Is Plant-Based Meat Actually Healthy? What the Science Says
We dive deep into the nutritional profile of Beyond and Impossible burgers compared to beef.
Plant-based meats have taken the world by storm, but are they better for you? We looked at the latest research to give you an honest answer.
The Protein Factor
Most vegan meats have comparable protein levels to beef, often derived from peas or soy. Beyond Burger packs 20g of protein per patty — the same as a beef burger.
Saturated Fat
While coconut oil is often used, the overall saturated fat content is usually lower than 80/20 beef. Beyond Burger has 5g saturated fat vs. 8g in a comparable beef patty.
The Sodium Question
This is where plant-based meats fall short. Most contain 350-400mg sodium per serving compared to about 75mg in unseasoned beef. If you're watching sodium, season your own tempeh or tofu instead.
The Bottom Line
Plant-based meats are a good transitional food and significantly better for the environment. For optimal health, mix them with whole food options like lentil burgers and bean patties.
Try our favorite plant-based burger recipes at EasyToCookMeals.