The Beyond Burger, I Tried it!

The Beyond Burger, I Tried it! – I try to follow a Flexitarian diet, which for me, is trying to eat less meat, but not entirely cutting it out.  If you’re like me, you might have seen the slew of ads for plant-based burgers and thought they looked interesting.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous to try them, but my interest was certainly piqued when they were on clearance for cheap.  Now or never!

I already had everything at home to make a great burger: hamburger bun, mustard, mayo, lettuce, red onion, pepper jack cheese, and my homemade Habanero Garlic Pickle Slices.

The directions say to cook the Beyond Burger on the grill or in a skillet, and I opted for the latter.  Since I’m familiar with the slightly odd texture of veggie burgers, I thought cooking them in a pan would be best.  I seasoned the patties with garlic salt and pepper and as directed, I cooked the patties for approximately four minutes on each side and then I added my cheese and assembled my burger. 

FYI: It’s really weird to see a pinkish liquid ooze out of the burgers while they’re cooking.  It definitely added a realistic visual!

How does the Beyond Burger taste?

I would give it a scant 2 out of 5 stars.  It wasn’t disgusting or terrible, but I had a hard time chewing it.  I think I was getting in my own way mentally, which ended with me slightly psyching myself out.  Considering I do eat meat, I am probably a little less lenient than some of my meat-free friends out there. 

I do have to say, one thing the Beyond Burger has nailed is texture.  The texture was very realistic!  It has a “ground meat” kind of chew to it and if a plant-based burger stands a chance at converting meat-eaters, that is essential, so 5 stars on texture.  As for the taste, it was just ok.  I found it a little bland and wished that there was garlic or onion, or something in them to give them some flavor because salt & pepper just didn’t cut it.

What I liked about the Beyond Burger:

• It’s plant-based.  That means it’s not only suitable for vegetarians, but vegans too.
• The Beyond Burger is soy-free!  I try not to eat very much soy after what I learned about some of its side effects, so I was excited that these are completely soy-free.
• They have a lot of protein – 20 grams of protein per patty!
• Saving animals.  I started my flexitarian journey because I felt guilty that an animal died for me.  I love that this product is helping in that area.

What I didn’t love about the Beyond Burger:

• Perhaps TMI, but it made me burp a lot after I ate it, which is not usual for me.  Not only that, but the burps were nasty.
• Not very flavorful.  It requires some garlic, onion, spices…something to help it out.

Ingredients: water, pea protein isolate, expeller-pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, rice protein, natural flavors, cocoa butter, mung bean protein, methylcellulose, potato starch, apple extract, salt, potassium chloride, vinegar, lemon juice concentrate, sunflower lecithin, pomegranate fruit powder, beet juice extract.

Perhaps one day there will be flavors of Beyond Burgers.  If not that’s ok, there are plenty of people out there that love them!  Plus, what a scientific feat!  If you told someone in 1960 that we’re gonna make a completely plant-based burger one day, no one would have believed you.  First the moon, now plant-based burgers.  What’s next?

Thank you for reading The Beyond Burger, I Tried It!  What are your thoughts on this burger and others like it?  Do you have a favorite plant-based burger?  Let me know in the comments below!

♥  I also have a fun Facebook group for us foodies to share recipes and talk about food.  I’d love to have you!  Request to join HERE.  Cheers!