Our mission is to improve the health of our planet by making delicious plant-based meat, and we take the health of our consumers just as seriously. When it comes to nutrition, we strive to be equivalent to, or better than, the animal-based products we replace.
The cow isn’t innovating. Impossible is.
When we first started working on the Impossible Burger™, we chose 80/20 ground beef as our benchmark because 20% fat is the standard for restaurant beef (1). The original Impossible Burger had a good nutritional profile, but we knew we could do even better. So we created Impossible Burger 2.0 with significant nutritional improvements. We lowered sodium by 36%, decreased saturated fat by 43%, added more fiber, improved the protein quality, and increased the amount of several essential micronutrients, including folate, calcium, potassium and zinc (2).
Impossible Burger 2.0 compared to 80/20 beef
A nutritional comparison of 4 ounces of uncooked Impossible Burger 2.0 (2) and 80/20 beef (3) is presented in Table 1. Both are excellent sources of protein, and both have equivalent amounts of many B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and essential minerals, including phosphorus and zinc. The Impossible Burger, however, has a better fat profile than 80/20 beef with 14g total fat, 8g saturated fat and 0mg cholesterol, compared to 23g total fat, 9g saturated fat and 80mg cholesterol in 80/20 beef. The Impossible Burger is also a better source of thiamin (vitamin B1), folate, calcium, iron and potassium.
The one nutrient that the Impossible Burger has drawn criticism for having “too much” of, compared to beef, is sodium. So let’s explore the dietary need for sodium and put the amount in a serving of Impossible Burger in perspective.
Sodium is essential for life
Sodium is an essential mineral. Essential minerals are minerals that our bodies need to survive.Sodium and chloride are the principal ions in extracellular fluid, which include blood plasma,cerebrospinal fluid,joint fluid, and interstitial fluid (fluid between cells)(4).Sodium plays a key role in regulating extracellular volume and blood pressure(4).
Dietary sodium intake
A teaspoon of table salt (sodium chloride) contains 2300mg of sodium (5). The average US adult consumes about 3400mg of sodium per day (5). Most of the sodium in our diet comes from salt that is added to food either during manufacturing, cooking or at the table (6).In fact, very little sodium occurs naturally in food. Sodium is added to food for many reasons, including to provide and enhance flavor, to improve texture, and to inhibit microbial growth. In the US, the largest contributor to salt in the adult diet after table salt is yeast breads and rolls (6).
Sodium guidelines
The most recent FDA nutritional regulations, which came into effect in 2016, set the daily value (DV) for sodium at 2300mg(7, Table 2).The percent DV on a nutritional fact panel serves as a guide for estimating the percent of your daily nutrient needs that are met by a serving of a particular food. It is important to note that for nutrients that people tend not to get enough of, such as iron and calcium, the DV is the aspirational target, but for nutrients that tend to be consumed in excess, such as sodium and sugar, the DV represents a conservative estimate of the highest amount a person should consume in a day(7).
To establish their 2016 dietary guidelines, including the DV of 2300mg for sodium, the FDA used recommendations from several agencies, including the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (7). The FNB establishes reference values for nutrients, which are used to develop nutrition recommendations for healthy populations. These reference values are collectively called the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), and include the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the Adequate Intake (AI) and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (6,7). RDAs and AIs arerecommended intake valuesthat are assumed to be sufficient for healthy individuals (7). This year, the FNB published their latest DRIs for sodium and set an AI for adults at 1500mg/day (6, Table 2).
Atolerable upper intake level (UL) reflects the highest level of daily intake of a specific nutrient likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals of a specified age.The 2019 FNB review did not find sufficient evidence to set aUL for sodium(6). However, based on substantial evidence that lowering sodium intake is associated with lowered risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the FNB set a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Intake (CDRR) for sodium in healthy adults of 2300mg/day (6, Table 2).The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (8), following the 2013 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline (9), advise that adults with (pre)hypertension consume no more than 2300mg of sodium per day and, if possible, further reduce sodium intake to 1500mg per day for an even greater blood pressure-lowering effect.
Sodium and the Impossible Burger
According to the FDA, foods with ≤5%DV (≤115mg) per serving can be labelled “low sodium” and those with ≥20%DV (≥460mg) per serving are considered “high sodium”(5). A 4-oz. serving of the Impossible Burger contains 370mg of sodium (16%DV), a 3-oz. serving contains 280mg (12%DV) and a 2-oz. serving contains 190mg (8%DV). None of these servings meet the FDA definition of a high sodium food. After eating one 4-oz. Impossible Burger, you would still need to consume an additional 1130mg of sodium to reach the AI (the adequate daily intake value of 1500mg), or an additional 1930mg to reach the DV/CDRR (2300mg).Therefore, the Impossible Burger can easily fit into a low sodium diet. In fact, you could eat 1.5 pounds of Impossible Burger per day and still be below the daily value for sodium.
Sodium levels in beef
When compared torawbeef, the Impossible Burger has more sodium. Ground beef is naturally low in sodium with about 75mg sodium per 4-oz. serving (3). But it’s misleading to compare the Impossible Burger to unseasoned beef because beef israrelyeaten unseasoned. Hamburger recipes typically call for seasoning the beef with salt. For example, a2016 article(opens in a new tab)on how to create the perfect patty suggests adding 1 tsp. salt (2300mg sodium) per pound of beef, the equivalent of 573mg sodium per 4-oz. patty (1). On the high end,another recipe(opens in a new tab)calls for ½ tsp table salt (1150mg sodium) per 5-oz. raw beef, the equivalent of 920mg sodium per 4 oz. patty (10). When eating burgers in “fast food” restaurants, total sodium intake can be quite high. Not only are the patties seasoned with salt, but they are often topped with salty condiments (e.g., ketchup and pickles), served on buns that contain a substantial amount of sodium, and accompanied by a side of salty fries. In these instances, regardless of whether the patty is the Impossible Burger or a beef burger, the total sodium content of the meal will be high.
Our ongoing commitment to nutrition and health
In going from Impossible Burger 1.0 to 2.0, we made a number of significant improvements to the nutritional profile of our product. Our goal for Impossible Burger 3.0 is to make it even better. While the Impossible Burger 2.0 is not a high sodium food, we know that lowering its sodium content further will give cooks more flexibility to create low sodium meals.We are currently working tolower sodium and saturated fat, while retaining the high-quality protein, fiber and essential micronutrients that consumers expect in the Impossible Burger. As always, our strong commitment to nutrition is paired with an effort to be as transparent as possible. We provide the science-based information behind our products so that you can make informed choices about what you put on your plate.
Questions, comments, thoughts? We welcome constructive conversation. Reach out to us at[emailprotected](opens in a new tab).
References
1. Steintrager, MO.How to grill burgers: Secrets to the perfect patty, Today. May 19, 2015 (updated June 30, 2016).http://www.today.com/food/how-grill-burgers-secrets-perfect-patty-t21941(opens in a new tab)
2. Impossible Foods Inc. website:https://impossiblefoods.com/(opens in a new tab)
3. USDA FoodData Central,https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174036/nutrients(opens in a new tab)
4. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center,Sodium (Chloride).Last updated 4/11/19.https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/sodium(opens in a new tab)
5. US Food and Drug Administration.Sodium in your diet: use the Nutrition Facts label and reduce your intake.May 22, 2016.http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm315393.htm(opens in a new tab).
6. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019.Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.https://doi.org/10.17226/25353(opens in a new tab).
7. Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels A Rule bytheFood and Drug Administration(opens in a new tab)on05/27/2016(opens in a new tab).https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/05/27/2016-11867/food-labeling-revision-of-the-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels(opens in a new tab)
8. US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture.2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/(opens in a new tab)
9. Eckel RH, Jakicic JM, Ard JD, et al. 2013AHA/ACC guideline on lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S76-99.
10. Lopez-Alt, JK. December 11, 2009 (last updated October 31, 2019)The Burger Lab: Salting Ground Beef.http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2009/12/the-burger-lab-salting-ground-beef.html(opens in a new tab)
FAQs
Is the Impossible Burger high in sodium? ›
Impossible Burgers also contain a high amount of added salt, with 16% of the DV for sodium in one 4-ounce (113-gram) serving.
How much sodium is in the Impossible Burger nutrition? ›Sodium and the Impossible Burger
A 4-oz. serving of the Impossible Burger contains 370mg of sodium (16%DV), a 3-oz. serving contains 280mg (12%DV) and a 2-oz. serving contains 190mg (8%DV).
“Compared to a meat-based burger, Beyond and Impossible contain roughly the same amount of saturated fat and more sodium,” she says, both of which, when over-consumed, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are the nutritional facts of the Impossible Burger patty? ›- 240 calories.
- 14 g fat (8 g saturated)
- 0 g cholesterol.
- 370 mg sodium.
- 9 g carbohydrate.
- 3 g fiber.
- 19 g protein.
Kealtey adds that people concerned with hypertension may want to avoid Impossible Burgers, because they tend to be high in sodium. Some popular plant-based alternatives to the Impossible Burgers include: Mushroom burgers. Black bean burgers.
What burger has the most sodium? ›Monster Thickburger is one of the unhealthiest fast food burgers on the planet, with a whopping 2,820 milligrams of sodium (and an outrageous 95 grams of fat). Thankfully, there are plenty of lower-sodium burgers on the Hardee's menu, like the ¼ Lb. Little Thick Cheeseburger, with 1,150 milligrams.
How much sodium is too much? ›"The American Heart Association and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day," says Meadows. "Visually, you can think about this in terms of how much salt can fit into a single teaspoon — that's the amount that you shouldn't exceed in a day."
Is Beyond meat too much sodium? ›High Sodium Content
These items have more sodium than a traditional beef or turkey burger, with 390 milligrams (mg) in the Beyond Burger, 370 mg in the Impossible Burger (about 15 to 16 percent of your daily value), and 450 mg in Beyond Chicken.
Americans eat on average about 3,400 mg of sodium per day. However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day—that's equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt! For children under age 14, recommended limits are even lower.
Can I eat Impossible Burger everyday? ›A vegetarian diet is not necessarily healthier than an omnivorous diet, and that's OK. The nutritional status of the Impossible Burger doesn't matter, because, like a regular hamburger, it's a treat. You shouldn't eat an Impossible Burger every day, just like you shouldn't eat a hamburger every day.
Are there harmful chemicals in Impossible Burger? ›
The GM soy, and potentially many other ingredients in Impossible Foods products, are sprayed with glyphosate herbicides.
Is Impossible Burger inflammatory? ›The Downside of Meatless Burgers
In addition, the mung beans are a legume, which means they have high concentrations of lectins. These are carbohydrate-binding proteins, and in some people, they can be toxic, allergenic, and pro-inflammatory.
Heme is found in a protein called hemoglobin that is found in every living plant and animal, and is something we've been eating since the dawn of humanity. This ingredient not only makes Impossible Burgers taste like meat, but helps them stay juicy, moist, and slightly red at the center.
Is veggie burger healthier than Impossible Burger? ›Soy and potato provide most of the protein in the Impossible Burger while peas, mung beans, and brown rice are the main sources of protein in the Beyond Burger (1, 2). Whereas the Impossible Burger is slightly lower in calories and fat, the Beyond Burger contains fewer carbs.
How much sodium is in the impossible meat? ›However, he did point out that an Impossible patty contains 370 mg of sodium. This is around a quarter of the American Heart Association's ideal daily limit of 1500mg. When it comes to saturated fat, Greger says beef and the Impossible Burger both contain 8g of it.
What are the disadvantages of plant based meat? ›- It is ultra-processed. ...
- It may not be gluten-free. ...
- Fake meat is not real food. ...
- Fake meat does not have good nutrition value. ...
- It might make you sick. ...
- Choose to continue including real meat in your diet. ...
- Opt for real food sources of plant-based protein instead.
Is the Impossible Burger Good for Diabetes? People with diabetes can definitely benefit from eating a low-carb, high protein, more plant-based diet because it can help with their overall health and wellbeing. With just 9 grams of net carbs, the Impossible Burger definitely falls under a good low-carb diet.
Is Chinese food high in sodium? ›Conclusions: The sodium levels in Chinese restaurant dishes are extremely high and variable. In addition to cooking salt, other salted condiments/seasonings also contribute a large proportion of sodium.
How much sodium is in 1 McDonald's burger? ›✓ Hamburger
A hamburger with one beef patty contains 250 calories, 9g fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 31g carbohydrate, 6g sugar, 12g protein, and 510mg sodium.
A 4-ounce hamburger has about six times the amount of protein as a hot dog, with about a quarter of the sodium.
How can I flush sodium out of my system fast? ›
Drink Plenty of Water
This is because water helps the body flush out excess sodium. Not only is hydration important for managing sodium levels, but it is also important for overall health. When you drink plenty of water, your body can flush the excess sodium in your body.
Consuming sufficient water can help your body remove excess sodium from your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, daily fluid intake recommendations vary by age, sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding status.
How do you flush sodium out? ›Drinking lots of water help in clearing excess sodium through urine. If you have eaten high-salt food, you should drink at least 12 glasses of water at regular intervals in a 24-hour cycle.
What is better for you beyond meat or impossible? ›Beyond Meat is a little better. "It has a similar nutrition profile to Impossible Meat, but does not contain soy and has less micronutrients because it's not fortified with as many vitamins and minerals," Samuels says. "Per their website, Beyond Meat also does not contain any genetically modified ingredients.
Do meatless burgers have more sodium? ›Veggie burgers are generally lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than beef. Despite these advantages, many packaged veggie burgers have disproportionally higher sodium contents.
Why does plant-based meat have so much sodium? ›Dear Salty, What is this? You are right that most meat substitutes have high amounts of sodium. Salt as a flavor enhancer and preservative is ubiquitous in processed foods, and vegan items are not exempt.
Are eggs high in sodium? ›Eggs and omelets are the tenth leading source of sodium. Different brands of the same foods may have different sodium levels.
Does coffee flush out sodium? ›Chronic caffeine intake increases urinary sodium excretion without affecting plasma sodium concentration.
How much sodium is OK for high blood pressure? ›To keep a heart-healthy diet and help lower blood pressure, it's important to watch the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet. Eating foods with a lot of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions. Your total amount of sodium per day should be no more than 1,500-2,000 milligrams (mg).
Is Impossible Burger good for kidneys? ›People with kidney disease can benefit from a low-phosphorus diet made up of plant proteins. Meats like Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger that are plant-based are not as nutritious as meats made from plant proteins like beans or lentils.
How long can you eat impossible meat? ›
IS IT STILL OKAY TO USE? For freshness, we recommend that you finish eating the entire package of Impossible meat within 3 days of opening it, or 10 days after it was thawed -- whichever comes first. You should also abide by any "Best By" sticker or "If Frozen Best If Used By" date on the packaging.
Why is impossible meat not vegan? ›While we love our vegan and vegetarian fans, we created our products with meat-eaters in mind because each time someone chooses meat from plants over meat from animals, they use less water & land and generate less greenhouse gasses.
What is the lawsuit against the Impossible Burger? ›Redwood City, California-based Impossible sued Motif, a Boston-based spinoff of biotech company Ginkgo Bioworks (DNA.N), last year. The lawsuit said the "Hemami" ingredient in Motif's burgers infringes Impossible patents related to a "beef replica" product that also uses a heme protein.
Is Impossible Burger FDA approved? ›The appeals court ruling said that the FDA had “substantial evidence” to deem heme in Impossible Foods safe to eat, Bloomberg reported today.
What is the fake blood in Beyond Meat? ›WHAT'S THE INGREDIENT? To replicate the taste of beef, Impossible Foods said it scanned plants for molecules that would mimic a protein in meat that contains iron and makes blood red. It eventually settled on something called soy leghemoglobin, found in the root of soy plants.
Do impossible burgers count as vegetables? ›They also contain 16 other ingredients that are not whole vegetables, or even real foods. Impossible Burgers are strictly a meat substitute, using technology to mimic the taste and texture of beef, without the nutrient-density and simplicity of real vegetables.
How much sodium is in an Impossible Whopper? ›The Impossible Whopper comes in at 630 calories (again, half from fat), 34 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. The Impossible Whopper does have significantly lower cholesterol — 10 milligrams compared to 90 milligrams — but has more sodium at 1,240 milligrams compared to 980 milligrams.
Is plant-based meat healthier than real meat? ›“No matter which way you slice it, plant-based meat has significantly more nutritional benefits than conventional meat,” says non-profit the Good Food Institute (GFI). “Whether it's introducing a new source of fiber to your diet or cutting down on cholesterol, plant-based products lead to better health outcomes.”
Do plant-based burgers have a lot of sodium? ›A typical beef patty contains about 80 mg of sodium, whereas plant-based burgers land at around ~370 mg.
Is Beyond Meat highly processed? ›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 ).
How much cholesterol is in the Impossible Burger? ›
Every 4 oz. serving of Impossible Beef contains: 19g of protein (the same as 80/20 ground beef) 0mg cholesterol (6g saturated fat)
What are the side effects of the Impossible Burger? ›It is possible to get food poisoning from eating plant based meat such as Impossible burgers, and Impossible meats. Heme, or soy leghemoglobin, is the signature plant blood ingredient & the FDA authorized it as a color additive. Nausea and diarrhea are the most commonly reported symptoms from Impossible Burger.
What is the best method for Impossible Burger? ›Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking. Place 4 patties in skillet and weight with prepared pot. Cook until well browned on first side, about 1 minute. Remove pot, flip patties, and cook until just cooked through on second side, about 15 seconds.
Are Impossible Burgers healthier than turkey burgers? ›Interestingly, the plant based burgers may not be the best choice for people following a heart-healthy diet, as they are higher in saturated fat than turkey burgers and contain substantially more sodium than lean beef burgers.
How do you make Impossible Burger healthier? ›You can make your Impossible Burger healthier, however, by eating it with a whole wheat bun and adding vegetables as toppings. You can also opt for plant-based alternatives like mushroom or black bean burgers, or beef-based alternatives like turkey burgers, if you want a different source of protein.
Are impossible burgers better for your heart? ›“Compared to a meat-based burger, Beyond and Impossible contain roughly the same amount of saturated fat and more sodium,” she says, both of which, when over-consumed, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Is the Impossible Burger heart healthy? ›While an Impossible Burger is a good source of fiber, calcium and potassium, and they have zero cholesterol, they are high in saturated fats and sodium, both of which are linked to serious health issues like obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Does the impossible Whopper have a lot of sodium? ›The Impossible Whopper comes in at 630 calories (again, half from fat), 34 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. The Impossible Whopper does have significantly lower cholesterol — 10 milligrams compared to 90 milligrams — but has more sodium at 1,240 milligrams compared to 980 milligrams.
Do veggie burgers have a lot of sodium? ›Veggie burgers are sodium-rich by nature and that's before you add the bun, ketchup and cheese. We chose patties with 440 mg or less to allow for all the other good stuff. Generally, plant-based burgers aren't as high in protein as those made with meat. To get a sustaining dose, look for versions with at least 8 grams.
How much sodium is in the impossible sandwich? ›You'll only save about 50 calories: the new Impossible sandwich contains 430 calories, 830mg of sodium, and 8 grams of saturated fat, which is about 40% of how much you should be eating in a day. It contains 22 grams of protein, however, which is a slight edge over the traditional sandwich's 18 grams.
Which is healthier beyond or impossible? ›
Beyond Meat is a little better. "It has a similar nutrition profile to Impossible Meat, but does not contain soy and has less micronutrients because it's not fortified with as many vitamins and minerals," Samuels says. "Per their website, Beyond Meat also does not contain any genetically modified ingredients.
Why is there so much sodium in Beyond Meat? ›The beyond burger patty comes with 5 g of carbs and 2 g of fiber, while beef has 0. The big thing that stands out in this comparison is sodium. Because of the yeast extracts and natural flavours, Beyond Meat has 4X the sodium at 380 mg of Sodium which is 16% of your recommended daily intake.
Is there a low sodium veggie burger? ›Amy's Organic California Veggie Burger, Light in Sodium
While they have several veggie burger options, the California Veggie Burger Light in Sodium is one of the healthiest options as it contains less than 300 mg of sodium per patty and has a short ingredient list with mostly whole foods.
Although the Impossible Whopper contains fewer calories, where it really stands ahead of the traditional Whopper is in its cholesterol and fiber content. Compared to the traditional Whopper's 90 milligrams of cholesterol, the Impossible Whopper comes in at around six times less.
How unhealthy is Burger King Impossible Whopper? ›The short answer: not very. Consider that Burger King's standard Whopper contains 660 calories, 12 grams of saturated fat, 11 grams of sugar and 980 milligrams of sodium. The Impossible Whopper contains just 30 fewer calories, 1 fewer gram of saturated fat, an extra gram of sugar, and 100 more milligrams of sodium.
Which vegan meats are high in sodium? ›Among popular meat alternatives, seitan, Beyond Burgers, and Impossible Burgers are highest in sodium, protein, and calories. The latter two are high in total and saturated fat. Jackfruit and tofu are low in calories and sodium and free from saturated fat.
How much sodium is too much in a burger? ›Sodium in Hamburgers
The average fast food single-patty plain hamburger contains 378 milligrams of sodium. That's 16 percent of the daily 2,300-milligram limit. If you follow a low-sodium diet, you shouldn't have more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day, so that hamburger is 25 percent of your limit.
- They can be highly processed. ...
- They can be high in sodium. ...
- They contain coconut oil and are thus high in saturated fat. ...
- They don't really count toward vegetable servings.
| Protein (g) | 2.14 |
|---|---|
| Potassium, K (mg) | 410 |
| Sodium, Na (mg) | 6.25 |
| Zinc, Zn (mg) | 0.34 |
| Copper, Cu (mg) | 0.21 |
| Impossible Whopper | Regular Whopper |
|---|---|
| 0 g trans fat | 1.5 g trans fat |
| 10 mg cholesterol | 90 mg cholesterol |
| 1080 mg sodium | 980 mg sodium |
| 58 g carbohydrates | 49 g carbohydrates |
How much sodium is in impossible chicken nuggets? ›
A five-piece serving of Impossible Chicken nuggets contains 240 calories, 13g protein, 1.5g saturated fat (far less than the Impossible Burger), 2g fiber and 480mg sodium. To place this in context, a serving of Tyson chicken nuggets contains 255 cals, 13g protein, 4g saturated fat, 0g fiber, and 444mg sodium.