Frequently Asked Questions
General Product Questions
What are the health benefits of Dr. Praeger's products?
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods believes that a healthy lifestyle includes exercise and sensible eating. For this reason, we are proud to offer a line of all-natural products that are not only provide health benefits but taste great, too. All of Dr. Praeger’s products are all natural, low in cholesterol, have no preservatives, no trans fats and no or low-saturated fats. They are the perfect complement to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Why are there ice crystals in some individually wrapped packages of Dr. Praeger's Pancakes and Veggie Burgers? Does this mean that they are freezer burned?
No, the ice crystals sometimes found in the packets of Veggie Burgers and Pancakes are completely normal and do not indicate freezer burn or any other problems with the products. The crystals are a result of the production process.
Are any of Dr. Praeger's products certified kosher?
Yes, all of Dr. Praeger’s products are certified kosher.
What ingredients do you use in your products?
Dr. Praeger’s creates products that contain only the finest ingredients that consumers can easily recognize, including vegetables, herbs and spices.
Do Dr. Praeger's products have MSG?
No, all of Dr. Praeger’s products are MSG free.
Are Dr. Praeger’s Chickenless Patties vegetarian? I noticed that the list of ingredients includes “natural chicken flavor.”
The natural chicken flavor ingredient in Dr. Praeger’s Chickenless Patties is yeast-based, and does not include chicken or meat. We know our vegetarian customers rely on us to provide straightforward products that meet their lifestyle needs; therefore, we would never include a meat ingredient in a product that is advertised as vegetarian. We do not currently produce any meat products in our facility (although we do produce fish products).
Which of Dr. Praeger’s products are gluten free?
Dr. Praeger’s has a special line of products geared towards those who can’t consume gluten. This includes Dr. Praeger’s Gluten-Free Potato-Crusted Fishies, Potato-Crusted Fish Fillets and Potato-Crusted Fish Sticks. In addition, Dr. Praeger’s Sweet Potato Pancakes, Gluten-Free California Veggies Burgers and all Littles varieties (spinach, potato, sweet potato and broccoli) are also gluten free. Look for the green stripe across the top of our boxes to indicate that the product is gluten free; if the stripe is red, the product contains gluten. We test our gluten-free products periodically to ensure that they are indeed free of gluten.
Why do your package labels indicate that products are processed in a facility that also processes fish, soy, milk, wheat and eggs?
We include this information to provide full disclosure of the fact that all of our products are manufactured in a facility where these ingredients are present. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned prior to manufacturing products that don’t contain these ingredients in order to prevent cross-contamination.
Can Dr. Praeger’s products be prepared in a microwave?
All of Dr. Praeger’s products may be prepared in a microwave, although in order to achieve optimal taste and texture, we recommend following package instructions. Due to the high variability in microwaves, we do not provide specific microwave cooking instructions. If using a microwave the texture of the product will generally be soft and a bit more fragile.
Can Dr. Praeger’s products be stored in the refrigerator instead of the freezer?
No, Dr. Praeger’s products should always be stored in the freezer. If a Dr. Praeger’s product is left out of the freezer for a prolonged period, we recommend that the box and its contents be discarded. Once a product is cooked, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Are Dr. Praeger’s products fully cooked before being flash frozen?
No, they are only partially cooked, which is why it’s important to prepare them as directed on the packaging and heat them to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to prepare Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers and Pancakes?
While Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers and Pancakes can be prepared in a skillet or on the grill, we recommend preparing them in a conventional or toaster oven for best taste and texture. Prepare as directed on the packaging, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary based on your specific appliance. To prevent the burger or pancake from falling apart, wait until the top side is browned and crispy before flipping with a spatula. Once the second side is browned and crispy, the burger or pancake is ready to eat. The crisp outside is what holds the burger together. For a firmer center, cook a little longer.