Impossible vs Beyond Burger: 6 g vs 2 g Saturated Fat

The Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger patties both list 230 kcal per 113 g raw patty, but their labels differ on saturated fat (6 g vs 2 g), sodium (370 mg vs 310 mg), protein (19 g vs 21 g) and fiber (5 g vs 2 g). Only the Impossible ingredient list includes soy leghemoglobin, the heme-containing protein. The Open Food Facts US listing for Beyond names avocado oil as its only oil. This article puts those label facts side by side and leaves the choice to you.

Key takeaways

• Per 113 g raw patty, Impossible lists 230 kcal, 6 g saturated fat (30% DV), 370 mg sodium (16% DV) and 19 g protein. Beyond lists 230 kcal, 2 g saturated fat (10% DV), 310 mg sodium (14% DV) and 21 g protein on its brand label.
• Impossible's saturated fat is associated with its sunflower oil and coconut oil. Beyond's ingredient list names avocado oil as its only oil.
• Per 113 g patty, Impossible's 19 g of protein comes from soy, and Beyond's 21 g comes from pea, brown rice, red lentil and faba bean.
• Soy leghemoglobin (heme) appears only in the Impossible ingredient list. US regulation lists it under 21 CFR 73.520 for ground beef analogue products at no more than 0.8% soy leghemoglobin protein by weight of the uncooked product.

At a Glance: Per 113 g Patty

The table compares both US patties per 113 g raw patty, using the figures listed for each product in the sources below.

Nutrient or item	Impossible Burger	Beyond Burger
Calories	230 kcal	230 kcal
Total fat	13 g	14 g
Saturated fat	6 g	2 g
Trans fat	0 g	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 mg
Sodium	370 mg	310 mg
Total carbohydrate	9 g	8 g
Dietary fiber	5 g	2 g
Total sugars	less than 1 g	0 g
Protein	19 g	21 g
Iron	4.2 mg	4 mg
Calcium	180 mg	120 mg
Potassium	670 mg	370 mg
Fat sources (ingredient list)	Sunflower oil, coconut oil	Avocado oil
Protein sources (ingredient list)	Soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate	Yellow pea, brown rice, red lentil and faba bean protein
Soy leghemoglobin (heme)	Listed (2% or less)	Not listed
Declared allergen	Soy	No major allergen declared on Open Food Facts
Gluten claim	Gluten free (per brand page)	Not disclosed on US page

These figures describe the raw patty. Cooked-weight nutrition is not disclosed, so do not apply these numbers to a cooked serving.

Saturated Fat: Why Impossible Lists 6 g and Beyond Lists 2 g Per Patty

Which plant-based burger has less saturated fat?

Per 113 g patty, the Beyond Burger lists 2 g saturated fat (10% DV) and the Impossible Burger lists 6 g (30% DV). The Impossible ingredient list names sunflower oil and coconut oil. On the Impossible label, coconut oil is the fat source most associated with saturated fat content, although the label does not quantify the split between the two oils.

The Open Food Facts US listing for Beyond names avocado oil as the only fat on that list. The 30% DV is the figure printed on the Impossible nutrition panel. Impossible's brand page compares its 6 g with 9 g in a 4 oz serving of 80/20 ground beef, and that comparison comes from the brand itself.

Sodium: 370 mg vs 310 mg Per Patty and What Drives the Gap

How much sodium is in an Impossible Burger patty?

Per 113 g patty, the Impossible Burger lists 370 mg sodium (16% DV) and the Beyond Burger lists 310 mg (14% DV), a difference of 60 mg.

The Impossible list names salt in its 2% or less group. The Beyond list names potassium salt and potassium lactate. The labels do not break down sodium by ingredient, so the source of the gap is not disclosed. For more on sodium ingredients beyond table salt, see a guide to sodium ingredients beyond salt.

Protein: 19 g Soy vs 21 g Pea, Brown Rice, Red Lentil and Faba Bean

Which patty has more protein per serving?

Per 113 g patty, the Beyond Burger lists 21 g protein (34% DV) and the Impossible Burger lists 19 g. Impossible's protein comes from soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. Beyond's comes from yellow pea, brown rice, red lentil and faba bean protein.

Beyond's product-page FAQ gives 20 g in one place; this article uses the 21 g printed on the nutrition panel.

Heme: What Soy Leghemoglobin Is and Why Only Impossible Lists It

What is heme in Impossible Burger?

The heme in Impossible Burger is soy leghemoglobin, a heme-containing protein listed in its ingredient list at 2% or less. According to the FDA's GRAS notice (GRN 737), it is made by fermenting a genetically engineered Pichia pastoris yeast, and the notice describes its intended use as optimizing flavor in ground beef analogue products.

The exact percentage of soy leghemoglobin in an Impossible patty is not disclosed. Only the regulatory ceiling of 0.8% by weight of the uncooked product is known. The Beyond ingredient list does not include soy leghemoglobin. Its color comes from vegetable juice color (with beet).

Is Soy Leghemoglobin (Heme) Safe and What Is Its US Regulatory Status?

Is soy leghemoglobin allowed in US food?

Yes, under a specific listing. FDA lists soy leghemoglobin as an exempt-from-certification color additive under 21 CFR 73.520 for use in ground beef analogue products at no more than 0.8% soy leghemoglobin protein by weight of the uncooked product. This followed GRAS Notice GRN 737, which closed on July 23, 2018 with a no-questions letter noting that some uses may require a color additive listing. The listing was published on August 1, 2019 (84 FR 37576).

Methylcellulose, the binder in both patties, is GRAS under 21 CFR 182.1480 when used under good manufacturing practice.

Full Ingredient Lists Side by Side: Impossible vs Beyond

The Impossible list (Open Food Facts 0816697021019) reads: Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, then 2% or less of Natural Flavors, Methylcellulose, Cultured Dextrose, Food Starch Modified, Yeast Extract, Dextrose, Soy Leghemoglobin, Salt, Vitamin E (Tocopherols), L-Tryptophan and Soy Protein Isolate, plus Zinc and Vitamins (B3, B1, B6, B2, B12). It contains soy.

The Beyond list (Open Food Facts 0810057291395, US recipe) reads: Water, Yellow Pea Protein, Avocado Oil, Natural Flavors, Brown Rice Protein, Red Lentil Protein, Methylcellulose, Potato Starch, Pea Starch, Potassium Lactate, Faba Bean Protein, Apple Extract, Pomegranate Concentrate, Potassium Salt, Spices, Vinegar and Vegetable Juice Color (with beet). No major allergen is declared.

Methylcellulose appears in both lists. Older Impossible packs listed on Open Food Facts (0816697021071) name potato protein and coconut oil before sunflower oil, so recipes vary by pack date. This article does not say which version is on any store shelf.

Fat Sources and Fiber: Sunflower and Coconut Oil vs Avocado Oil, 5 g vs 2 g Fiber

What oil is in the new Beyond Burger?

The Open Food Facts US ingredient list names avocado oil as the only fat, and Beyond's product page calls it the avocado oil recipe. Beyond's total fat is 14 g per patty, including 2.5 g polyunsaturated and 8 g monounsaturated fat. The Impossible patty lists 13 g total fat from sunflower and coconut oil, and its unsaturated fat breakdown is not disclosed.

Fiber is 5 g (18% DV) in the Impossible patty and 2 g (7% DV) in the Beyond patty. The fiber sources for each are not broken down on these labels. Avocado oil content has also been examined in other products, as in coverage of an avocado oil chips lawsuit.

Allergen and Sensitivity Notes: Soy Labels vs Pea and Legume Labels

Does Beyond Burger have soy?

The Beyond ingredient list does not name soy, and Open Food Facts declares no major allergen for it. The Impossible label declares soy. Beyond's FAQ notes that peas are legumes and advises people with severe legume allergies to be cautious when introducing pea protein. Beyond states its products do not contain peanuts or tree nuts. People with soy, pea or legume allergies should seek guidance from a clinician.

How to Read Either Label: Checklist for Saturated Fat, Sodium, Heme and Oils

• Check the serving size and whether the panel is per patty, per pack or per cooked portion.
• Compare saturated fat grams with the % Daily Value, and note which oils are named.
• Look for soy leghemoglobin within the 2% or less group.
• Scan sodium sources, including salt, potassium salt, potassium lactate and yeast extract.
• Read allergen statements for soy, pea, faba bean and lentil.
• Treat gluten-free claims as printed on the package, and note whether any certification is shown.
• If a brand page and a database disagree, trust the package in hand.

These labels cannot show how any individual responds to these ingredients. The available evidence does not establish long-term outcomes of heme or pea protein for people with specific health conditions. Several details are not disclosed: the exact soy leghemoglobin percentage in an Impossible patty, whether its coconut oil is refined or virgin, Beyond's gluten-free certification status, lab results for heavy metals or pesticides in either patty, cooked-weight nutrition, price per patty and environmental-impact figures.

To check any package yourself, scan it with the Aurascan app, which explains each ingredient one at a time with cited evidence. Scan your next label with Aurascan.

Related reading: Are MorningStar Chik'n Nuggets Vegan? Yes, and So Is Gardein.