What is Beyond beef high in? A Nutritional Deep Dive

Recent 2024 reformulations show that Beyond Beef is high in protein, providing 21g per serving, but it also contains relatively high levels of sodium. This plant-based alternative is designed to mimic the texture and flavor of ground beef, using a combination of pea and other plant proteins, along with oils and added seasonings.

Quick Summary

Beyond Beef is a plant-based meat alternative that is rich in protein from peas, brown rice, and other legumes. The product is also high in sodium due to its seasoning and formulation. While it has no cholesterol and often lower saturated fat than traditional ground beef, its nutritional profile should be considered in the context of an overall balanced diet. It includes fats from sources like avocado and coconut oil and is classified as an ultra-processed food.

Key Points

• High in Plant-Based Protein: Beyond Beef is formulated to be a high-protein source, using a blend of pea, brown rice, and other legume proteins like faba beans.

• High in Sodium: The product's seasoning contributes to its high sodium content, which is a key nutritional consideration, especially compared to unseasoned ground beef.

• Contains Plant-Based Fats: To achieve a meaty texture and mouthfeel, Beyond Beef incorporates plant-based fats from sources like avocado oil and coconut oil.

• Lower Saturated Fat (Newer Versions): Recent reformulations have significantly reduced the saturated fat content, making it a more heart-healthy option than earlier versions and some cuts of ground beef.

• Considered Ultra-Processed: Beyond Beef is a processed food, relying on industrial techniques and ingredients to create its meat-like qualities, unlike whole-food plant-based protein sources.

• Cholesterol-Free: Unlike traditional beef, Beyond Beef contains no cholesterol, which is a key benefit for heart health.

• Source of Iron and Other Nutrients: Beyond Beef is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron, to match or exceed some nutrients found in animal protein.

Beyond Beef has evolved over several product iterations, with the latest versions focusing on improving the nutritional profile while maintaining a meat-like experience. These newer formulations have targeted reductions in saturated fat and sodium, but the product remains a significant source of protein, fat, and sodium. A close examination of the ingredients reveals why it carries these specific nutritional characteristics, differentiating it from both traditional meat and less-processed plant-based alternatives.

Protein and its Sources

The most notable and advertised nutritional attribute of Beyond Beef is its high protein content. It is a complete protein source, which is achieved by blending multiple plant-based ingredients.

• Pea Protein: This is the primary protein source and contributes significantly to the total protein count.
• Brown Rice Protein: This is included to complement the pea protein and ensure a complete amino acid profile.
• Other Legumes: In recent reformulations, ingredients like faba bean protein and red lentil protein have been added to diversify and enhance the protein blend.

This deliberate combination of plant-based proteins is intended to provide a nutritional density comparable to that of ground beef. This makes it a compelling alternative for those seeking to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diet while maintaining a high protein intake.

Fats and Sodium Content

To achieve the juicy, marbled texture of ground beef, Beyond Beef incorporates plant-based oils and fats. While recent versions use avocado oil to reduce saturated fat, the overall fat content is still a significant part of its nutritional makeup. The product is also seasoned to create its characteristic flavor, which results in a high sodium level.

• Fats: Beyond Beef utilizes fats from sources such as avocado oil and coconut oil to mimic the cooking properties and mouthfeel of animal fat. The latest versions have reduced saturated fat, making them a more heart-healthy option than prior releases.
• Sodium: As a pre-seasoned product, Beyond Beef contains a higher sodium content compared to unseasoned raw ground beef. For example, one 4 oz Beyond Beef patty contains 310mg of sodium, which is a considerable portion of the recommended daily intake. This is a key consideration for individuals monitoring their sodium consumption.

Ultra-Processed Classification

Beyond Beef and similar plant-based meat alternatives are typically classified as ultra-processed foods. This classification refers to foods that have undergone significant industrial processing and contain ingredients not commonly used in home cooking. While this is not inherently bad, it does differentiate them from whole-food plant-based sources like lentils and chickpeas. The processing allows for the replication of meat's texture and flavor but relies on a more complex list of ingredients, such as natural flavors and stabilizers.

Beyond Beef vs. 85% Lean Ground Beef: A Comparison

Nutrient	Beyond Beef (4 oz)	85% Lean Ground Beef (4 oz)
Calories	~230	~250
Total Fat	14g	16g
Saturated Fat	2g (newer formula)	6g
Cholesterol	0mg	75mg
Sodium	310mg	70mg (unseasoned)
Protein	21g	20g
Dietary Fiber	2g	0g
Iron	4mg	15g

This comparison highlights key nutritional differences. Beyond Beef offers benefits like zero cholesterol and higher fiber but comes with a higher sodium content. The fat content is similar, though recent Beyond Beef versions have reduced saturated fat significantly.

Conclusion

In summary, Beyond Beef is notably high in plant-based protein from sources like peas, rice, and lentils, making it a viable alternative for those seeking to replace meat protein. It is also high in sodium due to flavoring, and while recent formulations have lowered saturated fat, its overall fat content is comparable to lean beef. As an ultra-processed food, it differs from whole-food plant-based options, but it offers a convenient and accessible way for consumers to reduce meat consumption. The health implications depend on individual dietary needs and the overall context of one's diet. For those concerned with sodium intake, opting for unseasoned whole foods may be a better choice.

Beyond Meat website for detailed information on their latest products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Beyond beef have more sodium than real beef?

Yes, Beyond Beef typically has a significantly higher sodium content than unseasoned raw ground beef. This is because the plant-based product is pre-seasoned to enhance its flavor.

Is Beyond beef a good source of protein?

Yes, Beyond Beef is a good source of high-quality plant-based protein. It uses a blend of proteins from peas, rice, and other legumes to provide a complete amino acid profile.

Is Beyond beef high in saturated fat?

Older formulations of Beyond Beef had higher saturated fat, but newer versions, such as the Beyond IV platform, have significantly reduced saturated fat content, often making it lower than 80/20 ground beef.

What kind of fat is in Beyond beef?

Beyond Beef contains plant-based fats, most notably from avocado oil in its latest formulations, along with some coconut oil. These are used to replicate the marbling and juiciness of traditional beef.

Is Beyond beef considered a processed food?

Yes, Beyond Beef is categorized as an ultra-processed food because it's made using industrial processes and contains ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen.

Does Beyond beef contain cholesterol?

No, as a plant-based product, Beyond Beef contains no cholesterol.

What is the primary protein source in Beyond beef?

The primary protein source in Beyond Beef is pea protein, with other plant-based proteins like brown rice, faba bean, and red lentil proteins also used in the blend.