The Core Building Blocks of Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat products use plant-based sources to replicate the protein, fat, minerals, carbohydrates, and water found in animal meat.
Protein Sources
Plant-based proteins form the base of Beyond Meat. These include pea protein isolate and proteins from other legumes and grains like brown rice, mung beans, and faba beans to provide a complete amino acid profile and desired texture.
Fats and Oils
Plant-based fats are essential for juiciness. Latest formulations feature avocado oil for lower saturated fat, while some products still use refined coconut oil and cocoa butter to mimic marbling.
Coloring and Flavorings
Natural, plant-derived ingredients provide color and savory taste. Beet juice extract provides a red color that browns when cooked. Natural flavors contribute to the savory, umami taste, and apple extract and pomegranate powder also add flavor and color.
Binders and Texturizers
Ingredients such as methylcellulose and potato starch help bind the product and create a fibrous texture. Yeast extract enhances the savory flavor.
The Manufacturing Process
A high-moisture extrusion system transforms plant ingredients into a meat-like structure by heating, cooling, and pressurizing a mixture of protein, water, and other components to create fibrous strands, followed by the addition of fats, colors, and flavorings.
Comparison: Beyond Meat vs. Traditional Beef
| Feature | Beyond Burger (latest) | 80/20 Lean Ground Beef |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~21g per serving (plant-based) | ~17-20g per serving (animal-based) |
| Total Fat | ~14g per serving | ~15-20g per serving |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g per serving | ~7g per serving |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | ~80-90mg per serving |
| Fiber | 2g per serving | 0g per serving |
| Sodium | Higher, pre-seasoned | Lower (unseasoned) |
| Key Nutrient | Iron, B vitamins, Potassium | Iron, B vitamins, Zinc |
| Processing | Highly processed | Minimally processed |
| Environmental Impact | Significantly lower GHG emissions, land, and water usage | Higher GHG emissions, land, and water usage |
Conclusion: The Final Word on Beyond Meat's Composition
Beyond Meat is an engineered plant-based alternative using plant proteins, fats, colorings, and flavorings to mimic animal meat. It is highly processed but offers benefits like lower saturated fat and no cholesterol compared to beef and has a smaller environmental footprint. The ingredients are continually refined for improved nutrition. It can be an option for reducing animal product consumption within a balanced diet.
References
Key Takeaways
- Plant-Based Protein Sources: Beyond Meat uses pea, brown rice, mung bean, and faba bean protein.
- Avocado Oil for Health: Newer formulations use avocado oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Realistic Color and Juiciness: Beet juice extract creates the red color, and plant-based fats replicate juiciness.
- Engineered Texture: Extrusion creates the fibrous texture by heating, cooling, and pressuring plant proteins.
- Processed but Purposeful: It is processed but engineered for benefits like lower saturated fat and no cholesterol compared to beef and can aid in transitioning to a plant-based diet.
- Eco-Friendly Footprint: Production uses less land and water and generates fewer GHG emissions than conventional meat.
- Ingredients are Evolving: Ingredients and nutrition are continually refined.
- Dietary Accommodations: It is typically soy-free and gluten-free.
FAQs
Question: Is Beyond Meat a processed food? Answer: Yes, it is considered highly processed as plant ingredients are separated and reassembled using techniques like high-moisture extrusion.
Question: Where does the protein in Beyond Meat come from? Answer: Protein comes from plant sources like yellow peas, brown rice, mung beans, and faba beans.
Question: How does Beyond Meat get its color? Answer: Red color comes from natural beet juice extract, which browns when cooked.
Question: Is Beyond Meat healthier than a beef burger? Answer: It can have advantages like zero cholesterol and less saturated fat than an 80/20 beef burger, but can be higher in sodium.
Question: Is Beyond Meat gluten-free and soy-free? Answer: Yes, it is typically formulated to be free of both soy and gluten.
Question: What gives Beyond Meat its fat and juiciness? Answer: Plant-based fats provide juiciness. Newer versions use avocado oil, while some products use coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Question: How is the texture of Beyond Meat created? Answer: The fibrous texture is created through high-moisture extrusion, which uses heat, pressure, and cooling on plant proteins.
Question: Do all Beyond Meat products have the same ingredients? Answer: Ingredients can vary slightly between products and formulations, like the newer Beyond IV recipe with avocado oil.
