Consequently, the FDA limits the amount of TBHQ allowed in foods to less than 0.02 percent of fat content. Studies of TBHQ in laboratory animals have found associations with increased risk of convulsions, liver enlargement, neurotoxic effects, and tumors. Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic preservative that prevents discoloration in processed foods. The manufacturing process of Class III and Class IV caramel color produces carcinogenic byproducts that can remain in the final product. Red #40 is an artificial food dye suspected of causing hyperactive behavior in children.Ĭaramel coloring refers to any of the four classes of caramel food coloring, two of which are associated with cancer. It is prohibited from use in cosmetics and topical medications, but the agency’s repeated attempts to ban Red #3 from food use were stopped by special interest groups. Red #3 is an artificial food dye that the FDA has recognized as a thyroid carcinogen since 1990. By prioritizing texture over health, many plant-based alternatives contain an extensive ingredient list that is at odds with the better-for-you image they’re cultivating. It’s partially a consequence of the trend toward creating products that mimic the texture and mouthfeel of real meat, and partially because processed ingredients are just so much cheaper and shelf stable than high-quality ingredients. For the people who switch to plant-based meat out of fear that red meat will increase their risk of heart disease, the salt content in these meat analogs means they’re unknowingly jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.įor food that boasts about being “plant-based”, actual vegetables are suspiciously absent from most ingredient lists. Sodium content is especially significant because high-salt diets contribute to high blood pressure, which can cause heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. High salt content is a commonality across pretty much all brands – Boca, Field Roast, Tofurky, MorningStar Farms… Quorn sausages contain 770 mg in a single serving – that’s more than half the ideal daily allowance recommended by the American Heart Association. Previously, it was 290.)Īnd while a Beyond Burger is far higher in sodium content (390mg) than its whole meat equivalent, it’s nowhere near the worst plant-based offender. (Note: The Beyond Burger 2.0 formulation is 250 calories per 4 oz. It’s also significantly higher in calories (250 compared to 215), for those of us monitoring calorie intake.
But based on an equivalent serving of 85% lean ground beef, the Beyond Burger contains more fat (18g vs 15g). One pillar of Beyond Meat’s mission is “improving human health” by facilitating the switch from animal meat to plant-based meat.
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