It took me a bit of time to procure the Beyond Burger for two reasons.
But, I digress.
Ultimately, the Beyond Burger was found in the refrigerated veg section of the Whole Foods I was in: near Tofurky, Vegenaise, and the like. It looked as though it had been shipped frozen and, from what I can discern from the package, you can re-freeze it as long as it's not open (the package contains two burgers in a single, sealed compartment). Overall, pretty darn realistic-looking.
A lot of people reported a meat smell while cooking, but the smell I detected was relatively faint and kind of indescribable- albeit familiar. Perhaps beets? Certainly not unpleasant, just unusual.
Luckily, a friend had already cooked his Beyond Burger in a George Foreman grill only to watch all the juice/flavor drip out, so I was forewarned to use a frying pan (this was a winter-winter day as opposed to one of our recent spring-winter days, so the grill wasn't an option). Note: this is a small pan; the patty is a decent size, but not mammoth.
I don't really remember what a cooked cow burger looks like, but this looked pretty enticing.
And, even more so once dressed (sriracha ketchup, lettuce, FYH american cheese, pickles, no onions, on a sesame seed bun).
This isn't a great interior shot, but I hope you can see the texture of the burger, which was the most off-putting part for me. The burger itself had a very neutral taste, but the "mouthfeel" was too realistic for me: kind of granular-ly lumpy like chopped meat burgers.
I gave OD the other half of my burger to try- expecting him to take one bite and hand it back. Instead, he gobbled it up. I told him the one taste was enough for me and that I'd leave the other one in the fridge for him to have the next day. HE DID NOT PROTEST.
Because it was so obvious that he actually liked it, VM and I kept smirking. Because he can't stand smirking, he insisted that, although it was the best "veggie burger" he'd ever tried (highest compliment in all the land), he probably liked it mainly because of the toppings (big vegan cheese fan, OD?). So, I'd say this was a success.
This is no ordinary veggie burger, my friends. VM and I will stick to black bean-type burgers, but this could really be a game-changer for those looking to replicate meat.
- I wasn't really sure I wanted to try it. Things that are "just like the real thing" aren't really marketed to me because I never liked meat.
- Once it was hyped enough that I did want to try it (am I the only one who talks to people on line in the supermarket when their baskets are full of vegan stuff?), I couldn't find it. Pro-tip: not all supermarkets are stocking it in the meat department as originally stated. In fact, some Whole Foods' butchers will hotly contest it with you because "it's not meat." BUT, extra credit to Beyond Meat's uber-helpful stock guide (are you seeing this, Ben & Jerry's?) that confirms the item is in the store so that even if you can't find it, you can confidently ask for help.
But, I digress.
Ultimately, the Beyond Burger was found in the refrigerated veg section of the Whole Foods I was in: near Tofurky, Vegenaise, and the like. It looked as though it had been shipped frozen and, from what I can discern from the package, you can re-freeze it as long as it's not open (the package contains two burgers in a single, sealed compartment). Overall, pretty darn realistic-looking.
A lot of people reported a meat smell while cooking, but the smell I detected was relatively faint and kind of indescribable- albeit familiar. Perhaps beets? Certainly not unpleasant, just unusual.
Luckily, a friend had already cooked his Beyond Burger in a George Foreman grill only to watch all the juice/flavor drip out, so I was forewarned to use a frying pan (this was a winter-winter day as opposed to one of our recent spring-winter days, so the grill wasn't an option). Note: this is a small pan; the patty is a decent size, but not mammoth.
I don't really remember what a cooked cow burger looks like, but this looked pretty enticing.
And, even more so once dressed (sriracha ketchup, lettuce, FYH american cheese, pickles, no onions, on a sesame seed bun).
This isn't a great interior shot, but I hope you can see the texture of the burger, which was the most off-putting part for me. The burger itself had a very neutral taste, but the "mouthfeel" was too realistic for me: kind of granular-ly lumpy like chopped meat burgers.
I gave OD the other half of my burger to try- expecting him to take one bite and hand it back. Instead, he gobbled it up. I told him the one taste was enough for me and that I'd leave the other one in the fridge for him to have the next day. HE DID NOT PROTEST.
Because it was so obvious that he actually liked it, VM and I kept smirking. Because he can't stand smirking, he insisted that, although it was the best "veggie burger" he'd ever tried (highest compliment in all the land), he probably liked it mainly because of the toppings (big vegan cheese fan, OD?). So, I'd say this was a success.
This is no ordinary veggie burger, my friends. VM and I will stick to black bean-type burgers, but this could really be a game-changer for those looking to replicate meat.
I was pretty sure I would never try one of these burgers, and you've convinced me I was right.
ReplyDeleteHA!
DeleteI pretty much feel the exact same, except the smell was super off-putting to me. It was really meaty and I just don't prefer that. I kind of think it was too big. However, I am kind of un-picky and though I wouldn't buy them again, I would eat one if someone put it in front of me.
ReplyDeleteFair enough. A lot of people reported a smell, but I honestly didn't smell anything. The ooze was very meat-like though, which was a little grody.
DeleteI would love to try a Beyond Burger! I couldn't find any when I was over there but they look right up my street.
ReplyDeleteI don't think i will be trying these, i don't enjoy faux meats that are (to me) "too authentic " to what i remember of my omni days several decades ago.
ReplyDeleteBut.
I do wholeheartedly support these and i love that there is now an option for omnis who want to have a meatless meal and yet don't enjoy veggie burgers made from and tasting like actual veggies. The success they have had at restaurants is great-and I'm positive nearly all of those customers are not full time vegan or even vegetarian.
More people eating more vegan meals = Win-Win.
Ttrockwood
100% agree!
DeleteToo expensive for me, otherwise I would eat them all the time.
ReplyDeleteWhile you can't get these in the UK, I've seen them mentioned a few times in news articles talking about how realistic they are. I don't know if that's meant to be a good thing. I mean, the long it gets since I ate meat (and it is a looooong time) I can't say when I'm making a burger I think "oh, I hope it has the same mouthfeel as meat" but I guess there must be people that do. If it persuades more people to ditch meat, I'm all for it.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%! I think there are a lot of vegans out there who truly like the taste of meat, not to mention non-vegans who need suitable substitutes. This is for them, not me (or you- LOL)!
DeletePricey, Want to know what "natural flavors are" I detect onion and garlic, but they are not listed on packaging. cannot understand the fuss. Without stuff like catsup and a good dose of Philippe's hot mustard, it had zero, I mean zero taste. If people really need their veggies in patty form, go for it, but know that it's at near 2.50 a patty when store bought.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how the price compares to a meat burger, but I'm hearing that it's comparable in texture and a hit with the meat-eating community, so that's a fine good substitute IMHO!
Deletewait until you read the ENTIRE ingredients list w/explanations. i'm surprised the body can digest it... can it?
ReplyDeleteConsidering it's one of the best-selling vegan burgers on the market today, I'm pretty sure human bodies can digest it.
Delete