As the resident Now To Love vego, it’s safe to say I’ve had my fair share of veggie burgers. And let me tell you, far too many of them have been dry, lack-lustre and left me doubting my dietary choices.
But for all my fellow vegetarians and vegans out there, we are not alone. In the latest Roy Morgan survey, between 2012 and 2016, the number of Aussies reducing their meat intake either completely or at least somewhat has risen from 1.7 million people to almost 2.1 million.
With numbers like these, we deserve a decent burger alternative to your usual beef or chicken options.
And as luck would have it, we’ve found three of the very best.
Vegan Burger, Chargrill Charlie’s
For any of you thinking that the only source of protein is meat, think again. Lentils are bursting with this nutrient (one cup of cooked lentils gives you a substantial 18g) so they make a great base for a veggie patty.
And the good folks at Chargrill Charlie’s clearly agree, as their new vegan burger patty is made up of lentils as well as carrot, zucchini, potato, sweet potato and onion. Combine that with lettuce, fresh tomato, onion and a splash of sweet chilli sauce served in a soft bun, you’ve got yourself a winner.
The only bad news is that it’s available for a limited time so get cracking and buy yourself one today!
Bursting with lentils and veggies, this Chargrill Charlie’s creation needs to become a regular item on their menu. (Image: Supplied)
Beyond Garden Goodness Vegan, Grill’d
For any recent converts to vegetarianism, this may be the burger for you.
Unlike other plant-based burgers, this one features the Beyond Meat patty, a soy, gluten and GMO-free option that is designed to have the same taste and texture as meat. It’s even stained with beetroot juice to replicate a rare beef patty.
Served with beetroot, vegan cheese, avocado, salad, relish and vegan mayo, it’s safe to say you won’t go hungry with this as your dinner option.
We’re drooling at the sight of this one! (Image: Grill’d)
Superfood Burger, Ribs and Burgers
Ribs and Burgers may have originally been created for the carnivores and they’ve embraced the power of the Beyond Burger, but its latest vego option sounds like you can still enjoy it even if you’re on a cleanse.
Sandwiched between that fluffy white bun is a spinach, parsley, pea, garlic, chilli, turmeric, and cinnamon patty. Yeah the cinnamon bit confused us at first too, but it works.
Add that with some lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, tzatziki, and their signature chipotle pink sauce, vegetarians will be delighted.
Superfoods in a burger? Sign us up. (Image: Ribs and Burgers)
If you’re still thinking about making the switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’re in for a heap of health benefits.
From preventing weight gain to reducing the risk of heart conditions and type 2 diabetes, going vego even for a few days a week can make a huge positive change to your health.
Naturopathic nutritionist Teresa Mitchell-Paterson from Bowel Cancer Australia previously told Now To Love this is largely due to the fact that “plant proteins have no cholesterol, less calories and saturated fat, and plant proteins provide cholesterol lowering plant fibres, blood glucose regulating starch, little to no fat, healthy plant chemicals, minerals and vitamins.”
