What is Beyond Breakfast sausage made of?

Made from plants, Beyond Breakfast Sausage uses a blend of protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates to mimic the taste and texture of its pork counterpart. The primary protein sources are peas and brown rice, offering a meat-free alternative that has gained significant popularity.

Quick Summary

Beyond Breakfast sausage is made from a base of pea and rice proteins, with canola and coconut oils for fat. Natural flavors, yeast extracts, and fruit concentrates are added to replicate the flavor and color of traditional sausage. The ingredients are processed using heating, cooling, and pressure to create the signature fibrous texture.

Key Points

• Primary Ingredients: Beyond Breakfast sausage is mainly composed of pea and rice proteins, along with canola and coconut oils for fat and texture.

• Flavor Profile: Natural flavors, yeast extract, and various spices are used to mimic the savory, umami taste of traditional sausage.

• Appearance: The reddish color and browning effect are achieved using natural sources like beet juice extract and carrot powder.

• Allergen Information: Beyond Meat products are typically soy-free and gluten-free, but they contain pea protein. People with severe legume allergies should exercise caution.

• Texture Creation: The meat-like fibrous texture is created by applying heat, cooling, and pressure to the plant-based protein blend.

• Nutritional Benefits: It is cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fat and sodium compared to traditional pork sausage, and it is fortified with certain vitamins and minerals.

• Processing: Despite being plant-based, it is a processed food and contains additives and flavorings to achieve its final form.

The Core Ingredients of Beyond Breakfast Sausage

Beyond Breakfast sausage is crafted from a precise combination of plant-based ingredients designed to replicate the taste, texture, and sizzle of traditional pork sausage. The primary components can be categorized into proteins, fats, flavor enhancers, and colorings.

Protein Sources

The foundation of the Beyond sausage is its unique blend of plant-based proteins. Unlike some competitors that use soy, Beyond Meat relies on a soy-free, gluten-free blend.

• Pea Protein: The main source of protein comes from yellow peas. This ingredient provides a substantial protein content (11g per serving in the classic patty) and is the core of the sausage's structure. Beyond Meat explicitly warns that peas are legumes and those with severe legume allergies, like to peanuts, should be cautious.
• Rice Protein: Used in combination with pea protein, rice protein helps to achieve the desired meaty texture.

Fat and Oil Blend

To mimic the fat and juiciness of traditional sausage, Beyond Meat uses a specific combination of plant-derived oils.

• Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil: This oil provides a neutral flavor and contributes to the overall fat content and cooking properties.
• Refined Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil adds to the sausage's moisture and fat profile, but unlike virgin coconut oil, it is processed to be flavor-neutral.
• Avocado Oil: Some product variations, like the Beyond Sausage links, use avocado oil, which offers a healthier fat profile.

Flavor and Color Enhancers

Achieving an authentic sausage flavor profile requires a blend of natural seasonings and extracts. The sizzling sound and satisfying savory taste come from these carefully selected ingredients.

• Natural Flavors and Yeast Extract: These ingredients work together to produce a savory, umami flavor. Yeast extract is used to deepen the taste.
• Spices: Depending on the specific product (e.g., Classic or Spicy), different spices are used to create the final flavor profile.
• Beet Juice Extract and Carrot Powder: The pinkish color of the uncooked sausage and the browning that occurs during cooking are achieved using beet juice extract and carrot powder, not artificial dyes.
• Pomegranate Extract: This ingredient is included to add a slight red hue and a hint of tartness.

Binding and Processing Agents

Several other ingredients are vital for holding the sausage together and creating its unique texture.

• Methylcellulose: A plant-derived thickener, this ingredient is crucial for binding the other components together and providing a stable structure.
• Apple Extract and Vinegar: These ingredients serve as flavor enhancers and preservatives.
• Sunflower Lecithin: An emulsifier that helps to blend the oil and water-based ingredients smoothly.

The Beyond Meat Production Process

The production process for Beyond Breakfast sausage involves several key steps that transform raw plant matter into a product with a remarkably meat-like texture.

1. Sourcing Building Blocks: The process starts by gathering the fundamental components of meat—protein, fat, minerals, carbohydrates, and water—directly from plants.
2. Creating Fibrous Texture: Using a specialized extrusion technology, a combination of heating, cooling, and pressure is applied to the pea and rice proteins. This process denatures the proteins and aligns them into a fibrous network, mimicking the structure of animal muscle tissue.
3. Mixing and Seasoning: The processed protein base is then mixed with the carefully selected plant-based fats, minerals, and flavorings. This step introduces the characteristic juiciness and flavor of the sausage.
4. Forming and Casing: For Beyond Breakfast sausage links, the mixture is put into an alginate casing derived from algae. This edible casing delivers a satisfying snap when bitten into, similar to animal-based casings. For patties, the mixture is formed into the correct shape.
5. Freezing and Packaging: The finished product is frozen to maximize its shelf life and ensure it is ready to cook.

Comparison: Beyond Breakfast Sausage vs. Pork Sausage

Feature	Beyond Breakfast Sausage (Classic)	Traditional Pork Sausage (Leading Brand)
Ingredients	Pea protein, rice protein, expeller-pressed canola oil, coconut oil, natural flavors, spices, fruit extracts, yeast extract.	Ground pork, water, salt, spices, sugar, often includes preservatives like BHA and BHT.
Cholesterol	0 mg per serving.	Varies, typically contains cholesterol.
Saturated Fat	4.5g per 2 patties (lower than leading pork brands).	Varies, can be significantly higher.
Sodium	270mg per 2 patties (lower than leading pork brands, but still can be high).	Varies, often high.
Environmental Impact	Significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, land, and water use.	Higher environmental footprint due to livestock farming.
Nutrients	Fortified with B vitamins, minerals like iron, zinc.	Contains naturally occurring B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients.

The Health Considerations of Beyond Sausage

While Beyond Breakfast sausage offers a valuable alternative to traditional meat, it is important to consider all aspects of its nutritional profile. It is cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat compared to many pork sausages. However, the product is still a processed food and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Some formulations may contain a notable amount of sodium, which is a factor for individuals monitoring their salt intake. The use of pea protein also requires attention from those with legume allergies.

Conclusion: A Plant-Based Breakfast Revolution

Beyond Breakfast sausage is a testament to the advancements in food science, offering a compelling plant-based alternative to a breakfast staple. By leveraging a blend of pea and rice proteins, along with carefully selected fats, flavors, and processing techniques, Beyond Meat has created a product that convincingly mimics the sensory experience of pork sausage. For those seeking to reduce their animal protein consumption without sacrificing flavor, understanding what goes into this popular product provides clarity. While not an unprocessed whole food, it stands as a significant, environmentally conscious, and cholesterol-free option in the modern food landscape, empowering consumers to make more informed choices for their health and the planet. Read more on the Beyond Meat process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beyond Breakfast sausage vegan?

Yes, Beyond Breakfast sausage is 100% vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. The proteins, fats, and binders are all sourced from plants.

What is the primary protein source in Beyond Breakfast sausage?

The main protein source is pea protein, sourced from yellow peas, complemented by brown rice protein to help create the desired meaty texture.

Does Beyond Breakfast sausage contain soy or gluten?

No, Beyond Breakfast sausage is made without soy or gluten, making it a suitable option for those with soy or gluten sensitivities.

How do they make the sausage look and taste like meat?

Beyond Meat uses a combination of processing techniques and natural ingredients. They apply heat, cooling, and pressure to plant proteins to create a fibrous, meat-like texture, while natural flavors, yeast extract, and fruit/vegetable extracts provide the savory taste and color.

Is the casing on Beyond Breakfast sausage links edible?

Yes, the casing on Beyond Breakfast sausage links is edible. It is made from calcium alginate, a derivative of algae.

Is Beyond Breakfast sausage healthier than pork sausage?

Beyond Breakfast sausage is cholesterol-free and typically lower in saturated fat than a leading brand of pork sausage. However, it is a processed food, and while it offers nutritional benefits, it may be higher in sodium than some whole foods.

Can people with peanut allergies eat Beyond Breakfast sausage?

Beyond Meat notes that peas are legumes, and while their products contain no peanuts or tree nuts, individuals with severe legume allergies should be cautious when consuming pea protein.