What is Beyond Chicken Made Of? A Closer Look at the Plant-Based Alternative

Beyond Chicken is a revolutionary plant-based alternative to traditional chicken products As more people adopt vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets, Beyond Meat has innovated to create chicken substitutes that offer the same taste and texture as the real thing But what exactly is Beyond Chicken made of? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients that go into Beyond Chicken products.

A Blend of Plant-Based Proteins

The key to creating Beyond Chicken’s realistic texture is combining different plant-based protein sources. By using a blend of proteins Beyond Meat can mimic the fibrous muscle structure of real chicken. The main proteins used in Beyond Chicken include

• Pea protein isolate – Extracted from yellow peas, this protein provides essential amino acids.

• Soy protein isolate – Made by isolating protein from defatted soybean flakes. Provides a meaty texture.

• Rice protein – Adds a chewy, resilient texture similar to chicken flesh.

• Potato protein – Boosts savory flavor and supports the structural matrix.

• Mung bean protein – Contributes to a bouncy, juicy texture when cooked.

By combining these plant proteins in the right proportions, Beyond Meat creates a complex chicken-like protein matrix that even meat eaters will enjoy.

Oils for Flavor and Juiciness

To achieve the savory flavor and moist texture of chicken, Beyond Chicken contains a blend of plant-based oils. Ingredients like:

• Canola oil – Provides a smooth mouthfeel and carrier for chicken flavor.

• Coconut oil – Imparts a subtle sweetness and juiciness.

• Sunflower oil – Adds a rich, fatty mouthfeel.

The special blend of oils gives Beyond Chicken a luscious fattiness and moisture similar to traditional chicken. When cooked, the oils keep the plant-based chicken succulent and flavorful.

Natural Flavors That Mimic Chicken

Of course, Beyond Chicken needs to taste like actual chicken too! To recreate the savory umami flavor, natural chicken-like flavors are added to the mix. These include:

• Yeast extract – Provides savory notes similar to cooked chicken.

• Onion and garlic powders – Contribute aromatic flavors expected in chicken dishes.

• Spices and herbs – Things like paprika, basil, and oregano season the chicken.

• Fruit and vegetable concentrates – Add subtle sweet and savory notes.

Together, these natural chicken-inspired flavors perfectly replicate the taste of real cooked chicken without using any animal ingredients.

Binders and Texturizers

To achieve the tender and fibrous bite of chicken, Beyond Chicken contains a variety of binders and texturizers. Key ingredients like:

• Methylcellulose – Helps bind ingredients and provides a meaty chew.

• Gum Arabic – Contributes to moisture retention and bite.

• Starch – Things like potato and tapioca starch help create juiciness.

These supporting players are essential for nailing the physical experience of eating chicken. They allow the plant proteins and oils to come together in just the right way.

Vital Nutrients

To ensure Beyond Chicken provides the same nutrients as animal chicken, essential vitamins and minerals are added to the mix. These include:

• Vitamin B12 – An important nutrient often lacking in plant-based diets.

• Zinc – Supports immune function and cell growth.

• Iron – Helps transport oxygen and supports metabolism.

By boosting the vitamin and mineral content, Beyond Chicken offers the nutritional benefits expected from animal meat.

Simplicity is Key

Compared to processed animal chicken, which can contain dozens of ingredients, Beyond Chicken uses a relatively simple plant-based formula. By sticking to wholesome, recognizable ingredients, Beyond Meat manages to keep Beyond Chicken’s ingredient list transparent and understandable.

Beyond Chicken proves you can create an insanely delicious plant-based chicken alternative from a shortlist of plant proteins, oils, and natural flavors. The ingredients work in harmony to perfectly replicate the taste, texture, and nutrition of animal chicken while keeping things simple and plant-based.

Beyond Chicken has cracked the code on hyper-realistic plant-based chicken. By blending proteins, oils, flavors, nutrients and texturizers from plant sources, Beyond Meat develops chicken alternatives that match or even exceed animal chicken. So next time you pick up a pack of Beyond Chicken, you can feel good knowing it’s made from wholesome plants, not chickens. With craveable taste and meaty texture, Beyond Chicken is the future of protein.

Beyond Meat products, such as the Beyond Burger, are primarily made from plant-based ingredients designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat. Key components include pea protein, rice protein, and various plant-based fats like coconut oil and canola oil.