Gardein Ultimate Bowls Review (Taste Test)

See our Gardein Ultimate Plant Based Bowls Review where we cover price, nutrition, taste and texture of these tofu alternative!

We are taking the guess work out of whether or not these Gardein Ultimate Plant Based Bowls are worth it in our review (and taste test!)

It’s always hard to know where to spend your money when you’re vegan. So many packaged things cost a lot of money compared to their non-vegan counterparts.

You don’t have to worry! We give our 100% honest review ever single time!

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Watch our Gardein Ultimate Frozen Bowls Taste Test:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Bowls Review

Gardein Ultimate Be’f & Broccoli Bowl

Thoughts: Andrew absolutely loved this one as a great option for a frozen dinner. Larisha said she really would like this to have a tad more flavor in the seasoning department, but overall it’s good.

It has a good amount of plant-based meat inside it and the balance of meat to rice to broccoli to sauce is good.

Overall, we would get this one again.

Ingredients: Cooked Rice (water, White Rice), Broccoli, Water, Tamari Sauce (water, Soybeans, Salt, Vinegar), Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Protein Isolate, Sugar, Less Than 2% Of: Canola Oil, Brown Sugar, Onions, Yeast Extract, Corn Starch, Rice Vinegar, Ginger Puree, Methylcellulose, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Malt Extract (malted Barley, Water), Rub (dehydrated Vegetables [red Bell Peppers, Garlic, Onion], Spices, Sugar, Salt), Spices, Salt, Potato Starch, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavors.

Allergens: Wheat, Soy.

Gardein Ultimate Be’f Burrito Bowl

Thoughts: We both really enjoyed this one. It is on the spicier side, but the ingredients are really balanced and flavorful. This would be perfect served with some tortilla chips or even a tortilla to make a burrito on the side.

Ingredients: Water, Cooked Rice (water, White Rice), Cooked Black Beans, Corn, Tomato Paste, Tomatoes, Green Bell Peppers, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate, Less Than 2% Of: Canola Oil, Spices, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Tamari Sauce (water, Soybeans, Salt, Vinegar), Paprika, Caramel Color, Sugar, Natural Flavors.

Allergens: Soy.

Gardein Ultimate Meatball Marinara Bowl

Thoughts: This was the least favorite for both Larisha and Andrew. There is a good balance of noodles to meatballs; however, the pasta sauce was lacking flavor and there was a weird aftertaste to the meatballs (almost like freezer burnt).

We did also let our pasta loving youngest child try this one and she also said it just wasn’t her favorite thing.

This is one that we wouldn’t buy again.

Ingredients: Cooked Cavatappi Pasta (water, Durum Wheat Semolina [enriched With Iron {ferrous Sulfate} And B Vitamins {niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid}]), Water, Crushed Tomatoes In Puree (diced Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Citric Acid), Spinach, Tomato Paste, Onions, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate, Canola Oil, Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Brown Sugar, Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Protein Isolate, Enriched Wheat Flour (wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Spices, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Methylcellulose, Malt Extract (malted Barley, Water), Yeast Extract, Sugar, Crushed Red Pepper, Natural Flavors, Soy Lecithin, Yeast.

Allergens: Wheat, Soy.

Gardein Ultimate Sweet & Sour Chick’n Bowl

Thoughts: Note that there is more in the package than in the photo above; however, I (Larisha) started eating it and almost forgot to take a photo! (WHOOPS!)

We both enjoyed this one. This is the same chicken pieces Gardein uses for a few other things and we enjoy it a lot. The sauce to rice and chicken ratio was great, especially if you are a saucier person.

This was Larisha’s top choice, but Andrew said he’d eat this one again also.

Ingredients: Cooked Rice (water, White Rice), Water, Brown Sugar, Pineapple, Carrots, Enriched Wheat Flour (wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vital Wheat Gluten, Green Bell Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Soy Protein Isolate, Less Than 2% Of: Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Canola Oil, Tomato Paste, Rice Vinegar, Pea Protein Concentrate, Tamari Sauce (water, Soybeans, Salt, Vinegar), Corn Starch, Textured Wheat Protein (wheat Gluten, Wheat Starch), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Methylcellulose, Rice Flour, Salt, Tamarind, Sunflower Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Ginger Puree, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavors, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Sugar, Spices, Titanium Dioxide (color), Dried Chile De Arbol, Leavening (sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Lactic Acid.

Allergens: Wheat, Soy.

Overall Thoughts

There’s a few things that we want to call out.

• We really enjoyed these. The overall flavor profile of each is well balanced and the meat to other ingredients is great.
• The only one we wouldn’t purchase again is the Meatball Marinara.
• These are high in protein (14-18g depending on the bowl), so a great, quick option to get protein if you are traveling.
• While these are small for the price, they are on par with other prices for vegan frozen dinner options.

Have you tried these bowls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Gardein Ultimate Bowls Review (Taste Test) appeared first on Make It Dairy Free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to lose weight?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight by eating a plant-based diet. Eating various fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts, seeds, whole grains, and other plant-based proteins can provide enough volume to fill you up without adding extra calories from unhealthy fats or carbohydrates. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research shows that eating a plant-based diet can help increase metabolism and decrease the risk of obesity. Eating healthy foods rich in fiber and avoiding starches, sugars, white bread, and pasta can further help weight loss and provide essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to be healthy.

What are some common plant-based foods?

Plant-based diets are gaining popularity because of their potential environmental and health benefits. Common plant-based foods include those that are derived from fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. Some excellent sources of plant-based protein include beans and pulses like lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans; lower-fat soya products such as tempeh or edamame; higher-fat nuts like almonds and cashews; quinoa or dairy alternatives made from oats, coconut, or almond milk; vegan yogurt; soy burgers; hemp powder; nutritional yeast flakes; whole wheat bread with no added sugar or vegetable oils; chia seeds; flaxseed oil; whole grain cereals such as oats and barley with added nuts or nut butter. Other plant-based options include healthy fats like olive, avocado, flaxseed, or other nut oils. A variety of ready-to–eat meals are available now to help lower your grocery expenses. A plant-based diet might not be as expensive as others, depending on the food you purchase.

What is the difference between a plant-based and vegan diet?

A plant-based diet can be very different from a vegan diet. A plant-based diet consists of an eating plan that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. This eating pattern generally reduces or eliminates animal products like meat and dairy. However, some animal proteins may still be consumed. Veganism on the other side is a ethical lifestyle choice. This involves eating only plant-based foods and avoiding animal products. So while some vegans may choose to also follow a plant-based diet as part of their lifestyle choice, they are two separate concepts.

Statistics

• A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
• According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

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• Weight Loss


• Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Plant-Based Diets

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• Deteriorating beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a long-term model - PubMed


• A Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Improves Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Adults: A 16-Week Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed

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• Plant-Based Diets for Personal, Population, and Planetary Health - ScienceDirect

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• The Effects of Plant-Based Diets On Weight Status: A Systematic Review by PMC


• Plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals: implementing diet as a primary modality in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease - PMC

How To

How can I incorporate more whole food into a plant-based lifestyle?

Making the conscious effort to incorporate more whole foods into a plant-based diet is essential for optimal health benefits as it helps increase your intake of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Start by replacing processed foods and animal protein with nutritious, high-nutrient alternatives like legumes and seeds. Include whole grains, nuts and fruits as a source of sustenance.

Make sure you have a variety of colors included in every meal. Red pepper strips, oranges and black beans all contain powerful antioxidants which boost immunity. Configure meal plans according to seasonal produce with recipes that tantalize each taste bud - casseroles, stir-fries & smoothies are surefire crowd-pleasers!

Whole foods are also more durable than processed products. It is possible to save time and shop more efficiently by planning your meals in advance.

To create a sustainable balanced lifestyle, you should explore all possible options. From making vegan cookies to substituting fish for chicken, there are many ways to do this. Experimentation is the key to managing your food choices without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Resources:

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