When the Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat launched in 2016, it took plant-based eating to a whole new level. Some have adored it and others have said it needs an upgrade. But now, five years later, the company is taking it up a notch and releasing a brand new version of the burger, and it will be in grocery stores in just a few weeks.
The company says the new plant-based meat is more mouthwatering, juicy, and nutritious. Like its predecessor, the new meat has 35% less total and saturated fat than 80/20 ground beef, fewer calories, no cholesterol, as well as B vitamins and minerals, while still providing a whopping 20 grams of protein per patty. Starting May 3 the new version of the Beyond Burger will be available in a pack of 2, a brand new value pack of 4 for $9.99, and in a 1-pound Beyond Beef pack. (Related: The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.)
"We are continuously working on understanding beef flavor at a deeper level to ensure our plant-based beef platform delivers a delicious and satisfying sensory experience," the Chief Innovation Officer of Beyond Meat, Dariush Ajami, says. "The new Beyond Burger's rich flavor profile resembles that of ground beef, and extensive testing with our consumers validated this new flavor direction with likeability scoring on-par with 80/20 ground beef burgers."
What are the health benefits of the new Beyond Burger?
The launch comes right as the debate about how much red meat is heating up. Even though recent claims that President Biden wants Americans to reduce their intake of red meat by 90% by 2030 are false, people are now talking about what is a good amount to eat in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond Meat says a University of Michigan study in 2018 shows that producing its Beyond Burgers generates 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than regular beef.
Reducing red meat intake not only can help the environment, but it also can help you. Research has shown cutting back on burgers and steak can help reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and more. Stay tuned later this year, though, because Beyond Meat plans to introduce another Beyond Burger option.
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