Key findings
- 1The processing gap in this category is enormous: from 5-ingredient bean burgers to 22-ingredient engineered meat substitutes
- 2Impossible and Beyond burgers use protein isolates, methylcellulose, and novel ingredients to replicate beef, which puts them at the most processed end of the category
- 3Simple veggie burgers made from beans, grains, and vegetables are among the least processed frozen convenience foods
Why is Veggie Burgers Level 3 on average?
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 use recognizable vegetables and grains but often 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. In our analysis, veggie burger products average a Processing Score of 6.9, which is Level 3.
How 181 veggie burgers products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Veggie Burgers brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a veggie burgers label
- 1
Count the ingredients: bean-based patties with a short list of recognizable ingredients are among the least processed options
- 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
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Veggie Burgers At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Are Impossible burgers ultra-processed?
Impossible burgers list soy protein concentrate, coconut oil, potato protein, methylcellulose, and soy leghemoglobin (produced via genetically engineered yeast), the kinds of industrial ingredients our Processing Score counts. They sit at the engineered end of the veggie burger category.
What is the least processed veggie burger?
Homemade bean burgers (black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, spices) are the least processed option. Among store-bought options, look for patties whose ingredient list is mostly beans, grains, and vegetables. 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 carry long ingredient lists with protein isolates and binders. From a processing standpoint, a plain beef patty (one ingredient) is less processed than an engineered plant-based patty.