Why Plant-Based Burgers Are on the Rise
- Admin
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
With more people concerned about climate change, health, and animal welfare, options like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have emerged as popular alternatives to beef, but what exactly makes these products more environmentally friendly and beneficial to you? What we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies, it also shapes the world around us. Over the past decade, plant-based meats have moved from a niche curiosity to a staple in grocery stores and restaurants.
The Hidden Costs of Beef Production:
Conventional beef production is one of the world's most polluting and resource-intensive systems. It takes enormous amounts of land, water, and feed to raise cattle. In fact, compared to the majority of plant-based substitutes, the production of beef releases 10 to 20 times as many greenhouse gases per gram of protein. Furthermore, only about 18% of the world's calories come from livestock, despite making up nearly 80% of all agricultural land worldwide. Given how many burgers are eaten daily, it can take more than 600 gallons of water to produce one beef burger.
In comparison, the environmental footprints of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are significantly smaller. These plant-based businesses claim to use up to 90% less water and land, emit up to 90% fewer greenhouse gases, and do not require slaughtering animals or growing large amounts of feed crops. It is much more efficient and less harmful to ecosystems to produce 1 pound of plant-based meat. In other words, one of the simplest and most significant things you can do to lessen your impact on the environment is to choose a plant-based burger at least once a week.
Nutritional Benefits and Trade-Offs:
Many people assume that “fake meat” must be nutritionally inferior to the real thing. But that’s not the case – here’s how they compare to an 80/20 beef patty (per 4 oz serving):
Nutrient | Beef Burger | Impossible Burger | Beyond Burger |
Calories | ~290 | ~240 | ~230 |
Protein | ~19g | ~19g | ~20g |
Saturated Fat | ~9g | ~8g | ~5g |
Cholesterol | ~80mg | 0mg | 0mg |
Fiber | 0g | ~3g | ~2g |
Sodium | ~75mg | ~370mg | ~390mg |
Both plant-based options have nearly the same protein as beef but with less saturated fat and zero cholesterol, which supports heart health. Unlike beef, they also contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and contributes to a healthier gut microbiome. Although they are higher in sodium due to flavoring and preservation, many people find this trade-off acceptable when balanced with other meals throughout the day.
One of the most common criticisms of plant-based meats is that they are highly processed compared to traditional cuts of beef. It’s true that products like Impossible and Beyond burgers are made with ingredients such as isolated plant proteins, coconut oil, and natural flavorings to replicate the taste and texture of meat. However, processing alone doesn’t automatically mean a product is unhealthy. Many of the nutrients, including protein, iron, and B vitamins—are carefully formulated to match or even exceed the nutritional value of beef. For people who are trying to eat less saturated fat or avoid cholesterol, these burgers can be a convenient, nutrient-dense alternative without sacrificing flavor.
A Healthier, More Sustainable Future: There are strong arguments to reconsider our meat consumption that go beyond the statistics. Reducing livestock emissions is crucial from a climate perspective in order to keep global warming below 2°C, which is a crucial threshold for preventing the most severe consequences of climate change. Around 15% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are caused by animal agriculture; switching to plant-based substitutes can help drastically reduce those emissions.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that reducing red meat intake lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. The benefits of moderation are highlighted by the World Health Organization's classification of red and processed meats as carcinogenic, proving a proactive way to enhance your diet, without feeling deprived, is to switch to plant-based meats.
Finally, when it comes to animal welfare, plant-based meats offer a far more ethical alternative by eliminating the suffering associated with factory farming. No animals are raised or slaughtered, and fewer resources are used, making it a more compassionate and sustainable food choice overall.
By swapping a beef burger for an Impossible or Beyond burger, you’re voting for a food system that’s more sustainable, humane, and healthier, without sacrificing the taste of eating something meaty. While no single choice alone can solve climate change or guarantee perfect health, shifting toward plant-based meats is one of the most impactful and accessible steps you can take to create positive change for yourself, for animals, and for the planet we all share.
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