Beyond Meat: Are They Truly Processed Foods?

Beyond Meat products are often labeled as processed foods, but what exactly does this mean? These plant-based alternatives undergo various industrial processes aimed at mimicking the texture and flavor of traditional meat. In this article, we delve into the nuances of processed foods and compare Beyond Meat products with traditional meat options to understand if these plant-based burgers truly fall into the category of processed foods.

Processed Foods: A Definition

Processed foods refer to any food item that has undergone some form of preparation or transformation beyond simple preservation (such as drying, freezing, or canning). This can involve adding ingredients like preservatives, emulsifiers, and flavor enhancers. The extent of processing can vary widely, ranging from minor alterations like pasteurization to more complex formulations that create entirely new products.

The Case of Beyond Meat

While Beyond Meat is marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional meat, it is indeed a processed food. The company uses plant-based ingredients like pea protein and rice protein, along with various additives, to create meat-like textures and flavors. Here’s a closer look at some of their products:

Beyond Burger

The original Bubba Burger lists beef as its sole ingredient, which is simply ground and formed into a patty, albeit with some processing involved. In contrast, a Beyond Meat burger contains a much longer ingredient list, including:

Water Pea protein Expeller-pressed canola oil Rice protein Natural flavors Methylcellulose Potato starch Apple extract Pomegranate extract Salt Potassium chloride Vinegar Lemon juice concentrate Sunflower lecithin Beet juice extract for color Carrot Preservative for color

The longer list indicates that this product is more processed, involving multiple steps and ingredients.

Beyond Meat Italian Sausage

The Beyond Meat Italian sausage is a mixture of different foods, including:

Water Pea protein Refined coconut oil Natural flavors Methylcellulose Apple fiber Citrus extract to protect quality Calcium alginate casing

This product is also more processed, with several chemical binders and emulsifiers.

Comparison with Traditional Sausage

For a comparison, consider the Johnsonville Italian sausage which has a simpler ingredient list:

Pork Water Corn syrup Pork broth with natural flavorings Salt Dextrose Spices Paprika Natural flavor Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) Propyl gallate Citric acid

This sausage has added sugar, multiple chemically sounding ingredients, and includes BHA, a substance banned in many countries due to carcinogenic concerns.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

The level of processing and the ingredients used can vary greatly between different brands and products. While Beyond Meat products are undoubtedly processed, they still offer a healthier alternative to traditional meat. It is essential to read the ingredient lists and understand the potential implications of these ingredients.

Ultimately, whether a product is considered “processed” depends on the individual's dietary goals and concerns. For those genuinely worried about processed foods, taking the time to research and understand the ingredients can lead to more informed choices. Kneejerk reactions and broad generalizations are rarely accurate.

So, the next time you are considering a Beyond Meat product, take a closer look at the ingredient list and decide for yourself what makes a food worthy of your plate.