Are Morningstar Burgers Healthy? A Deep Dive into Nutritional Facts

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), some Morningstar products, like their Original Sausage Patties, offer a notable reduction in saturated fat compared to processed meat. But when it comes to the question, are Morningstar burgers healthy, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. The healthfulness depends on the specific product, what it's replacing, and how it fits into your overall diet.

Quick Summary

Assessing the healthiness of Morningstar burgers involves comparing specific products, like the Garden Veggie or Grillers Original, to traditional meat and other alternatives. While offering nutritional benefits such as lower fat, calories, and higher fiber, they are moderately processed and can contain significant sodium. Their health profile depends on context and serving choices.

Key Points

Not all Morningstar burgers are equal: Nutritional content varies widely; read the labels for details on fat, calories, and sodium.
A healthier choice than beef: Most Morningstar varieties are lower in saturated fat and calories than traditional beef burgers, and are cholesterol-free.
Contains processed ingredients: As a convenience food, they are moderately processed and may contain refined oils, added sugars, and significant sodium.
Mindful eating is key: To maximize health benefits, pair with fresh vegetables, whole-grain buns, and be aware of overall sodium intake.
Not always vegan: Despite being plant-based, some products contain egg whites and milk ingredients, so check for vegan labeling if necessary.

Understanding the Morningstar Farms Product Line

Morningstar Farms offers a variety of veggie burgers, and their nutritional profiles differ. For instance, the Garden Veggie burger is made from a blend of vegetables and soy protein, often praised for its lower calorie count and vegetable content. The Grillers Original burger, on the other hand, is designed to mimic the texture and taste of a traditional beef patty more closely and uses wheat gluten and soy protein. It's important to read the label of the specific product you are considering, as ingredients and nutritional values vary significantly across the brand's lineup.

The Nutritional Pros of Morningstar Burgers

On the plus side, Morningstar burgers offer several advantages over their traditional meat counterparts. These benefits include:

Lower in Saturated Fat: Most Morningstar burgers have significantly less saturated fat than a standard beef burger. For example, a Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger has 69% less fat than a regular ground beef patty.
Good Source of Protein and Fiber: Many varieties, like the Black Bean burger, are a good source of both protein and dietary fiber, which can help promote satiety and healthy digestion.
Cholesterol-Free: All Morningstar veggie burgers are cholesterol-free, which is a major advantage for those monitoring their heart health.
Lower Calories: Certain burgers, such as the Garden Veggie, are very low in calories (around 100 calories per patty), making them a great option for calorie-conscious diets.

The Nutritional Cons and Considerations

Despite the benefits, there are important drawbacks to consider, largely due to the convenience food nature of the product:

High Sodium Content: Many Morningstar burgers contain a significant amount of sodium, especially when compared to a homemade option. Some varieties can contribute a notable portion of your daily recommended sodium intake.
Moderate Processing: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified some Morningstar products as having moderate processing concerns. They often contain added flavors, sugars, and refined oils, which are common in ultra-processed foods.
Refined Oils: Certain products use refined oils like canola or corn oil, which can contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats during processing.
Not Always Vegan: Despite a push toward plant-based labeling, some Morningstar products, including many veggie burgers, still contain egg whites and milk ingredients, meaning they are vegetarian but not vegan.

Comparison Table: Morningstar vs. Alternatives

To better understand how Morningstar burgers compare, let's look at a hypothetical comparison with a standard beef burger and a simple homemade black bean burger. Nutritional values are approximate and can vary.


Feature	Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie	Standard Beef Burger Patty (85/15)	Homemade Black Bean Burger
Calories	~100 kcal	~240 kcal	~200 kcal
Fat	~3g	~18g	~5g
Protein	~10g	~21g	~10-12g
Sodium	~280-320mg	~75mg	~50-100mg (adjustable)
Fiber	~5g	~0g	~8-10g
Ingredients	Vegetables, soy protein, grains, oils, seasonings	Ground beef	Black beans, rice, corn, onion, spices
Processing Level	Moderately Processed	Minimally Processed	Minimally Processed

Making a Healthier Choice with Morningstar

While Morningstar burgers might not be a whole food, they can still be part of a healthy diet, especially as a healthier alternative to a beef burger. Here are some tips to maximize their health benefits:

Use Moderation: Treat Morningstar burgers as a convenience food rather than a daily staple. They are a good option for a quick meal but should be balanced with plenty of whole foods.
Mind Your Toppings: The healthiness of your burger is also determined by what you put on it. Skip the processed cheese and heavy sauces. Instead, load it up with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Consider adding avocado for healthy fats.
Choose a Healthy Bun: Opt for a whole-grain bun or even use a lettuce wrap to cut down on refined carbs and add more fiber.
Pay Attention to Sodium: If you're managing blood pressure, choose the variety with the lowest sodium content and compensate by reducing sodium in other parts of your meal.
Pair with Whole Foods: Serve your Morningstar burger with a large side salad, steamed vegetables, or baked sweet potato fries instead of conventional french fries.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Morningstar Burgers

Ultimately, whether Morningstar burgers are healthy depends on context. As a replacement for a less healthy, high-fat, high-saturated-fat beef burger, they are generally a healthier choice due to lower saturated fat, calories, and being cholesterol-free. However, when compared to a homemade, whole-food plant-based burger, their moderate processing and higher sodium content become more apparent. They offer a convenient, plant-based option that can fit into a balanced diet, provided they are enjoyed in moderation and paired with fresh, whole-food ingredients. The key is to see them as a processed food alternative, not a whole food, and to be mindful of their sodium levels and other ingredients. For those seeking maximum nutrition, building your own veggie burgers from scratch remains the optimal choice.

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) on plant-based meat alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they are generally considered moderately processed. While made with plant-based ingredients, they often contain refined oils, added sugars, and flavorings that categorize them as processed foods, distinct from whole-food plant-based meals.

Some Morningstar burgers can have a significant amount of sodium, contributing substantially to your daily intake. The sodium content varies by product, so checking the nutrition label is crucial, especially for those monitoring blood pressure.

The Garden Veggie burger is often considered one of the healthiest options due to its lower calorie and fat content, and inclusion of vegetables. However, 'healthiest' depends on individual dietary goals; a lower sodium option might be preferable for some.

No. Many of Morningstar Farms' veggie burgers are vegetarian, but not vegan, because they contain egg white and milk ingredients. Always check the specific product's labeling for 'vegan' certification if you are following a strictly vegan diet.

From a nutritional standpoint, many Morningstar burgers are a healthier alternative to a high-fat beef burger, offering less saturated fat, fewer calories, and no cholesterol. However, beef is less processed than most Morningstar products, which is an important consideration.

You can improve the health profile of a Morningstar burger by serving it on a whole-grain bun or lettuce wrap and loading it with fresh vegetable toppings like tomato, lettuce, and avocado. Avoid heavy, processed sauces and fatty cheese.

The Black Bean burgers are a good source of protein and fiber, offering a lower-fat option than beef. They are moderately processed and can be high in sodium, but they can be part of a healthy diet, especially when replacing a higher-fat meat burger.