Beyond Burger for US diners: what is really inside

Beyond Burger has become a familiar plant-based patty in US grocery stores and restaurants. Here is how it is made, how it cooks, and where it fits on your plate.

Beyond Burger is Beyond Meat's flagship plant-based burger patty, designed to mimic the taste and texture of ground beef while being made entirely from plant ingredients. The company introduced the Beyond Burger to US grocery stores in 2016 Beyond Meat, 03/30/2023.

As of: 05/24/2026 | Reading time: approx. 8 minutes

By the AD HOC NEWS editorial team - specialized in product-focused market coverage.

At a Glance

• Product: Beyond Burger
• Category: Plant-based frozen and refrigerated burger patty
• Brand/Manufacturer: Beyond Meat
• Primary Use Cases: Home cooking, grilling, foodservice burger menus
• Availability: Major US grocery chains and restaurant partners
• Core Markets: United States, Canada, Europe, select Asia-Pacific countries

What Beyond Burger Is and How It Works

Beyond Burger is a plant-based patty intended to replicate a traditional 80/20 beef burger in look, sizzle, and taste using ingredients such as pea protein, canola and coconut oils, and beet-derived color Beyond Meat, 03/30/2023.

The patty contains no animal products and is marketed as suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided it is cooked without animal-derived toppings or fats FDA, 09/07/2022. It is sold as raw-looking but fully plant-based and must be cooked before eating.

Beyond Burger uses plant proteins, starches, and fats structured to imitate the fibrous bite of ground beef. Cooling and heating during processing help align proteins and fat pockets into a matrix that browns on the outside while staying juicy inside New York Times, 07/16/2019.

Why Beyond Burger Matters for US Consumers and Industry

In the United States, plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Burger have been marketed toward flexitarians who want to cut back on beef without giving up the burger format Wall Street Journal, 05/16/2022. Shoppers can grill or pan-sear the patties much like conventional beef.

The nutrition profile of Beyond Burger differs from lean beef, with similar protein levels per patty but a different fat mix and added sodium, according to its US nutrition facts panel Beyond Meat, 03/30/2023. Consumers often compare these values when deciding which burgers to buy.

US restaurants have added Beyond Burger-based menu items to appeal to diners seeking plant-based options. Quick-service chains and independent restaurants have used the patty as a direct swap for beef in burgers and sandwiches QSR Magazine, 04/11/2023.

Beyond Burger in the US and Global Market

Beyond Burger is distributed through major US grocery retailers and club stores as part of Beyond Meat's retail portfolio, which also includes sausages and ground-style products Beyond Meat, 03/01/2024. Placement is often in the fresh meat case or plant-based section.

Beyond Burger is also sold in international markets including Canada, several European countries, and parts of Asia-Pacific through retail and foodservice partnerships Bloomberg, 01/22/2020. Availability and formulations can vary by region due to local regulations and consumer preferences.

For US shoppers, Beyond Burger competes with both conventional frozen and fresh beef patties and other plant-based burgers made from pea, soy, or blended vegetables. Category shelf space and promotional pricing influence how prominently the product appears in store displays Supermarket News, 09/13/2023.

• Plant-based patty formulated to emulate beef taste and texture
• Uses pea protein and plant oils instead of animal meat
• Sold in US groceries and restaurants for home and away-from-home meals
• Requires cooking to a safe internal temperature before serving

Frequently Asked Questions About Beyond Burger

Is Beyond Burger vegan?
Beyond Burger patty ingredients are plant-based and the product is marketed for vegan and vegetarian diets, but final preparation must avoid animal-based toppings or cooking fats to remain vegan friendly Beyond Meat, 03/30/2023.

How should I cook Beyond Burger at home?
Beyond Meat recommends cooking Beyond Burger in a skillet or on a grill until it reaches a safe internal temperature following on-pack directions, using medium heat and oil to prevent sticking and achieve browning Beyond Meat, 03/30/2023.

Where can I buy Beyond Burger in the United States?
Beyond Burger is sold at many large US grocery chains, club stores, and selected restaurant partners, typically found in the fresh meat case, refrigerated plant-based section, or frozen aisle depending on the retailer Beyond Meat, 03/01/2024.

Beyond Burger is produced by Beyond Meat Inc., a US-based company focused on plant-based meat alternatives for retail and foodservice customers.

Beyond Meat stock trades on the Nasdaq in the United States under the ticker BYND, and the issuer has the ISIN US08862E1091 for its registered shares.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.