Examining Plant Based Burgers as Meat Alternatives
They’re 2019’s most sizzling success story, found everywhere from grocery freezer to fast food counter. Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have brought plant based burgers from fringe to mainstream with remarkable rapidity. So quickly, in fact, that despite their ubiquity, questions abound regarding the burgers’ benefits. What exactly are they made of? Are they flavorful? How do they compare nutritionally with a turkey patty or an all-beef quarter pounder? Are they meant for a healthy planet and a healthy body?
Both feature a lengthy list of ingredients that may seem far from natural, but both plant based burgers were formulated to recreate the meaty, juicy mouthfeel of a hamburger. That being said, hundreds of meat alternative taste tests and rave reviews have demonstrated that expectations have indeed, been exceeded.
Ironically, many vegans haven’t embraced these plant-based burgers precisely because their taste, smell and texture evokes a beefy authenticity they’ve long eschewed.
What Goes Into Plant Based Burgers?
Impossible Burger is made primarily of soy protein concentrate, coconut and sunflower oil, binders, vitamins, minerals and the key ingredient – soy leghemoglobin, or “heme” – which makes the burger “bleed” and brown like meat. Beyond Burger, recently reconfigured to promise an even meatier flavor and chew, features an elaborate combination of plant proteins including pea and mung bean; fats for cooking sizzle, such as coconut oil and cocoa butter; minerals like calcium and iron; potato starch to bind; and beet juice extract for a beef-like red color in their plant based burgers.
Just the (nutritional) Facts!
Nutritional info for plant based burgers, paints a somewhat mixed picture. The good news is, the burgers contain approximately 20 grams of protein (equivalent to ground beef); a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamin, zinc and iron; and no cholesterol.
Interestingly, the plant based burgers may not be the best choice for people following a heart-healthy diet, as they are higher in saturated fat than turkey burgers and contain substantially more sodium than lean beef burgers. Moreover, you might consider creating your own vegetarian burger with beans, whole grains, herbs, seeds and nuts as a healthier option.
“These burgers offer good amounts of antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals, but they aren’t quite the same as a whole-foods veggie burger made from beans,” explains Registered Dietitian Ginger Hultin, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “In order to mimic meat well, they use a blend of ingredients that includes saturated fat, similar to a beef burger, but from coconut oil.”
So, what’s the verdict?
“They’re interesting, delicious products that can fit into a balanced diet, and have benefits in the form of supporting the environment and saving the lives of animals,” she says.
| 4 oz. portion | Impossible Burger | Beyond Burger | 85% lean burger | 90% lean burger | Turkey burger |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18 g | 15 g | 10 g | 10 g |
| Sat. Fat | 8 g | 6 g | 6 g | 4 g | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | o mg | 88 mg | 65 mg | 92 mg |
| Sodium | 370 mg | 390 mg | 72 mg | 66 mg | 400 mg |
To sum up, supporting the environment and saving the lives of Animals is, in fact, the real fuel driving these companies, both of which are on a mission to reduce meat consumption and ensure a sustainable global food supply by giving people what they enjoy most – big, juicy (plant based) burgers.
The post Are Plant Based Burgers Really Healthier? appeared first on Specialdocs Consultants.
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FAQs
Using less animal products helps to reduce greenhouse emissions, pesticide use and land use. Now, for the bad news. Although plant-based burgers do not contain red meat, they have a similar number of calories and saturated fat content. They may also contain more sodium than traditional red meat beef burgers.
Are plant-based burgers highly processed? ›
Though the base of plant-based meats is a plant (usually soybeans, peas, and/or wheat), these ingredients have been highly processed. In most cases the main ingredients are stripped down to high-protein, low-fiber, colorless powders mixed with preservatives, oils, natural or artificial coloring, gums, and seasonings.
Is plant-based meat or real meat healthier? ›
New research shows that although plant-based meat products are generally healthier than meat equivalents, they can be higher in sugar and are often lacking important nutrients found in real meat.
Why do plant-based burgers have so much saturated fat? ›
“In order to mimic meat well, they use a blend of ingredients that includes saturated fat, similar to a beef burger, but from coconut oil.”
What are the disadvantages of plant-based meat? ›
Con #1: Plant-based meat can be more heavily processed than animal meat. As some plant-based meat and mock meat products are created to replicate animal meat, they may undergo more processing. This leads to a high content of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar.
Are veggie burgers considered ultra-processed food? ›
“In general, ultraprocessed foods are foods that have been combined with a significant amount of manufactured ingredients,” says Scott Keatley, registered dietician and co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. Many, but not all, plant-based burgers are considered ultraprocessed, according to research.
Are plant-based burgers made in a lab? ›
In summary, plant-based meat is made from plant-based ingredients, and lab-grown meat is made from animal cells grown in a laboratory setting. Both types of meat alternatives have the potential to reduce the environmental impact and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal farming methods.
Do plant-based burgers cause inflammation? ›
The Downside of Meatless Burgers
In the Beyond Burger, there is canola oil, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids that are associated with increased inflammation.
Is it OK to eat plant-based meat everyday? ›
Plant-based meats can be a healthy part of a balanced diet if you enjoy them in the right way. Consuming plant-based meats in moderation along with fruits, veggies and other nutrient-dense foods can profoundly support your health.
What is unhealthy vegan food? ›
A vegan diet is only as healthy as you make it. Products like "vegan" ice cream, cookies, and candy are tempting, but don't overdo them. If you eat high-fat and processed foods in large portions, you may end up with many of the same health problems you'd have on a meat-based diet.
Here are some of the worst ingredients we found in “plant-based” meat products:
- Red #3 (Erythrosine) Red #3/erythrosine is an artificial food dye that the FDA has recognized as a thyroid carcinogen since 1990. ...
- Caramel coloring. ...
- Propylene Glycol.
The good news is, the burgers contain approximately 20 grams of protein (equivalent to ground beef); a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamin, zinc and iron; and no cholesterol.
What are the cons of vegan burgers? ›
Cons
- limited research available on long-term safety of soy leghemoglobin.
- contains some common food allergens, such as soy.
- made with genetically modified ingredients.
- higher in sodium than regular beef.
Is Plant-Based Meat Good for Weight Loss? Incorporating plant-based meats into a well-rounded and sustainable dietary plan, regular physical activity, and a holistic approach to healthy living can optimize weight loss efforts while promoting a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Which fake meat is healthiest? ›
Specifically, meat substitutes like tofu, tempeh, and seitan have equal amounts of protein but with less saturated fat and more vitamins and minerals, besides B12.
Are actual veggie burgers healthy? ›
Yes, all our patties are not only Gluten Free, they are also Soy Free, Nut Free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO and have no saturated fats, preservatives, fillers or additives.
