Since autumn is fast approaching, I’m working on some new slow cooker recipes that fit the cooler weather. I was glad to see another brand of veggie Bratwurst at one of my favorite local stores in Charlotte, Healthy Home Market.
I wondered whether Viana, a German-made product (distributed in the states by Tofutown North America) could beat our current favorite, Tofurky Beer Brats. Surely, I thought, Germans must know more about making Bratwurst than a company based in Oregon!
I made the Viana brats with red cabbage, carrots, red onions, and sliced potatoes in a sauce made with stock, Riesling, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and dill. While their flavor was good, their pale appearance didn’t have the “look” of real bratwurst that is well achieved by the Tofurky Beer Brats. We also prefered the texture of the Tofurky Beer Brats. However, to be fair, I will definitely give the Viana Bratwurst another try and will taste both products side by side next time.
Both products are vegan and contain no cholesterol. (Just think about the fact that a typical meat bratwurst has 65 mg. of cholesterol and 28 grams of fat!) The Viana bratwurst has 25 grams of protein and the Tofurky Brats have 24 grams, so that difference is slight. Both are high in sodium: Viana Bratwurst is slightly higher at 800 mg. versus 610 mg. for the Tofurky Brats. Both are made with soy and wheat, although the Viana product also has almond flour (which I found rather odd).
Here are the two things that may make the difference for me – the taste imparted by the Full Sail Amber Ale in the Tofurky Beer Brats and the fact that you get four Beer Brats to a package (14 oz.) versus three of the Viana Veggie Bratwurst (10.58 oz.)
So, for now, although the Viana Veggie Bratwurst is a strong contender. . . the Tofurky Beer Brats are still doing a better job at fooling my family carnivores.
