How many calories in a garden veggie burger?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a garden veggie burger can vary significantly, with a single patty containing as few as 90 to over 200 calories, depending on the brand and ingredients. Understanding how many calories in a garden veggie burger can help you make informed decisions when choosing a plant-based meal.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the wide calorie range for garden veggie burgers, influenced by brand, processing, and ingredients. It provides a detailed look at nutritional value, offering comparisons and tips for healthier preparation.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a single garden veggie burger patty can range from 90 to over 200 calories depending on the brand and how it is made.
Brand Matters: Popular brands like MorningStar Farms offer low-calorie patties (around 100-110 calories), while other options or gourmet versions may be higher.
Toppings Add Calories: The biggest calorie difference often comes from toppings like high-fat sauces (mayonnaise), cheese, and the choice of bun.
Healthier Option: In general, a garden veggie patty contains less saturated fat and often more fiber than a traditional beef patty, but can be higher in sodium.
Total Meal Consideration: To accurately count calories, you must factor in all components of the burger, not just the patty, including the bun and any condiments.

Garden Veggie Burger Calories Explained

Determining the precise calorie count for a garden veggie burger is not straightforward, as the nutritional content differs widely between brands, restaurant preparations, and homemade recipes. A frozen, store-bought patty typically offers a lower calorie count, while a gourmet or fast-food option can be substantially higher due to added fats, sauces, and buns.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Processing and Ingredients: The base ingredients have a major impact. Burgers made primarily from soy protein, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or mushrooms tend to be lower in calories than those using more oil, cheese, or binders.
Added Ingredients: Store-bought patties can vary greatly. Some brands, like MorningStar Farms, offer patties as low as 100-110 calories, while other gourmet brands might pack in more. It is crucial to read the nutritional label, as some patties contain additional ingredients that increase fat and calorie content.
Restaurant vs. Home-cooked: A restaurant's veggie burger is often assembled with high-calorie additions, including large buns, mayonnaise, cheese, and fatty sauces, which can drastically increase the overall calorie count. By contrast, a home-cooked version allows you to control every ingredient, from using a lighter bun to adding low-calorie toppings.

A Look at Popular Garden Veggie Burger Options

To illustrate the calorie variation, let's examine a few well-known examples:

MorningStar Farms Garden Veggie Patty: A single patty contains approximately 100-110 calories.
Gardein Veggie Burger (Plant-based 'Beef'): One serving is around 130 calories.
Gardenburger Original: A patty contains about 100-150 calories, with some variations.
Fast-Food Veggie Burger (e.g., Burger King BK Veggie): A veggie burger on a bun from a fast-food chain can range from 300 to over 400 calories, primarily due to the bun, cheese, and toppings.

The Importance of the Complete Burger

While the patty is a key component, a burger's total calorie count depends on the complete assembly. Consider the following additions:

Buns: A standard white burger bun can add 150-200 calories. Opting for a whole-grain or lettuce wrap can save hundreds of calories.
Sauces: Mayonnaise, ketchup, and creamy dressings add fat and calories. Switching to mustard, salsa, or a light vinaigrette is a healthier choice.
Cheese: A slice of cheese, especially full-fat, can add 70-100 calories. Consider a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Comparison Table: Veggie Burger Patties vs. Traditional Beef


Feature	Average Garden Veggie Patty	Average Lean Beef Patty (90/10)	Notes
Calories	100–160	180–220	Beef patties vary greatly by fat content.
Saturated Fat	0.5–1g	5–8g	Veggie options are typically much lower in saturated fat.
Protein	5–12g	20–25g	Beef generally offers more protein per ounce.
Fiber	3–6g	0g	Veggie patties are a significant source of dietary fiber.
Sodium	300–600mg	70–100mg	Many processed veggie burgers can be high in sodium.

The Bottom Line on Calories

For those watching their calorie intake, a garden veggie burger is often a lighter alternative to a traditional beef burger. However, the final calorie count is highly dependent on the preparation. By choosing a low-calorie patty and being mindful of toppings and buns, you can easily keep the meal in a healthy range. Many veggie patties are also great sources of fiber and can be packed with nutrients, making them a smart choice for a balanced diet. A homemade garden veggie burger provides the most control over ingredients and nutrition, allowing for a fully customized meal. For more nutritional information on various foods, reliable sources like the USDA's FoodData Central are invaluable. [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/]

Conclusion

The number of calories in a garden veggie burger is not a fixed number, but rather a spectrum based on its preparation. While the patty itself often has fewer calories than a beef alternative, the overall meal's caloric impact is influenced by the bun, sauces, and toppings. Individuals seeking a low-calorie meal can make excellent use of a garden veggie patty by customizing their burger with fresh vegetables, light condiments, and whole-grain or lettuce wraps. Ultimately, the garden veggie burger offers a versatile, plant-based option that can fit into a variety of dietary goals and preferences, from simple and low-calorie to fully loaded and decadent.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard store-bought garden veggie patty typically ranges from 90 to 160 calories per serving, though this can vary by brand and ingredients.

Toppings like mayonnaise, cheese, and large white-bread buns can add hundreds of extra calories, significantly increasing the total count of your veggie burger meal.

While often lower in saturated fat than beef, not all veggie burgers are equally healthy. Some processed varieties can be high in sodium, and the overall meal depends on the preparation method and additions.

To lower the calorie count, choose a lighter patty, use a whole-grain bun or a lettuce wrap, and opt for low-calorie toppings like mustard, salsa, or extra vegetables.

Yes, a fast-food veggie burger can be substantially higher in calories (often over 300-400) due to larger buns and more indulgent toppings. A homemade version provides full control to keep calories low.

Most garden veggie patties contain a good amount of protein, typically ranging from 5 to 12 grams per patty, depending on the main ingredients like soy or vegetables.

Homemade veggie burgers give you complete control over ingredients, allowing you to create lower-calorie versions by minimizing oil and choosing lean components. However, calorie content can still be high if richer ingredients are used.