What’s Replacing the ‘Turkey’ This Holiday? Vegan Roasts + One Big Disappointment for 2025

The holiday table is shifting, and for anyone embracing plant-based eating (or simply looking for a tasty, meat-free centerpiece), the landscape of vegan holiday roasts is evolving fast. But before you shop, here’s a major heads-up, one beloved option is gone this year, which many will find hard to accept.

The Big News: A Retail Favorite Is Off the Table

One of the most talked-about roasts in vegan circles has officially been discontinued for this year (2025 – again). The Trader Joe’s Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy, will not be returning in 2025 as confirmed by some store crew members. This roast which has been a fan favorite and holiday staple for years, was discontinued once already I. 2023 then briefly came back for the 2024 season but now looks to be officially axed again. Why? Probably low sales and it’s in a large box taking up space. Will it come back again? Who knows. I spotted it as recently as this spring still at my stores but was probably leftovers from the holiday 2024 season which in hindsight, probably wasn’t a good sign.

For many vegans and plant-based hosts, that roast was a go-to. The fact that it’s missing this year means you’ll want to plan ahead and amy want to select your alternative earlier than usual.

Good News: Plenty of Excellent Alternatives

Just because the Trader Joe’s version is gone doesn’t mean your vegan holiday table is doomed. In fact, there are many options now available. Most are classics, so you can still show up with a “roast” that hopefully wows. Here are some to keep in mind for 2025.

• Gardein Plant-Based Turk’y Roast: A very solid mainstream choice. It’s stuffed and comes with vegan gravy, and tends to serve around 6-8. Reviews consistently praise its texture and flavour.  
• Field Roast Holiday Roasts: They have a Celebration and hazelnut and cranberry option. The celebration is plain but stuffed and comes with gravy and the cranberry is wrapped in vegan puff pastry.
• Tofurky Plant-Based Roast & Wild Rice Stuffing: The original vegan “turkey-style” roast. A reliable pick when you want something familiar. My advice is to cook this in a pan with some veggie broth covered so it doesn’t run out rubbery and hard to cut.
• Vegetarian Plus Vegan Turkey Roll: A large roast great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers.  
• Big Mountain Foods Plant-Based Roast (Soy/Gluten/Nut-Free): A relative newcomer and specialty option that’s ideal if you (or guests) have food-allergy constraints.

Bonus: Catering Option

If you’d rather skip the “frozen roast” route entirely, there are other plant-based entrées worth considering. For example, at Whole Foods Market, you can order their Mushroom & Root Vegetable en Croûte (vegan puff-pastry filled with mushrooms and root veg) via their holiday catering menu. Sprouts Farmers Market usually has vegan catering options as well so check online or in-store.

Note: Whole Foods 365 frozen store-brand vegan roast options were reportedly discontinued last year, so you’ll want to check what’s available this year at their stores.

Make my viral vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie!

This has been my most viewed recipe on my blog and for good reason as it’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table, combining classic vegetables, vegan chick’n, savory herbs, a flaky bottom crust and topped with my delicious stuffing recipe that everyone will love, vegan and non-vegan alike! Get the recipe here!

Planning Tips for Your Vegan Holiday Table

• Check inventory early: Because of the discontinuation of the Trader Joe’s roast, other options may sell out faster than usual.
• Consider guest count: If you’re feeding many people, a larger roast may make more sense.
• Account for dietary restrictions: If someone has soy or gluten sensitivities, maybe an option like Big Mountain might be best.
• Thaw properly: Most roasts arrive frozen and need thawing. I usually set a reminder on my phone two days before the holiday to place in the fridge from the freezer so it’s ready to bake the day of the event.
• Make it festive: Even though it’s plant-based, treat it like your holiday centerpiece and place it on a platter, carve it, drizzle the gravy, and maybe surround with veggies.
• Communicate: If guests expect a turkey and you’ll have no other options, a little heads up beforehand and note like “Vegan Roast” on the table helps set expectations.

There are still plenty of excellent choices for 2025. The one catch (the removal of the Trader Joe’s Turkey-less Stuffed Roast) means you’ll want to act early and pick an alternative you’ll love if concerned. Whether you go with Gardein, Field Roast, Tofurky, or a specialty brand, you’re not sacrificing your holiday main, you’re updating it.

Make your table special, make it plant-based (if that’s your vibe), and enjoy the holiday with great food and good company. Make sure to follow me on Instagram for all the latest store finds and who knows, there could be other holiday option showing up this year!