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With the rise in popularity of plant-based diets, it’s no surprise that plant-based burgers are becoming more common. While there are many different types of plant-based burgers on the market, they all have one thing in common: they’re made without Meat.
There are a few different types of plant-based burgers, but the most common are made with soy, wheat, or pea protein. These burgers are designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional beef burgers, making them a popular choice for those looking for a meat-free option.
Health benefits of eating less meat
The World Health Organization has linked red meat and processed meat to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and even cancer. The consumption of 50g of processed meat daily increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18%.
Red meat also contains high levels of saturated fats, which are known to raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, processed meat increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A recent study suggests that reducing meat consumption leads to improved overall health. However, this doesn’t mean you have to completely stop eating meat. Even a meatless day or two each week can give you significant benefits. If you’re unsure how to get started, try a meatless Monday.
The taste
Some argue that plant-based burgers don’t taste as good as the real thing. For example, they might not have the same “beefy” flavor and can be dry and crumbly.
Others say plant-based burgers are delicious, particularly when seasoned well and cooked to perfection.
The cost
Currently, plant-based meat alternatives are 38 percent more expensive than their animal-based counterparts. The price difference between animal-based meat and its plant-based counterpart has been increasing in tandem with the price of food.
The largest increase was seen in the cost of bacon, which was 17 percent higher than its plant-based counterpart. The next-highest increases were seen in the price of burger patties and meals. Only turkey was less expensive than its animal-based counterparts.
As animal meat has become more expensive, major brands and private labels have been trying to lower the price of plant-based products to boost consumer demand. For example, in 2020, Trader Joe’s introduced plant-based burger patties priced at $4.49 for two quarter-pound patties. Similarly, Kroger launched plant-based chicken ground in 2020.
While plant-based burgers are often more expensive than their meat counterparts, the price per burger is dropping as more companies enter the market. For example, in 2021, Impossible Foods lowered the price of its burgers by 20%.
With mass production, the cost of plant-based burgers may continue to drop, making them more accessible and affordable for people who want to reduce their meat consumption for either ethical or environmental reasons.
The environment
There are many reasons why someone might choose to eat a plant-based burger instead of a traditional beef burger.
One reason is the environment. For example, new studies have found that the meat industry is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions.
In fact, it is estimated that the meat industry contributes to about 18% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful things an individual can do to reduce their carbon footprint.
A recent study found that if everyone in the United States replaced just one burger per week with a plant-based burger, it would be the equivalent of taking 12 million cars off the road.
Another reason someone might choose a plant-based burger is for their health. Although there is debate over the health benefits of plant-based diets, it is generally accepted that they are healthier than diets that include Meat.
Plant-based diets have been linked with lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and type II diabetes.
The Different Types of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Several different types of plant-based meat alternatives are available on the market today. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular options:
Soy-based products
These are perhaps the most common type of plant-based meat alternatives. Products made from soybeans have been around for many years, and their popularity has increased in recent years as more people have switched to plant-based diets. Soy-based products can be used in place of ground beef, chicken, or pork in many recipes.
Wheat-based products
Wheat is another common ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives. Wheat gluten, in particular, is often used to create products that mimic the texture of ground meat. Seitan is a popular type of wheat-based meat alternative that has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries.
It is made by washing wheat flour dough with water to remove the starch granules, leaving the sticky insoluble gluten as an elastic mass which is then cooked to make a chewy, meat-like product
Pea protein
Pea protein has become increasingly popular as an ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives. It is derived from yellow split peas, which are dried and ground into fine flour. Then, the pea protein powder is mixed with water to create a paste that has a mild flavor.
This means that it is suitable for use in many recipes. Peas are protein-rich and low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option for those looking to reduce their meat intake. Pea protein can be used to create burgers, sausages, and other types of mock meat products.
Mushroom-based products
Mushrooms are another popular ingredient in plant-based meat substitutes. They have a hearty texture that makes them ideal for creating burgers and other ground beef substitutes. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Quorn-based meat
Quorn is a brand of mycoprotein-based vegetarian and vegan food products. They are marketed as an alternative to meat. Quorn is sold as both a cooking ingredient and as the main component in a variety of ready-made dishes.
The mycoprotein in Quorn is made by fermentation of the Fusarium venenatum fungus. It was discovered by scientists in 1967. The Quorn brand was established to commercialize it in 1985.
Health benefits
A plant-based burger, also known as a veggie burger, is usually made from a base of soybean, rice, or bean and can include a variety of other ingredients like vegetables, grains, and spices.
Some may contain eggs as binders, while others use plant-based binders like psyllium husk powder. While they are becoming more popular, there is still some debate surrounding the healthfulness of plant-based burgers.
On the plus side, plant-based burgers are naturally lower in calories and fat than traditional beef burgers. They are also cholesterol-free and an excellent source of fiber.
Some brands are fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. In addition, plant-based burgers do not contain any harmful compounds that can form when Meat is cooked at high temperatures (like heterocyclic amines or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).
That being said, some varieties of plant-based burgers can be high in sodium. And since they are not regulated by the USDA, it’s important to read nutrition labels carefully to make sure you’re getting a burger that fits your dietary needs.
Are plant-based burgers healthier than meat?
When it comes to plant-based burgers, the nutritional value depends on the ingredients. A whole food plant-based burger made with black beans, quinoa, and vegetables is going to be more nutritious than a processed plant-based burger made with soy protein isolate, refined grains, and added sugars.
The same is true for meat burgers. A burger with lean ground beef, vegetables, and whole wheat bread will be more nutritious than a processed meat burger with ground beef treated with chemicals, additives, and fillers.
So, when it comes to deciding whether a plant-based burger or a meat burger is healthier for you, it’s important to look at the ingredients list and nutrition facts label.
Burgers made with plant-based ingredients are becoming increasingly popular as more people look to reduce their meat consumption for health and environmental reasons. But are these burgers actually healthier than their traditional beef counterparts?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the healthiness of a burger depends on a variety of factors, including the ingredients used and how it is prepared. However, in general, plant-based burgers tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories than beef burgers. They may also provide some additional nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants.
Of course, no food is perfect, and plant-based burgers are not immune to criticism. Some types may be high in sodium, and they all tend to lack certain nutrients found in abundance in beef, such as iron and vitamin B12.
At the end of the day, the best way to choose a healthy burger is to carefully read the nutrition label and ingredient list before making a purchase. And remember, moderation is key – even the healthiest burger should only be eaten occasionally!
