The $7 Sausages I’m Grilling All Summer Long (I’ll Never Buy Another Brand!)

As a vegetarian, I’m constantly on the hunt for the latest plant-based foods. Despite the stereotype, I don’t just want to eat salads all the time. Nor do I want every single meat alternative to be made of mushrooms. (I’m not exactly sure why mushrooms have become the default plant-based option at restaurants, but we need more variety.) 

Thankfully, in recent years a plethora of alternative meat options have entered the market. Some good, some bad, and some just plain awful. I genuinely like the taste of meat, so when looking for meat alternatives, I do like the ones that aim to mimic its flavor, texture, and umami nature. 

Sausage is one of those meaty foods I crave from time to time, and I’ve searched shelves high and low for the ultimate plant-based version. I want it to pack a punch of flavor and have that familiar snap. ​​After nearly eight years, I think I’ve had more than my fair share. 

While I can’t remember how I first stumbled across Field Roast (it’s been years!), ever since I did I need not search any further.

If there’s plant-based meat on grocery shelves, I’ve probably had it. So trust me when I say these are some of the best plant-based sausages on the market. Field Roast offers a wide variety of delicious plant-based meat and cheese products including deli slices, cheese shreds and slices, pepperoni, burgers, and hot dogs. My favorite are the plant-based sausages. 

I’ve sampled nearly all of the Field Roast sausages, and each one’s flavor and texture is spot on. They sear to a nice golden brown when cooked in a pan and have a satisfying bite and chew. The sausages are made from vital wheat gluten — the primary ingredient in seitan. Because it’s mainly composed of gluten (and hardly any starch), it helps to provide that elasticity and snap you find in traditional sausages. (I’m sure even meat-eaters will love them, too.)

The vital wheat gluten is mixed with water, vegetables, seasonings, and spices, and you can really taste (and see!) the ingredients. The sausages hold their shape well, aren’t crumbly, and won’t fall apart when you take them out of their plastic casing. 

Field Roast sausages are typically sold in a pack of four for around $6 and are available at most grocery stores, which I think is reasonably priced for the quality. (That being said, I will stock up on them when they are on sale.)

My favorite flavor is Italian Garlic & Fennel, which I usually will cut on a bias, sear in a pan, and then add to a pasta dish with veggies. The garlic and fennel really shine and pair well with any sauce. I’ve added them to pesto with frozen peas or tomato basil sauce with wilted spinach, and dinner is done — easy, nutritious, and packed with flavor.

If the Italian Garlic & Fennel is not in stock, then I’m definitely picking up the Smoked Apple & Sage. It’s slightly sweet and herbaceous and is great for sausage and peppers or your next summer barbecue. You could also serve them over some creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. 

The Apple & Maple breakfast sausages are also delicious. These are a bit smaller and sold in a pack of 12. They have the perfect hint of sweetness from the maple syrup without being too cloying and go great with easy homemade pancakes, waffles, or omelets.   

Have you tried these sausages? Tell us about it in the comments below.