By Lexi Conners
Next week the annual Battle of the Veggie Burgers returns, an event where UVA chefs curate their best veggie burger for students to vote on. The purpose of the event is not only to spark some creative competition for staff and students within dining halls, but to highlight the deliciousness and complexity of plant based burger options. One of Green Dining’s many initiatives is the promotion of plant forward diets, focus on plant based proteins and shifting away from animal proteins to encourage personal and environmental health.
When it comes to eating plant forward, many people don’t know where to begin. Here we’ll be breaking down a variety of plant based burger options that appeal to anyone looking to focus on eating more plant forward
Impossible Burger:
Available in many popular grocery stores and restaurants, the impossible burger is one of the most notable plant based burger options available. These burgers use heme, a molecule found in plants and meat, to provide a juicy and "bleeding" effect, making them a satisfying choice for vegans and vegetarians. Their easy availability and meat-like qualities make them a great choice for all consumers.
Beyond Burger:
Beyond Meat is a popular plant based protein company known for its Beyond Burger, which aims to mimic the taste and texture of a traditional beef patty. It is made from pea protein and is widely available in grocery stores and restaurants. Similar to the Impossible Burger, this is a great choice for those unfamiliar with plant based burgers because of its accessibility and taste.
Black Bean Burger:
These burgers can be homemade and are often found at restaurants as a plant based protein option. Made primarily from black beans and other vegetables, these plant-based burgers offer a rich, earthy flavor and a satisfyingly hearty texture. This is a great option for consumers interested in consuming natural veggies with a high protein content.
Homemade:
Did you know that you can also make your own plant based burgers? Homemade veggie burgers offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Using fresh ingredients such as black beans, chickpeas, mushrooms, and various spices, you can experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to match your personal taste.
Which Plant-Based burger do you like best?
Impossible Burger
Beyond Burger
Black Bean Burger
Homemade Burger