Are Beyond burgers considered ultra-processed food? A deeper look into plant-based nutrition

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the widely used NOVA classification, Beyond Burgers are technically categorized as ultra-processed foods. However, a growing body of research and expert opinion suggests the picture is more nuanced than a simple classification might imply. This article explores the food science behind Beyond Burgers to help you decide how they fit into a healthy nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Beyond Burgers are technically categorized as ultra-processed due to their industrial formulation using extracted proteins and additives. While the label raises concern, studies suggest that when replacing red meat, plant-based alternatives can offer nutritional benefits, challenging the blanket assumption that all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy.

Key Points

Categorized as UPF: Beyond Burgers are technically ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification due to industrial ingredients and processing.
Not all UPFs are Equal: The ultra-processed label is often criticized for oversimplifying the nutritional value of plant-based meats, which can be nutritionally superior to some other UPFs.
Potential Health Benefits: Studies like the Stanford SWAP-MEAT trial suggest that replacing red meat with Beyond products can improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as lowering LDL cholesterol.
Superior to Beef in Key Metrics: Beyond Burgers are lower in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol compared to an 80/20 beef patty, though they can be higher in sodium.
Not a Whole Food Replacement: Experts still recommend prioritizing whole, minimally processed plant foods like beans and lentils for optimal health, using products like Beyond Burgers in moderation.
Environmental Advantages: A significant benefit of Beyond Burgers is their much lower environmental footprint compared to conventional beef production.

What Defines an Ultra-Processed Food?

To understand the debate surrounding Beyond Burgers, it's essential to define what constitutes an ultra-processed food (UPF). The NOVA classification system, developed to categorize foods based on their degree of processing, places foods into four groups. Group 4, the ultra-processed category, includes industrial formulations that contain ingredients and additives not typically used in home cooking, designed to be highly palatable and convenient. The industrial processes often involve chemical alterations and the use of ingredients such as protein isolates, hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers, and flavors to create a finished product that mimics whole foods.

The Case for Classifying Beyond Burgers as Ultra-Processed

Based on the NOVA criteria, the Beyond Burger squarely fits into the ultra-processed category. Its ingredients list reveals a composition far removed from a traditional, homemade patty. Instead of just ground meat or whole legumes, the Beyond Burger is an engineered formulation designed to replicate the sensory experience of a beef burger.

Ingredient Isolates: The product's primary protein comes from pea protein isolate, a heavily processed form of protein extracted from yellow split peas.
Industrial Additives: Ingredients like methylcellulose (a stabilizer), modified food starch, and natural flavors are added to achieve the desired texture, taste, and mouthfeel.
Extrusion Process: Creating the fibrous texture that resembles meat involves an industrial process of heating, cooling, and pressure, not a simple mix-and-form method.

The Nuanced Counter-Argument

While the technical classification is clear, many health experts and researchers argue that applying a blanket 'unhealthy' label to all UPFs is an oversimplification. The health implications depend on the nutritional profile of the specific UPF and the food it is replacing in a person's diet.

Nutritional Advantages over Red Meat: Studies and nutritional data show that when used as a replacement for conventional beef, Beyond Burgers can offer some advantages:

No Cholesterol: Unlike beef burgers, Beyond Burgers contain no cholesterol.
Less Saturated Fat: The latest formulation of the Beyond Burger is engineered to be lower in saturated fat than an 80/20 beef patty.
Fiber Content: Unlike beef, Beyond Burgers contain dietary fiber, which is important for digestive and heart health.
Heart-Healthy Certification: Some Beyond Meat products have received certifications from organizations like the American Heart Association.

Clinical Evidence: A Stanford University clinical trial, known as the SWAP-MEAT study, found that participants who swapped animal meat for Beyond products for eight weeks experienced improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This directly challenges the assumption that all UPFs are inherently detrimental to health. The study showed that swapping red meat for plant-based alternatives, even ultra-processed ones, could lead to better health outcomes.

A Comparative Look at Burgers

To put the Beyond Burger's processing and nutritional profile into context, let's compare it to a conventional beef burger and a whole-food black bean burger.


Feature	Beyond Burger (Newest Form.)	80/20 Beef Burger	Whole-Food Black Bean Burger (Homemade)
Processing Level	Ultra-Processed	Minimally Processed	Minimally Processed
Protein Source	Pea, brown rice, red lentil protein isolates	Ground beef	Black beans, vegetables
Fat Source	Avocado oil	Animal fat	Olive oil (for cooking)
Ingredients	Long list of isolates, additives, binders	Ground beef	Black beans, onions, spices, oats
Sodium	Higher (often seasoned)	Lower (unseasoned)	Low (homemade control)
Saturated Fat	Lower than beef	Higher than Beyond	Very low
Cholesterol	0 mg	Significant	0 mg
Fiber	Contains fiber	No fiber	High in fiber
Overall Health Value	Better than beef, not as optimal as whole foods	Mixed; higher in sat fat/cholesterol	High (rich in nutrients)

This comparison table illustrates that while the Beyond Burger may be technically ultra-processed, its nutritional profile can represent an improvement over a conventional beef burger for certain health metrics, like saturated fat and cholesterol. However, it does not surpass the overall nutritional value of a homemade, whole-food alternative.

Navigating the Ultra-Processed Landscape

Consumers must recognize that not all ultra-processed foods are created equal. Just as a whole-grain bread is nutritionally distinct from a sugary cereal, the health impacts of different UPFs vary widely. For those seeking to reduce their red meat intake for health or environmental reasons, Beyond Burgers offer a convenient, transitional option.

Here are some strategies for mindful consumption:

Use as a Bridge: For meat-eaters transitioning to a more plant-based diet, Beyond Burgers can serve as a stepping stone, offering a familiar taste and texture.
Moderation is Key: As with any processed food, Beyond Burgers are best consumed in moderation rather than as a daily staple. They are not intended to replace whole foods like lentils and beans.
Prioritize Whole Foods: A truly healthy diet should focus on whole, unprocessed or minimally processed plant foods. Filling up on fruits, vegetables, and legumes is paramount.
Read the Label: The best way to make an informed decision is to compare nutritional information. Pay attention to sodium, saturated fat, and ingredients. Beyond Meat has recently reformulated its products to lower saturated fat and sodium.

Conclusion

So, are Beyond burgers considered ultra-processed food? Yes, by the technical definition of the NOVA system. However, this label does not tell the whole story. The context is crucial; replacing conventional beef with a Beyond Burger often results in a healthier nutritional outcome, particularly regarding saturated fat and cholesterol. While it cannot replace the superior nutrition of a whole-food plant-based diet, it serves as a valuable tool for those looking to reduce their consumption of red and processed meats, offering a compromise between convenience and health goals. Ultimately, consumers must look beyond the simple 'processed' label and consider the full nutritional profile of the product relative to the alternatives. A truly balanced and nutritious diet prioritizes whole foods while allowing for moderate inclusion of processed products like the Beyond Burger when appropriate for individual health goals and preferences.

The Bottom Line

The ultra-processed label is a starting point, not the final word. A nuanced understanding of ingredients, nutritional content, and dietary context is necessary. For many, a Beyond Burger is a more heart-healthy and environmentally friendly choice than a conventional beef burger, despite its processing. It's a reminder that not all ultra-processed foods are equal, and dietary decisions should reflect a broader perspective on health and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Burgers are considered ultra-processed due to their manufacturing process, which involves isolating proteins from plants (like peas) and combining them with refined oils, binders, and flavors using industrial techniques to create a meat-like product.

Research suggests that swapping a beef burger for a plant-based alternative like the Beyond Burger can offer health benefits, such as lower LDL cholesterol and saturated fat, though the sodium content can be higher. Ultimately, a whole-food plant-based option is best for overall nutrition.

The NOVA classification system groups food into four categories based on the degree of processing. Group 4, where Beyond Burgers fall, is for ultra-processed foods, defined as industrial formulations with ingredients and additives not used in normal home cooking.

No, Beyond Burgers do not contain any cholesterol, which is a key nutritional advantage over traditional beef burgers.

While the processing removes some of the whole food context, Beyond Meat's processing can also improve the bioavailability of its plant-based protein. The key is that the end product, when replacing red meat, has shown positive health outcomes in trials.

For less-processed alternatives, consider homemade burgers made from whole ingredients like black beans, lentils, or mushrooms. Tofu and tempeh are also minimally processed plant-based protein sources.

Most health experts agree that including some ultra-processed foods in moderation is acceptable as part of a balanced diet. The main concern arises when these foods displace more nutritious whole foods as a dietary staple.