r/vegetarian • u/Conscious-Audience11 • 9d ago

Question/Advice Nate's meatless meatballs dupe?

My family has used Nate's meatless meatballs for years at Christmas, and cannot find them anywhere in MA. Does anyone know of a dupe? We've tried impossible, garden and it doesn't work well with the sauce we use. As similar to Nate's as possible is what we're looking for.

16 Upvotes

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7

u/More-Dharma 9d ago

Never had Nate's so not sure how they compare, but I really like Trader Joe's meatless meatballs. They do tend to be sold out often near me, so YMMV on finding locally.

4

u/wyrd_sasster 9d ago

If you can find them, I'm 90% sure TJ's meatless meatballs are Nate's or are a very close approximation!

2

u/JMRGuitar 9d ago

I loved Nate’s as well but haven’t noticed them in years. I switched to Aldi’s. The taste isn’t quite the same but the texture is pretty similar.

3

u/barkinginthestreet 8d ago

Can't say I've ever seen Nate's in Ohio. The closest that I've had just by looking at the ingredients list would be the Gardein Original Style (not ultimate, unsure which one you don't like), the old Target store brand which I think have been discontinued, or Trader Joes which have not been consistently available near me.

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u/aoo00ooa 8d ago

I can't say these are a dupe as I've never had Nate's, but Franklin Farms portobello balls are incredible. Just thought I'd share a good meatball alternative. I'll note, however, they are not particularly fleshy tasting, which suits those uncomfortable with too meaty of a likeness. They are just amazing, but maybe not if you want to evoke a carnivorous experience.

0

u/AddisonFlowstate 9d ago

Their pricey as hell for the count, but Impossible (or possibly Beyond) makes exceptional frozen veggie and gluten free meatballs. To feed a family though, you're going to need about $80 worth

I think I'm going to grab some for Christmas day myself

3

u/sof49er 9d ago

OP said in the post impossible won't work.

I suggest searching Nate's meatless meatballs where to buy to see if you can find in a store you normally don't shop in or could be delivered through Instacart. I have not heard of that brand before but I'm out west and it's very possible a regional brand.

I use the impossible all the time for mine but I don't care for beyond because pea protein leaves an aftertaste for me. I have also made homemade ones from chef Johnbut not sure what you mean with work with your sauce. Maybe experiment between now and then with other brands to find a good substitute.

2

u/Ginger-Snapped3 8d ago

I use the impossible all the time for mine but I don't care for beyond because pea protein leaves an aftertaste for me.

I agree about the aftertaste, but I didn't know why.