Is Beyond Meat a 'Healthy' Alternative?
Despite its plant-based origin, Beyond Meat is a highly-processed product, and this is a significant disadvantage. To achieve the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of traditional animal protein, the ingredients undergo extensive industrial processing. Unlike eating whole, minimally processed plant foods like beans or lentils, consuming a Beyond Burger means you are ingesting a conglomerate of isolated proteins, refined oils, and other additives. This heavy processing can strip the core ingredients of their natural nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
High Sodium Content
One of the most notable nutritional disadvantages of Beyond Meat is its high sodium content. To compensate for the lack of savory flavor found naturally in animal meat, manufacturers add a significant amount of salt. For some Beyond Meat products, a single serving can contain more sodium than a comparable beef patty before any seasonings are added. For those monitoring their sodium intake for heart health or other conditions, this can be a major concern and negate any perceived health benefits. Some fast-food versions of Beyond Meat burgers can be especially high in sodium when considering all the sauces and toppings.
Concerns Over Saturated Fat
Another surprising drawback is the saturated fat content. Many consumers assume a plant-based product will automatically be low in saturated fat, but this is not always the case. To mimic the fat content and juicy texture of real meat, Beyond Meat incorporates saturated fats, often from sources like coconut oil. While the company has released newer formulations with reduced saturated fat, it remains a factor to consider, and can still be higher than some lean meat or other plant-based options.
Beyond Meat vs. Traditional Beef and Whole Foods
Beyond Meat’s nutritional profile is often compared to a standard 80/20 ground beef patty. While it eliminates dietary cholesterol and may have slightly less saturated fat (depending on the product), it introduces other issues. The high level of processing and added sodium are key differences. When contrasted with a whole-foods, plant-based diet—which includes foods like lentils, beans, and vegetables—Beyond Meat falls short in terms of providing a full spectrum of natural, bioavailable nutrients. For example, pea protein isolate is the primary protein source, and it lacks some of the essential amino acids found in a varied, whole-food plant diet.
A Comparison of Burger Patties
| Feature | Beyond Burger (4oz) | 85% Lean Beef (4oz) | Homemade Black Bean Burger (2.5oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Highly Processed | Minimally Processed | Minimally Processed |
| Saturated Fat | ~5g | ~6g | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~390mg | ~80mg (unseasoned) | ~300mg |
| Fiber | 2g | 0g | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 80mg | 0mg |
| Nutrient Density | Fortified Nutrients | Naturally Occurring | Naturally Occurring |
The Cost Factor
For many, the cost of Beyond Meat remains a significant barrier. The price is often substantially higher than conventional meat, and much more expensive than creating homemade, plant-based meals from whole-food ingredients. This higher price point is a function of the complex manufacturing process and is often cited as a reason for declining sales among mainstream consumers. While the company has focused on reaching price parity with traditional meat, it remains a key disadvantage in the current market.
Concerns with Specific Ingredients and Allergies
Beyond Meat’s products are formulated with various ingredients to achieve their meat-like qualities, which can pose problems for some individuals. The pea protein used in their products comes from legumes, a common allergen. The use of natural flavors and other additives means that for those with food sensitivities or allergies, it can be more challenging to track potential allergens compared to a simple, single-ingredient food like beef. Some users have also reported gastrointestinal distress after eating Beyond products.
Limited Long-Term Health Data
Beyond Meat is a relatively new food product, and unlike conventional whole foods, there is limited long-term research on its health effects. While some studies, often funded by the company, suggest benefits for certain heart health markers, independent nutritional experts note that the data is not yet conclusive. For those prioritizing health, the long-term impact of regularly consuming ultra-processed meat analogues is still an open question. Relying on whole, unprocessed foods remains the most evidence-backed dietary strategy for overall health. For more information on food processing, you can read more here.
Conclusion
While Beyond Meat serves as a valuable transition product for those reducing their meat intake for ethical or environmental reasons, it is not a perfect substitute, particularly from a nutritional standpoint. The primary disadvantages of Beyond Meat include its status as a highly-processed food, elevated levels of sodium and saturated fat, and higher cost compared to traditional meat and whole-food alternatives. While it has some benefits over red meat, such as no cholesterol, it is not a direct nutritional equivalent to whole, unprocessed foods. Consumers should evaluate the product based on their individual health goals and dietary needs, and consider that homemade, whole-food plant-based meals are often the healthier and more budget-friendly option.
Potential Downsides of Beyond Meat
- High Processing: Unlike whole plant foods, Beyond Meat is an ultra-processed food made from concentrated protein isolates, refined oils, and flavorings.
- High Sodium Content: The product contains significant amounts of added salt to enhance flavor, which can be a concern for individuals watching their sodium intake.
- Saturated Fat: While plant-based, it relies on oils like coconut oil for texture, leading to a substantial amount of saturated fat per serving.
- Higher Cost: Beyond Meat is generally more expensive than both conventional meat and homemade plant-based meals.
- Lacks Whole-Food Nutrients: The processing can strip away essential fiber and micronutrients found in the original whole plants, which are not always fully replaced by fortification.
- Allergen Concerns: Ingredients like pea protein and various additives can be problematic for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- Limited Long-Term Data: As a new food product, the long-term health effects of regular consumption are not yet fully understood.
FAQs
Is Beyond Meat healthier than a beef burger? It depends on the specific comparison. A Beyond Burger has no cholesterol and may have slightly less saturated fat than an 80/20 beef burger, but it can contain significantly more sodium. A leaner beef burger or a homemade plant-based patty might be a healthier option.
Why is Beyond Meat so high in sodium? Sodium is added in high quantities to enhance the flavor and texture of the product, helping it mimic the savory taste of traditional meat.
Is Beyond Meat highly processed? Yes, Beyond Meat is considered a highly processed, or ultra-processed, food. Its ingredients are heavily modified from their whole-food state to achieve the desired meat-like properties.
Does Beyond Meat contain saturated fat? Yes, Beyond Meat contains saturated fat, primarily from oils like coconut oil, which are used to replicate the juiciness and texture of animal fat.
Why is Beyond Meat expensive? Beyond Meat is more expensive than traditional meat due to the complex industrial manufacturing and sourcing process required to create the plant-based analogue.
Can Beyond Meat cause digestive issues? Some individuals, particularly those sensitive to ingredients like pea protein or the various additives and stabilizers, have reported gastrointestinal discomfort or other side effects after consumption.
Is the pea protein in Beyond Meat good for you? Pea protein isolate is a concentrated protein source but lacks the fiber and other micronutrients of whole peas. Its digestibility can also be lower than that of whole-food protein sources.
