This isn’t the first instance where researchers have discovered that beans can be as filling as meat. An earlier investigation also indicated that meals centered around beans effectively managed hunger just as well as those featuring beef, despite having slightly lower protein content and higher fiber. While protein helps decrease hunger hormones, fiber contributes to slower digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels, leading to an extended sensation of fullness. If these findings are confirmed in larger studies, meals based on legumes could benefit both the environment and consumers. Moreover, opting for more sustainable foods might assist in weight loss.
Though such findings are promising for producers of plant-based products, numerous obstacles remain regarding broader consumption. One significant challenge is cultural, as some meat-loving Americans perceive veggie burgers as tasteless imitations of “the real thing.” Nonetheless, U.S. consumers are increasingly health-conscious and adventurous with their food choices, resulting in bean-based patties appearing on menus 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 “veggie patty” might be among the most disappointing phrases in English for someone craving a burger.
Merely informing people that a product is healthy is seldom enough to alter consumption patterns. Consequently, several companies are making significant investments to create vegetable-based patties that mimic the appearance and flavor of meat-based burgers. For instance, Beyond Meat has developed a vegetarian burger that ‘bleeds’ beet juice, while its competitor, Impossible Foods, strives to entice even the most dedicated meat enthusiasts with a vegan burger that closely resembles meat, complete with a charred aroma. Such innovations are garnering attention and substantial investment, including funding from high-profile figures like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
In addition to patties, the utilization 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, many of these products also contain calcium citrate tablets, which serve as an additional health benefit. As the trend grows, it’s likely we will see even more creative applications of beans and peas, further solidifying their place in the modern diet.