Is Beyond Meat High in Sodium? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Despite the perceived "health halo" surrounding plant-based meats, a side-by-side comparison of nutritional labels reveals that many Beyond Meat products contain a significantly higher sodium content than their unprocessed animal-based counterparts. This fact prompts a critical question for many health-conscious consumers: is Beyond Meat high in sodium, and what does this mean for a healthy diet?

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat products typically have more sodium than unprocessed animal meat to enhance flavor and texture. Health-conscious consumers should check nutrition labels and consider their overall sodium intake when incorporating these processed items into their diet.

Key Points

High in Sodium: Many Beyond Meat products, including the burger and sausage, contain significantly more sodium than unprocessed, unseasoned animal meats.
Reason for High Sodium: The sodium is added during manufacturing for flavor, texture, and preservation, compensating for the lack of natural savory flavor in the pea and rice protein base.
Product Differences: Not all Beyond Meat products are created equal; for instance, Beyond Steak is certified as low in sodium, highlighting the need to check specific product labels.
Impact on Health: High sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and should be monitored, especially for those with hypertension.
Moderation is Recommended: Like all processed foods, Beyond Meat should be consumed in moderation and not be a daily dietary staple, despite its other potential benefits like being cholesterol-free.
Mitigation Strategies: Consumers can reduce their sodium intake when eating Beyond Meat by pairing it with low-sodium sides, using fresh seasonings, and being mindful of portion sizes.
Read the Label: The nutritional information on the packaging is the most reliable source for determining the sodium content of a specific Beyond Meat product.

The Sodium Content of Beyond Meat Products

When evaluating whether Beyond Meat is high in sodium, it's crucial to look at specific products and compare their nutritional information with traditional meat. The general answer is that for many popular Beyond Meat items, the sodium content is higher due to the manufacturing process.

Beyond Burger vs. Beef Burger

One of the most direct comparisons is between a Beyond Burger patty and a standard beef burger. The figures can be surprising for those who assume a plant-based option is automatically lower in every potentially negative nutrient.

Beyond Sausage vs. Pork Sausage

Another popular Beyond Meat product is its plant-based sausage. Again, a quick check of the nutrition facts shows a substantial difference in sodium content compared to traditional pork sausage, although the Beyond option often has less fat.

Comparing Different Beyond Meat Products

Sodium levels also vary depending on the specific Beyond Meat product. For example, Beyond Steak has been certified by the American Heart Association for meeting certain nutrition criteria, including being low in sodium. This highlights the importance of checking the label for each product you buy.

Why is Beyond Meat High in Sodium?

The primary reason for the higher sodium levels in many Beyond Meat products is the process of creating and flavoring the final product. Unprocessed meat inherently has a low sodium content; for example, a 4-ounce beef patty can have as little as 65-75mg of sodium. Flavoring is typically added by the consumer during cooking. In contrast, Beyond Meat products arrive pre-seasoned to provide a taste profile that closely mimics traditional meat. Sodium, along with other flavorings, is used to make the pea and rice protein base more palatable and to create the meaty texture that consumers expect. The processing required to turn plant proteins and oils into a convincing meat substitute necessitates the inclusion of various additives, including sodium.

Health Implications of High Sodium Intake

The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day. For individuals with high blood pressure or those at risk for cardiovascular disease, this figure is even lower. Consuming excess sodium, particularly from processed foods, can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. While Beyond Meat may offer benefits like zero cholesterol and lower saturated fat compared to certain beef cuts, the high sodium content is a significant consideration for overall health. It's a reminder that not all plant-based alternatives are unequivocally healthier than their animal counterparts, especially when considering a holistic nutritional profile.

Strategies for Reducing Sodium with Beyond Meat

If you choose to eat Beyond Meat but are concerned about your sodium intake, several strategies can help mitigate the effects. Cooking at home is one of the most effective ways to manage sodium, as many restaurant preparations of Beyond products are significantly higher.

Check the Label: Not all Beyond Meat products have the same sodium level. Always check the nutrition facts label and compare different options to find the one with the lowest sodium.
Pair with Low-Sodium Sides: Balance the meal by serving Beyond Meat with low-sodium sides like fresh steamed vegetables, unsalted grains, or a simple green salad with a homemade dressing.
Rinse Canned Items: If your meal includes other processed components like canned beans or vegetables, draining and rinsing them can reduce sodium by up to 40%.
Use Herbs and Spices: Substitute salt with flavorful herbs and spices to season your food. Garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice can add significant flavor without the added sodium.
Moderation is Key: Like any processed food, Beyond Meat should not be a dietary staple. Consider it an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.

Conclusion: Balancing Your Diet

Is Beyond Meat high in sodium? Yes, many of their most popular products contain significantly more sodium than unprocessed animal meat. The higher sodium content is a result of the manufacturing process designed to create a flavorful and textured plant-based alternative. For health-conscious consumers, especially those monitoring their sodium intake, this is an important consideration. However, this does not mean Beyond Meat cannot be part of a balanced diet. By checking labels, pairing with low-sodium foods, and moderating consumption, you can enjoy these products while maintaining a mindful approach to your overall health.

For more information on reducing your daily sodium intake, visit the World Health Organization's fact sheets on sodium reduction.

Beyond Meat vs. Traditional Meat Sodium Content Comparison Table


Item	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Beyond Burger (Patty)	4 oz	~390	Based on standard nutritional data
Grass-Fed Beef Burger (Patty)	4 oz	~65	Based on standard nutritional data
Beyond Sausage (Hot Italian)	76g link	~500	Compared to traditional pork sausage
Traditional Pork Sausage (Italian)	79g link	~830	Compared to Beyond Sausage
Beyond Steak	85g	300	Certified as low in sodium by AHA

Note: Sodium values can vary slightly between different formulations and regional products. Always check the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Meat adds sodium to its products primarily for flavoring, helping to create a taste profile that closely mimics traditional meat, and to improve texture and shelf life. The plant protein base is naturally low in sodium and needs enhancement during processing.

For most healthy individuals who consume a balanced diet, the sodium content is not a major concern. However, for those with high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions, or those who consume a lot of processed foods, the higher sodium content should be carefully monitored.

A single Beyond Burger patty contains approximately 390 mg of sodium, which is significantly higher than a standard unseasoned beef burger patty with around 65-75 mg.

The sodium content is comparable between Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods for similar products, though levels can vary. For example, a Beyond Burger patty has 390mg while an Impossible Burger patty has 370mg.

Some Beyond Meat products have lower sodium levels. For instance, Beyond Steak has received a 'heart-healthy' certification from the American Heart Association, which includes meeting low-sodium criteria.

To reduce sodium, prepare Beyond Meat at home and pair it with fresh, low-sodium sides like vegetables and unsalted grains. Use herbs and spices for flavor instead of added salt, and avoid high-sodium condiments.

Yes, cooking Beyond Meat at home allows for more control over the overall meal's sodium. Restaurant versions often contain significantly more sodium from sauces, toppings, and preparation methods.