As plant-based alternatives to meat become increasingly popular, Beyond Meat has emerged as a leading brand in the market. But what exactly are the nutrition facts behind this meat substitute?
Plant-based burgers such as Beyond meat and Impossible meat have become more widely available in restaurants than ever before, garnering much attention for their health benefits – though not all plant-based foods are created equal.
One major concern with these products is they are highly processed foods with lots of fillers and additives. Furthermore, many of these ingredients aren’t even naturally found in plant foods.
Beyond Meat Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 270.
- Fat: 20 g (6 g saturated fat)
- Sodium: 380 mg.
- Carbohydrates: 5 g.
- Fiber: 3 g.
- Sugars: 0 g.
- Protein: 20 g.
Protein
Protein is an integral nutrient to consider when selecting plant-based food options. Not only will it determine how many calories you consume, but whether or not the meal will satisfy your body’s hunger.
Protein quality varies between sources, depending on the balance of amino acids and how much of them you absorb. For instance, pea isolate – the main protein source in Beyond Burgers – has a PDCAAS score of 0.8 out of 1.
Although not as protein-rich as beef, soy protein powder provides a nutritious alternative for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Each serving provides more than 20 grams of protein and also serves as an excellent source of iron.
Fat
Nutritionists are divided on the health benefits of plant-based burgers. Some worry about their saturated fat content (see this review), while others argue that swapping out saturated fat for unsaturated fat makes for a healthier choice.
Furthermore, many meat alternatives contain extra ingredients that some people find objectionable. These could include refined oils, modified cornstarch or dextrose.
Recently, CBC News spoke to customers who expressed disappointment over finding that A&W’s Beyond Famous Star burger contained more sodium than their typical beef patties. Health experts agree that such levels should never be expected in processed food products.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the most essential macronutrients for our diet, accounting for between 45% and 65% of total caloric intake daily. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a low-fat, high-complex-carbohydrate diet may aid weight loss and improve overall wellbeing.
However, there are numerous factors that can influence carbohydrate intake and whether it leads to weight loss or an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Studies have demonstrated that a low-carbohydrate diet can raise blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, both of which have been linked with weight gain as well as higher risks for obesity and heart disease.
Novel plant-based meat alternatives are increasingly being created to emulate the sensory experience and nutritional profile of meat (Curtain & Grafenauer, 2019). Furthermore, these plant-based proteins often contain additional essential nutrients not found in beef such as B vitamins, zinc, iron, and fats naturally found in animal products.
Sodium
Sodium is an essential nutrient our bodies require to regulate blood pressure and extracellular fluid. It also plays a major role in maintaining a healthy heart, so too much sodium may lead to high blood pressure or other health issues.
Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger products contain more sodium than their beef counterparts, which could be detrimental for those with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Furthermore, they are packed with saturated fat which could raise cholesterol levels and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, notes that plant-based meat alternatives may not always be unhealthy but can become unhealthy if overly processed or contain excessive salt. She advises consumers to select products with lower sodium levels as well as more fiber, protein and healthy fats.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron can result in anemia.
Iron is widely available in food sources such as meat, eggs, fortified cereals and beans. However, it’s essential to remember that not all types of iron are created equal; non-heme iron cannot be as readily absorbed as heme iron.
That is why it is essential to include both heme and non-heme iron in your diet. Additionally, vitamin C helps improve iron absorption from both types of iron, so be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in this vital nutrient.
What Are the Ingredients in Beyond Meat?
Beyond Meat is a brand of plant-based, vegan meat alternatives that are made up of a combination of pea and brown rice proteins, fats such as coconut and canola, minerals including calcium and iron, along with natural flavorings and colors.
The company offers three main products: The Beyond Burger, Beyond Sausage, and Beyond Beef Crumbles, which are made from a combination of plant-based proteins and fats and are cooked and served just like regular meat.
Beyond Meat products taste remarkably similar to beef, are iron-rich, fatty in the same way as ground beef, and lightly salty. They have a slightly crumbly, hearty texture, markedly similar to ground beef or sausage (depending on the product).
Beyond Meat’s ingredients are gathered from plants and include protein, fat, minerals, carbs, and water. The proteins are subjected to heat, cooling, and pressure to create the meat-like texture of Beyond Meat products. Beyond Meat products are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, and are available in grocery stores and on restaurant menus.
