While there are many factors when considering animal based natural meat Vs. alternatives, the fact remains that Beyond Meat and others are in the category or processed foods. Albeit, not as toxic as many contend, meat alternatives by nature contain a menagerie of ingredients furthest away from farm to table, and in novel combinations not found in nature. Left Coast Caveman examines key factors of this popular innovation from nutritional and price perspectives, to determine if processed meat alternatives are a tenable option to grass fed animal muscle.
Beyond Meat (BYND)
Founded in 2009 by energy executive founder Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat became one of the most popular and branded meat alternatives. With the mission of providing healthy, sustainable, and cruelty free option to traditional meat, Beyond Meat has since become a publicly traded company in 2019; expanding influence and market share in main stream retailers and fast food chains.
The marketing prowess of Beyond Meat is impressive and persuasive. When exploring labels and claims, it is certainly hard to argue why plant based products wouldn’t be a reasonable option to animal based protein.
“Better Burger. Better-For-You. With our new avocado oil recipe, clean eating now boasts delicious plant-based burgers. With 21g of plant-based protein and no cholesterol, you can eat better without giving up what you love. FIND IT IN THE MEAT AISLE.”
Beyond Meat Burger Patty Ingredients
Water, Yellow Pea Protein*, Avocado Oil, Natural Flavors, Brown Rice Protein, Red Lentil Protein, 2% or less of Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Pea Starch, Potassium Lactate (to preserve freshness), Faba Bean Protein, Apple Extract, Pomegranate Concentrate, Potassium Salt, Spice, Vinegar, Vegetable Juice Color (with Beet).
Beyond Meat Burger Vs. Grass Fed Burger
Key Amino Acid Differences
Grass fed beef – Considered a complete protein from its amino acid composition; containing all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Beef is especially rich in leucine, lysine, and methionine, which are important for muscle repair, immune function, metabolism.
Beyond Meat – Also considered a complete protein due to its lab mix of plant proteins, although containing lesser concentrations of critical amino acids.
Leucine (important for muscle protein synthesis) – Grass fed beef contains higher amounts compared to Beyond Meat.
Lysine (essential for tissue repair) – Grass fed beef contains higher amounts compared to Beyond Meat.
Methionine (Important for metabolism & detox) – Grass fed beef contains higher amounts compared to Beyond Meat.
Tryptophan (precursor to serotonin & sleep regulation) – Grass fed beef contains higher amounts compared to Beyond Meat.
Glutamine (supports gut health & immune function) – Grass fed beef contains higher amounts compared to Beyond Meat.
Health & Nutritional Implications
Grass Fed Beef – Stacked in other nutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids (higher in grass fed meat compared to Beyond Meat).
Beyond Meat – Appeals to those looking for plant based and cholesterol free alternatives, but containing lower levels of micronutrients like iron and creatine.
Protein Quality & Digestibility
Grass Fed Beef – Animal proteins have higher protein digestibility and amino acid scores, being more easily absorbed and used by the body.
Beyond Meat – Plant proteins tend to have lower protein digestibility and amino acid scoring due to factors like fiber quantity and anti nutrients that inhibit digestion.
Quantity of Protein
Grass Fed Beef – Provides 20-24oz per 4oz serving.
Beyond Meat – 20g per 4oz serving.
Caloric Content (Energy)
Grass Fed Beef – 280-300 Kcal per 4oz serving. Fat content will drive higher caloric content
Beyond Meat – 250 Kcal per 4oz serving.
Price Differential
Grass Fed Beef – $2.50 – $4.50 per patty.
Beyond Meat – $1.50 – $3.00 per patty.
Cave Implementation
While both Beyond Meat and grass fed meat provides all essential amino acids, grass fed is higher in key amino acids (BCAAs) and in natural compositions; important for muscles, immunity, metabolism, and hormonal health (cholesterol is key in neurotransmitters). Grass fed meat also contains healthier levels of micronutrients, establishing undisputed nutritional leverage, making this key macro a better choice from a functional perspective. Although pricing and taste can be debated, tenable motives for choosing meat alternatives is ideologically rooted as factors of avoiding animal cruelty and possible sustainable production methods remain viable.
Our Ancestors Consumed Both Plants & Animals In It’s Natural Form; Stay Rooted To This Time Honored Practice.
