[038] Product Review: Veggie Patch™ Veggie Dogs

Veggie Patch™ Veggie Dogs 
0g Trans Fat - Good Source of Vitamins B6 and B12
Good Source of Protein - Good Source of Zinc


Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 2 veggie dogs (70g)
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 11g, 17%
Saturated Fat: 1.5g, 8%
Sodium: 560mg, 23%
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g, 4%
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 13g

Allergies: contains eggs, soy, wheat. May contain traces of sesame.


In my first year of vegetarianism I started out exploring tofu options rather than diving head first into meatless "meat" foods. While tofu is a delicious replacement, it's not exactly my cup of tea for every dish that calls for some sort of meat. And believe me when I say, I loved meat before going veg.

I'm less than a week from celebrating my 1st year anniversary of (ovo-lacto) vegetarianism. With that being said, I just tried veggie dogs for the first time. Veggie Patch™ took my veggie dog v-card.

When I first picked up Veggie Patch™ Veggie Dogs I wasn't paying much attention to the brand. I actually thought I was picking up MorningStar Farms®. It wasn't until I made it to the register that I realized my mistake, but I still bought them. For those of you who didn't know (like myself), MorningStar Farms® discontinued their veggie dogs. From what I understand they just recently brought back their corn dogs.

Anyway. I was a little nervous about trying veggie dogs. What if I hated them? What if they taste like cardboard? What if I'm allergic to them? What if they decided they didn't like me? Would our relationship be over so soon? Am I going to end up in the Veggie Patch High School "Burn Book"? "She doesn't even go here!" Okay, clearly I enjoy Mean Girls way too much for my own good. Why would veggie dogs have a Burn Book? Right?

The cooking instructions call for you to boil the veggie dogs in a saucepan of boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain before serving. In fine print they add; Avoid overcooking. Appliances vary. Heating times are approximate and will vary upon number of Veggie Dogs.

I used the smallest saucepan I own to boil some water. I then added 2 veggie dogs (Serving Size 2 veggie dogs, 70g). After allowing them to boil for a few minutes I then reduced the heat and simmered for what I thought was 2-3 minutes. You see, I was distracted by my french fries in the toaster oven. I drained the water from the saucepan and began to inspect the middle of my veggie dogs. I had to make sure these little guys were fully cooked. Of course, they weren't, but that was completely my fault! I immediately boiled more water and added the veggies back to the saucepan.

As I waited for my veggies to finish boiling themselves to perfection I prepared my bread. My boyfriend and I don't eat hot dogs often enough to remember to pick up hotdog buns. But my boyfriend does eat enough buffalo chicken to remember to pick up some hoagie buns. Spinach, honey mustard, and relish are my condiments of choice. Some people may question spinach on a hotdog. I really needed to use my spinach before it started to go bad and I just really enjoy the taste of spinach.

A few bites into my veggie dog sandwich and I decide, "This is actually really good."
Gretchen Wieners would probably say "Veggie dogs are so fetch!" In that case, "fetch" just might happen.

I don't recall these tasting very "cardboardy" at all. Then again, I didn't try it without condiments. Also, I haven't tried other veggie dogs so I don't have other brands to compare this to. Maybe in a future review I'll compare brands.

While reading other Veggie Patch™ Veggie Dogs reviews I have come across this extra bit of information: "For a meat-eater, these aren't going to do it for you - in fact, Ball Park Fat Free Beef Franks has less calories (50 calories per 50 gram dog) and are mighty tasty. But if you don't eat meat, then these will do ... but only just." -i{ATE}A{PIE}.net
"For those of you watching your points, they are 2 points+ each. Not bad!" -The Peppertree

It looks like an 8 pack of these will run you anywhere from $3.50 - $5, assuming your local grocery store carries Veggie Patch. I'd tell you how much I paid for mine, but I threw away my Wal-Mart receipt.

Happy vegging!