unMEAT Luncheon Meat-Style

As a Boomer, I can't see this product, or the brand name pig based product for which this substitutes, without the bit from Monty Python running through my head. I do have one minor gripe, not enough to dock a *, but it isn't ready to eat out of the can. I also wish it were available in smaller quantities, but it's getting used. I was never a huge fan of the pig based version of this, but every once in a while I would get a hankerin' for it. But I quit eating pork decades ago, (now I'm a vegetarian, but not vegan) and quite frankly, the commercials are quite effective. So I broke down and got the big box without knowing if I'd like it. This stuff tastes great. The texture isn't quite the same, this one is less rubbery and just a tiny bit gritty. Not a huge difference, but it is different. Fried up as a side... alternative to sausage at breakfast, cooked in an omelet, (again, not a vegan), I've even had it with pasta. And of course, sandwiches. So as versatile as the pig based product. And it doesn't have that foul pig smell like bacon or sausage, but then again, a good grade of ham doesn't either. Bottom line, if you like vegetable based meat, most likely you'll like this one. I do wish it came in smaller quantities, though.

I grew up in the South of an Appalachian mom and in a very modest home. Spam, and to a lesser degree its competitor Treet, were often on the table. As an adult, I stopped eating meat and was eventually a strict vegan for 11 years, modifying to pescatarian just in the last few. But there has always been this part of my comfort food memory associated with the deliciously greasy, salty, slightly sweet canned luncheon meat that has never been satisfied by anything else. Until now. It is gratifyingly salty but not so much as Spam, having only 34% of the sodium per serving. It has enough fat to stand on its own in the frying pan, but 6 grams less. And 50 fewer calories to boot, although to be honest I don’t think many buying this would be primarily interested in how it’s a healthier alternative. What matters to most consumers including me, is the flavor, texture and versatility. So far, I have used it just fried for sandwiches, cooked “Hawaiian style” with pineapple and teriyaki, diced into chef salad, in potato soup, as a side to eggs, and tossed into noodles. Basically I’ve recreated all those struggle meals that seemed so great to me as a kid. And it stands up to everything. It fills the intended niche almost perfectly. Nothing about it would make it deserving of a full star off but it’s always fair when comparing products to give downsides if applicable. It’s slightly more expensive than Spam. When frying, it doesn’t get as crispy, although it does quite well. And the reduced sodium could be a letdown for some, although for me it’s a plus for health reasons. Truly it’s one of the best meat substitutes I’ve ever used and I’ve tried a lot over the last 15 years. My photo is a whole loaf, baked for 30 minutes at 400°F in a frying pan.

Tast and texture and versatility

For a vegetarian who loves sushi, these are great. They are pretty calorie dense, so not the greatest for daily eating. I hate that they are so expensive, maybe take a margin cut.

The canned beef style selection is honestly the worst tasting beef substitute I have ever had. Most plant based beef that I've had range from tolerable to excellent. Except for this. The texture is good, it looks great the gravy is convincing but the taste is horrible. There is a metallic aftertaste that won't go away. And it's just plain nasty. I bought a case, think it would be as good as the other products. I'll have to give it away. I just can't eat it.

This is an awesome product

I love love love this stuff. I decided to buy a whole case after watching a YouTube video reviewing this product (by a supposed meat eater). I have been vegetarian for 35 years but grew up eating meat. So…straight out of the can it has a flavor and texture that reminds me of the canned Vienna Sausages when I was young ( I know…they were gross but there were times we dove in). Slicing it and pan frying in a non stick skillet firmed up the texture, but I would not describe it as rubbery. I do not like rubbery textures in meat substitutes so I always look to make sure the main ingredient is soy. If the primary ingredient is wheat gluten it often has a rubbery texture. Although this product does contain wheat gluten, it is not the primary ingredient and I would not describe the texture, after cooking, as rubbery. However, if you are on a low salt diet you will probably want to eat this in moderation. As far as it tasting like Spam… I would say that, as with all meat substitutes, do not expect it to be Spam. It has the saltiness (but in my opinion not excessive) but as I like salty flavors from time to time, I enjoyed it. Lastly, as I try to eat mostly unprocessed whole foods I will not be eating this every day as any meat substitute would be considered processed food. However, I will thoroughly enjoy this as a game day or other occasion indulgence. I bought the luncheon meat product

This is so good. It's actually good. I want more. Now,Linda, now.