As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Save and Share this comparison with friends and family!
When it comes to plant-based alternatives for ground beef, two popular options that often make their way into my shopping cart are Impossible Ground Beef and Gardein Ground Be’f.
Both products offer a meatless alternative suitable for a variety of dishes, from tacos to spaghetti to chili.
But how do they stack up against each other? Today, we are going to do a comparison.
Texture:
One of the most crucial factors in any meat substitute is its texture.
Both Impossible and Gardein aim to mimic the texture of ground beef, and they do so quite convincingly.
Both products offer a similar texture to ground beef, making them versatile options for various recipes.
However, I’ve noticed that Impossible can be too soft when the ground is cold, which might affect certain dishes where a firmer texture is desired when served cold.
Taste:
In the flavor department, Impossible tends to boast a more robust and meat-like flavor compared to Gardein.
Its rich umami taste closely resembles that of traditional ground beef, making it a favorite among many plant-based eaters.
In fact, I would go as far as saying that Impossible has more flavor than the real thing.
When I use Impossible to cook, I always skip any salt on the ingredient list because Impossible is already saltier than the actual meat.
Burger King locations across the world have even adopted Impossible as their plant-based meat patty, with customers often unable to discern the difference between the plant-based option and real beef.
On the other hand, Gardein’s flavor is more subtle and less pronounced, which can be advantageous when I’m looking to incorporate it into dishes where I want the other flavors to shine, such as taco seasoning or Asian-flavored dishes.
Value:
When it comes to value, Gardein takes the lead.
With a more economical price point compared to Impossible Ground Beef, Gardein Ground Be’f offers a budget-friendly option for those looking to reduce their meat intake.
Gardein’s package typically is a 13.7-ounce package and ranges from $5.17 to $6.49, while Impossible comes in a 12-ounce package priced between $6.47 and $9.99.
Versatility:
Both products offer impressive versatility in the kitchen, making them my go-to choices for beef ground alternatives.
I often use them together to balance the flavor, texture, and price.
Plant-based grounds can be used to create a wide array of recipes. I’ve made ribs, meatloaf, Mediterranean kebabs, and much more with these.
Here’s a recipe using alternative ground meat that is comforting and satisfying.
Sometimes, I add green jackfruit to mimic the stringy texture of ribs, and incorporating chopped mushrooms can create a healthier version of any ground dish.
These substitutions not only enhance the texture and flavor but also contribute to a more nutritious meal.
Sustainability Considerations:
When it comes to sustainability, plant-based alternatives like Impossible Ground Beef and Gardein Ground Be’f offer significant advantages over traditional beef mince.
Producing beef requires substantial resources, including land, water, and energy.
It’s estimated that the production of one pound of beef can require anywhere from 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water, while plant-based alternatives typically have a much lower water footprint, ranging from 100 to 400 gallons per pound.
Additionally, beef production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and habitat destruction, whereas plant-based alternatives have a much smaller environmental footprint overall.
Choosing plant-based alternatives for mince can help reduce water usage, energy consumption, and the environmental impact associated with food production.
By choosing options like Impossible Ground Beef and Gardein Ground Be’f, you can contribute to a more sustainable food system while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals.
If you are interested in the sustainability of plant-based meat compared to animals’ meat, watch this documentary. It’ll open your eyes to “The Sustainability Secret” of our food choices.
Health Considerations:
It’s worth mentioning that while plant-based grounds are healthier than real beef ground in terms of cholesterol and saturated fat content, they are not considered health foods.
They are meat substitutes and a healthier version of such only.
For those aiming for optimal health, using all chopped mushrooms, green jackfruit, or lentils as substitutions for beef ground can provide additional health benefits while still delivering delicious flavor and texture.
Ingredients List:
Impossible: Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, 2% Or Less Of: Natural Flavors, Methylcellulose, Cultured Dextrose, Food Starch Modified, Yeast Extract, Dextrose, Soy Leghemoglobin, Salt, Vitamin E (Tocopherols), L-Tryptophan, Soy Protein Isolate Vitamins & Minerals: Zinc, Vitamins (B3, B1, B6, B2, and B12)
Gardein: Water, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate, 2% Or Less Of: Caramel Color, Salt, Canola Oil, Natural Flavors, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Black Pepper.
From the ingredient lists, we can see that Impossible has saturated fat from coconut oil and has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. As for Gardein, it’s a simpler ingredient list.
Nutritional Facts:
Gardein’s Ground Be’f Nutrition Fact
With some calculation, the following lists the total package’s nutritional value.
It is still not the same measurement since Impossible is 12 oz per package and Gardein is 13.7 oz per package.
Total package’s nutritional values for Impossible:
- Calories: 690 calories
- Total Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 1110mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 15g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 57g
- Calcium: 540mg
- Potassium: 2100mg
Total package’s nutritional values for Gardein:
- Calories: 540 calories
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1620mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 31.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 22.5g
- Sugars: <3g
- Protein: 81g
- Calcium: 360mg
- Potassium: 2520mg
Impossible has more calories, much more fat and saturated fat, less salt and a little less carbohydrate and dietary fiber.
It also has less protein compared to Gardein.
But because minerals and vitamins are added in the ingredients, it contains more calcium, potassium, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Zinc. Therefore, Impossible will satisfy more of your daily nutritional intake.
Overall Verdict for Plant-Based Ground Beef:
In conclusion, both Impossible Ground Beef and Gardein Ground Be’f have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Impossible impresses with its meat-like texture and robust flavor, while Gardein offers a more economical option with a neutral flavor profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of each recipe.
While Impossible has gained popularity as the plant-based option at Burger King and other restaurants around the world, Gardein’s Ground Be’f offers versatility and value that make it a staple in many plant-based kitchens.
Despite the differences, both products provide delicious alternatives to traditional ground beef, allowing me to enjoy my favorite dishes without harming animals to the best of my ability.
Food marketing is a very effective and creative manipulation. If you are interested in the secrets of food marketing, you would love this 6-minute talk. But I want to know your reaction at the end of the talk. 🙏
I would love to hear from you in the comments below! Have you tried any alternative meat options? What’s your favorite so far? What dishes do you use them in?
Save and Share this review. You can make a difference!
I’m really enjoying Impossible meatballs. I lost some weight too.
How awesome! I love all the side effects of meat substitute and weight loss is one of them.👍 How do you prepare the meatballs or do you just snack on them?