But this is a bit much:

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and trying meat substitutes, Amazon is having a big sale on canned Loma Linda and Worthington products. You can save 35% when you buy any eligible Loma Linda or Worthington canned foods  if you use the promo code LOMAI234. Earlier today, I ordered the canned fat free Diced Chik, although it seems to be sold out now. The starting price for 12/12 oz cans was $40, and with the promo code, my final bill was $26, which works out to about $2.17 a can. (In comparison, I just checked at Safeway.com and Valley Fresh Chicken Chunk White - 10 Oz is $3.50, on sale at their site.) It seems to me, that value-wise, the Loma Linda/Worthington brand holds its own against any other prepared entree, whether its real meat or a substitute.

I’ve never tasted the “chicken” variety, but I have eaten the Loma Linda Redi-Burger, and would do so again gladly. It contains 87% less fat than beef burgers and its made with grain protein and rice flour. It doesn’t quite taste like ground beef, although the consistency is similar. I think it tastes best when it’s crumbled up, fried and added to something like stuffed bell peppers, or maybe sprinkled with cumin and used in tacos. It may be an acquired taste to eat it plain, but I think it tastes great when its used like ground beef and added to dishes like pasta, soups or even enchiladas.

Hmmm… going back and looking again… those Worthington Veja-Links look interesting to me. One of the reviews says “They only have 50 calories each, and 3 grams of fat, only 0.5 grams of that is saturated. They have 0 cholesterol and 0 trans fats.They only have 180 mg of sodium.” A case of 12 is 45.45, but with the discount, the price becomes 29.58 or about 2.50 for a can of nitrate free vegetarian hot dogs.

One of the best things about ordering from Amazon is that the shipping is free after spending $25 or more, so that means the delivery guy uses up his gas, and not me. The only downside I can think of is that it is a gamble to buy 12 of them at a time. I mean, if no one likes them, then I’m stuck with 11 cans of food that can’t be used. Then again, if they don’t taste good to us, I guess I could donate them to the local food pantry or something similar.

(Oh, here’s an idea: If you want to try this brand, but are hesitant about getting stuck with a case, look for their brand on the organic food aisle at your local grocery store. I’ve heard that Wal-mart sometimes has it in stock, as well as Krogers/Fry’s, so grab yourself one can to see if you want to order 12 at a time.)

For me, considering how much I liked the Redi-Burger, I am willing to take a risk to find out how the Veja-Links taste. Look for an update and a review as soon as the UPS guy shows up.