The plant-based burger battle between Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat has become one of the most talked-about food trends in recent years. As more national fast food chains roll out meatless menu items, customers are increasingly curious about which plant-based patty delivers the better experience in terms of taste, texture, availability, and environmental impact. To find out, we visited several chains across the country that feature these burgers and compared them side by side.
The Impossible Burger is made primarily from soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, and coconut oil, and includes a key ingredient called heme, which gives the patty its distinct meat-like flavor and aroma. This patty has gained widespread recognition for its ability to “bleed” like real meat and for its close resemblance to traditional beef in both flavor and texture. Impossible patties are currently used at chains like Burger King, White Castle, and Red Robin, giving customers a wide range of options for sampling the brand.
The Beyond Burger, on the other hand, is made from a blend of pea protein isolate, rice protein, mung bean protein, and beet juice extract for color. It doesn’t contain soy or gluten, making it appealing to those with dietary restrictions. The patty is juicy and hearty, with a slightly more plant-forward taste than the Impossible version. Beyond is currently featured at national chains like Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, and Denny’s, with consistent availability across many locations.
When it comes to taste, both patties hold their own, but they appeal to slightly different palates. The Impossible Burger has a more savory, beef-like flavor and texture, making it the preferred option for meat-eaters looking for a close replica. Beyond’s patty has a firmer bite and slightly milder flavor, which some customers say feels less processed and more balanced. In a casual taste test at multiple locations, including Burger King and Carl’s Jr., the Impossible Whopper edged out the Beyond Famous Star for its juicy profile and smoky finish.
Texture is another deciding factor. Impossible’s patty is softer and more moist, while Beyond’s holds up better on the grill and has a thicker chew. For customers who want a burger that doesn’t fall apart or feel too soft, Beyond may have the advantage.
From a pricing perspective, both patties are usually offered as premium upgrades or fixed menu items at similar price points. The Impossible Whopper generally ranges between $6.50 and $7.50, depending on location, while the Beyond Famous Star is typically priced around $7. Both are slightly more expensive than their beef counterparts but fall within the fast food norm for specialty items.
In terms of availability, Impossible Foods currently has the edge, thanks to major partnerships with Burger King and White Castle, which have more widespread locations. However, Beyond Meat has focused on broader retail penetration, making its patty easy to find in grocery stores and at casual dining restaurants, giving consumers more flexibility to cook it at home or enjoy it on the go.
On the environmental front, both companies offer substantial advantages over traditional beef. According to a 2019 life cycle assessment by Impossible Foods, their burger uses 87% less water, 89% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and 96% less land compared to beef. Beyond Meat reports similar numbers, with a 99% reduction in water use and 93% fewer emissions. While the exact percentages differ slightly based on production methods and scaling, both patties offer a significantly more sustainable alternative to conventional meat.
To add to the conversation, we’re inviting readers to weigh in with a quick poll or taste preference quiz. Do you prefer the rich, beefy flavor of the Impossible Burger or the grill-friendly bite of Beyond? Which fast food version nailed the experience for you? Head to our Instagram or Twitter to cast your vote and see how others are rating their favorite meatless bites.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious to try something new, both Impossible and Beyond offer flavorful, satisfying alternatives that are here to stay. As more fast food chains jump into the plant-based space, the competition between these two food tech giants will only heat up, giving customers even better choices in the process.
