out lol Anyhow, I'd definitely give these a BUY , but it's conditional. Would I buy these again? Yes, 100%! Would I eat them as "burgers" again, no. 

They're comparably priced to the other products in the SUPREME line and the box comes with two patties for about $6.99 Canadian. They're thick, hearty, taste great, and have decent nutritional statistics. There's a lot I'd say I enjoyed about these falafel patties, but as stated, I don't think I'd eat them between two buns again. Bowls, wraps, pitas, so many other options, but definitely not between buns.

Gardein offers a variety of plant-based substitutes ranging from burgers & plant-based chik'n products, to frozen meals to go. Their line has products for everyone and make going vegetarian / vegan easy when you're craving those meaty products but you're giving up the meat!

Check out Gardein's website for their collection of products and availability in your area.
www.gardein.com/

HAPPY VEG