Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders Filed under ( product review )

Hi guys and HAPPY WEEKEND! I got home late last night from my business trip and spent today teaching body pump, working, cleaning the house, running errands, etc. When it was time for dinner, I wanted something filling and quick! I remembered that I had a wonderful sampling of Gardein products the company sent me to try out. According to the company, Gardein products are:

"...a tasty new line of plant-based high protein foods with a meaty texture, is a meat-free alternative to chicken or beef. gardein’s texture is very similar to that of animal protein but it’s 100 percent free of animal or dairy ingredients and is made from a blend of vegetables, grains and pea, wheat and soy proteins."

As you know, I am not normally a big fan of soy products (due to the controversy surrounding their safety) however, Gardein products are made from Non Genetically Engineered Soybeans:

and are endorsed by Tal Ronnen, whose recipes I love! I decided to try the Seven Grain Crispy Tenders tonight.

I baked them in the oven according to the package and served them alongside some steamed Brussels sprouts & carrots and a sliced apple (I also had a yogurt on the side).

Up close and personal:

The tenders smelled AMAZING and they look just like chicken. I nervously took a bite of my first tender and waited for that horrible fake meat after taste....but it never came! They are truly delicious and taste just like your traditional chicken tender!! I can't wait to eat these again on a salad or in a wrap.

To give some strength to my review, I baked up a few for my husband to try. I figured this would be the ULTIMATE meat eater test. Josh's thoughts: "I can tell its not chicken, but it tastes really good! And they're actually really appealing to me because there is nothing worse than biting into a tender and getting a chunk of fat and that will never happen with these. I would eat these any night of the week- where can we buy them?" Wahoooooo!

Thank you Gardein for the free samples! I can't wait to try the other varieties (and will try to make sure I post my reviews on all of the products I received). To find Gardein at a store near you, click here.

What are you up to this weekend?? I have to teach Step tomorrow morning and then have some food shopping planned. Other than that, I am hoping to relax and spend lots of time with Josh and Frank.