Both burgers have several additives, of which many have unknown long-term health implications. Although the amounts of protein are similar between the meat and plant burgers, the quality and bioavailability of the protein differs. Both are highly processed and contain several additives and inflammatory oils. The Beyond Meat burger has 18 ingredients, the Impossible Burger has 21. Unfortunately, even though an alternative to beef is better for the environment, it may not necessarily be better for your health. By increasing plant-based options, especially at fast food places where the meat is of poor quality already, individuals may decrease their intake of inflammatory foods. Though, this elevated red-meat consumption becomes a problem when the meat is mass-produced and grain-fed, which leads to inflammation in the body.

Red meat isn’t necessarily bad for health, neither is the cholesterol associated with it (more on this another time). The demand for meat-less products from the general public has also resulted in an increasedĬonvenience to those who are vegan and vegetarian for ethical, cultural or other reasons. This is something that other companies making meat-alternatives have not done before. One of the biggest achievements that Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger have done, is make their product so palatable that they have swayed meat-eaters to make the switch. That’s more than twice the emissions of pork, nearly four times that of chicken and more than 13 times that of vegetable proteins such as beans, lentils and tofu. a quarter pound of beef and found that “Beyond Burger generates 90% less greenhouse gas emissions, requires 46% less energy, and has 99% less impact on water scarcity and 93% less impact on land use.”Īccording to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), for every 2.2 lb of beef consumed, an average of 59.6 lbs of CO2e is generated. The most exciting and positive aspect about the rise of plant-based burgers, is their impact on the environment.Ī study at the University of Michigan compared the Beyond Burger vs. My hope is for individuals to be educated on what they are purchasing, that’s all. Like any topic, there are several sides- I’ve broken these down into the good, bad and ugly from both an environmental and health perspective. But where do these magical, meat-like products sit in regards to human health and nutrition? There’s no arguing that a plant-based burger is better for the planet than a mass-produced beef patty. After Beyond Meat went public on May 1st, there seems to be meatless burgers available everywhere: grocery stores, restaurants, and even most fast food chains.

Plant-based burgers and other meat alternatives are on the rise, there is no doubt about that.

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