Is Veggie Burgers Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Veggie burger processing levels vary dramatically. Simple bean-and-grain patties with recognizable ingredients are Level 2-3. Engineered plant-based burgers like Impossible and Beyond Meat, which use protein isolates, methylcellulose, and 20+ ingredients to mimic meat, are Level 4.
Key Findings
- •The processing gap in this category is enormous: from 5-ingredient bean burgers to 22-ingredient engineered meat substitutes
- •Impossible and Beyond burgers are Level 4 — they use protein isolates, methylcellulose, and novel ingredients to replicate beef
- •Simple veggie burgers made from beans, grains, and vegetables are among the least processed frozen convenience foods at Level 2-3
Why Is Veggie Burgers Level 3?
The veggie burger category spans the entire processing spectrum. At one end, a homemade black bean burger (beans, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, spices) is straightforward cooking. Mid-range frozen veggie burgers from brands like MorningStar or Dr. Praeger's use recognizable vegetables and grains but add methylcellulose, soy protein concentrate, and natural flavors. At the other end, Impossible and Beyond burgers use pea protein isolate or soy protein concentrate extracted through industrial processes, methylcellulose (a synthetic binder), and numerous additives to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of beef.
Veggie Burgers Processing Level Distribution
How 256 veggie burgers products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 26.4 · Average nutrition score: 7.3/10
Veggie Burgers Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed veggie burgers products in our database:
How to Read Veggie Burgers Labels
- 1
Count the ingredients: bean-based patties with 8-10 recognizable ingredients are Level 2-3
- 2
Protein isolates (pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate) indicate industrial extraction processes
- 3
Methylcellulose is a synthetic cellulose derivative used as a binder — a hallmark of ultra-processed meat alternatives
- 4
Look for patties where you can identify every ingredient as a whole food
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Impossible burgers ultra-processed?
Yes. Impossible burgers contain 21 ingredients including soy protein concentrate, coconut oil, potato protein, methylcellulose, and soy leghemoglobin (produced via genetically engineered yeast). They are Level 4 ultra-processed.
What is the least processed veggie burger?
Homemade bean burgers (black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, spices) are Level 2. Among store-bought options, look for brands like Dr. Praeger's or Hilary's that use recognizable whole food ingredients. The shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list, the less processed the burger.
Are veggie burgers healthier than beef?
It depends on the type. A simple bean burger has more fiber and less saturated fat than beef but less protein. Engineered plant-based burgers (Impossible, Beyond) have comparable protein but are ultra-processed with 20+ ingredients. From a processing standpoint, a plain beef patty (1 ingredient) is less processed than an Impossible burger (21 ingredients).