Why It's A Mistake To Assume Plant-Based Burgers Are More Nutritious Than Beef - Tasting Table

"Many may assume that plant-based burgers are healthier than the average beef burger. And, in some instances, it's true. But it's important to understand the full picture. Researchers at Harvard University uncovered that meatless burgers designed to mimic beef - as opposed to plant-based burgers made of whole foods, like beans - are highly processed and contain a higher amount of saturated fat than a beef burger."

"Beef-less burger brands take this into consideration when creating their imitations to taste, look, and feel like a burger. Impossible Burgers are made from soy protein, coconut oil, and potato starch, and comes in at 13g fat (6g saturated), 370mg of sodium, and 19g protein. Beyond Burgers - made from pea protein, avocado oil, potato starch, and more - come in with 14g fat (2g saturated), 310mg of sodium, and 21g protein."

Cattle are the number one cause of greenhouse gases in agriculture according to UC Davis, so plant-based meat alternatives aim to reduce environmental impact. The 2025 dietary guidelines scientific report links plant-based diets to lower risks of diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Meatless burgers formulated to mimic beef often use processed ingredients and can contain high saturated fat and sodium compared with traditional beef, while whole-food plant proteins differ nutritionally. Ingredient lists and processing determine fat, saturated fat, sodium, and protein content across beef and popular beef-less burger brands.

Read at Tasting Table