EV’s Take: Plant-Powered Patties with a Convincing Beef Texture
After my previous harrowing experience with Atlantic Sea Farms vegan burgers, I was hesitant to return to the world of plant-powered patties, especially with a Beyond Burger review. They are nearly ubiquitous in the world of plant-based meat alternatives, so I was worried that I couldn’t add much to the discourse that hasn’t already been discussed.
Nevertheless, I want to continue reviewing all the plant-based products I eat regardless of the existing chatter around them. Maybe my Beyond Burger review will resonate with you.
My take
I get this strange feeling that perfecting a meaty vegan burger–for whatever reason–seems to be an end goal with some plant-based companies. Is it for the sake of science? To see how far we can chop and dissect plant proteins into a perfect replica of their beefy counterparts? Or is it because the burger is such a popular and pervasive food that we feel a need to clone it into a plant-based facsimile?
I ask these questions because, quite frankly, I am a fan of a good veggie burger. Remember the ones from Burger King back in the day? It was a simple veggie-forward burger patty from MorningStar Farms that was well-seasoned and tasted delicious without masquerading around as a beef patty clone. You could taste the “veggie” aspect of the burger, which was comforting because it felt like you knew what you were eating.
After eating the Beyond Burger tonight, I wondered: Are we going too far in trying to make plants into meat? I found the texture of this patty to be almost so real, so meaty, and the oozing pink liquid as it cooked made a simple vegan dinner a surreal experience. I know I am not alone in this because there have been plenty of threads on Reddit for years about how Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger hit too close to reality for people who simply don’t like beef and don’t want to feel like they’re eating meat.
EV’s Beyond Burger Advice
If you are vegan or vegetarian because you don’t like meat or its texture, you may want to pass on these. However, if you are starting your vegan journey but find yourself craving a beef patty, these may be absolutely perfect for you.
I don’t mean to be nitpicky. I ask these questions any time I try “fake” meat. All in all, I think Beyond Meat’s plant-based burger patties are impressively close to the real deal. And maybe this is the perfect–or only–way to entice people to try plant-based alternatives. My only true complaint? They could use a bit more flavor. They are somewhat high in sodium but with a lackluster flavor. The biggest oral sensation I get from them is the toothy, meaty texture. Once you slather a vegan mayo on them and add your favorite plant-based cheese, the lack of seasoning isn’t as much of a deal-breaker.
Reviewing Beyond Meat’s New Beyond Burger Recipe
In February 2024, Beyond Meat unveiled the Fourth Generation of its line of plant-based beef products, including the Beyond Burger® and Beyond Beef®, promising “significant advancements across taste, health, and a clean label.”
The biggest change to the recipe was shifting to avocado oil, which reduced the saturated fat by 60%. Additionally, they reduced the sodium by 20%. The sodium reduction is a big deal for me as many ultra-processed meat substitutes tend to be overloaded with sodium.
What are Beyond Burgers made from?
Like Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based ground beef, Beyond Meat relies on pea protein to create its beefy texture.
Here’s what you get in each Beyond Burger:
Water, Yellow Pea Protein*, Avocado Oil, Natural Flavors, Brown Rice Protein, Red Lentil Protein, 2% or less of Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Pea Starch, Potassium Lactate (to preserve freshness), Faba Bean Protein, Apple Extract, Pomegranate Concentrate, Potassium Salt, Spice, Vinegar, Vegetable Juice Color (with Beet).
If you have a peanut allergy, you may want to be cautious about adding foods high in pea protein into your diet, Beyond Meat’s website warns.
Beyond Burger nutrition:
Serving Size | 1 Patty |
Calories | 230 |
Total Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 8g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 310mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Total Sugars | 0g |
Added Sugars | 0g |
Protein | 21g |
How to cook Beyond Burgers
The burgers are easy to cook. Simply cook over medium-high heat in a skillet or on the grill for 4 minutes per side or about 3½ minutes per side, respectively.
Like the Atlantic Sea Burgers, I had a simple burger night with these. I made my favorite vegan sriracha mayo and served them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. I skipped the vegan cheese this time.
Where to buy Beyond Burgers
You can buy these almost anywhere. You can buy Beyond Burgers on Amazon or use their store locator to find a retailer near you.
What do you think?
After reading this Beyond Burger review, what do you think? Are they too beefy for your liking? Or are these just right? Let us know what you think of Beyond Burgers in the comments!
I love the new ones. They are meatier then before but been a vegan for 10 years now dbd I do not mind that at all. I used to like impossible burger more thars change. I think avacodo oil might help with this too. We just ate it for dinner today. Add the toppings and it’s really good.
I love the new recipe. I am allergic to sunflower oil, so I am glad they use avocado oil in the new recipe now. I always check out the ingredients in my food purchases to avoid consumption of items using sunflower oil to avoid any possible anapylactic reactions. I have been a vegetarian for 20+ years and to the ER once due to an anaphylactic reaction.
I love the taste and texture of beyond plant-based patties but I’ve been off real meat for years.