Is Beyond Burger®, Plant-based burgers, Uncooked, Previously frozen. Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Kosher, we look for three things: non-animal ingredients, the absence of specific forbidden fats, and the supervision of production. Beyond Meat has designed this burger to be inherently free of animal products, which is the biggest hurdle for most meat burgers. Let's look at the core components.

The protein source is a blend of Pea Protein and Rice Protein. Both are plant-derived and naturally Kosher. The fats come from Canola Oil, Refined Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter. These oils are plant-based and do not require the complex rabbinical supervision needed for animal fats. Even the Beet Juice Extract used for color is derived from vegetables.

One ingredient that often raises questions in plant-based foods is Methylcellulose. This is a plant-derived derivative used as a binder to hold the patty together, replacing the role of egg whites. It is chemically synthesized from cellulose (plant fiber) and is considered Kosher. Finally, the vitamins and minerals added, such as Zinc Sulphate and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), are synthetic or mineral-based, which are acceptable. There are no hidden animal enzymes or dairy derivatives in this specific formulation.

Nutritional Value

While the Kosher status is confirmed, it is also important to understand the nutritional profile of the Beyond Burger. A standard serving contains approximately 230 calories, which is comparable to a traditional 80/20 beef patty. However, the source of these calories is different. The burger derives its fat content from Canola Oil and Refined Coconut Oil, resulting in about 14g of total fat per serving.

Regarding carbohydrates and sugar, this burger is relatively low. It contains only 3g of total carbohydrates and 0g of sugar per patty. This makes it a viable option for those monitoring their sugar intake or following a low-carb diet. The protein content is substantial at 20g, derived entirely from pea and rice sources. It is also a good source of iron and provides 100% of the daily value of Vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient often lacking in plant-based diets.