Plant-Based Fast Food Isn't Always Healthier Than Meat Options

Melissa Matthews

January 9, 2020 6:04 PM

Everyone is talking about plant-based patties these days. Impossible Burger, one popular option, has been around since 2016 but has recently become popular at fast-food and fast-casual restaurants across the United States.

Plant-Based Fast Food Isn't Always Healthy

Some people might choose these options as a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. However, meat-free doesn't necessarily mean an option is always better for you. Below is a look at how a few fast food plant-based options stack up to their meaty counterparts:

Burger King

A regular Whopper at the fast food joint contains 660 calories and 11 grams of sugar. In comparison, an Impossible Whopper has 30 fewer calories but one more gram of sugar, according to the company's website.

Dunkin' Donuts

A sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an English Muffin contains 560 calories and 4 grams of sugar. In this case, opting for a Beyond Sausage sandwich does save on calories, but not on sugar. One meat-free sandwich contains 480 calories and 4 grams of sugar, according to the Dunkin' Donuts website .

Qdoba

You can load up your tacos or bowls with Impossible meat instead of beef, pork, or chicken at this Mexican-inspired chain. According to the restaurant's website, a serving of just the Impossible protein contains 180 calories and 1 gram of sugar. In comparison, a serving of grilled chicken contains just 150 calories and 1 gram of sugar. You'll save even more calories by opting for pork, which has just 140 calories and 1 gram of sugar in a single serving.

White Castle

A regular cheese slider has just 170 calories and 2 grams of sugar , while an Impossible cheese slider contains 240 calories and the same amount of sugar.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with choosing a plant-based patty if that's what you prefer. However, you shouldn't choose a meat-free option because you think it will always save on the calories.

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Melissa Matthews