A few weeks ago – we made mention of The Beyond Burger (Beyond Meat). We were curious because of the apparent “praise” this product was receiving – as well as how difficult it was for us to find it. We wanted to see first hand what the deal was.
Well – we finally found it over at Whole Foods.
And we cooked them and tasted them.
Our verdict is not what everyone else is saying. We will try and shine some light on why you should be concerned. Very concerned.
The Beyond Burger – hype of “plant-based” imitation hamburger
The vegetarian (or vegan) movement has remained a “force” in society for a long while (in various shapes and forms – from religious to health trends). While the term “vegetarian” has only been around for a couple hundred years – non-animal practices date back thousands of years.
Regardless – the love-affair with “plants” is still here. Somehow, people (without much challenge) think that (eating) plants are the magic pill for superior health.
Keep in mind – that this buzz-phrase “plant-based” could also be said about beef, for instance – as the cows eat plants as well. Just sayin’.
Beyond Burger Ingredients
Let’s lay a foundation here by listing the ingredients in this imitation meat:
Water, Pea Protein 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 (to maintain color), Beet Juice Extract (for color), Acetic Acid, Succinic Acid, Modified Food Starch, Annatto (for color).
Top 5 Reasons why you should avoid Beyond Burgers
If you’d like to be in the know about these trendy (fake) “burgers,” then please read on. And prepare to shame any friend or family member that touts these God-awful monstrosities.
1. MSG, MSG, MSG – Did we say MSG?
For the record – we almost “mindlessly” ate both fake burgers. Rapidly and unnaturally. It felt like we had no true control. That is not a comfortable feeling to have for anyone who is in tune with their body.
Why? Because these “plant-based” hype burgers are SOAKED with MSG. Monosodium Glutamate. Even though it doesn’t say so on the label. MSG has many other names.
This product contains at least half a dozen ingredients (bolded in the ingredients list above) that contain MSG. This is most likely the reason people say they “love” these stupid lab-created sponges. It is sensible to avoid MSG.
See this video for more about MSG. That is the only reason you need to never buy or eat these “burgers.”
2. Protein is over-rated
One of the trademarked sayings on the package is that The Beyond Burger is “The Future of Protein.” So what. What they’re really saying is “It’s the future retirement home for the founders of this company who are preying on ignorant customers using addictive and deceptive practices.”
High-protein diets are bad for most people. Unless you’re an ultra-performance athlete, or have an intensive job (i.e., construction), or are a body-builder – you do not need much protein at all. In fact, excess protein turns to sugar – and is equivalent to eating gummy bears if you don’t “burn” or use all the protein you eat in a given day. True indeed.
And no, cross-fit or hitting the gym 3-4 times a week doesn’t count.
You’d have to peel some layers back and come to grips with the fact that what you thought you knew about protein is wrong. Just looking around at all the obese “healthy” people slugging protein drinks is evidence enough.
3. Lab-based food is just wrong (whole foods)
Peppering the word “plant” all over your packaging doesn’t mean you’re eating plants. Not even close.
This is a chemically-altered, lab-created “Frankenstein” type product. Who cares what the source of the molecules are – they’re not anything CLOSE to being “peas.”
All plants (if eaten at all) should be consumed in their RAW form as they grew out of the earth. Not mass-produced in some kind of robotic machine deep within the walls of some factory somewhere.
4. Costly (4 times more than red meat)
The cost for 8 ounces of these mystery hype blobs is between $6 and $8. Making this space-age glop of gunk between $12 and $16 per pound. We’re getting up to Filet Mignon territory here.
Heck, I can even get FOUR POUNDS of organic (80% lean) ground beef for the same cost. Imagine the possibilities.
5. Marketing overload and false hype
People that market these products – as well as the poor people actually FALLING FOR IT. The “feel good” hype is in overdrive for sure.
I cannot fathom how the proprietors of this product can feel good slathering all those healthy labels on their products knowing full well they’re chemically addictive.
This type of practice should be illegal. Yet somehow they get away with it.
In the end – we’re happy we tried this and dug deeper into this “phenomenon.” One, because it renews our drive to eat properly. And two, so we can share our findings with others – with hopes that this phony parade of false health benefits comes to a halt.
Eat RED meat. A simple three-word plan for good health.
