Beyond Meat originated from Los Angeles as a plant-based meat substitute, which was founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown. This product emulates beef, meatballs, ground meat, and pork sausage links and patties. The product is most suitable and loved by vegetarians, which tastes like meat.
So, can you eat Beyond Meat raw? Yes, you can eat Beyond Meat raw, but it is not advisable. Since plant-based meat contains no real beef, the brand advises you not to eat Beyond Meat raw. This is because when eaten raw, Beyond Meat will have a disgusting taste, and your body will have a hard time digesting it. Moreover, it is at risk of having bacteria that can make you sick.
Therefore, you should cook your Beyond meat but not overcook it since when cooked, it presents a crispy outer layer, and the inside has a bit of pink or red. It may look undercooked, but that is the best way to tell if your Beyond Meat is ready.
Can You Get Sick from Eating Raw Beyond Meat?
Yes, you can get sick from eating raw Beyond Meat. Eating raw Beyond Meat means you are eating raw pea protein powder, among other ingredients that will make you feel sick. Plant-based foods are less likely to cause food poisoning, which makes Beyond Meat beneficial.
Unlike real meat containing salmonella bacteria, if defrosted for long on the counter, you do not have to worry about defrosted Beyond Meat since it is plant-based. However, contamination by other foods may give you an upset stomach, nausea, headaches, or gas.
Moreover, if you get sick from eating Beyond Meat, it might be a sign that it had gone bad. It is a possibility to consider since all foods expire at some point, even plant-based foods. To avoid eating bad Beyond Meat, you should always smell and thoroughly inspect it before cooking. Also, consider storing them through freezing to increase the shelf life.
Can You Undercook Beyond Meat?
Yes, you can. Cooked Beyond Meat should have a crispy cooked outer part, and the inside should be a bit pink. To your eyes, this might look undercooked, but this is what you are supposed to see.
If you opt to cook it longer, you’ll have interfered with the texture and taste. You are however not limited on how to cook it. You can cook using a frying pan or the oven. Therefore, do not shy off from eating a Beyond meat burger that looks red on the inside after cooking.
What are the Ingredients Used to Make Beyond Meat?
Beyond Meat produces meat that simulates traditional ground beef from the texture and flavor to the color. This product contains no soy, gluten, or any GMOs, yet it looks, tastes and is cooked exactly like ground beef.
As a consumer of this meat, you might wonder what makes it taste exactly like the real meat. Thus raising the question, what makes Beyond Meat? The ingredients used to make Beyond Meat include beet juice extract, lemon juice concentrate, potassium chloride, apple extract, mung bean protein, sunflower lecithin, vinegar, pomegranate extract, salt, potato starch, methylcellulose, cocoa butter, natural flavors, rice protein, refined coconut oil, canola oil, pea protein, and water.
One four-ounce serving of the Beyond beef contains:
- Twenty grams of protein derived from peas, mung bean, and rice proteins. This ingredient offers a more fibrous texture.
- Six grams of saturated fats from beets that give color after the meat gets cooked come from beets.
- Coconut oil and cocoa butter bring out a marbled effect and a juicy ground beef-like texture.
What is the Nutrition Value of Beyond Meat?
A Beyond Burger weighing four-ounces you will get;
- 270 calories
- 20g fat (6g saturated fat)
- 380mg sodium
- 5g carbohydrates
- 3g fiber
- 0g sugars
- 20g protein
Is Beyond Meat Healthy?
If you are not focused on weight loss, Beyond Meat is a healthy option for you. However, when comparing the same amount of real beef, Beyond Meat may not be healthy if you focus on losing weight. Beyond meat contains more carbs and calories compared to beef. A beef patty of four-ounces contains;
- 287 calories
- 23g fats (9g saturated fats)
- 75mg sodium
- 0g carbohydrates
- 0g sugars
- 19g protein
A bun-less beef burger has no carbs, while a Beyond burger already contains 5g carbohydrates. Saturated. However, you can make a burger healthier with what you are pairing it. For instance, you can add vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Also, you can opt for a whole grain bun rather than a processed burger.
Therefore, if you are determined to add more plant-based meals to your platter, the Beyond Meat burger can be a great way to accomplish your goals. However, if you are a meat lover and looking to improve your health choices, Beyond meat might not do the trick for you.
Ways to Use Beyond Meat
There are several ways to go about when using Beyond meat. You can make several recipes such as Beyond burgers, meatballs, stuffed chili peppers, tacos, and any other thing that comes to mind. The recipes you can try include;
Option 1: Beyond Burgers
All you need are Beyond burger patties, buns, and vegetables for topping. Cook your patties and place them on each slice of the bun. Add your vegetables to the top, and there you go. You have your perfect Beyond burger.
Option 2: Beyond Meatballs
Disintegrate your Beyond meat in a bowl, add seasoning of your choice and make moderate balls of your liking. Heat your frying pan and place each meatball on it. Cook all sides evenly and enjoy your meatballs.
Option 3: Beyond Tacos
You will oil, corn, spices, Beyond patties, tortillas. On your hot pan, add your oil, brown the shredded corn, and add your herbs and your vegetables of choice. Add your Beyond patty and break it down, add seasoning, and heat your tortillas. Place the mixture on your tortilla and enjoy your tacos.
Final Thoughts
- Beyond Meat is recommended cooked rather than raw. It might not please your taste buds when raw or overcooked.
- Since it is a plant-based product, it is rare to make you sick, but you might experience an upset stomach when eaten after expiring.
- As for undercooking your Beyond Meat, it is probably cold since cooking it takes a little time. When cooked right, it has a bit of pink or red on the inside.
- Beyond meat is made of plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegans or anyone taking it a notch down on their meat intake.
- Nutritionists often advise the consumption of Beyond Meat since its nutrition value is not wanting.
- If you are on your weight loss journey, Beyond Meat burgers are not advisable to eat since they contain carbs, which are not healthy for you at the moment.
- Beyond meat can make different dishes such as; tacos, burgers, meatballs, and many more.