Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans don’t include any meat in their diet? Because of this, it’s common to find veggie burger options and plant-based burger options on modern menus.
But what’s the difference between the two meatless burger options? It’s important to know if you’re vegetarian or vegan and you’re looking for the best burger in middle TN to try.
The following guide will explore what makes each option unique and help you order with confidence!
What Is a Veggie Burger?
The patty of a veggie burger consists of ingredients that are grown on plants. The base of veggie burgers typically blends together a combination of ingredients such as rice, beans, soy, vegetables, and different seasonings.
Specific ingredient examples include things like white beans, black beans, lentils, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. These burgers aren’t trying to fool anyone into thinking they’re made from meat. Instead, they’re very veggie-forward and marketed as such.
You might think this is a new trend, but the first commercial veggie burgers debuted back in the 80s. Boca Burgers and Morningstar were the first mainstream brands but today there are tons of options to select from.
What Is a Plant-Based Burger?
Like veggie burgers, plant-based burgers are also made from plants as the name suggests. However, the main goal of a plant-based burger is to recreate the appearance, texture, and taste of real meat.
Plant-based burgers don’t contain the same type of fresh vegetables as veggie burgers. They are made in labs and contain highly processed ingredients such as soy protein concentrate.
If you’ve ever seen the word “Impossible” before the word burger on a restaurant’s menu, you’re looking at a plant-based burger. The same goes for the word “Beyond” which is another popular plant-based brand.
Key Differences
To make a Plant-based burger patty, certain plant parts like starch and protein get extracted and isolated. Then, those parts get combined to make a product similar to meat. Veggie burgers simply combine things like beans with vegetables using binders.
If you’re looking for the closest thing to actual meat, plant-based is the best burger choice for you. But if you’re looking for fewer additives and more flavor options, veggie burgers are the way to go.
Keep in mind that both options usually contain processed elements, but plant-based burgers are much more processed. Because of this, veggie burgers are typically the healthier option if that’s what you’re going for.
It’s hard to find organic options for plant-based burgers. But there are several organic veggie burger products that don’t contain any pesticides or GMOs.
Finding the Best Burger in Middle TN
Now you know how to find the best burger in Middle TN if you have a vegetarian diet. It really depends on if you want a burger experience that reminds you of real meat or a burger that’s vegetable-forward.
Check out the veggie and plant-based burgers on our menu and stop by one of our many locations to taste one for yourself!
FAQs
If you're looking for the closest thing to actual meat, plant-based is the best burger choice for you. But if you're looking for fewer additives and more flavor options, veggie burgers are the way to go. Keep in mind that both options usually contain processed elements, but plant-based burgers are much more processed.
What is the difference between a veggie burger and an impossible burger? ›
While they're made with ingredients like pea protein, potato starch, and brown rice, they don't stack up to homemade veggie burgers, which are often made with smashed beans, whole grains, and other veggies like finely diced bell pepper or shredded carrot.
What is one reason why the plant-based burger is considered healthier for us? ›
Benefit 1: A (slightly) healthier mix of fats
An average 80/20 beef patty contains nearly 20 grams of fat, of which about half are saturated fats. This means that a single patty gets you nearly half of the max recommended saturated fat intake for adults (5-10% of calories).
What are the drawbacks of a veggie burger? ›
Downsides of plant-based meat alternatives
Some highly processed products, such as those from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, are just as high in total and saturated fat as their meat counterparts. The burgers even contain more sodium than a single beef patty, which may not support heart health ( 12 , 18 , 19 ).
Are veggie burgers highly processed? ›
Are veggie burgers highly processed food? They can be. Highly processed foods are those in which the raw ingredients (grains, vegetables or proteins) undergo multiple mechanical processes.
Are Morningstar veggie burgers healthy? ›
Packaged veggie burgers (like Morning Star Farms or Boca) can also be a part of a healthy eating plan. They're a quick and convenient way to enjoy a meatless meal and typically run from 70 to 130 calories per patty. Pair with a whole-grain bun and pile the fresh veggies high for a well-balanced meal.
What is the healthiest burger substitute? ›
Salmon is one of the most nutritionally well-rounded burger alternatives available. Salmon offers a variety of health benefits if you are maintaining a low fat diet. You can enjoy salmon burgers as a fillet or combine shredded salmon with vegetables, aiolis, and flavorful spices.
Are plant based burgers bad for cholesterol? ›
Compared to an 80/20 beef burger, the Beyond Burger has no cholesterol, 35% less total fat, 35% less saturated fat, fewer calories, and no added hormones or antibiotics.
Which is better, impossible or beyond? ›
The Impossible Burger crumbles melded with the sauce far better, offering a texture and flavor nearly identical to ground beef. The bottom line? Honestly, they're both great options. If you're a meat eater looking for the most realistic alternative to ground beef, though, go with Impossible Burger.
Are Bubba veggie burgers healthy? ›
Made with real veggies and whole grain, this mouth-watering veggie burger is high in vitamin A and C and low in fat and calories with all the flavor and convenience you expect from a BUBBA burger®.
A homemade veggie burger will be lower in saturated fat, calories, and sodium, which are nutrients of concern to the general public. The saturated fat used in Beyond Burger comes primarily from coconut oil, canola oil, and cocoa butter, which have relatively weak associations with heart disease for healthy individuals.
What are the disadvantages of plant-based meat? ›
As some plant-based meat and mock meat products are created to replicate animal meat, they may undergo more processing. This leads to a high content of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar.
Is a veggie burger healthier than a hamburger? ›
When you eat veggie burgers, you typically get three times less total fat and seven times less saturated fat than when you eat average beef burgers, according to the American Dietetic Association.
Are veggie burgers actually healthy? ›
Many veggie burgers are made from vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (like beans or lentils). These are good-for-you ingredients that provide fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Packaged veggie burgers (like Morning Star Farms or Boca) can also be a part of a healthy eating plan.
What is the difference between a veggie burger and a non veg burger? ›
Regular Meat Burgers: These burgers are typically made from ground meat, often beef, but can also include pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats. The fat content in meat adds juiciness and flavor to the burger. Vegetarian Burgers: These burgers are made from plant-based ingredients such as.
What is the difference between a garden burger and a veggie burger? ›
Gardenburger is the brand name of a veggie burger sold in the United States.
