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Comparison · Plant-Based Protein

Impossible Burger vs Beyond Meat

The two leading plant-based meats use different protein sources and flavoring approaches, but both are among the most technologically complex foods in any grocery store.

Subject A

Impossible Burger

22 products →
9.0
L4 · Ultra-Proc.
Avg processing score
Nutrition6.0/10
0% · 0% · 45% · 55%L1→L4
Difference4.4 pts
Subject B

Beyond Meat

13 products →
4.6
L2 · Processed
Avg processing score
Nutrition5.7/10
46% · 0% · 54% · 0%L1→L4
The verdictBeyond Meat is less processed

Beyond Meat scores lower in our analysis.

Impossible Burger averages 9.0 (Level 4) across 22 products; Beyond Meat averages 4.6 (Level 2) across 13.

Impossible Burger · 9.0Beyond Meat · 4.6
L1 · MinL2 · ProcL3 · HighL4 · Ultra
Scale: 0 → 15+ (uncapped)4.4 point gap

Written by UPFL Editorial Team

Editorial standards

Quick answer

Both are Level 4 ultra-processed. Impossible uses soy protein + soy leghemoglobin (from GMO yeast). Beyond uses pea protein + beet juice extract (for color). Processing levels are comparable.

Worth knowing

Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores. These comparisons evaluate processing level and ingredient composition only. They do not account for taste, price, convenience, cultural significance, or individual dietary needs.

How do they compare by the numbers?

Avg Processing Score
Impossible Burger
9.0
Ultra-Proc.
Beyond Meat
4.6
Processed
Dominant Level
Impossible Burger
L4 · Ultra-Proc.
Beyond Meat
L2 · Processed
Avg Nutrition Score
Impossible Burger
6.0
of 10
Beyond Meat
5.7
of 10
Avg Ingredient Count
Impossible Burger
35.2
Beyond Meat
12.4
Products in Database
Impossible Burger
22
Beyond Meat
13
Level Distribution
Impossible Burger
0%0%45%55%
Beyond Meat
46%0%54%0%

Sample products from each

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A product in Ketzal with a Processing Score and a Nutrition Score

Frequently asked questions

Is Impossible Burger or Beyond Meat less processed?

Both are equally ultra-processed (Level 4, 20+ ingredients each). Impossible uses soy-based protein; Beyond uses pea-based. Neither is "healthier" from a processing standpoint. Tofu (Level 2) or tempeh (Level 1) are far simpler plant protein alternatives.

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