Recently the kind folks of Turtle Island Foods sent me samples of their latest products, which included pies (quiche and pot pies) and Tofurky’s version of “hot pockets.”
I was also given the opportunity to chat with Turtle Island Foods and Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott. And I don’t mean the I-emailed-him-a-list-of-questions-and-he-replied kind of interview. I phoned Seth on a Monday morning for what I promised to be a quick chat. Well, we hit it off and ended up talking for a good, long time about all kinds of things.
I asked Seth why he started his company and his reply was simple – to get people to eat fewer animals. He went vegetarian in 1974 for the environment because, as a naturalist, it just didn’t make sense to him to “run grains through animals.” As he continued his vegetarian diet he realized that it was the best thing for his own health and certainly for the well-being of animals. Today his veganism is rooted in the “three pillars”: environment, animals and health.
In 1980 he made his first product, tempeh, but it was Tofurky that made Turtle Island Foods famous.
During our conversation I shared with Seth my frustration around the criticism that many vegans get for using “transition” foods or “mock meats.” He could relate. He is often asked “Why make food that tastes like meat?” His response is that vegetarians and vegans were raised on meat and most didn’t stop eating meat because it grossed them out – it was most likely rooted in one of the three pillars mentioned above. Offering food that is familiar in texture and smell to something that we grew up with, well, “bring it on!”
That’s how the famous Tofurky roast came about.
Seth wanted to address the needs of vegetarians during the holidays he wanted to provide them with something of their own at the center of the table that was high in protein. Holiday vegan roasts and gravy are now found in mainstream stores each year.
I confessed that I’m a big fan and always have something from Tofurky in the refrigerator or freezer for those days I need a meal helper. I also mentioned how surprised I am when people on my Facebook page jump on me and say “that’s so high in sodium” when I post a picture of a meal featuring Tofurky. Seth’s reply was in line with what most of my restaurant chef friends say. When it comes to salt, you’re “walking a thin line; you don’t want it to be awful!” He went on to say that this is, in fact, an issue the company is tackling right now. They are trying to find that sweet spot of flavor while addressing consumer concerns. He did point out that Tofurky products have 25-50% less sodium than meat counterparts and the tempeh is sodium-free.
At the conclusion of our conversation I asked Seth about the future of Tofurky. He plans to continue “creating a healthy alternative to meat.”
And for that, this fan is grateful!
I was provided free samples of the new Tofurky Pockets, Pot Pie and Quiche. As many of you know my husband is not vegan but he is now vegetarian at home. I love having products such as these on hand for him (and me!).
We both love the Pot Pie and Quiche. The crust is flaky and food memories came flooding back. I remember our babysitter making pot pies when it was date night for Mom and Dad. These aren’t completely filling as an entire meal but are excellent with a big salad of leafy greens.
The Tofurky Pockets are fun and I would highly recommend parents trying them out with their children if you are transitioning to a plant-based diet. They are kid-friendly and easy to prepare. My favorite was the pepperoni pizza, which me reminded me of pizza rolls.
If you would like to try the Tofurky pot pie, quiche, pockets or even this new artisan sausage
you can enter to win a coupon for any refrigerated Tofurky product!
My thanks to Seth for providing me samples to taste, his valuable time during our interview, and coupons for three lucky readers!
Enter here.
47 thoughts on “A conversation with Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott (and a GIVEAWAY!)”
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I am liking Beyond Meat right now.
OMG! So excited to try these 🙂
I am partial to Daiya Shreds. Never grew up with cheese (I was allergic), but boy these make family pizza night more enjoyable.
Tofurkey’s sandwich slices (especially the peppered!) are a staple in our house!
I can’t wait yk try these!! Thanks for sharing.
Favorite vegan transition food….coconut milk ice cream and beyond meat!
I don’t understand the grief about “mock meat” either. Food, familiar food, exerts a powerful pull on us. I never hear anyone give grief to people with celiac disease for wanting gluten free pasta, or for American Thai people for cooking familiar Thai food. I think it’s great to have some healthful, convenient, familiar foods available for vegans. I can’t wait to try the pot pie! PS-my cat is wild for Tofurky deli slices; she thinks they are a great treat.
My favorite vegan transition food are beyond meat strips and so delicious mocha almond fudge bars
I like the tofurkey deli slices.
I rarely use mock meats, but when I do, I prefer Tofurky products to other mock meats, as most others contain isolated soy protein or concentrated soy protein. My favorites are the sausages.
I eat other things instead of meat, like the faux meat. Love the black bean burgers, though!
Tofurky’s artisan sausages are quite delicious. Have served them to omnivores who wanted to see the package to assure themselves these were not animal products. Looking forward to trying the pot pies, quiche and pockets; will make traveling as a vegan more convenient since should be able to get these in stores. Thanks for the post.
I love the Tofurky pizza!
Tofurky’s artisan sausages are hands down the best of the best. My family and friends love them!
I’m looking forward to trying the Pot Pie and Quiche.
Thank you for the opportunity.
New Tofurky products sound awesome.
I love to have some tofurky on hand as well. We appreciate that it is also GMO-free, thanks for that, Seth!
I think tofu has been really useful for transitions despite people thinking it’s so mysterious; it’s great in replacing eggs, presses well for stir frys and can be blended with herbs/seasoning/spices as a ricotta substitute (and I gotta have my pasta!).
I really like the Tofurky products – it looks like there are some I have yet to try – looking forward to doing so! I’m also a fan of the Gardein line of products along with most of the frozen Amy’s products.
I love Grilled Veggie Burgers.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
Yay! I LOVE everything I’ve ever tried from Tofurky. I recently had the turk’y, cheeze, and broccoli hot pockets, and WOW!!! I haven’t seen the quiches for sale around here, but I can’t wait to try them!!
And thanks for addressing the mock meat debate. I get SO ANNOYED at goodie-goodie vegans picking on other vegans for eating plant meat. I’ve been vegan for 9 years and vegetarian for 19, and I don’t view plant meat as transition food. I view it as DELICIOUS food. I was a meaty kid in my animal-eating days, and I still appreciate the hearty flavor and texture of faux fare. 🙂
It’s funny, I’m one of the very few vegans who has really never been tempted by meat DUE totally to the “gross out factor” . On the other hand, I LOVE, LOVE the vegan grain-meats that don’t try to LOOK like an animal (i.e, the faux ‘shrimp’ still gross me, as do a couple other products.) Tofurky is a household favorite though!! While I admit I have never had a Tofurky Holiday Roast, my daughter (who is NOT vegan) and I use the sausages ALL the time – they are SO versatile!!
I love tofurky products,had a roast for Thanksgiving and Christmas
I like most of the “transition” vegan products that I’ve tried! Tofurkey Smoked Deli Slices are yummy, I also like Gardein products. I’m looking forward to trying the Andouille style sausage in my veganized Portugese Kale Soup!
I love Beyond Meat and Tofurky products! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Tofurky Italian Sausage right now. However, I really enjoyed the tofurky roast I found at Thanksgiving! There isn’t a wide variety of products near me. I just have a Kroger. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are about an hours drive each way.
Quorn products because they don’t have soy,dairy free and can be manipulated in any way.
I concur with your thoughts on mock meats – sometimes you just want something ‘meaty’ to round off a meal. Looking forward to trying some new products by Tofurky.
tofutti!
I really love Lightlife’s bacon!
Definitely Tofurky!
My favorite vegan transition food is Tofurky sausage.
yeah, the why make it taste like meat thing comes up ALL THE TIME!
Funny for me because I did not grow up eating meat and never ate mock meat products until I started cooking for my current bf who I convinced to go veg! He loved the mock stuff so I gradually tried some, a bit at a time, and found I actually liked it, especially fake chicken and duck:) I think my fave is muck duck, the kind you buy in a can in the asian market.
Didn’t really transition. I did it cold Tofurky!!!!
I love a grilled vegan sausage…perfect transition food to have handy at a bbq!
Lightlife & Tofurky!
Tofurkey sandwich slices — amazing!
The first transition food for me was using TVP (textured veg soy protein) to sub for dressing and it was pretty good so I was hooked and tried more.
Tofurky deli slices were a great transitional product for me!
coconut ice cream
I impulsively decided to go vegan in November. Tofurkey products definitely helped my transition and maintained the festiveness of the holidays.
Actually, Tofurky slices definitely helped me transition!
Veggie patties are a good transition product but I’m moving away from processed foods, so I eat mainly tofu and tempeh now.
I like tempeh bacon and Tofurkey Italian sausages.
I love Tofurky deli slices, they’re great to throw in a sandwich in a hurry
I like Tofurky and veggie burgers as a transition food but I’ve never given them up!
I love Tofurkey italian sausages
Probably Tofutti cream cheese. I love bagels, so this is a great product for me! Excited to try these, though!