Why Does the Impossible Burger Cost More Than Real Meat?

The Impossible Burger, a plant-based alternative to traditional beef, often comes with a higher price tag than conventional meat products. One might wonder, if the ingredients are derived from plants, why is it so much more expensive?

Understanding the Production Costs

The primary reason for the higher cost of plant-based beef alternatives is the production process, which involves the use of a more intensive and scalable method compared to the traditional livestock farming industry. Although the plant-based beef industry uses less grain to create its products, the scale of production is still smaller. This results in higher production costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers.

Government Subsidies and Their Impact

One might argue that food companies, including those in the beef industry, raise prices because they do not want people to be healthy. This is partly true, but there is another reason rooted in government subsidies. The beef industry receives direct subsidies from the government to keep costs lower for consumers. In contrast, there are no such subsidies for the plant-based meat industry, leaving the producers to bear the brunt of the expenses.

The government offers subsidies to factory farmers to support the industry. These subsidies contribute to the abundance of cheap, high-fat animal meat, which in turn keeps healthcare costs for conditions like heart disease and obesity relatively high. As a result, the lack of subsidy for plant-based meat alternatives results in higher prices.

Advantages of Choosing Plant-Based Meat

While the Impossible Burger may come with a higher price tag, the benefits of choosing a plant-based alternative can be significant. For instance, the use of genetically engineered soy to create the heme molecule, which gives the burger its meat-like taste, is a complex process that reflects the high production costs.

Unlike conventional meat, the Impossible Burger is free from antibiotics and hormones, making it a healthier choice. By choosing plant-based meat, consumers are also supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food production. The heme molecule is produced through a fermentation process using yeast, further reducing the environmental impact of meat production.

Conclusion

While the high cost of the Impossible Burger may seem like a drawback, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of plant-based alternatives. By supporting these companies, consumers are not only making a health-conscious choice but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system. As the industry grows and scales, we can hope to see a reduction in prices, making plant-based meat more accessible to everyone.