Product Review: Field Roast Sausage

Even though I am a vegetarian, I obviously wasn't always. Back in my heyday, I enjoyed things that some of us herbivores only dream and salivate over these days-- bacon, chicken wings, and the mac-daddy of all meat products: sausage.

Alright, so maybe not every vegetarian worships this fatty pork product, but life had been particularly lacking without it. No sausage with my eggs in the morning, a particularly depressing Italian soup. I had tried a couple varieties of "fake" sausage-- Morningstar Farms got the taste down, but the texture was way off and it practically disintegrated in my otherwise delicious soup. All of my attempts failed and I was almost convinced there were no products out there to suit my tastes-until I came across Field Roast.

Initially introduced to me by a fellow vegetarian, this product has come to turn my life around. I found it at a local organic and vegetarian friendly grocer in my city. It is, of course, a bit out of the way. However, it is 100% worth the drive. I found two varieties of the sausage in the refrigerated section, and promptly made my way back home to taste this promising new meat substitute.

As mentioned, I purchased two varieties: Italian, and Smoked Apple Sage. I tried both. I was very happy with the results. The sausage had incredible flavor. It tasted identical to the "real meat" counterparts. The texture was (as it always is with these meat substitutes) a bit off, but really not by a whole lot. The sausage certainly didn't disintegrate, or fall apart when I cut it into pieces (and mixed with eggs was delicious). It cooked quickly, and with a little olive oil thrown into the pan browned just like a real sausage would.

As for being a meat substitute, they are also very good for you. Each sausage has 240 calories, 10g of fat, but also boasts between 23 and 26g of protein (depending on which variety you choose). The main ingredient in all varieties is wheat gluten. All of Field Roast's products are. They are also, however, packed with vegetables and fruit. You happen to get a variety of food groups while also taking advantage of the high protein content. It's a win for everyone!

I think my only complaint about this product would be the price-- at a little under $6.00/pack (for 6), it could be a bit cheaper. I've certainly found less expensive fake sausage in other brand names. But for the quality of the product, I would be more than willing to make the purchase again.

In conclusion, if you're vegetarian and miss sausage like the dickens, I would highly recommend checking this brand out. I personally can't wait to try their other products. Perhaps more reviews are to come!