Exploring the Facts: How Healthy Is Beyond Sausage?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Beyond Meat's 4th generation Beyond Sausage, made with avocado oil, boasts 75% less saturated fat than traditional pork sausage. When assessing how healthy is Beyond Sausage, it's crucial to look beyond the marketing and examine its full nutritional profile, ingredients, and processing level to understand its place in a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

An in-depth guide covering the nutritional content, ingredients, and health implications of Beyond Sausage, comparing it directly to traditional pork varieties for a clear picture.

Key Points

Reduced Saturated Fat: Beyond Sausage contains significantly less saturated fat (75% less in the 4th gen) than traditional pork sausage.
No Cholesterol: As a plant-based product, it contains zero milligrams of cholesterol.
High Sodium Content: The sodium level in Beyond Sausage is notably high and should be monitored, especially for individuals with blood pressure concerns.
Highly Processed: It is an ultra-processed food, meaning it is not a whole food and is best enjoyed in moderation.
Pea and Rice Protein Base: The primary protein sources are pea and rice protein, making it free from soy and gluten.
Potential for Heart Health: Studies suggest that switching from animal-based meat to products like Beyond Meat can improve certain cardiovascular risk factors.

What Is Beyond Sausage Made From?

Beyond Sausage aims to replicate the experience of traditional pork sausage using plant-based ingredients. Its protein comes from peas and brown rice, supplemented by other components for texture and taste.

Key ingredients include:

Avocado Oil: Used in the latest version for reduced saturated fat.
Faba Bean Protein: Another protein source.
Methylcellulose & Starches: Plant-derived binders.
Alginate Casing: An edible casing made from algae.
Natural Flavors and Spices: Provide taste and color.

The product is free from soy, gluten, GMOs, added hormones, and antibiotics.

A Closer Look at the Nutritional Breakdown

Evaluating the healthiness of Beyond Sausage requires examining its nutritional content, which varies slightly by flavor and product generation. The 4th generation formula offers an improved nutritional profile.

Here's an overview per cooked link:

Calories: Approximately 190.
Protein: 17 grams.
Fat: Around 12-13 grams.
Saturated Fat: 2 grams.
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
Sodium: Around 480mg for the Hot Italian flavor.
Fiber: Contains dietary fiber.

Comparison: Beyond Sausage vs. Traditional Pork Sausage

A direct comparison highlights the nutritional differences. The table below shows key distinctions, especially in saturated fat and cholesterol.


Nutrient (per link)	Beyond Sausage (4th Gen)	Traditional Pork Sausage	Key Difference
Saturated Fat	2g	~8g (leading brand)	75% less saturated fat
Cholesterol	0mg	Present (animal product)	No cholesterol
Protein	17g	Comparable to Beyond	Good source of protein
Sodium	~480mg (Hot Italian)	Varies, can be lower or higher	Often higher than some pork sausages
Ingredients	Pea, rice, avocado oil	Pork, spices, fillers	Plant-based vs. animal-based
Processing	Highly processed	Highly processed	Both are processed foods

Beyond Sausage and Heart Health: The Big Picture

Plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Sausage are often chosen for potential heart health benefits. A Stanford study, SWAP-MEAT, indicated that replacing red meat with Beyond Meat products improved several cardiovascular risk factors. This is linked to eliminating dietary cholesterol and reducing saturated fat. The use of avocado oil in the new formula further supports this.

However, the high sodium content is a drawback, especially for those managing blood pressure. Moderation is important, and pairing Beyond Sausage with whole foods can help. These products are not a substitute for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but an alternative to less healthy animal proteins.

The "Ultra-Processed" Debate

Beyond Sausage is often criticized for being highly processed. Critics note it's not a whole food and contains many ingredients. However, traditional sausages are also extensively processed. The key difference lies in the plant-based versus animal-based ingredients and their associated nutritional profiles.

Potential Downsides

High Sodium: A significant concern for those with hypertension.
Processed Ingredients: May not align with strict whole-food diets.
Allergen Concerns: Individuals with severe legume allergies should be cautious due to pea protein.

How to Include Beyond Sausage in a Healthy Diet

To incorporate Beyond Sausage healthily:

Consume Moderately: Treat it as an occasional item, not a daily staple.
Pair with Whole Foods: Serve with plenty of vegetables for a balanced meal.
Monitor Sodium: Be mindful of other high-sodium components in your meal.
Explore Cooking Methods: Use in various recipes beyond just grilling.

Conclusion: So, How Healthy Is Beyond Sausage?

Beyond Sausage offers a nutritionally improved option compared to traditional pork sausage, primarily by having no cholesterol and significantly less saturated fat, especially with the newer formula using avocado oil. However, it remains a highly processed food with substantial sodium. It can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with whole foods, serving as a suitable alternative for those reducing animal meat intake. Its overall health impact depends on its role within your complete dietary pattern.

For more information on Beyond Meat products, visit their official website [beyondmeat.com].

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Sausage is generally considered a healthier alternative due to its much lower saturated fat content and zero cholesterol. However, its high sodium level and processed nature should be taken into account when assessing overall healthiness.

Yes, Beyond Sausage is considered a highly processed food. It is created by combining isolated plant proteins, fats, and other ingredients using heating and cooling processes to replicate the texture and flavor of meat.

Beyond Sausage is primarily made from pea and rice protein, with avocado oil and other plant-based ingredients providing fat and flavor. It is free of soy, gluten, and GMOs.

Beyond Sausage can be high in sodium, with some flavors like Hot Italian containing nearly 500mg per link. This is an important consideration for anyone watching their sodium intake.

No, Beyond Sausage contains zero cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal products, and Beyond Sausage is made entirely from plants.

Yes, replacing traditional red meat sausage with Beyond Sausage can benefit heart health by reducing saturated fat and eliminating dietary cholesterol. Clinical studies have shown improvements in some cardiovascular risk factors.

Beyond Sausage is not a magic bullet for weight loss. While it may have less saturated fat than pork sausage, it is still calorie-dense and processed. Weight loss depends on overall calorie balance and diet quality, with whole foods being preferable.