Understanding the Disadvantages of Beyond Meat Burgers

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Meat's own reports, the environmental impact of its burgers is significantly lower than beef. However, a closer look at the nutritional and ingredient profiles reveals notable disadvantages of Beyond Meat burgers that health-conscious consumers should consider before making a purchase.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat burgers are heavily processed, can be high in sodium and saturated fat, and are often more expensive than conventional beef. The use of concentrated ingredients and potential allergens is also a consideration.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Beyond Meat burgers contain significantly more sodium than unseasoned beef, a concern for those monitoring their intake.
High Saturated Fat: The fat, sourced from refined coconut oil and cocoa butter, results in a saturated fat content comparable to or only slightly lower than many beef burgers.
Ultra-Processed Food: Made from isolated plant proteins, refined oils, and additives, Beyond Burgers are classified as ultra-processed, a key disadvantage for whole-food proponents.
Higher Price Point: Beyond Meat burgers are often more expensive per pound than conventional ground beef, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers.
Potential Allergen Risk: As they are made with pea protein, Beyond Burgers can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with severe legume allergies, including peanut allergies.
Less Bioavailable Nutrients: The synthetic and non-heme iron fortification may not be as readily absorbed by the body compared to naturally occurring nutrients in meat or whole plants.
Lack of Long-Term Health Data: There is limited research on the long-term health effects of regularly consuming ultra-processed plant-based alternatives.

Nutritional Profile vs. Whole Foods

While Beyond Meat offers a plant-based alternative to beef, the nutritional comparison is not always as straightforward as it seems. For many consumers, the primary motivation for switching to plant-based products is a perceived health benefit, assuming that anything plant-based is inherently healthier. However, when comparing a Beyond Burger patty to a lean beef patty or a simple homemade bean burger, certain nutritional disadvantages become apparent.

High Sodium Content

One of the most frequently cited concerns is the high sodium content in Beyond Burgers. To achieve a meaty flavor profile, manufacturers use a significant amount of salt. A single Beyond Burger patty contains far more sodium than an unseasoned beef patty. When served in a restaurant with additional seasonings and toppings, the total sodium can escalate to an alarming level, easily exceeding a significant portion of a person's daily recommended intake. For individuals monitoring their sodium for blood pressure or other health reasons, this is a major drawback.

Saturated Fat and Calorie Density

Despite being cholesterol-free, Beyond Burgers can be surprisingly high in total and saturated fat, primarily from refined coconut oil and cocoa butter. Some older formulations had saturated fat levels comparable to or only slightly lower than 80/20 ground beef. While newer versions have reduced the saturated fat content, the overall fat and calorie count remains substantial, similar to or sometimes higher than a lean beef burger. This means they are not a low-calorie or low-fat food, which can be a key disadvantage for those aiming for weight management.

Bioavailability of Micronutrients

Beyond Burgers are fortified with various vitamins and minerals, including B12 and iron, to match the nutrient profile of beef. However, the human body may not absorb these synthetic nutrients as efficiently as those naturally present in whole foods. The iron found in plants (non-heme iron) is also less bioavailable than the heme iron in animal products, meaning you may absorb less of it. In contrast, a simple bean or lentil-based burger uses whole-food ingredients that offer more naturally-occurring nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.

The Ultra-Processed Factor

Beyond Meat products, including their burgers, are considered ultra-processed foods. This classification refers to foods made from a multitude of processed ingredients, often containing additives, flavorings, and isolated proteins. Key ingredients in Beyond Burgers often include pea protein isolate, refined oils, and various stabilizers and flavorings. While some studies suggest that certain ultra-processed plant-based foods may not pose the same health risks as processed red meat, the high degree of processing is still a concern for many who prioritize whole, minimally-processed foods.

Long Ingredient List: Unlike a beef patty, which might contain only meat, a Beyond Burger has a long list of components. These include:
- Pea protein isolate
- Refined coconut oil and canola oil
- Methylcellulose (a binder)
- Natural flavors and yeast extract
- Beet juice extract for color
Concerns about Additives: Some individuals are sensitive to additives like yeast extract, a form of MSG. Others prefer to avoid processed binders and flavor enhancers found in ultra-processed products.
Potential Environmental Impacts of Processing: While the resource use is lower than beef, the manufacturing process for Beyond Burgers still requires significant energy and global transportation for sourcing various ingredients.

Higher Cost and Potential Allergens

For many consumers, the price of Beyond Meat is a significant barrier. These burgers are typically more expensive per pound than conventional ground beef. This cost disparity can make Beyond Burgers an unrealistic long-term alternative for many families and individuals on a budget. The higher price point is influenced by research and development costs, marketing, and a more complex manufacturing process than simply grinding meat.

Beyond Burgers use pea protein as a primary ingredient, which can pose a risk to individuals with legume allergies, especially those with severe peanut allergies. Beyond Meat includes a warning on its packaging, but this risk can be overlooked, leading to potentially dangerous allergic reactions.

The Bottom Line: When a Beyond Burger is not the best choice

Beyond Burgers are an excellent option for those seeking a tasty, meat-like alternative to reduce their consumption of animal products. However, they are not a silver bullet for health. For those prioritizing minimally processed foods, managing sodium intake, or sticking to a budget, the disadvantages can outweigh the benefits. A simple comparison illustrates the trade-offs involved in choosing a Beyond Burger over other options.


Feature	Beyond Burger	85% Lean Ground Beef Burger	Homemade Black Bean Burger
Processing Level	Ultra-processed	Minimally processed	Minimally processed
Sodium (per 4oz patty)	~390mg	~75mg (unseasoned)	Varies (DIY, can be low)
Saturated Fat (per 4oz patty)	~5g	~4.5g	~1g
Cholesterol	0mg	~80mg	0mg
Nutrient Quality	Fortified, less bioavailable	Naturally occurring	Naturally occurring, more fiber
Cost	Higher per pound	Lower cost	Lower cost (DIY)

In conclusion, while Beyond Meat burgers offer a compelling environmental and ethical alternative to beef, their nutritional profile requires careful consideration. Their high sodium content, processing level, and potential allergen risks present significant disadvantages compared to both whole-food plant-based options and leaner cuts of traditional meat. Consumers should weigh these factors against their personal health goals, dietary preferences, and budget. For those committed to reducing meat intake, incorporating a variety of whole, unprocessed plant-based proteins, such as beans, legumes, and lentils, is often a more nutritionally sound choice for everyday meals.

For more information on balancing processed vs. whole foods, consult resources from organizations like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which offer comprehensive nutritional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While it's a plant-based, cholesterol-free alternative, Beyond Meat burgers are highly processed and can be high in sodium and saturated fat. The healthfulness depends on the specific product comparison and an individual's overall diet.

Beyond Meat burgers are considered ultra-processed because they are made from isolated and heavily refined ingredients like pea protein isolate and refined oils, with added stabilizers, binders, and flavorings.

Yes, Beyond Burgers are often high in sodium to enhance flavor. A single patty can contain significantly more sodium than a comparable unseasoned beef patty.

Yes, generally Beyond Meat products are more expensive per pound than standard ground beef due to the specialized manufacturing process and ingredient sourcing.

Beyond Meat uses pea protein, a legume. For those with severe legume allergies, including peanuts, there is a risk of an allergic reaction and caution is advised.

The fat in Beyond Meat burgers primarily comes from refined coconut oil and sometimes cocoa butter. This contributes to the saturated fat content, which can be comparable to beef.

Beyond Meat products are fortified with vitamins and minerals like B12 and iron. However, these are often synthetic and may be less bioavailable than the naturally occurring nutrients found in whole foods.