Plant-based eating: Beyond Meat

Growing up, I was a vegetarian for most of my youth but only transitioned to eating chicken once I started working out because I needed the protein. Today, being vegetarian is so much easier because the choices are immense no matter the restaurant that you go to. One of the leading causes of this growth in the industry is due to the plant-based eating. 

As shoppers and families decide to be more health conscious and environmentally friendly, plant-based eating is a great way to get the nutrients one needs without sacrificing taste, for the most part. One of the companies leading this movement is Beyond Meat. Have you heard of them? If not, do check out their website http://beyondmeat.com/products/view/beyond-burger

What makes Beyond Meat special? Well, their product line is immense. If you can eat meat and want a patty burger with at least 20g protein, they have one for you. If you like sausage or want a hot dog, they have a product that is totally plant-based for you. If you just want chicken strips or beef crumbles for your salad, they have a plant-based version for you. These are great options for vegans and vegetarians. Why is this important? Well, the company is environmentally friendly as animal welfare is important to them–we don’t want to diminish our animal resources just to fulfill our appetite right? Their products are made with pea protein (did you read my earlier post about why pea protein is good for you?) and/or soy protein. Plus, the products tend to be non-GMO and gluten free. Finally, these products are full of nutrients that you need like Vitamin A and Iron, for example, via the fortification process as when you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle it is increasingly difficult to get the nutrients you need so you must get them via added nutrients (fortification) or supplements. 

On a recent trip to Boulder, CO, I was able to stop by their WholeFoods and I was surprised by the hot bar station that served only Beyond Meat products. Clearly, the consumer knows what they want. Most consumers care most about the price point, quality, and taste so how do Beyond Meat products rate in these categories? Well, all the ones that I’ve tried are good tasting and satisfy my craving and my need to feel that I’m eating something healthy. Taste and quality are both awesome but to get these yes do you pay a little more but at least you have the option now to eat your favorite burger as a plant-based one.

Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.