Is Beyond Meat Considered Ultra-Processed?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the commonly used NOVA classification, Beyond Meat products, like other plant-based meat substitutes, are indeed categorized as ultra-processed due to their use of industrial ingredients and complex manufacturing processes. However, this classification alone does not tell the full story about a product's healthfulness.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat products are classified as ultra-processed according to the NOVA system, involving industrial ingredients and complex processes. While this label raises concerns, it is crucial to analyze the specific ingredients and nutritional profile rather than relying solely on the processing category. Research suggests that plant-based meats can still offer nutritional advantages over conventional meat, but factors like sodium content are important to monitor. Beyond Meat has also reformulated products to improve their health metrics.

Key Points

Categorization: Beyond Meat is categorized as ultra-processed under the NOVA system due to its industrial-scale processing and use of extracted ingredients like pea protein isolate and refined oils.
Nutritional Profile: Compared to an 80/20 beef burger, Beyond Meat typically has less saturated fat and no cholesterol, but can contain higher sodium levels.
Health Context: The 'ultra-processed' label does not automatically mean unhealthy. The health impact depends on the specific ingredients, nutritional content, and overall dietary pattern.
Potential Benefits: Some studies suggest that replacing animal meat with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat may improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as lowering LDL cholesterol.
Consumer Awareness: It's important for consumers to read nutritional labels and consider their overall diet, focusing on whole foods for optimal health.
Recent Reformulations: Beyond Meat has responded to criticism by reformulating products, reducing saturated fat and sodium while simplifying ingredients.
Debate and Nuance: The ultra-processed label is a subject of debate among nutrition experts, who note that not all UPFs are created equal and should be evaluated on an individual basis.

Understanding the 'Ultra-Processed' Label

The term "ultra-processed food" (UPF) comes from the NOVA food classification system, which categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of their industrial processing. It is a system used by food scientists and researchers, and its application to modern plant-based products has sparked significant debate. The four NOVA categories are:

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods: These are foods in their natural state or only minimally altered, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients: These are substances like oil, salt, and sugar derived from Group 1 foods.
Group 3: Processed Foods: These are made by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods, like canned vegetables in brine or cheese.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF): This category includes products made mostly or entirely from processed ingredients and additives, using advanced industrial techniques to create specific flavors, textures, and shelf life.

Beyond Meat products, with ingredients like pea protein isolate, refined oils, and various additives, fit squarely into NOVA's Group 4 because they are industrial formulations not found in a home kitchen.

Why the 'Ultra-Processed' Label Isn't the Whole Story

While the UPF classification is a useful tool, experts caution against using it as the sole determinant of a food's health value. The category is very broad, encompassing both sugary sodas and more nutritionally dense items like some whole-grain breads or plant-based meats. A Beyond Burger, for instance, is nutritionally different from a candy bar, even though both are technically UPFs.

Key arguments for a more nuanced perspective on Beyond Meat include:

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: The primary components of Beyond Meat are pea protein and other plant-based ingredients, which provide a significant amount of protein and often contain more fiber than animal meat.
Formulation Improvements: Beyond Meat has actively reformulated its products, such as the Beyond IV, to remove ingredients like coconut and canola oils, simplify the ingredient list, and reduce saturated fat and sodium.
Evidence-Based Comparisons: Studies have shown that swapping animal meat for plant-based alternatives can improve cardiovascular health markers, such as lowering LDL cholesterol.

Beyond Meat vs. Conventional Meat: A Comparison

To understand the full context, it's helpful to compare Beyond Meat's nutritional profile with that of traditional animal meat. The following table highlights key nutritional differences, though values can vary by specific product and formulation.


Nutrient	Beyond Meat (approx. 4oz patty)	80/20 Beef Burger (approx. 4oz patty)
Cholesterol	0 mg	80-90 mg
Saturated Fat	Lower (variable, but recent versions are improved)	Higher
Protein	Similar (approx. 20g)	Similar (approx. 20g)
Dietary Fiber	Significant (2g)	None
Sodium	Variable (often higher)	Lower (uncooked)
Iron	Similar or greater	Present
Calories	Slightly lower or similar	Slightly higher or similar

The Role of Processing and Additives

The reason for Beyond Meat's UPF classification is the manufacturing process, which uses industrial techniques to create a meat-like texture from plant proteins through heating, cooling, and pressure. The final product also relies on various additives to enhance its texture, flavor, and shelf stability. These can include:

Emulsifiers: Used to bind fats and water, common in many ultra-processed foods.
Natural Flavorings: Complex flavor compounds are used to mimic the taste of animal meat.
Coloring Agents: Natural extracts, like beetroot juice, provide the red hue.

Some consumers and health experts have raised concerns about the long-term effects of consuming these additives. While they are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, ongoing research continues to explore their potential impact on gut health and overall well-being. This is a valid consideration for anyone concerned about their diet, regardless of the UPF label.

What this means for consumers

For those evaluating whether to include Beyond Meat in their diet, it's essential to look beyond the "ultra-processed" label and consider the full picture. Here's a balanced approach:

Read the Labels: Always check the nutrition label for sodium and saturated fat content, especially with different Beyond Meat products, as they can vary.
Focus on Overall Diet Quality: No single food item defines a healthy diet. A Beyond Burger is a healthier alternative to a beef patty when considering saturated fat and cholesterol, but a diet high in whole plant-based foods like lentils, beans, and vegetables is still the gold standard.
Monitor Intake: For those concerned about additives and sodium, moderation is key. Eating a variety of plant-based foods, including minimally processed ones, is the best strategy.

Conclusion

Yes, Beyond Meat is considered ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification system, a fact that stems from its use of industrial ingredients and complex manufacturing processes. However, framing it simply as "ultra-processed" can be misleading without proper context. Research has shown that, despite being a UPF, Beyond Meat can still offer specific nutritional benefits over traditional animal meat, such as lower saturated fat and no cholesterol. The company has also made recent efforts to improve its nutritional profile by reformulating its products. Ultimately, a balanced, whole-foods focused diet is ideal, but for those seeking a plant-based alternative to conventional meat, products like Beyond Meat represent a valid option, provided one remains mindful of the sodium content and overall dietary context. The ongoing scientific discussion highlights the need for consumers to be informed and consider the full nutritional picture, rather than relying on a single, broad classification.

For more information on understanding food processing classifications, consult the Food Standards Agency's guidelines on ultra-processed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Meat is classified as ultra-processed because it is a food formulation made mostly from industrial ingredients, such as protein isolates and refined oils, using complex manufacturing techniques to mimic the taste and texture of meat.

Not necessarily. While many unhealthy foods are ultra-processed, the category is broad. Some UPFs, like certain whole-grain breads or Beyond Meat, can offer nutritional benefits over their traditional counterparts. The health impact depends on the overall nutritional profile, not just the processing level.

Beyond Meat typically has less saturated fat, no cholesterol, and higher fiber content than an 80/20 beef burger. However, its sodium levels are often higher, and some earlier versions used less healthy fats, though recent reformulations have addressed this.

Ingredients like pea protein isolate, methylcellulose (a binder), and refined oils are considered industrial as they are highly processed and not typically found in home cooking. The process uses these ingredients with high heat and pressure to create the final texture.

Yes, some studies have shown that replacing animal meat with plant-based alternatives can improve cardiovascular health markers, such as lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. Its lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol content are also considered benefits.

Additives in Beyond Meat, like methylcellulose and various flavorings, are approved by regulatory bodies as safe. However, some health experts suggest a cautious approach, as long-term studies on the effects of these additives are ongoing. Moderation is recommended.

Checking the ingredient list is the best way. Longer lists with unfamiliar names often indicate a higher degree of processing. Beyond Meat's recent reformulations, like the Beyond IV, have aimed for simpler, cleaner ingredient lists.