The Taste Test: Veggie burgers

283 grams (four patties) for HK$45, Oliver's

Boca, one of the first veggie burgers to hit the mainstream in 1979, is primarily made from soya bean protein and wheat gluten. Each patty is cholesterol free, has 70 calories, 13 grams of protein and 90 per cent less fat than a ground beef hamburger (just 0.5 grams).

Verdict: looks and tastes synthesised; while it has the texture of ground chicken, the plasticky flavours don't lie.
 

284 grams (four patties) for HK$73, Oliver's

These burgers don't set out to be fake meat; they're straight up veggie patties mainly made of brown rice, onions, red bell peppers, tomato paste and rolled oats. Each has 100 calories, four grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fat.

Verdict: flavourful, savoury, and with a good slightly meaty texture from the rice and oats.
 

284 grams (four patties) for HK$66, Oliver's

Primarily made from soya bean flour, wheat gluten, and carrageenan (a seaweed extract), these actually look, smell and taste like real burgers. Each patty has 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein.

Verdict: I could have been fooled in thinking this was real meat; a perfect alternative for veggie-based diets.