Does Beyond Meat Have Protein? Your Complete Nutritional Guide

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

With approximately 20 grams of plant-based protein per 4 oz patty, the Beyond Burger confirms that yes, Beyond Meat does have protein. This impressive protein count, sourced from a variety of plants, is designed to mimic the satiating experience of traditional animal meat.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat products are a good source of plant-based protein, containing comparable amounts to animal meat, primarily from peas, rice, and other legumes.

Key Points

Yes, Beyond Meat has protein: The products contain a significant amount of plant-based protein, with products like the Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak offering over 20 grams per serving.
Protein comes from plants: The primary protein sources are peas, brown rice, faba beans, and sometimes other legumes, blended to create a complete protein profile.
Comparable to animal protein: Beyond Meat products provide a protein count similar to traditional beef or chicken, making them an effective meat alternative for protein intake.
Different protein digestibility: Due to its plant-based nature, the protein in Beyond Meat has a different digestibility profile compared to animal protein, with some studies showing lower bioavailability.
A processed but nutrient-dense option: As an ultra-processed food, Beyond Meat is fortified with nutrients like B vitamins, but should be seen as a complement to, not a replacement for, a diet rich in whole foods.
Offers distinct nutritional benefits: Beyond Meat products contain no cholesterol and less saturated fat than many animal counterparts, though they are often higher in sodium.

Beyond Meat, a leading producer of plant-based meat alternatives, has fundamentally changed the conversation around meatless proteins. When asking, "Does Beyond meat have protein?" the answer is a clear and resounding yes. These products are intentionally formulated to be a significant protein source, replicating the texture and nutritional value of animal meat using only plant-based ingredients. However, understanding the source, quality, and overall nutritional profile is key to making informed dietary choices.

The Plant-Based Sources of Beyond Meat’s Protein

Beyond Meat products derive their protein from a blend of different plant-based sources. The company has evolved its recipes over time to optimize for both taste and nutrition, but the core ingredients have remained consistently plant-derived.

Core Protein Ingredients

Pea Protein: This is the primary protein source for many Beyond Meat products, including the popular Beyond Burger. Pea protein is known for its high protein concentration and is a central component in creating the "meaty" texture.
Rice Protein: Used in conjunction with pea protein, rice protein helps to create a more complete amino acid profile, enhancing the overall nutritional quality of the product.
Faba Bean Protein: This legume is a key protein source in products like Beyond Steak, contributing to its texture and protein content.
Other Legumes: Depending on the specific product, other legumes like lentils may also be included to round out the protein content and add to the product's flavor profile.

Protein Content Across Different Beyond Meat Products

While the Beyond Burger is the most well-known product, Beyond Meat offers a variety of plant-based options, each with a distinct protein count per serving.

Beyond Burger: A standard 4 oz patty contains approximately 20-21 grams of protein, sourced from peas and brown rice.
Beyond Beef® Ground: This ground beef alternative provides around 18-20 grams of protein per serving, using a mix of pea, brown rice, and faba bean protein.
Beyond Steak®: The steak tips contain a robust 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving, derived mainly from faba beans and wheat gluten.
Beyond Sausage®: A Beyond Sausage link typically offers 16 grams of protein per serving, using a blend of pea and rice protein.
Beyond Chicken® Tenders: These breaded tenders provide 16 grams of plant-based protein per serving.

Comparison of Beyond Meat Protein vs. Animal Protein

While Beyond Meat products offer a protein count that is comparable to or even higher than their animal counterparts, there are key differences in the overall nutritional makeup. Beyond Meat and traditional animal meat both have pros and cons, which consumers should consider.

Beyond Meat vs. 85/15 Ground Beef (per 4 oz serving)


Nutrient	Beyond Burger	85/15 Ground Beef
Protein	20g	22g
Cholesterol	0mg	75mg
Saturated Fat	5g	6g
Sodium	350mg	70mg

From the table, it's clear that Beyond Meat has no cholesterol and less saturated fat than a standard beef patty, aligning with benefits seen in a recent Stanford University study on plant-based meat consumption. However, it also typically has a higher sodium content, something conscious consumers should be aware of.

Understanding Protein Quality and Digestibility

For protein to be effectively used by the body, it must be easily digested and contain a complete profile of essential amino acids. Plant-based proteins, including those from Beyond Meat, generally differ from animal proteins in their digestibility.

Protein Digestibility and Amino Acids

Amino Acid Profile: Beyond Meat uses a combination of different plant proteins (like pea and rice) to create a more complete amino acid profile, addressing the potential limitations of single plant-based sources.
Digestibility Differences: Research has shown that plant-based protein has lower overall digestibility compared to animal protein. The specific structure of plant proteins can make them more difficult for the body to break down and absorb. This difference is part of the reason for a past lawsuit regarding the discrepancy between labeled protein content and the Protein Digestibility Amino Acid Corrected Score (PDCAAS) on some Beyond products.
Bioavailability: The bioavailability of protein and other nutrients like iron and zinc can also be lower in plant-based sources due to compounds like phytic acid. This means individuals on a strictly vegan or plant-based diet may need to consume higher amounts of these nutrients or fortified foods to meet their daily requirements.

Considerations and Nutritional Summary

Ultimately, the question of whether Beyond Meat has protein is easy to answer—it does, and a lot of it. The key is to see it as a processed plant-based food designed to provide a comparable protein-rich experience to meat, rather than a direct replacement for whole, unprocessed plant foods. Beyond Meat offers a good source of protein while having no cholesterol and generally less saturated fat than its animal counterparts. For those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing protein, it represents a viable and delicious option.

The Impact of Processing

It is worth noting that Beyond Meat is considered an ultra-processed food. While this classification doesn't automatically mean it's unhealthy, it does distinguish it from whole plant foods. The processing and fortification are what allow it to provide a similar nutritional impact to meat, complete with essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron. Consumers should consider Beyond Meat as a supplement to a balanced diet rich in whole foods, not as the sole source of plant-based nutrition.

Conclusion

In summary, for those wondering, "Does Beyond meat have protein?", the answer is definitively yes. Beyond Meat successfully harnesses the power of plants like peas, rice, and faba beans to deliver a significant protein load, making it a compelling alternative to animal meat. While its protein, quality, and digestibility differ from animal protein, Beyond Meat remains a valuable option for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians looking for a tasty, meat-like experience with a strong protein profile. Informed consumers can enjoy these products as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Visit the Beyond Meat website for the latest product nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main protein sources in Beyond Meat products are a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and sometimes faba bean protein, depending on the product.

A single 4 oz Beyond Burger patty contains approximately 20-21 grams of plant-based protein.

While Beyond Meat protein is digestible, its bioavailability is lower compared to animal protein due to the plant-based sources. The company uses a blend of different plant proteins to ensure a more complete amino acid profile.

Yes, by combining various plant protein sources like pea and rice, Beyond Meat is formulated to provide a complete protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids.

The protein content in Beyond Meat products is comparable to traditional beef. For example, a Beyond Burger patty has a similar amount of protein to an 85/15 ground beef patty of the same size.

Beyond Meat primarily uses pea protein for its high protein concentration and ability to create a fibrous, meat-like texture through their unique heating and cooling process.

Yes, as a complete protein source, the protein in Beyond Meat can support muscle growth and repair, similar to animal protein, when consumed as part of a balanced and protein-sufficient diet.

Beyond Meat is designed to be a high-protein, meat-like substitute. While whole foods like lentils or black beans are also excellent protein sources, Beyond Meat offers a concentrated, texturized protein similar to what you would find in ground meat.