Beyond Meat Burger and Impossible Burger 2.0

[Midpack]

This thread is NOT intended to proselytize about (not) eating beef. Please start another thread if you’re interested in that discussion.

But for those looking for an alternative to beef burgers, IMO these alternatives are far better than turkey, chicken or black bean burgers in our view - we’ve tried them all. These two companies have made it their mission to mimic beef burgers - working only with plant/non meat ingredients. We’ve had the Beyond Meat burgers twice now and I’d be willing to give up beef burgers entirely for them, they’re that good in my view. I haven’t had the Impossible Burger 2.0 yet, but they’ve gotten good reviews too.

They have them at Whole Foods, but even our local grocery store is carrying Beyond Meat Burgers and other products - Beyond Sausage, Beyond Chicken (?), Beyond Crumbles (for chili?). They’re starting to appear in other stores too.

They won’t replace a steak, but for ground beef...

FWIW

https://www.beyondmeat.com

https://impossiblefoods.com

 

[pacergal]

Looks interesting. The website lists several local grocery stores, so I will give it a try.
Always looking for a meat alternative for DH!

 

[Nick12]

This thread is NOT intended to proselytize about (not) eating beef. Please start another thread if you’re interested in that discussion.

But for those looking for an alternative to beef burgers, IMO these alternatives are far better than turkey, chicken or black bean burgers in our view - we’ve tried them all. These two companies have made it their mission to mimic beef burgers - working only with plant/non meat ingredients. We’ve had the Beyond Meat burgers twice now and I’d be willing to give up beef burgers entirely for them, they’re that good in my view. I haven’t had the Impossible Burger 2.0 yet, but they’ve gotten good reviews too.

They have them at Whole Foods, but even our local grocery store is carrying Beyond Meat Burgers and other products - Beyond Sausage, Beyond Chicken (?), Beyond Crumbles (for chili?). They’re starting to appear in other stores too.

They won’t replace a steak, but for ground beef...

FWIW

https://www.beyondmeat.com

https://impossiblefoods.com

Read what is in it. A number of processed ingredients that good old red meat does not have. Definitely not diet food in that has similar fat and calories as red meat burger. Just eat in moderation and exercise daily is my motto.

 

[timo2]

I had one impossible burger at a restaurant. I was not that impressed over other veggie burgers I've had. However, it may have been that restaurant. I would be willing to try it again.

 

[easysurfer]

I've seen that at Whole Foods and been tempted to try, but still on sidelines.

How do they compare to beef as far as taste, cooking and appearance?

Curious minds want to know .

 

[Midpack]

Read what is in it. A number of processed ingredients that good old red meat does not have. Definitely not diet food in that has similar far and calories as red meat burger. Just eat in moderation and exercise daily is my motto.

As you might imagine, we did read the ingredients before buying. And we weren’t looking for “diet food.” What in the ingredients bothers you?

 

[Midpack]

I've seen that at Whole Foods and been tempted to try, but still on sidelines.

How do they compare to beef as far as taste, cooking and appearance?

Curious minds want to know .

The Beyond Meat Burger was deliberately formulated to mimic beef, it looks and tastes more like a beef burger than any turkey, chicken, bean/vegan alternative we’ve had. I am not saying you’d be fooled into thinking it was beef, just more similar taste/mouth feel than other alternatives.

 

[ERD50]

I've never gone out of my way to avoid meat (though I agree it has merits, environmentally), but I have had a few meat-substitute meals. IMO, the best ones are the ones that just try to taste good on their own merits, rather than trying to be something they aren't.

DW makes a type of black-bean burger occasionally. It tastes great, but it's not a beef hamburger, and that's OK. It's good on it's own.

Grilled Portobello mushrooms can be quite 'meaty' tasting though.

If anyone is approaching it from an environmental standpoint (eating vegetables/grains is far more efficient than feeding those to an animal, and eating the animal), I think it makes sense to not go hard-core, and just focus on reducing the meat content on average. So if adding a little meat, or some broth makes the veggie/grain substitute more attractive for you, focus on the greater good.

-ERD50

 

[Dawg52]

I'll try it.

 

[easysurfer]

The Beyond Meat Burger was deliberately formulated to mimic beef, it looks and tastes more like a beef burger than any turkey, chicken, bean/vegan alternative we’ve had. I am not saying you’d be fooled into thinking it was beef, just more similar taste/mouth feel than other alternatives.

I may have to try pick up a package just to try next time I go to Whole Foods on an avocado run. I like to get fooled as I'm probably the only person in the world who liked the old McDonald's McLean Deluxe burgers .

 

[Katsmeow]

Those are interesting to me. I will check at Whole Foods. I don't eat beef. For burgers I usually order the grilled chicken option which is usually available. But, it would be nice to have an alternative.

 

[Nick12]

As you might imagine, we did read the ingredients before buying. And we weren’t looking for “diet food.” What in the ingredients bothers you?

No need to get defensive. Processed ingredients that substitutes for the real thing over time is not good for the body. The items of concern of beyond meat burger

Expelled pressed canola oil
Refined coconut oil
Yeast extract ( aka MSG)
Maltodextrin, Succinic Acid, Acetic Acid

 

[joeea]

Processed ingredients that substitutes for the real thing over time is not good for the body.

Sorry, that's just mistaken.

It's reasonable to decide based on evidence that a particular ingredient isn't "good for the body" or isn't as good as another. But to state this in general terms that all processed ingredients aren't "good for the body" is simply incorrect.

 

[Nick12]

Sorry, that's just mistaken.

It's reasonable to decide based on evidence that a particular ingredient isn't "good for the body" or isn't as good as another. But to state this in general terms that all processed ingredients aren't "good for the body" is simply incorrect.

All are free to express their opinions. Your feedback of simply incorrect is taken. There are a number of articles about the pros and cons of processed ingredients. I just read up on some while running a few miles on the treadmill.

 

[Helen]

I haven't eaten red meat or poultry since 1976. I don't care for the beyond meat burgers but I really like vegan Boca burgers.

 

[audreyh1]

We really don’t care for burgers.

We do eat a lot of meat in non-ground form.

 

[grasshopper]

Veghead for over 25 years, I will try it/them but I really don't need a veggie burger to bleed.

 

[Col. Klink]

Midpack, thanks for sharing. I will look for them at the grocer and certainly give them a try!

 

[ransil]

As you might imagine, we did read the ingredients before buying. And we weren’t looking for “diet food.” What in the ingredients bothers you?

Beef is plant based

And the gmo free should have a ?? On the fruit burger list as it does on the beef. [emoji16]

 

[big-papa]

I've tried both and I like Impossible the best. I only wish they had it available in groceries - they make some noise like that might be an eventuality.


Another one I like that, when available, is only available at Costco is Don Lee Farms Organic Plant Based Burgers. Sadly, when our Costco ran out that was it. Fortunately, I bought a few bags and put them in the freezer.

 

[donheff]

I like meat and hate veggies but I am concerned about the environmental and ethical problems with meat. I wish they would get far enough with vat grown meat tissue to provide some truly tasty alternatives in my lifetime. In the meantime, I will look for beyond burgers at WF and see what the fuss is about.

About 6 years ago I lost about 18% of body weight while staying on my lousy diet. I'm hoping that makes up for the increased risk my avoidance of veggies introduces.

 

[DFDubb]

I've tried both and I like Impossible the best. I only wish they had it available in groceries - they make some noise like that might be an eventuality.


Another one I like that, when available, is only available at Costco is Don Lee Farms Organic Plant Based Burgers. Sadly, when our Costco ran out that was it. Fortunately, I bought a few bags and put them in the freezer.

Agreed. Had the impossible 2.0 at a restaurant and really liked it, but alas, you can't buy it yet in stores.

 

[Midpack]

Agreed. Had the impossible 2.0 at a restaurant and really liked it, but alas, you can't buy it yet in stores.

No wonder I hadn’t found them. Available in lots of restaurants in and around Chicago, but no grocers? Thanks.

 

[DFDubb]

No wonder I hadn’t found them. Available in lots of restaurants in and around Chicago, but no grocers? Thanks.

Yep, only available in restaurants for now. Their website FAQ says that it's coming to stores in 2019 so here's to hoping.

 

[Spock]

As an engineer I've seen a couple of the fake meat manufacturing processes.

Its like hot dogs. If you watch them made, you won't eat it. I'll eat a hot dog (or maybe even Soylent Green) before I'll eat the abomination (don't remember the brand) I watched.