Is meatless ground beef good for you? A complete nutritional analysis

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

A 2021 University of Minnesota study found that plant-based ground beef alternatives can be significantly lower in saturated fat but often higher in sodium than conventional beef. This reveals the complex nutritional trade-offs inherent in the question: Is meatless ground beef good for you?

Quick Summary

The healthfulness of meatless ground beef depends on the specific product. Many offer advantages like fiber and lower saturated fat, but potential drawbacks include high sodium and ultra-processing.

Key Points

Nutritional Trade-offs: While meatless ground beef can be lower in saturated fat than conventional beef, it is often significantly higher in sodium.
Ultra-Processed: Most store-bought meatless ground beef is ultra-processed, containing numerous ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of meat, which is not equivalent to whole-food plant protein.
Fiber Advantage: Unlike animal protein, meatless ground beef provides dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Fortification is Key: Some products are fortified with nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc, which are often lower in un-fortified plant-based diets, but levels vary by brand.
Moderation is Recommended: Experts advise treating highly processed meatless ground beef as an occasional item rather than a daily health food, opting for whole plant foods like lentils more often.
Read the Label: The wide variation in recipes means reading the nutrition label is crucial for choosing a product with lower sodium and more favorable fat sources.

The Rise of Meatless Ground Beef

Meatless ground beef has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional beef, driven by environmental, animal welfare, and health considerations. While these plant-based options are widely available, their nutritional value is a subject of debate. To understand if meatless ground beef is healthy, it is important to examine its composition and compare it to both conventional beef and whole-food plant-based proteins.

The Nutritional Breakdown: What's Inside Plant-Based Mince?

Unlike whole foods such as lentils, most meatless ground beef products are ultra-processed. Their ingredients are designed to replicate the taste and texture of meat and typically include protein isolates (like soy or pea), oils (which can contribute saturated fat), binders, fillers, flavorings, and colorings.

Health Benefits of Choosing Plant-Based Options

Opting for certain plant-based ground beef alternatives can offer several health benefits. Many brands contain less saturated fat and no dietary cholesterol compared to traditional ground beef, which can be good for heart health. Plant-based options also provide dietary fiber, which is absent in meat and supports digestion. Some products are fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc, which can be beneficial for those on plant-focused diets.

Key Nutritional Drawbacks to Consider

Despite the potential benefits, there are important nutritional concerns with meatless ground beef. Many products are high in sodium, which can be a concern for individuals managing blood pressure. The ultra-processed nature of most meatless ground beef means it's not a direct nutritional substitute for whole plant foods like beans or lentils. The nutritional content can vary significantly between brands, with some products being lower in protein or essential micronutrients, and some formulations using oils that result in saturated fat levels similar to or higher than lean beef.

Comparison: Meatless vs. Conventional Ground Beef


Nutritional Aspect	Modern Meatless Ground Beef (e.g., Beyond, Impossible)	Conventional 85% Lean Ground Beef (4 oz)	Whole-Food Plant-Based (e.g., Lentil Crumbles)
Saturated Fat	Highly variable (2-9g), some higher than lean beef	~6.5g	Very low (negligible)
Sodium	Often high (360-390mg+), especially when seasoned	Naturally low (~80mg), added when seasoned	Very low, can be controlled
Cholesterol	0mg	~80mg	0mg
Fiber	Contains dietary fiber (2-5g)	Contains no fiber	Excellent source of dietary fiber
Protein	Comparable to beef (~19-21g)	~21g	Good source, but may be slightly lower
Processing	Ultra-processed	Minimally processed (can be processed, like deli meat)	Not processed
Micronutrients	Fortified, but may lack natural B12 and zinc	Naturally rich in B12 and zinc	Rich in iron and folate, can lack B12

Making a Healthy and Informed Choice

Whether meatless ground beef is a good choice depends on individual health priorities. If reducing saturated fat and increasing fiber are key, many plant-based options are beneficial. However, the high sodium content is a significant drawback for many. Due to their processed nature, these products should not replace whole plant foods like lentils, beans, or tofu. Reading nutrition labels to identify products lower in sodium and saturated fat is important. Pairing meatless ground beef with vegetables or exploring whole-food alternatives can also enhance the healthfulness of meals. While choosing plant-based over red meat can offer environmental and some nutritional benefits, it requires careful consideration of the specific product.

For further reading, consider reviewing nutritional analyses from research organizations such as the Good Food Institute.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Perspective on Meatless Ground Beef

The healthfulness of meatless ground beef is not a simple yes or no answer. Nutritional profiles differ widely by brand, offering benefits like lower saturated fat and added fiber in some cases, but often presenting drawbacks such as high sodium and being ultra-processed. They can aid in reducing red meat consumption but are not a guaranteed health food. Prioritizing whole plant foods like lentils and beans is generally the healthiest approach. If including meatless ground beef, choosing products carefully based on labels and moderating intake as part of a balanced diet is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While many popular brands are lower in saturated fat than beef, some use ingredients like coconut oil that can make their saturated fat content comparable to or even higher than lean ground beef. It is crucial to read the nutritional label.

Salt is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in highly processed foods. In meatless ground beef, it is added to help achieve a savory taste, often resulting in much higher sodium levels than you would find in an unseasoned beef patty.

Yes. Unlike conventional beef, meatless ground beef is made from plant-based ingredients like soy or peas and contains dietary fiber. This is a key nutritional advantage over animal meat.

Most commercial meatless ground beef products are formulated to be comparable in protein content to conventional beef, typically providing around 19-21 grams per serving. However, the quality and bioavailability can vary.

Yes, due to its industrial formulation with numerous ingredients to replicate the sensory qualities of meat, most meatless ground beef falls under the ultra-processed food category.

Absolutely. For a less processed option, consider using whole-food plant-based proteins like lentils, mushrooms, black beans, or tofu in your recipes. These offer the benefit of whole nutrients without the added sodium and processing.

You should check the label. While some meatless brands fortify their products with vitamin B12, many do not. Since B12 is primarily found in animal products, those on plant-based diets should ensure they get it from fortified foods or supplements.