If you’ve ever found yourself in the grocery aisle trying to decide between the Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger, you’re not alone! These two plant-based powerhouses have dominated the vegan and vegetarian burger market, but which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’re breaking down five key comparison points—ingredients, nutritional value, taste, texture, and sustainability. Plus, we’ll share step-by-step instructions on how to cook both burgers perfectly on the Blackstone griddle. Read on to find out which burger reigns supreme!
1. Ingredients: What’s Inside These Patties?
One of the main differences between the Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger is their base ingredients. The Impossible Burger gets its meaty flavor from a unique ingredient called heme, which is found in soy leghemoglobin. This is what gives the Impossible Burger that signature “bleed” when cooked, making it look and taste more like real beef. On the other hand, the Beyond Burger uses pea protein as its base, with beet juice added for color. This makes Beyond a great option for those who are looking to avoid soy in their diet.
Verdict: If you’re sensitive to soy, go for the Beyond Burger. Otherwise, both are packed with plant-based protein.
2. Nutritional Value: How Do They Stack Up?
Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown. The Impossible Burger contains 240 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein per patty. The Beyond Burger comes in slightly lower, with 230 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 20 grams of protein. While they’re almost identical, Beyond edges out with a slight advantage in protein content, which might matter to those tracking their macros closely.
Verdict: If you’re watching your protein intake, Beyond has a slight advantage with 1 more gram of protein per serving.
3. Taste & Texture: Which One Delivers That “Real” Burger Experience?
When it comes to taste, both burgers offer a satisfying experience, but with different profiles. The Impossible Burger is known for its juicy, beefy flavor, closely mimicking traditional beef. Its texture is softer, making it perfect for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The Beyond Burger, however, has a firmer texture with a smokier, grilled flavor that stands out. It even retains a bit of red coloring after cooking, thanks to the beet juice.
Verdict: If you’re after that classic beef burger flavor, Impossible Burger takes the lead. But if you prefer a firmer bite with a smoky, grilled vibe, Beyond Burger wins.
4. Cooking Versatility: Which One Performs Best?
Both the Impossible and Beyond Burgers cook similarly to beef patties, but there are a few nuances. The Impossible Burger is slightly flatter and cooks faster—perfect for a quick meal. Meanwhile, the Beyond Burger is thicker, so it takes a bit longer to cook, but it holds up beautifully on the grill, offering those Instagram-worthy grill marks. Whether you’re pan-frying, grilling, or air-frying, both patties are versatile enough to suit your cooking style.
Verdict: Beyond Burger is ideal for grilling, while the Impossible Burger excels in quick pan-searing.
5. Sustainability: Making a Difference with Every Bite
Both brands have made impressive strides in sustainability. Impossible Foods claims that their burger uses 87% less water and 96% less land compared to a traditional beef burger. Beyond Meat boasts even more impressive numbers, using 99% less water and 93% less land. So, whichever one you choose, you’re making a significant environmental impact by opting for a plant-based burger.
Verdict: No matter which one you pick, both are great for the environment!
How to Cook Impossible & Beyond Burgers on the Blackstone Griddle
Now that you know the key differences between these two burgers, let’s dive into how to cook them to perfection on a Blackstone griddle.
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. You want it hot enough to get a good sear on those patties.
Step 2: Oil the Griddle
Add a bit of avocado oil to the griddle for its high smoke point, ensuring the patties won’t stick.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Place both burgers on the griddle. The Beyond Burger is thicker, so it needs about 3-4 minutes per side, while the Impossible Burger only requires 2-3 minutes per side. Remember, the Beyond Burger will still have a red color when done due to the beet juice, so don’t worry if it looks a bit undercooked.
Step 4: Flip & Finish Cooking
Flip the patties and cook for an additional 5 minutes. For a fully cooked burger, both patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, cover them with a dome for 5 minutes to help cook the insides evenly.
Step 5: Toast the Buns & Assemble
While the patties cook, toast your buns on the griddle for 1-2 minutes. Once everything is ready, assemble with your favorite toppings.
Final Thoughts: Taste Test
After cooking both burgers, we found that each has its unique qualities. The Impossible Burger shines with its juicy, beef-like taste, while the Beyond Burger’s firmer texture and smoky flavor make it a standout option for those who love grilling.
Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out the video for a full cooking tutorial and taste test! For more plant-based recipes and reviews, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. See you next time!
