Treat yourself to a vegetarian cookbook for inspiration and advice. There are a wide range covering recipes for beginners, advanced cooks, dieters and diabetics. Most also give dietary advice.
Start gradually. Adapt familiar meals such as lasagna and shepherd's pie by using textured vegetable protein. Although fully vegetarian, it has the look, taste and texture of crumbles or meat chunks, according to which variety you buy. It is available from health food stores. If you don't buy the flavored variety, be aware that you need to add seasoning of some kind or it will remain bland and uninteresting.
Buy vegetarian cheese. It's not an unfamiliar product as cheese is probably already on your shopping list. But whereas some cheeses are made with an ingredient from the stomachs of slaughtered calves, vegetarian cheese uses vegetable-derived rennet. Every supermarket now stocks at least one kind of vegetarian cheese, and many of the more unusual varieties such as Stilton and Brie are also now available in vegetarian versions.
Buy free-range eggs. Again, eggs are another staple ingredient in many people's diets so it won't take much effort to pick up the free-range variety instead of the Battery Produced.
Read the labels. Although you may get the odd shock when you realize that a food product that seems vegetarian in fact contains something such as gelatin or animal fat, there are plenty of others you'd be surprised and pleased to find out are suitable for you.
Adapt familiar dishes. If you're the only vegetarian in your family and it's too difficult or expensive to cook totally separate meals, adapt a meat dish. A casserole, for instance, can be made with beans and vegetables in one pan. Then the meat can be cooked separately and given just to the meat eaters. Or use soy crumbles and see if anyone notices the difference.
Don't be put off by unfamiliar foods. Tofu, for instance, is a boon to vegetarians, especially new ones. This by-product of soy beans is incredibly versatile and easy to use. And if you use the plain variety, don't think that you've done something wrong when it appears tasteless in the finished recipe - it's meant to absorb the flavor of other ingredients. Or you can buy the smoked or marinated versions.
Explore health food stores. They'll have vegetarian products you haven't seen before, and the assistants will be able to answer your questions about products suitable for your new lifestyle.
Lisa (08/13/2011 08:41:20 AM)
My daughter just announced she wanted to be a vegetarian. :) I am wondering if the morning star products are really good. My other daughter did this a few years back and I am thinking that the products must have improved a lot. I am trying to make things for her that dont include meat and I am seriously thinking about cutting meat out totally for all of us. I dont think hubby would be too fond of that but maybe he wont be able to tell the differnce. Any thoughts/advice??
Vascada (11/27/2010 20:46:54 PM)
Please, PLEASE, PLEASE!! Show your appreciation to your customers and add coupons to your products, your website and your newsletters.
welkinator (11/24/2010 12:45:34 PM)
There is a coupon page: www.morningstarfarms.com/coupon.aspx but it never works. It gives me an error that I have reached my limit of coupons though I have never printed any. Access to coupons was my ONLY motivation for getting on their mailing list.
Pam - Lake Wales, FL (10/07/2010 17:17:05 PM)
Did you know that Walmart in this area stocks all of Morning Star Farms products beside the Waffles because they assume that all of the products are for breakfast? It makes it easy to find them all in one place - but it isn't all for breakfast. I really love the Spicy black bean burgers. I have them for lunch with a side-dish almost every day. My daughter has made chicken parm. with the Chic patties for us, also. I like a lot of the others, too. The Riblets are great!
Marie (10/07/2010 13:29:48 PM)
I wish your products were more vegan than vegetarian. Because of that, I can only buy the riblets and the vegan burgers. Before I became a vegan, I bought all your other products, but now I can't. It is easier for a vegetarian to eat vegan food than a vegan to eat vegetarian. You don't need to use eggs or dairy products seeing that both of those ingredients come from factory farms where male chicks are ground up alive in a grinder and hens are forced to live the rest of their pitiful lives in cramped cages. Do the humane thing and go vegan with your products.
SB (10/07/2010 12:45:33 PM)
Note that all Kosher cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.
Dalenna (07/05/2010 22:06:59 PM)
Offer Coupons! Being a laid off vegetarian is expensive!
Liz (03/18/2010 10:10:51 AM)
Where do you get coupons?
boonie323 (02/10/2010 09:06:01 AM)
I think this is great information about trying to change a lifestyle from meat to meatless.
banielsen (02/05/2010 21:01:38 PM)
Good tips on starting out with a meatless diet.
kymnthekitchen (02/02/2010 17:32:13 PM)
posting a comment to complete survey. article contains useful/helpful tips for beginning the vegetarian ride.
Tiff (02/01/2010 18:43:19 PM)
I enjoy incorporating vegetarian dishes into our normal food. This site looks like it will be a good resource to expanding our knowledge of veggie dishes.
Ann (01/30/2010 22:57:56 PM)
Yuck...I didn't know that about regular cheeses. It's veggie cheese for me from now on! Thanks for the info. Love your products.
Yvette ( (01/30/2010 15:24:33 PM)
coupons would be great, thanks
djwells (01/30/2010 00:11:10 AM)
Please consider coupons for your products. There is obviously a large following for your Morningstar line, so help us out with price reduction or coupons. Times are hard for the vegan as well as the non vegan.
RAEL430 (01/29/2010 19:54:08 PM)
This is totally helpful and wonderful info and advice for someone who is interested in making a transition in this direction. Kudos Morningstar Farms for the thoroughness of your website.
Nancy (01/29/2010 13:57:33 PM)
I have been a vegetarian for 10 years and it is much easier to find products now. I am really disappointed that someone, I can't remember the brand name, took Tuno off the shelf. It was the best. Why do producers do that when you like something. Simple question why is it so hard to find coupons for your product or any other veggie product?
heather (09/22/2009 22:41:44 PM)
ive been vegitarian for almost 3 years now and i wish my city had better veriety of faux meats products im tired of the same thing all the time but i refuse to eat anthing meat!
CHIGIRL68 (09/15/2009 16:26:57 PM)
I see some requesting recipe and cookbook suggestions. Here are some of my favorites. This one by Mercy for animals is one of the best and even has a starter guide. http://www.chooseveg.com/ And this site by PETA also has a starter and how to guide. http://www.goveg.com/ One of my favorite cooking shows. http://www.christinacooks.com/ more: http://www.vrg.org/ http://www.vegetariantimes.com/
Bonnie (09/08/2009 19:15:34 PM)
I need to keep a low sodium intake. My concern for these meatless products is the amount of sodium used. Any products lower than others???
natti (08/03/2009 17:21:53 PM)
I am new at this and I would love to see more of these products in my stores and where are the coupons?? I decided to go veggie after I tried some of the crumbles made into sloppy-joes and the spinich bites. Thanks guys!!
Rebecca (04/29/2009 08:47:54 AM)
I agree - coupons would let me try out different Morningstar products. Right now, I just stick with what I know b/c I'm afraid to try something new.
Lena (04/21/2009 17:30:39 PM)
I would be nice to know where to get coupons... we 've got 6 vegans at home and that's a lot of money to buy them at regular price :( anyone has a link other than seeveggiesdifferently.com ? PLEASE let me know... where do people get them from when they sale them on e-bay? there should a place where they hide them ;)
aprilrain (03/27/2009 21:58:47 PM)
I have 3 little boys that love Morningstar products. We could go through 3 boxes a day if we could afford it. I have been buying coupons on ebay, but they are pretty expensive. I wish I knew how these ebay sellers were getting so many coupons to sell. If I could get them for free I could feed my boys (and myself) so well!
Aly (03/23/2009 16:39:03 PM)
I haven't decided yet if i want to go full vegetarian, chicken is the only meat I eat but I eat almost everything that morning star sells. You guys are the best and I love the food, even though the prices are high :/
Claudette (03/18/2009 21:43:14 PM)
I have been oval-lacto vegetarian for 32 years. It was hard at first. I was like an outsider - no salad bars, or meat substitutes that I knew of. I learned to adjust, but Morning Star "meats" are the best thing that happened to my meals. Worry free cooking, now. I eat totally "normal" meals. I have cooked for meat lovers who Love my cooking. Coupons or lower prices would be the next great thing. Thanks for a great product.
Linda (03/17/2009 10:49:54 AM)
I love your products and I use many of them. I am on a limited budget and some coupons would help. At times I choose other brands because of price difference.
Jeannine (03/09/2009 10:44:13 AM)
I am glad to have found the Morningstar products as I am newly vegetarian and was having a difficult time finding different foods to eat. The corn dogs and chik'n patties are my favorites! Coupons would be a big help.
Mary (03/01/2009 13:42:57 PM)
I really enjoy most of the items that I have eaten. I wish that we had more selection of products at our local stores. Also, it would be nice to put coupons on line for members to use. It would be great product promotion!
Terry (02/03/2009 20:21:23 PM)
this was actually quite useful. I'm 16 and the only vegeterian in my household, in my whole entire family. so it's good to know what i can do since it's only been 1/2 a year. i've been eating a lot of the same dishes for some time and it's getting annoying. i'm glad i found this site.
Diana (12/08/2008 03:18:35 AM)
I recently had Gastric Bypass Surgery. As I transitioned into the eating stage I decided to use Grillers Recipe Crumbles for ease. It turns out that it was perfect for my taste and my new reconstructed stomach, as well as the low in calories. I will be a MorningStar Farms preferred for life. Thanks
Elliott (10/13/2008 19:54:22 PM)
Individually wrapped burgers would be nice. One of the reasons that I usually buy a competitor product.
Leslee (10/10/2008 13:30:52 PM)
Coupons would really help. Thanks for the yummy choices.
Brenda G. (09/14/2008 19:23:01 PM)
This is the second brand of Veggie Burgers I have tried. I prefer yours over the other brand. My favorite is the Garden Veggie Patties. I also tried your Veggie Cakes - Ginger Teriyaki, they were great. I am convinced that Morningstar Farms products will continue to be on my grocery list. Thank You
bianca (09/03/2008 19:59:28 PM)
my husband had open heart surgery a few months ago. we are both eating morningstar products now. I just wanted you to know how wonderful morningstar is . everyday we try a new product. thank you very much.
Lashundra (08/07/2008 22:49:11 PM)
Any information for the new to vegetarian life style?
Stacy (08/06/2008 13:54:31 PM)
Thank you Michele for your words of encouragement for Karlene because like her, I find myself bored because of lack of creativity. Can someone recommend a good cookbook with quick recipes?
Tracy (07/26/2008 20:13:23 PM)
I live in Calgary Alberta Canada and your products are not available here. I can not even sign up for anything or email you because you do not have it set up for any other country besides the U.S. I would love to try them.
Chanique (06/18/2008 17:05:22 PM)
My question is where and what do I look for when buying eggs? can someone help me?
michelle (06/11/2008 17:51:15 PM)
Coupons PLEASE! Signed, Veggie mom of 2 and 1 on the way.
Michele (06/09/2008 13:02:30 PM)
Karlene, I have been a lacto ovo vegetarian for over 14 years. My husband and two children are also vegetarians. In the beginning I also found it difficult to cook. I love cooking! It's so much easier to be vegetarian or vegan today. I can cook up just about anything a meat eater can, just without the meat. I make enchiladas, "meat"loaf, "chicken" fried rice, barbecue sandwiches. The list goes on. Just substitute the meat portion with some TVP (textured vegetable protein) or soy crumbles. The tvp is great, it can be shredded for sandwiches or enchiladas or tacos, or processed in the food processor for hamburger like consistency. There are really so many options out there. Please don't give up. You can do it. It just takes some patience and research. You are doing what is ethically right. Don't forget what a great person you are for making this choice. Hang in there :)
Karlene (06/03/2008 13:01:42 PM)
I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for the past 15 months. I am finding it difficult to find foods that are strictly vegetarian. I have been living on veggie burger, veggie bacon, etc and foods like 3 cheese hot pockets, subway veggie sandwich, salads etc. But I am finding that I am becoming bored with my food choices. Before becoming a vegetarian I used to love to cook, but now I am hardly using my stove; I am tired of beans and rice, tired of cabbage, etc... I guess I need help in improving my vegetarian cooking skills. Is there a cooking school for vegetarians in Orlando, FL.? My biggest fear is that, if I can?t find vegetarian foods to hold my taste buds, I will revert back to eating meat.
Cordell (06/01/2008 11:06:07 AM)
Coupons would help a lot
Kate F (05/27/2008 16:44:20 PM)
To Kate: Cabot Vermont makes vegetarian safe cheese with vegetable-based rennet, not animal rennet. They are approved by the American Vegetarian Society.
Linda (05/26/2008 09:53:01 AM)
I have lost 60 lbs and my boss referred me to Morningstar Farms products. I am so glad she did. I love the black bean burger. I look forward to learning more about Morningstar products. Coupons would be nice.
Jim (05/23/2008 20:53:31 PM)
Coupons would really help... Thanks...
Kate (05/13/2008 13:45:54 PM)
I read something about cheese being vegetarian "unfriendly". Does anyone know of some safe brands??????????????? Or do you know the ingredient from calves to stay away from?
Ceyla (05/12/2008 22:19:22 PM)
Friends have been amazed when they try Morningstar Farms hot dogs for the first time. I REALLY like them and sincerely hope you won't "Improve" them.
kathy (05/11/2008 14:26:01 PM)
I stopped eating meat and chicken about a year ago and have to say I struggled with finding things to eat until I discovered your products. I just love them. Thank you for making them. I have made dinner for my friends using your products and not one of them noticed that they were veggie until I told them, and then I had to show them the packet to prove it, as they didn't believe me.
Bligh (Bill) (Capt) (05/07/2008 14:54:41 PM)
Help going V? Look very carefully at your next cooked - medium steak. It was part of a living vital animal. Visit with new born or young pigs, cattle and wolves and birds. Dive or snorkel with dolphins but don't get between mothers or aunts and their babies. Peace, Bligh
Tom (05/05/2008 01:06:43 AM)
I know Burger King offers a Morningstar Farms burger, do you have any of your products in sports stadiums? That would be a great opportunity to introduce people to your products. America needs to get off meat and they eat a lot of it at sporting events. If people tried one of your corn dogs, veggie hot dogs or burgers and learned that not only do they taste great but they are better for you, they would be hooked.
Do No Harm (05/03/2008 08:25:52 AM)
I really like your products! Though, like many other posters, I would like to see more egg/dairy-free items. One thing that many people are probably not aware of is that the eggs in your products come from battery caged/factory farmed hens. At the very least, please start using eggs from cage-free hens. It can only help your image and your following, as those of us who try to make the most compassionate choices possible will purchase more of your products & will share the news with our animal loving friends. Please do the right thing. Thank you! Coupons would be great, too!
Dianne from Omaha (05/01/2008 19:03:09 PM)
I always use your coupons when I can get them; I live in the "beef belt" so I depend on your products for most of my diet. I tell people I like these products so much more than meat and when I share some of the dishes I make, people are always surprised at how much they like it, even despite coming to the table with 'attitude.'
Kim (05/01/2008 02:34:47 AM)
I'm absorbing information and ideas about eating less meat and still getting the proper nutrition to stay healthy. Have never tried any of these mentioned products because I shy away from processed foods but am willing to learn and investigate...I'm an avid label reader and try to eat as much fresh produce as possible in our busy lives. I use coupons!
Tom (04/30/2008 19:29:34 PM)
I have enjoyed Morningstar Farms products for many years, particularly the low fat products. I would like to see cold sandwich fillings, such as veggie/deli products.
Lori (04/28/2008 12:31:42 PM)
Coupons please!!! I enjoy all of your products... I just wish one store would carry the entire line instead of me have to run to 3 supermarkets to stock up. Thanks
Rochelle (04/27/2008 18:23:43 PM)
My entire family loves your products. I even send boxes of the Chik Patties (my favorite) to college with my daughters. Coupons would be great, however I never bother with other brands since none ever taste as good.
alisha (04/27/2008 12:55:03 PM)
like sunny said please make more stuff without eggs
Erika, Houston, TX (04/24/2008 21:20:43 PM)
I love your products. My children do especially. I have 5 children and I wonder if you have considered making family size portions of your product for the large vegetarian families. I agree with everyone else, coupons would be a BIG help!
Sierra (04/24/2008 15:38:05 PM)
And i also meant to say, i think more advertising would help! there are so many delicious products on your site that i cannot find in any stores, (and one of my favorites is only available in ONE out of about 8 available stores near me) i think the more people that were interested, the more items stores would stock!
Sierra (04/24/2008 15:36:25 PM)
i am mostly vegan, but do make exceptions for some of Morningstar Farms' products that i enjoy, i feel cutting down on factory farming is more important than 100% personal purity. i agree with a few other posters that using an egg-free substitute and/or milk substitute in any of those items if possible would be amazing! Id feel even better about my purchases if a few more of my Morningstar Farms favorites were vegan! :) and coupons would be fantastic!
Janet K (04/24/2008 04:51:42 AM)
Thank you so much for your delicious food items. I think if you advertised more on television, newspapers, etc. more people would try your products and see how wonderful and easy it is to eat healthy vegetarian food.
Christine from NC (04/20/2008 14:40:37 PM)
I agree, coupons would be nice to help offset the cost. I am not totally vegetarian yet, I have stopped eating red meat, I eat veggie hot dogs and burgers, I still eat chicken some and not a seafood lover at all. I have started drinking soy milk since I am lactose intolerant. Your articles are interesting, they give me ideas on how to gradually move into becoming totally vegetarian, it is good to know there are so many of us wanting to incorporate a healthier lifestyle, keep the articles coming Morningstar!!
susan (04/18/2008 03:36:35 AM)
I am glad to have your products available. Like everyone else YES to coupons! Battle Creek is my heritage. Go Kellogg!
Kristine (04/17/2008 12:17:00 PM)
I love Morningstar products. I have been vegetarian for 20 years. Morningstar products make my life so much easier. I would love coupons and also a "meatloaf" product
summer (04/16/2008 18:29:16 PM)
OMG, I am just now going meatless after watching a horrific sad tragic video on youtube called go vegeterian. behind the cages, animals suffer. Billions of them die every year. Help end their deaths by not eating meat. I know it might be hard but I will do it! and if I stopped eating meat from watching a sad video then I will make almost everyone watch it!!!
Jackie (04/15/2008 14:01:02 PM)
Would like to have choices of your products without egg and milk. Agree with "Sunny" about this. Also coupons are good.
Bob (04/14/2008 12:19:52 PM)
My favorite is Morningstar Farms® Tomato & Basil Pizza Burgers. I am glad that soy products are being made available in so many forms and tastes. I believe that soy is an essential for the good health of people with blood type "A" and helpful to others also.
sunny (04/13/2008 12:43:04 PM)
Please make more products without eggs as my family and I are lacto vegetarians and eggs of any kind are not part of our diet. A lot of your burgers and breaded products have eggs in the ingredients and defeat the purpose of appealing to large number of vegetarians that you are marketing to.
Benjamin (04/12/2008 18:13:52 PM)
I definitely agree with the coupon idea. I am a college student and it?s not cheap being vegetarian, coupons would help out greatly!!
Mark (04/12/2008 17:24:27 PM)
Coupons would be nice. Love the black bean and mushroom burgers!
Mandy (04/11/2008 16:17:52 PM)
Coupons would be appreciated!!
Carla (04/11/2008 16:05:16 PM)
I have been eating meatless for about 3 years but a friend told me about Morningstar about 2 years ago. I just love your products and I have recommended you to some of my veggie friends. I have just recently tried your hotdogs with the soy crumbles and chili sauce - it makes a great chili dog. I wonder do you ever have printable coupons on your web site, that would be wonderful. Thanks Morningstar Farms.
Amanda (04/11/2008 10:46:52 AM)
Coupons would be amazing !!! Thank you yummy Morningstar Farms!
Yami (04/11/2008 10:31:51 AM)
We need coupons - everything is sooooooooooo expensive - we need coupons - 1.00 off without limited printings would be fabulous ! We don't have the double coupon face value here - so, we don't enjoy that luxury - but a dollar coupon would help - especially the way I purchase these Morningstar products ! So, please, please, please ! Consider COUPONS !!!! :o)
Deb Coleman (04/11/2008 10:05:50 AM)
I love Morningstar Farms products, I keep plenty in my freezer! How about some meatless meatballs for my spaghetti--that would be great!
Laura (04/11/2008 08:37:19 AM)
This is good info for those just starting out...
David (04/11/2008 01:40:27 AM)
Nice site. Coupons for your products would be appreciated.
Eva from N.C. (04/11/2008 01:30:33 AM)
What happened to the Tomato basil pizza burgers? Can't find them anywhere in N.C. or Norfolk, VA. We like the Asian burgers and the Cheddar burgers, but sure miss those pizza burgers. The stores in this area are under stocked 90% of the time. Why don't you make meat balls? We used to get them from another company, but can't find them any more either.
Tabitha Thomasson (04/11/2008 00:48:23 AM)
I love your information and i am looking forward to hearing more great ideals and if you can coupons or promotions on your products to try would be nice. Thank You. P. S. Keep up with the good work and information. I look forward to trying more of your products.
Victoria (04/10/2008 22:48:03 PM)
I am thrilled to have made the discovery of your products since recently becoming a vegetarian! They are GREAT!
rosie (04/10/2008 21:13:15 PM)
would love coupons
RLee (04/10/2008 20:17:34 PM)
Useful information for the new to vegetarian life style.
Karyn, AZ (04/10/2008 20:07:59 PM)
Your products have made it so very, very easy for me to stay true to eating "veg". They taste great and they are all so easy to prepare. Thanks a million!
Janet (04/10/2008 19:49:29 PM)
It is hard to find Morningstar Farms in the town that I live. If I go to the big city I can find them
Donna (04/10/2008 18:26:19 PM)
I have been trying to find a vegan whipped cream.
Carolyn (04/09/2008 14:31:22 PM)
Coupons would be nice! Thank you
gail (04/06/2008 20:49:12 PM)
yes coupons would be very nice
Linda (04/04/2008 18:39:39 PM)
This is useful. I love the Morningstar Farms products I have tried so far. Much better than other brands.
Kara (04/04/2008 13:56:07 PM)
This is great information. Thanks, Morningstar Farms!
Robin (03/29/2008 13:00:20 PM)
Coupons would be nice! Thank you!