Introduction

Plant based burgers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to a growing interest in plant-based diets for health and environmental reasons. These burgers are made to look, taste, and feel like traditional beef burgers, but are made entirely from plant-based ingredients. So, what are plant based burgers made of?

Main Ingredients

The main ingredient in most plant-based burgers is a protein source, often made from a blend of peas, beans, and soy. These protein sources provide the burger with its meat-like texture and also offer a similar nutritional profile to meat. Other common ingredients include whole grains like quinoa and brown rice, as well as vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and beets.

Binders and Flavorings

Binders are added to plant-based burgers to help hold them together, much like an egg would in a traditional burger. Common binders include tapioca starch or methylcellulose. These ingredients also add a bit of chewiness to the texture of the burger. Flavorings are added to help replicate the taste of meat, such as smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and other spices.

Additional Ingredients and Variations

Some plant-based burgers may also include additional ingredients like nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor or apple cider vinegar, which provides a tangy flavor. Variations of plant-based burgers also exist, such as blackbean burgers or even Beyond Meat, which is made from pea protein, beet juice, and coconut oil.

Conclusion

Overall, plant-based burgers are made from a variety of plant-based ingredients including protein sources, whole grains, and vegetables. Binders and flavorings help to hold the burger together and provide a meat-like taste and texture. With the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and concerns about the environmental impact of meat production, plant-based burgers are becoming a common and sustainable alternative to traditional beef burgers.