Is Beyond Meat Considered Highly Processed? The Complex Truth About Plant-Based Meat

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the NOVA food classification system, many plant-based meat alternatives, including Beyond Meat, meet the criteria for being classified as ultra-processed. So, is Beyond Meat considered highly processed? The answer requires a deeper look into its production, ingredients, and nutritional context.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat is classified as ultra-processed due to its use of isolated ingredients and industrial manufacturing techniques like extrusion, but its health implications differ from typical junk foods. The product is formulated from simple plant-based components, heat-pressed into a meat-like texture, with the final nutrition profile offering benefits like high protein and no cholesterol.

Key Points

Categorization: Beyond Meat is technically classified as an ultra-processed food by systems like NOVA because it is an industrial formulation of multiple extracted ingredients.
Manufacturing Process: The product is created using extrusion, a process of heating, cooling, and pressure to reassemble isolated plant proteins into a fibrous, meat-like texture.
Ingredient Composition: Key ingredients include pea protein, rice protein, and plant-based oils, along with minerals, flavors, and fruit/vegetable-based colors.
Health Context: Unlike many junk foods also classified as ultra-processed, Beyond Meat often has a more favorable nutritional profile, including lower saturated fat and higher fiber than comparable beef.
Nuanced Perspective: While processed, studies show replacing red meat with Beyond Meat can improve certain cardiovascular risk factors, presenting a public health opportunity for reducing red meat consumption.
Balanced View: The health impact depends on dietary context; while a viable alternative to red meat, it is not a replacement for whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables and legumes.

Understanding the Levels of Food Processing

To determine if Beyond Meat is considered highly processed, it's essential to first understand the scientific classification systems used to categorize foods. The most widely cited is the NOVA classification, developed by Brazilian researchers.

The NOVA Food Classification System

The NOVA system organizes foods into four groups based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods. These are whole foods with minimal changes.
Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. Derived from Group 1 foods and used for cooking.
Group 3: Processed foods. Created by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods.
Group 4: Ultra-processed foods. Industrial formulations with multiple ingredients, often including substances not used in home cooking, designed for convenience and palatability.

Beyond Meat products, with their formulated ingredients like pea protein isolate and added minerals, fit the description of a Group 4 or ultra-processed food under the NOVA system.

The Beyond Meat Manufacturing Process

Beyond Meat uses a specific process to transform simple plant ingredients into a product that mimics meat. This involves sourcing proteins, fats, minerals, and colors from plant sources like peas and faba beans. The proteins undergo extrusion, a process using heat, cooling, and pressure to create a meat-like texture. Plant-based fats and colors are added for juiciness, flavor, and appearance. The mixture is then formed and packaged. This isolation and reassembly process is why it's considered ultra-processed.

Beyond Meat vs. Ground Beef: A Nutritional Comparison

Beyond Meat offers some nutritional advantages over conventional ground beef, especially regarding saturated fat and cholesterol.


Nutritional Aspect	Beyond Burger (New Formula)	80/20 Lean Ground Beef (4 oz patty)
Calories	~230 kcal	~240 kcal
Protein	21g	21g
Total Fat	14g	17g
Saturated Fat	2g	6g
Cholesterol	0mg	80mg
Sodium	310mg	80mg
Fiber	2g	0g
Iron	20% DV	~15% DV
B Vitamins	comparable levels, fortified	naturally occurring

*Note: Sodium content for ground beef can increase significantly with seasoning during preparation.

The Health Implications of 'Highly Processed' Plant-Based Meat

Classifying Beyond Meat as ultra-processed needs context. Unlike some ultra-processed products, Beyond Meat has a different nutritional profile. Studies like the SWAP-MEAT study show replacing animal meat with Beyond Meat can improve cardiovascular risk factors. Its lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol are beneficial compared to beef. Some research suggests its fiber content may support gut health.

The health impact depends on dietary context. As a replacement for high-fat red meat, it can be healthier. However, it's not a whole food like beans. Experts have differing views on ultra-processed foods, with some highlighting the benefit of replacing processed conventional meats. The Beyond Burger is recognized as a heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association. You can find more information on ultra-processed foods from the Yale School of Public Health.

Conclusion: Navigating the Processed Debate

Yes, technically, Beyond Meat is an ultra-processed food due to its manufacturing process using isolated plant components. However, this classification doesn't fully capture its nutritional value. Studies suggest its profile, often lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than beef, can positively impact health metrics. For those reducing red meat, Beyond Meat can be a convenient and potentially heart-healthier choice. A balanced diet with whole foods remains crucial, and moderation is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source in most Beyond Meat products is pea protein isolate, which is extracted from yellow split peas and is a key component in creating the meat-like texture.

Traditional burgers are minimally processed by grinding meat. Beyond Meat is made through a more complex industrial process involving protein isolation and extrusion, where heat, cooling, and pressure restructure plant proteins.

Yes, Beyond Meat products typically contain more sodium than an unseasoned ground beef patty. This is because salt and seasonings are added during manufacturing to enhance flavor.

No, the term 'ultra-processed' indicates a category of processing, but the nutritional content can vary widely. Beyond Meat, for example, has a different profile than sugary drinks or candy, despite both being ultra-processed.

Yes, Beyond Meat can be part of a healthy diet, especially when used to replace conventional red or processed meat. Its nutritional benefits, like no cholesterol and lower saturated fat, offer advantages.

No, as it is a plant-based product, Beyond Meat contains no cholesterol, which is a significant difference compared to red meat.

Yes. For those seeking less processed options, whole food-based veggie burgers made from beans, lentils, and grains are excellent alternatives. Using legumes and vegetables directly in recipes also provides a less-processed option.