Are there nitrates in Beyond Meat? Unpacking the facts for a nutrition diet

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While processed meats are a known source of added nitrites, leading some to question plant-based alternatives, the company Beyond Meat explicitly states on its website that its products are made without added nitrites or nitrates. This distinction is key for anyone following a nutrition diet and evaluating ingredients.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat does not add synthetic nitrates or nitrites to its products. Any nitrates present are naturally occurring in its plant-based ingredients, such as beet juice extract. This differs significantly from the curing process of traditional processed meats, though the plant-based options remain ultra-processed.

Key Points

No Added Nitrates: Beyond Meat confirms its products do not contain added synthetic nitrites or nitrates, unlike traditional cured meats.
Natural Sources: Any nitrates in Beyond Meat are naturally occurring from plant ingredients like beet juice extract, used for color.
Differing Health Effects: Nitrates from plants are generally considered safer than those added to processed meat, as plant antioxidants inhibit harmful nitrosamine formation.
Ultra-Processed: Despite being plant-based, Beyond Meat products are still ultra-processed, a factor some nutritionists consider when evaluating overall healthiness.
High in Sodium and Fat: Be mindful that Beyond Meat can be high in sodium and saturated fat, similar to or even higher than some meat counterparts, though they contain no cholesterol.
Balanced Approach: While a viable alternative to processed meat, Beyond Meat is not a whole food. It's best enjoyed as part of a varied diet rich in minimally processed foods.

Understanding Nitrates and Nitrites in Your Diet

Before we can answer the question, "Are there nitrates in Beyond Meat?", it is essential to understand the basics of these compounds. Nitrates ($NO_3$) and nitrites ($NO_2$) are molecules composed of nitrogen and oxygen. They are found in the environment in soil, water, and various foods, and are also produced naturally by the human body.

There are two primary sources of nitrates in our diets:

Natural Dietary Nitrates: The vast majority of our dietary nitrate intake, approximately 80%, comes from vegetables like leafy greens (spinach, lettuce) and root vegetables (beets, carrots). When consumed, these natural nitrates are converted by mouth bacteria and enzymes into beneficial nitric oxide, which can support cardiovascular health. Vegetables also contain antioxidants that inhibit the formation of harmful nitrosamines.
Added Nitrates and Nitrites: These are synthetic compounds, most commonly sodium nitrite, used in the curing process for processed meats such as bacon, ham, and hot dogs. They serve to preserve the meat, inhibit bacterial growth (especially Clostridium botulinum), and enhance flavor and color. However, when cooked at high heat, these added nitrites can react with amines in meat to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Beyond Meat's Official Position on Added Nitrates

Beyond Meat clearly positions itself away from synthetic additives associated with traditionally processed meats. On its official website, the company states that its products are made without hormones, GMOs, soy, gluten, and explicitly, without nitrites or nitrates. This is a core part of its marketing strategy, appealing to health-conscious consumers wary of these preservatives in their food.

The Presence of Natural Nitrates in Beyond Meat Ingredients

While no synthetic nitrates are added, Beyond Meat products contain ingredients that are natural sources of nitrates. For example, beet juice extract is used to give the Beyond Burger its reddish, meat-like color. Since beets are naturally high in nitrates, these compounds are inherently present in the product. However, as mentioned earlier, the nitrates from vegetables are associated with health benefits due to the presence of antioxidants, a different scenario than the synthetic nitrites used for curing meat.

Moving Beyond Nitrates: A Holistic Look at Beyond Meat's Nutrition

Focusing solely on nitrates gives an incomplete picture of Beyond Meat's nutritional profile. Critics often point out that while these products may lack certain additives, they are still ultra-processed foods. This means their components have been significantly altered from their original state. Here are other key nutritional considerations:

Sodium: Beyond Meat products can be quite high in sodium to enhance flavor. For example, a single Beyond Burger patty can contain up to 390 mg of sodium, significantly higher than an unseasoned beef patty. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Saturated Fat: Despite being plant-based, some Beyond Meat products, such as the Beyond Burger, contain a comparable amount of saturated fat to traditional beef patties, primarily from refined coconut oil. Though Beyond Meat has worked to reduce saturated fat by using avocado oil in newer formulations, some products still contain levels that might be a concern for heart health.
Processing Level: The ultra-processed nature of Beyond Meat involves using isolates and concentrates from peas, rice, and other plants. While this creates a specific texture and flavor, some nutritionists argue that less-processed whole foods are healthier, as they are not stripped of their natural nutrients.

Comparison: Beyond Meat vs. Traditional Processed Meat


Feature	Beyond Meat	Traditional Processed Meat	Comparison Notes
Added Nitrates/Nitrites	No (Explicitly stated)	Yes (Typically sodium nitrite)	Key difference regarding added preservatives.
Source of Nitrates	Natural, from plant ingredients like beets	Both natural (salt) and synthetic (additives)	Plant-based nitrates may have different health implications due to accompanying antioxidants.
Processing Level	Ultra-processed	Ultra-processed (Cured, smoked)	Both are highly engineered foods, a point of concern for some nutritionists.
Sodium Content	High, often rivaling traditional burgers	High, necessary for curing process	Both options are often high in sodium, requiring careful consumption.
Saturated Fat	Moderate to High, from coconut or avocado oil	Moderate to High, depending on fat content	Comparable levels of saturated fat are a concern in both products.
Dietary Fiber	Contains some dietary fiber (e.g., 2g in Beyond Burger)	None, as meat lacks fiber	A nutritional benefit of the plant-based option.
Cholesterol	None	Present	A clear difference that benefits those managing cholesterol intake.

The Verdict: Are there nitrates in Beyond Meat?

To be precise, no, there are no added synthetic nitrates in Beyond Meat products. The presence of nitrates is exclusively from natural, plant-based sources like beet juice extract. This differentiates it from traditional cured meats, where synthetic nitrates are intentionally added and can lead to the formation of harmful nitrosamines when cooked at high heat. The natural nitrates in Beyond Meat, like those in any vegetable, are not considered a health risk in the same way, as they are accompanied by protective antioxidants.

However, a balanced perspective is essential for a comprehensive nutrition diet. Beyond Meat products are still ultra-processed and often contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat. While they offer advantages like zero cholesterol and some dietary fiber, they should be viewed as an alternative to processed meat rather than a whole-food equivalent. A healthy dietary pattern relies on incorporating a variety of minimally processed foods. For most people, consuming Beyond Meat as an occasional part of a balanced diet is unlikely to pose a significant health risk related to its ingredients or processing, especially when compared to regular consumption of traditional cured and processed meats. For those concerned about highly processed items, focusing on whole, unprocessed plant foods remains the most beneficial path.

Further reading: For more information on food processing and its impact on health, consult this resource from The Nutrition Source.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Beyond Meat does not use synthetic nitrates or nitrites as preservatives. The company states this explicitly on its website and ingredient lists for products like Beyond Sausage.

Beyond Meat products use ingredients derived from plants, such as beet juice extract and celery powder, which are natural sources of nitrates. Beets are particularly known for their high nitrate content.

Natural nitrates found in plants are generally considered safe and can even have health benefits. Unlike added nitrites in processed meat, plant-based nitrates are consumed alongside antioxidants like Vitamin C, which inhibit the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines.

The nitrates in Beyond Meat are naturally derived from vegetables, whereas bacon contains synthetic sodium nitrite added for curing. The curing process, especially with high-heat cooking, can lead to the formation of harmful nitrosamines, which is not a concern with plant-based products.

While Beyond Meat has some benefits like being cholesterol-free and containing fiber, it is still an ultra-processed food. It can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it's a better alternative to traditional processed meat rather than a whole-food equivalent.

Yes, Beyond Meat products can contain a high amount of sodium, often more than an unseasoned beef patty. For example, a Beyond Burger patty may contain up to 390mg of sodium to enhance its flavor.

Beyond Meat products are made from plant-based ingredients like pea protein, rice protein, and faba bean protein. They also contain refined coconut oil or avocado oil, flavorings, and beet juice for color.