Beyond Meat: A Healthy Meat Alternative? | Healthnews

Author: Hadia Zainab

Plant-based meat alternatives are processed foods intended to replace meat. More and more options are available on the market, making it important to understand their potential long-term health effects, especially since public health advice suggests eating fewer processed foods. Is Beyond Meat healthy? Here, we present nutritionist perspectives and whether or not there are any ethical or safety concerns. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Beyond Meat?

Beyond Meat is a well-known brand that makes plant-based meat products. They suggest that their products are made from simple, plant-based, non-GMO ingredients. The company sources proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, flavors, and colors from plants such as peas, beans, potatoes, brown rice, and beets.

One of the key ingredients in Beyond Meat is yellow pea protein. It also includes refined coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, rice protein, and red lentils. These ingredients are then processed and combined to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat.

If you're on a vegan diet or vegetarian diet, or someone who limits traditional meat due to dietary restrictions or certain health conditions, Beyond Meat might be an option for you. The brand's goal is to make popular products that use plant-based protein instead of animal protein. They offer several plant-based products mimicking ground beef, sausage, steak, meatballs, and chicken.

Have you ever tried the Beyond Meat brand? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Nutritional profile

According to the brand’s website, a 4 oz (113 g) serving of Beyond Beef contains 230 calories, with each package providing four servings.

The overall nutritional profile contains:

• Total fat: 14 g (18% DV)
• Saturated fat: 2 g (10% DV)
• Trans fat: 0 g
• Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5 g
• Monounsaturated fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg (0% DV)
• Sodium: 310 mg (14% DV)
• Total carbohydrate: 8 g (3% DV)
• Dietary fiber: 2 g (7% DV)
• Total sugars: 0 g
• Added sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 21 g (34% DV)
• Vitamin D: 0 mcg (0% DV)
• Calcium: 120 mg (8% DV)
• Iron: 4 mg (20% DV)
• Potassium: 370 mg (8% DV)

Note: % Daily Value (DV) points to the contribution of a nutrient to a daily diet based on 2,000 calories per day.

Is Beyond Meat healthy?

The perception of healthy or unhealthy food is subjective, depending on quantities consumed, individual needs, and dietary practices. Moderation and balance are important factors when adding a certain food to your diet. An individual's health conditions also play a role in deciding whether a food is healthy or unhealthy for them.

Eating plant-based ultra-processed foods could raise your chances of cardiovascular diseases, as per a study in The Lancet. The research also suggests that swapping 10% of these foods with minimally processed plant foods might reduce heart disease risk.

Despite the differences in the ingredients and nutritional value of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), they may generally support a heart-healthy diet. In a recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, researchers found that individuals who ate plant-based meat showed improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as total cholesterol and body weight. Plant-based meat was found to contain more protein, less sodium, and lower saturated fat levels compared to red meat.

Sarah Glinski, a registered dietitian and health and nutrition writer based in Vancouver, Canada shares her thoughts about Beyond Meat with Healthnews.

"Beyond Meat can absolutely be included as part of a healthy diet, since it contains mostly healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado oil. But being processed in nature, it still contains 310 mg of sodium, and it must be considered if you have high blood pressure, as sodium can worsen it."

Sarah Glinski

Note: Since Beyond Meat has so many different products, it’s important to be discerning when choosing which product to eat. Try to check the nutrition label and choose products that contain less saturated fat and less sodium wherever possible.

Environmental and ethical considerations

People may choose plant-based diets for health, environmental, and animal rights reasons. A review discussed that health was one of the reasons non-vegetarians consider switching to a vegetarian diet, influenced by many related factors like communal and personal values.

Considering these factors, Beyond Meat pays attention to four main areas:

1. Human health. Excessive consumption of animal products is associated with various health issues such as heart disease and cancer, as per a study. Additionally, trials that swapped meat with plant-based meat alternatives showed improvements in risk factors like cholesterol and body weight. There is limited scientific evidence that the processed nature of plant-based meat alternatives reduces their heart health benefits. However, research is ongoing in terms of the health effects of plant-based alternatives. The overall impact on heart health can vary depending on factors such as their specific ingredients, processing methods, and individual dietary context.
2. Climate change. Plant-based proteins, even when made into imitation burgers, may have a smaller impact on the climate, use less water, and require less land than traditional meats. This is important because raising animals for food produces about 15% of the world's greenhouse gases. Plant-based meat substitutes offer a way for people to keep eating their favorite foods while reducing their impact on the environment.
3. Limited natural resources. A study at the University of Michigan, initiated by Beyond Meat, found that a quarter pound of Beyond Burger 3.0 patty produces 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, uses 37% less non-renewable energy, consumes 97% less water, and requires 97% less land compared to a traditional U.S. beef patty. This way, Beyond Meat may contribute to saving natural resources.
4. Animal welfare. The non-profit organization World Animal Protection (WAP) estimated that over 211,000 pigs, 77,000 cows, and 350,000 chickens may have been spared by choosing plant-based meat alternatives annually.

Potential health concerns

While plant-based meat alternatives can be considered a 'healthier' option compared to traditional meat, depending on overall intake, dietary practice, and individual needs, they are still highly processed and may lack some nutrients due to their highly processed nature. Here, we highlight some of the health concerns you should be aware of.

• High sodium levels. It is suggested that about 75% of the table saltwe consume comes from processed foods used for taste and food preservation. While sodium is essential for regulating body fluids and transporting nutrients in body cells, excessive intake may increase the risk of health issues like high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Presence of preservatives and additives. Preservatives or food additives found in processed foods, like polysorbate 80, may allow bacteria to cross the gut lining, potentially causing inflammation and metabolic problems. This raises concerns that emulsifiers may contribute to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Crohn's disease. However, these findings are only conducted using cell cultures in a lab and animal models. It's important to note that ongoing research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of additives.

1. Saturated fats and oils. The American Heart Association suggests aiming for a diet where 5–6% of your calories come from saturated fat, as even plant-based meat alternatives may tend to be high in saturated fat. For instance, if you eat around 2,000 calories daily, limit saturated fat intake to no more than 120 calories from it. High intake of saturated fats may affect cholesterol levels in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease. Checking the nutrition label before consuming a product can help reduce this risk.

• Artificial flavors and coloring. Many studies have shown associations between artificial flavors and food coloring with potential allergic reactions, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal upset.

Incorporating Beyond Meat into a balanced diet

You can potentially add Beyond Meat in a variety of meatless recipes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Patricia Kolesa MS, RDN, founder of Dietitian Dish LLC, suggests that there are several different ways Beyond Meat can be enjoyed, given its wide assortment of products. It’s mostly commonly known for reducing your intake of animal proteins and bumping up your intake of plant-based proteins.

Classic recipes can be substituted with the Beyond Meat version, such as a Beyond Meat Burger or Beyond Meat Meatballs added to spaghetti and meatballs. More creativity can be applied in the kitchen by making tacos with Beyond Ground Meat or preparing a stir fry using Beyond Meat Steak Tips.

Do you have your own tasty recipes with Beyond Meat? Share your favorites with us!

Beyond Meat lawsuit controversy

Beyond Meat is facing lawsuits for allegedly misleading consumers about the protein content in its products compared to regular meat. These lawsuits claim that testing methods revealed less protein than what was stated on the labels of products like Beyond Beef. Beyond Meat has not responded publicly to these claims.

In addition, the company has faced financial difficulties, including layoffs and missing revenue targets. Its competitor, Impossible Foods, has also encountered similar challenges. Analysts suggest that plant-based meats may not appeal widely to regular meat eaters.

Final word

Beyond Meat is often seen as a healthier option compared to traditional meat because it typically has less saturated fat and no cholesterol. Choosing a plant-based diet or plant-based alternatives could potentially improve overall health and lower the risk of chronic diseases, especially when combined with other healthy habits. However, they are still considered highly processed foods and may contain high levels of sodium and various additives, which are important factors to consider.

While the potential environmental benefits of reducing overall meat intake are highlighted, individual health considerations should also be taken into account while incorporating Beyond Meat products.

FAQs

Is Beyond Meat suitable for food allergies?

Beyond Meat products are soy-free and gluten-free. On their website, they do warn consumers with legume allergies like peanuts to take caution when introducing their products into their meals, as they’re primarily made of peas, another member of the legume family.

How often can I eat Beyond Meat?

Everyone's needs vary, so it's important to check the nutrition labels on Beyond Meat products. Some, like Chicken Tenders or Meatballs, have higher sodium levels. If you have high blood pressure, it's wise to stick to smaller serving sizes and watch your sodium intake closely.

Can Beyond Meat help with weight loss?

Beyond Meat products may help with weight loss as part of a balanced diet. They are generally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol compared to traditional meat products. However, they are still processed in nature and must be consumed in moderate quantities.

Is Beyond Meat healthier than regular meat?

Beyond Meat may be potentially viewed as 'healthier' than regular meat in several aspects. It typically contains no cholesterol, less saturated fat, and often has higher fiber content compared to traditional animal meat. However, it's important to note that processed foods, including Beyond Meat, can still contain sodium and other additives, so moderation and balance in diet must be practiced.

Key takeaways:

• Beyond Meat can be an option if you're aiming to reduce your meat intake while meeting your protein needs. Many of their products are also lower in saturated fat, which is often linked to heart disease.
• Since Beyond Meat has so many different products, it’s important to be discerning when choosing which product to eat. Try to check the nutrition label and choose products that contain less saturated fat and less sodium wherever possible.
• Beyond Meat may contribute to addressing climate change and improving animal welfare. Experts suggest reducing meat consumption to meet global climate goals, and plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat may offer a way to continue enjoying foods while reducing meat intake.
• While plant-based meat alternatives may be viewed as a 'healthier' option compared to traditional meat, it is still considered processed food which may contain high levels of sodium, food preservatives, and other additives that may potentially harm overall health long-term.

18 resources

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6. NBC News. Class-action lawsuits alleging Beyond Meat deceived consumers about protein content will be combined in Chicago.
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