Gardenburger BBQ Riblets Product Review: Vegan Riblets that Are High in Protein, Fiber and Flavor!

Gardenburger has long been a mainstay on the vegan and vegetarian scene. From the original Gardenburger to the array of meatless fare they offer today, over the years Gardenburger has become a household name known for serving up delicious meat alternatives of both the burger and non-burger variety.

Gardenburger BBQ Riblets are one the many non-burger meat substitutes that now grace the Gardenburger product line and, having cooked and served them on a number of occasions, I thought it only fitting to add them to my list of vegan product reviews.

Gardenburger BBQ Riblets are veggie riblets made with all natural ingredients. Each serving has 18 grams of protein, 5 grams of dietary fiber, 3.5 grams of fat, 810 grams of sodium, 580 grams of potassium, 24 grams of sugar, 220 calories, 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 15% of the recommended daily intake of iron. I'm not thrilled about the sodium or the sugar content, but the protein, fiber, calcium and iron are great additions to a healthy vegan or vegetarian meal.

I have served these mini meatless ribs with both rice and vegetables and baked potatoes and vegetables, and received rave reviews on each. These savory, delicious rib substitutes are smothered in barbecue sauce and pull apart easily. They are not chewy or weird like some meat alternatives can be and they truly are de-lish.

So, overall, Gardenburger BBQ Riblets aren't the healthiest meat substitute I've ever come across, but they do offer some positive nutritional qualities and would make a great occasional addition to a vegan or vegetarian diet. They also would make a great meat alternative for flexitarians or meat eaters looking for non-meat protein sources that are full of flavor and that the whole family will devour.

Gardenburger BBQ Riblets come two to a package and, even though one riblet is the serving size, they aren't all that big and they are totally tasty, so my partner and I eat two each any time I serve them. So, keep that in mind when you head out to get some.

So, what is my overall opinon of Gardenburger BBQ Riblets? Buy them. Eat them. Love them.

One little tip - I would definitely go with cooking them in the oven over the microwave. Sure, it takes longer, but the texture and flavor are well worth the effort. Just remember to wrap them up well in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Don't skimp on the foil - it isn't worth the clean up.

On a slightly separate note, I love that Gardenburger puts their vegan symbol right on the front of the packaging for their vegan products. It makes grocery shopping much easier and quicker when you can quickly decipher which products are vegetarian and which are vegan. It would be great if all of the fabulous companies that make organic, vegan, vegetarian and otherwise healthy food would make their packaging as consumer-friendly and Gardenburger does.