The Veggie Burger Showdown (Comparison post)

Hello to all my green feen Nature's Nook subscribers! On today's blog post I will be comparing the top branded veggie burgers that are sold on the market. Not only will I be comparing them in terms on nutrition, price, taste, and texture; but also how "meaty" like the quality is. Let the best burger win! 

Beyond-Meat Burger Patties    (https://www.beyondmeat.com/)

Price: $6.99 (2 patties) 

Nutrition Overview: Beyond Meat burgers are made from a blend of plant proteins -- just different plants. Along with other ingredients containing a mixture of pea, mung bean, and rice proteins, canola and coconut oil, potato starch, and beet juice extract to give the “meat” its pink hue and bleed. With 250 calories, 20 gram protein, 18 grams fat, 390 mg sodium, and 2 grams of fiber. Beyond has been criticized for its high levels of sodium and oils. For one, they already come pre-seasoned; Two, the refined and expeller aspects of the oils included makes these oils as healthy fats.  

Taste: Beyond meat I think nails the flavor profile of beef the most but the texture is not quite as on point and slightly mushier. They also lack the real juiciness bleed of a beef burger. Beyond also does a better job in the sense of smell like beef. Although these are a solid meat substitutes, they resemble that grilled fast food burger like ambiance. I like the savory smokey flavor that gives into hints of umami profiles in beyond burger.  

Overall Score Quality: 8.7/10  

 

Impossible Foods Burger  (https://impossiblefoods.com/)

Price: $8.99 (12 Oz block) 

Nutritional Overview: Impossible burger patties are formulated with a blend of soy and potato protein, mixed with sunflower oil, yeast extract, salt, and a whole lot of other types of ingredients. The most distinct aspect about Impossible patties is the inclusion of heme, an iron ion found in all living things that gives meat its inherently meaty flavor. The heme is derived from fermented soybeans, along with heme the Impossible patties have B12 vitamins. With 240 calories, 19 grams protein, 14 grams fat, 370 mg sodium, and 3 grams of fiber.  

Taste: Impossible burgers are notable for the scary resemblance texture and taste of real beef. The similarities are so alike vegan/vegetarians often opt for other meat substitute options because the beef similarity grosses them out. I think Impossible really nails the meatiness texture that can fool any non-vegan. They also do better in terms of cooking preparation and keeping itself together.  Impossible also looks more realistic like beef. 

Overall Score Quality: 8.1/10 

 

Morning-Star Veggie Burgers  (https://www.morningstar.com/)

Price: $3.99 (2 patties) 

Nutritional Overview: Their micronutrients are on par with ground beef patties if you compare them calorically. The morning star patty also has a way better fat profile (more essential fatty acids and less saturated fats). These patties differ from Beyond & Impossible because they are made with 10 veggies, grains and seeds, like mushrooms, onions, carrots, celery, lentils, spinach, brown rice, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. With 160 calories, 9 grams of fat, 21 grams of protein, 440 mg sodium, and 6 grams of fiber. I do agree I think the morning star takes the cake in terms of healthier ingredients. 

Taste: A factors that really gives Morning-Star the upper hand in their veggie burgers is they come in a variety of flavors. But I do not think the texture is like meat, also these are harder to get crispy without them falling apart. They do a very good job on flavor, but it's does not have that beef like taste. The texture level is typically firm with a nice chewiness bite. Overall, they are good in terms of VEGGIE like burger but not much so mock meat. 

Overall Score Quality: 7.2/10   

 

Overall, I think each veggie burger has it's good and negative aspects. The comparison of these brands ranges in various way. I think Morningstar give you the best nutritional "bang for your buck." But if I were to choose one to eat for dinner, I would pick the Beyond Burger. Try them for yourself and let me know what you guys think in the comments!