What are the ingredients in the Burger King Impossible Whopper?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of people who buy plant-based products in the US are not strictly vegan or vegetarian, and many were curious about Burger King's meatless option. For those wondering what exactly goes into the popular item, the ingredients in the Burger King Impossible Whopper include a signature plant-based Impossible Foods patty along with traditional Whopper toppings.

Quick Summary

The Burger King Impossible Whopper features a plant-based patty by Impossible Foods, made primarily of soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, and coconut oil, with heme providing the meaty flavor. It is served on a sesame seed bun with standard Whopper toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

Key Points

Impossible Patty Base: The patty is made primarily from soy protein concentrate, water, sunflower oil, and coconut oil.
The 'Heme' Molecule: A key ingredient, soy leghemoglobin, gives the patty its meaty flavor and aroma. It's produced using a genetically engineered yeast.
Standard Whopper Toppings: The burger includes classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, pickles, and mayonnaise.
Not Vegan by Default: Because it comes with egg-based mayonnaise and is cooked on the same broiler as meat, the standard Impossible Whopper is not strictly vegan.
Customizable for Vegans: Customers can request the patty be cooked in the oven or microwave and ask for no mayonnaise to make it a vegan-friendly option.
Similar Nutritional Profile: The Impossible Whopper has a comparable nutritional profile to the regular Whopper, with slightly fewer calories and fat but slightly more sodium.
More Fiber, No Cholesterol: It contains significantly more dietary fiber and zero cholesterol compared to the beef version.
Targeting Flexitarians: The product's appeal extends beyond vegans and vegetarians to include flexitarians looking to reduce their meat consumption.

The Impossible Patty: A Closer Look at the Star Ingredient

The centerpiece of the Burger King Impossible Whopper is, of course, the Impossible Foods patty. Unlike traditional beef, this patty is crafted entirely from plant-based components, engineered to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of real meat. Its unique, meat-like attributes are a result of a carefully formulated recipe that includes proteins, fats, and a key flavor molecule called soy leghemoglobin. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory, satisfying burger experience that has attracted a broad range of customers, from long-time vegetarians to curious meat-eaters.

Key Components of the Impossible Patty

The ingredient list for the Impossible patty is a blend of familiar and scientific elements. Water is the primary component, providing moisture and structure. The main protein sources are soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, which give the patty its meaty texture. To replicate the sizzle and juiciness of beef, a combination of coconut oil and sunflower oil is used. One of the most innovative ingredients is soy leghemoglobin, a flavor molecule that contains heme, the compound responsible for the rich, metallic taste and reddish color found in animal meat. A genetically engineered yeast is used to produce this heme, giving the Impossible patty its distinctly meaty flavor.

Other notable ingredients include methylcellulose for binding and thickening, yeast extract for a savory, umami flavor, and potato protein. Fortification with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Zinc Gluconate, and Thiamine Hydrochloride is also standard, ensuring the patty provides some nutritional value.

The Classic Whopper Toppings

The Impossible Whopper is not just about the patty; it’s also defined by its classic Whopper toppings, which remain the same as the traditional beef version. These ingredients are crucial for completing the overall flavor profile that Burger King customers expect.

List of Impossible Whopper Toppings

Toasted Sesame Seed Bun: A standard, corn-dusted bun holds all the ingredients together.
Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, tangy element. It's important to note that this contains eggs, making the standard build not vegan.
Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory patty.
Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomato slices add a crisp, hydrating layer.
Shredded Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce provides a cool, crunchy texture.
Sliced White Onions: Sharp, raw onion rings add a pungent bite.
Crinkle-cut Pickles: Sour pickles offer a tart, crunchy counterpoint.

Comparison: Impossible Whopper vs. Traditional Whopper


Feature	Impossible Whopper	Traditional Beef Whopper
Patty Ingredients	Soy protein concentrate, water, coconut oil, sunflower oil, soy leghemoglobin, natural flavors.	100% flame-grilled beef.
Heme Source	Soy leghemoglobin produced via genetically engineered yeast.	Natural hemoglobin from animal sources.
Cholesterol	Contains 0 mg of cholesterol.	Contains 90 mg of cholesterol.
Protein	Contains 25 grams of protein.	Contains 28 grams of protein.
Saturated Fat	Contains 11 grams of saturated fat.	Contains 12 grams of saturated fat.
Dietary Fiber	Contains 4 grams of dietary fiber.	Contains 1 gram of dietary fiber.
Calorie Count	Approx. 630 calories.	Approx. 660 calories.
Vegan Option	Can be made vegan by ordering without mayo and asking for separate preparation.	Not a vegan option.

Cooking Process and Cross-Contamination

One of the most debated aspects of the Impossible Whopper for strict vegetarians and vegans is its preparation. By default, Burger King cooks the Impossible patty on the same broiler as its traditional meat patties, which can lead to cross-contamination. For individuals concerned about this, it is possible to request that the patty be cooked separately in a microwave or oven, eliminating the risk of contact with animal products. This request, combined with asking for no mayonnaise, can make the Impossible Whopper suitable for a vegan diet.

The Evolution of the Impossible Whopper

Since its nationwide rollout, the Impossible Whopper has been a significant player in the fast-food landscape, reflecting a growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives. Its success demonstrates the potential for meat substitutes to appeal to a broad market, beyond just those with strict dietary restrictions. The recipe has undergone minor refinements over time to improve its taste and texture, ensuring it remains a competitive and satisfying option for customers seeking a familiar burger experience with a plant-based twist.

Conclusion

The Burger King Impossible Whopper's ingredients showcase a sophisticated approach to creating a plant-based fast-food item that closely mimics its meat-based counterpart. The collaboration with Impossible Foods provides a patty rich in soy protein, coconut oil, and the groundbreaking soy leghemoglobin, delivering the meaty flavor and texture people crave. Combined with the classic Whopper toppings, it offers a familiar, flavorful, and more sustainable alternative to traditional beef burgers. Understanding the ingredients and preparation methods allows consumers to make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and preferences. For those seeking a fully plant-based meal, a simple modification of omitting mayo and requesting separate cooking is all that is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Impossible Whopper is not vegan by default because it is prepared with egg-based mayonnaise and typically cooked on the same broiler as meat products. To make it vegan, you must request it without mayonnaise and ask for separate cooking (e.g., in a microwave or oven).

The Impossible patty is made from a combination of ingredients, including water, soy protein concentrate, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and a flavor molecule called soy leghemoglobin. Other ingredients include potato protein, methylcellulose, yeast extract, and various vitamins and minerals.

Soy leghemoglobin is a protein molecule containing heme, the compound that gives meat its savory flavor and aroma. Impossible Foods produces it using a genetically engineered yeast to replicate the authentic taste of beef in their plant-based patties.

Yes, you can. Upon request, Burger King will cook the Impossible patty separately in an oven or microwave, which avoids contact with the broiler used for beef and chicken patties.

The Impossible Whopper has a similar nutritional profile but with some key differences. It has slightly fewer calories and fat, but a bit more sodium. It contains zero cholesterol and more dietary fiber than the regular beef Whopper.

Yes, for a completely vegan version, you must request two specific modifications: ask for 'no mayonnaise' and ask for the patty to be cooked separately (e.g., microwaved or in the oven) to avoid cross-contamination.

Yes, aside from the meat patty, the Impossible Whopper is served with the same standard Whopper toppings: sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, and pickles.