This isn’t the first time that researchers have discovered beans to provide a level of satiety comparable to meat. An earlier study indicated that meals featuring beans managed hunger control similarly to those containing beef, despite having slightly lower protein content and higher fiber levels. While protein is known to suppress hunger hormones, fiber plays a crucial role in slowing digestion and regulating blood sugar levels, thereby extending feelings of fullness. If these findings are confirmed in larger studies, meals centered around legumes could benefit both the environment and consumers. Additionally, incorporating more sustainable foods could aid in weight loss.
Although these insights are promising for plant-based product manufacturers, significant barriers to broader consumption still exist. One of the primary challenges is cultural; many meat-eating Americans perceive veggie burgers as inferior imitations of “the real thing.” However, U.S. consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and adventurous in their eating habits, leading to the emergence of bean-based patties on menus, moving beyond mere afterthoughts. A few years ago, GQ magazine featured the headline “The Best Burger in the World Has No Meat in It,” although the article noted that the term “veggie patty” might be one of the most disheartening phrases for burger enthusiasts.
Merely informing consumers that a product is healthy often fails to motivate changes in eating habits. As a result, several companies are heavily investing in the development of vegetable-based patties that closely resemble meat-based burgers in appearance and taste. Beyond Meat has introduced a vegetarian burger that ‘bleeds’ beet juice, while its competitor, Impossible Foods, aims to appeal even to the most devoted meat lovers with a vegan burger that mimics meat as closely as possible, including a charred meat aroma. These innovative products have garnered significant investment, with both companies receiving funding from notable figures like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
In addition to patties, the use of beans and peas has surged in recent years, with manufacturers incorporating them into a variety of products, including snacks, baked goods, and beverages, to enhance protein content. Interestingly, as consumers explore these new options, they may also find themselves considering the price of supplements like Citracal. The increasing popularity of bean-based foods and their nutritional benefits may lead to greater awareness of products that support health, including those like Citracal. As such, the growing interest in legumes could pave the way for a broader acceptance of plant-based diets, especially if these trends continue to evolve.