

These can all be lumped into binding ingredients. These ingredients are not identical to MSG, but they are ingredients used to make MSG.Ĭellulose, Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Arabic Gum, Maltodextrin Pay special attention to headaches or hives after eating these foods. Adds flavour and a ton of sodium to foods. Yeast Extract - Often used to mimic umami flavour. Those who are sensitive to MSG may also get similar symptoms from the following ingredients: This is clever but not surprising given the addictive qualities of MSG. The next group are the same ingredients used to make glutamic acid which is specifically designed to mimic the taste and behaviour of MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). Refined Coconut Oil - Refined coconut oil suggests that it has been purified, but in reality it has been further processed than virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil. They use heat, extraction and bleaching to remove the coconut flavour notes. So it is up to you to do your own research and decide if you’d like to use it. Moreover, Beyond Meat uses expeller pressed canola, meaning it is mechanically extracted from rapeseed as opposed to extracted using industrial solvents. It is also theorized to be a hidden cause of diabetes and heart disease ( 5). Note: Beyond Meat uses Non-GMO Canola.Ĭonsuming canola oil is linked to impaired learning and worsened memory in Alzheimer’s disease ( 4). There’s early evidence that an increase in concentrated forms of pea-related foods could lead to allergies to peas.Ĭanola Oil - 50 years ago you would have found it only in mechanics' shops as engine lubricant. Somehow food manufacturers convinced us to eat it.ĩ0% of the canola in Canada and 87% of canola in the US is GMO (Genetically Modified) ( 2, 3). Meaning that you may not absorb all of the amino acids from plant sources the way you do from meat sources. One possible issue is that plant based proteins tend to be less bioavailable than animal based ( 1). This accounts for the protein in Beyond Meat because it is the cheapest form with 9 essential amino acids that is not soy. Pea isolate - a chalky, flavourless powder that needs a lot of moisture to be edible. Water, pea isolate, expeller-pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, contains 2% or less of the following: cellulose from bamboo, methylcellulose, potato starch, natural flavor, maltodextrin, yeast extract, salt, sunflower oil, vegetable glycerin, dried yeast, gum arabic, citrus extract (to protect quality), ascorbic acid, succinic acid, modified food starch, annatto (for colour). Beyond Meat Ingredientsīeyond Meat ingredients include the following: There are claims that these are healthier alternatives to beef, but to what end? Calories is certainly not it because this is compared to 230 calories in a same size beef patty. Looking for bone broth? Read our in-depth review of the 6 best bone broths this year. The ingredients used have been compared to those in dog food. That is a hyperbole, but you get the point. The ingredients are processed vegetable oils, MSG mimicking flavour additives, artificial colours and chemical thickeners and binders. In other words, it is difficult to say that Beyond is not an ultra-processed food. Is Beyond Burger real food? Let’s take a look. Regardless of dietary preference, we can agree that eating real food is healthier and safer than processed food. Beyond Meat vs Beef Patties Nutrition For Your Health I’ll outline each of these below and see if we can come to some conclusions.

Branding it as an environmentally friendly alternative to other pork, chicken, etc.Appealing to animal cruelty and ethical treatment of animals.Portraying a healthier alternative to beef options.You can get it from small scale farms who farm in a way that is a net positive to our planet and climate change. This type of marketing is damaging to our society. them” approach to brand building. It paints the picture that all meat is bad, and we are the knight in shining armour here to save you. This tribalist thinking creates a powerful “us vs. What we must support is smaller scale farmers who are practising regenerative agriculture.īeyond Meat chooses to lump all animal products into one bucket: vilifying the whole industry. We should not be supporting factory farmed beef operations. Most of us in the west could probably benefit from eating less meatīut the caveat I always mention is this: eating less misses the point if what you do eat is from factory-farmed operations. How is it serving us? Do we need it? If we do, how much is necessary? Should we Eat Less Meat? I think it’s important for each of us to address our relationship with animal products.
