Are Beyond burgers real meat? The ultimate Nutrition Diet guide to plant-based burgers

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While Beyond Burgers are designed to look, cook, and satisfy like beef, they are not real meat. Instead, they are entirely plant-based patties created to mimic the taste and texture of a traditional burger, offering a meatless option for flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

Quick Summary

Beyond Burgers are plant-based, using pea and rice protein, along with plant-based fats and other ingredients to simulate the experience of a beef burger. They offer nutritional differences compared to beef, including no cholesterol and added fiber, but are processed and contain higher sodium levels.

Key Points

Plant-Based Composition: Beyond Burgers are not real meat, but are made from a blend of plant-based proteins, primarily from peas and rice.
Zero Cholesterol: A key nutritional difference is that Beyond Burgers contain no cholesterol, unlike beef burgers.
High in Sodium: Beyond Burgers are a processed food and typically have a much higher sodium content than unseasoned ground beef.
Comparable Saturated Fat: While plant-based, the saturated fat content from coconut oil and other sources can be comparable to or only slightly lower than a beef burger.
Source of Fiber: Unlike beef, Beyond Burgers contain dietary fiber from their plant-based ingredients.
Better vs. Best: While a Beyond Burger is considered a 'better' option than red meat by some health experts, homemade veggie burgers made from whole foods are considered the 'best' and most nutrient-dense choice.
Environmental Benefits: The production of Beyond Burgers has a significantly smaller environmental footprint compared to producing beef.
Mimicking Meat: Ingredients like beet juice and plant-based fats are used to replicate the color, flavor, and juicy texture of real meat.

Demystifying the Beyond Burger: A Deep Dive into Ingredients

To understand what a Beyond Burger is, you must first understand what it is not. A Beyond Burger is not real meat; it's a meticulously crafted meat analogue made entirely from plants. The creators of Beyond Meat aim to replicate the sensory experience of eating a traditional beef burger by sourcing the five essential building blocks of meat—protein, fat, minerals, carbs, and water—directly from plant-based sources.

The Core Components of a Beyond Burger

Protein Base: The primary protein source in a Beyond Burger is pea protein, often blended with brown rice protein, mung bean, and faba bean proteins to create a complete and robust protein profile. This plant-based protein mimics the chew and texture of animal protein.
Plant-Based Fats: To achieve the juicy, marbled texture of a beef burger, Beyond Meat incorporates plant-based fats. Refined coconut oil and cocoa butter are used to replicate the appearance and melt characteristics of animal fat.
Flavor and Color: Natural flavors, yeast extract, and various spices are added to create the savory, umami-rich taste. For that signature meaty color, beet juice extract is used, giving the raw patty a reddish hue that browns as it cooks, just like beef.
Binders and Stabilizers: Ingredients like methylcellulose and potato starch are included to help the patty hold its shape and provide a satisfying texture.

Beyond Burger vs. Beef Burger: A Nutritional Breakdown

When evaluating a Beyond Burger for your nutrition diet, it’s important to compare its nutritional profile directly with a traditional beef burger. The comparison reveals both advantages and considerations, depending on your dietary goals.

The Nutritional Pros of Choosing Plant-Based

Zero Cholesterol: Unlike beef, Beyond Burgers contain no cholesterol, which is a significant benefit for heart health. A single beef patty can contain a substantial amount of dietary cholesterol.
Increased Fiber: The plant-based ingredients in a Beyond Burger provide a source of dietary fiber, a nutrient completely absent in beef. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and can aid in weight management.
No Added Hormones or Antibiotics: Beyond Burgers are made without the added hormones and antibiotics often used in animal agriculture.

The Nutritional Cons and Considerations

High Sodium Content: To achieve a familiar, savory flavor, Beyond Burgers often contain significantly more sodium than an unseasoned beef patty. For individuals managing high blood pressure, this is an important factor to consider.
Saturated Fat from Plant Oils: While the saturated fat in Beyond Burgers comes from plant sources like coconut oil, it is still a significant amount, comparable to or only slightly less than a beef burger. The American Heart Association advises caution with coconut oil due to its high saturated fat content.
Processing: Beyond Burgers are considered a highly processed food, unlike a simple patty of ground beef. This means they are not as nutrient-dense as whole-food plant-based options like homemade black bean or lentil burgers.

Comparison Table: Beyond Burger vs. 80/20 Beef Burger (4oz patty)


Nutrient	Beyond Burger	80/20 Beef Burger	Notes
Calories	260	250	Calories are comparable.
Total Fat	18g	16g	Beyond Burger is slightly higher.
Saturated Fat	5g	6g	Beyond Burger is slightly lower.
Cholesterol	0mg	75mg	Beyond Burger is cholesterol-free.
Sodium	350mg	70mg	Beyond Burger is significantly higher.
Protein	20g	20g	Protein content is nearly identical.
Dietary Fiber	2g	0g	Beyond Burger contains fiber.
Iron	4mg	15g	Iron content differs significantly.

Incorporating Beyond Burgers into a Healthy Diet

While the Beyond Burger has its pros and cons, it can be part of a healthy eating plan, particularly for those transitioning away from red meat. Registered dietitians often recommend it as a "better" option when compared to a traditional beef burger, especially in the context of the potential health risks associated with high red meat consumption.

However, it's crucial to treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple. For maximum health benefits, prioritize less-processed, whole-food plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, and tofu. These options provide more nutrients and less sodium than their ultra-processed counterparts. A balanced approach might involve rotating your protein sources and enjoying a Beyond Burger as a special treat.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In conclusion, Beyond burgers are not real meat. They are a marvel of food science, successfully mimicking the experience of a beef burger using entirely plant-based ingredients. While they offer distinct nutritional advantages over beef, such as zero cholesterol and added fiber, they are still a processed food with higher sodium content and significant saturated fat from plant oils. Ultimately, the choice between a Beyond Burger and a traditional beef burger depends on individual health goals, dietary preferences, and ethical considerations. For those looking to reduce red meat intake without sacrificing flavor, the Beyond Burger is a compelling option. For the most optimal nutrition, however, whole-food plant-based alternatives remain the superior choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Beyond Burger is made primarily from pea protein, with other ingredients including rice protein, mung bean protein, refined coconut oil, and cocoa butter. It uses beet juice for color and various natural flavors and spices for taste.

A Beyond Burger offers some health advantages over a beef burger, such as zero cholesterol and added fiber. However, it is also a processed food high in sodium and contains saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.

No, while Beyond Meat is a good alternative to beef, it is a processed product. Whole food plant-based options, like homemade burgers from beans and lentils, are generally considered healthier as they are less processed and provide more natural vitamins and minerals.

No, a Beyond Burger has a comparable calorie count to a standard beef burger. For example, a 4oz Beyond Burger patty has 260 calories, while an 85% lean beef burger has 250 calories.

Yes, research indicates that producing Beyond Burgers uses significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, water, and land resources compared to producing traditional beef burgers.

Yes, Beyond Burgers are completely vegan and are a suitable option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. They provide a protein-rich alternative that mimics the taste and texture of beef.

The Beyond Burger is considered processed because it is made by combining isolated plant-based ingredients—such as pea protein, oils, and stabilizers—through industrial processes to create a final product that mimics meat.