Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burger

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods is a well-known American brand specializing in plant-based and frozen food products. Founded in 1994 by two cardiac surgeons, Dr. Peter Praeger and Dr. Eric Somberg, the brand was established with a mission to provide healthy, convenient, and transparent food options. Their signature 'California Veggie Burger' is a hallmark of the brand, emphasizing recognizable whole-food ingredients like carrots, onions, and spinach.

While the brand maintains its headquarters and primary manufacturing operations in the United States, specifically in New Jersey, its ownership has evolved to support global growth. In 2021, the company was acquired by the multinational private equity firm Vestar Capital Partners, which now serves as the ultimate owner. Despite this financial transition, the Dr. Praeger family remains involved in the business, ensuring that the original vision of accessible, physician-crafted health food continues to drive their product development and distribution across major retailers like Kroger and its subsidiary Fry’s Food Stores.