If you were hoping Trader Joe’s cult-favorite Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast would return for the 2026 holiday season, we have some bad news. A spokesperson for the chain confirmed to VegNews that there are no plans to bring back the meatless centerpiece this year.
We know. We’re disappointed, too.
The breaded seitan roast with gravy wasn’t available last year, but we had hoped it would make another comeback, and those hopes weren’t unfounded. The popular roast, which was named Best Vegan Holiday Product in our Trader Joe’s Awards, was initially discontinued in 2023. After an outpouring of disappointment from fans who had made it a treasured part of their holiday traditions, it returned to shelves in 2024.
“I am devastated,” wrote one Reddit user in the r/traderjoes subreddit in 2023. “Just sides for Thanksgiving this year.” Another added: “That is such a bummer. We also always bought a couple. They are so good!”
Another added: “That is such a bummer. We also always bought a couple. They are so good!”
According to another commenter who identified themselves as a Trader Joe’s employee, the roast was discontinued because of poor sales. They added that Trader Joe’s had also been unable to find a new supplier. Those issues appeared to have been resolved in 2024, but the comeback was, evidently, short-lived.
Trader Joe’s
More vegan favorites disappear, but new products are arriving
This isn’t the first beloved vegan product Trader Joe’s has discontinued recently. In September, we reported that the tiki-themed grocer had pulled its Dairy-Free Cheddar-Style Slices from shelves.
Again, poor sales appeared to be the issue. According to recipe blogger Cadry Nelson of Cadry’s Kitchen, a Trader Joe’s crew member told her the slices had been discontinued due to low demand.
But it isn’t all bad news. Trader Joe’s has also introduced several new vegan products, including organic Greek-style dairy-free yogurt and its own private-label granola butter, which some shoppers speculate may be identical to Oathaus.
Trader Joe’s
In honor of spooky season, the chain recently brought back its beloved Halloween Joe-Joe’s Cookies, which are accidentally vegan. Several other seasonal products are vegan, too, including Pumpkin Overnight Oats, Fall Harvest Salsa, and Spiced Apple Cider.
Keep an eye out for the Thanksgiving lineup, which is coming soon. There won’t be a meatless roast, but we’ve got our fingers crossed for more vegan holiday products.
Already thinking about your holiday centerpiece? Find our favorite recipe for Vegan Holiday Roast With Hazelnut Cranberry Stuffing here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
