The Search for the Better Burger

As cookout season in New England begins, you may want to consider the benefits of choosing a plant-based hamburger over a traditional beef burger. Here’s why: Plant-based burgers are better for the environment, they leave a lower carbon footprint, reduce your chances of contacting an animal-borne disease like E. coli or salmonella, they are better for your heart health because they contain less saturated fat, and they are about 90 calories less than a beef burger. The question is, which one should you go with? I have listed my top 4 choices with calorie counts and other important nutritional information. I’ve also listed a typical 85% lean, 4 oz. hamburger for comparison.

85% lean hamburger

Calories: 330      Protein: 29 grams     Saturated fat:  9 grams    Fiber:  0 grams    Sodium:  0 grams

Impossible burger

Calories:  240     Protein: 19 grams    Saturated fat: 8 grams    Fiber:  3 grams    Sodium:  370 mg.

Beyond burger

Calories:  250    Protein:  20 grams    Saturated fat:   5 grams    Fiber:  2 grams    Sodium:  390 mg.

Dr. Praeger’s All-American burger

Calories:  230    Protein:  22 grams    Saturated fat:  1.5 grams    Fiber:  6 grams    Sodium:  500 mg.

Dr. Praeger’s California burger

Calories:  130    Protein:  5 grams    Saturated fat:  .5 grams    Fiber:  5 grams    Sodium:  250 mg.

My top choice is Dr. Praeger’s All-American burger because it has the most protein and fiber and tastes delicious! It is high in sodium, but if you do not have high blood pressure and eat it no more than once a week, it can certainly fit into a healthy meal plan. Dr. Praeger’s California burger is very tasty and minimally processed, however, it is not very filling due to the low protein count. The Impossible and Beyond burgers have similar nutrition statistics, and the Impossible burger is slightly higher in zinc, iron, and vitamins B, C, and E, because it has been fortified.

Try one, or all of these veggie burgers on this list at your next cook-out. Save your heart and the planet! Let me know which one you like, and why. Happy cooking! Lisa