23 votes

Behold the beefless ‘Impossible Whopper’

8 comments

  1. MimicSquid
    Link
    That's great news. I'm glad to see meat alternatives making it on the big stage.

    That's great news. I'm glad to see meat alternatives making it on the big stage.

    9 votes
  2. s-sea
    Link
    I've always kind of known that being vegetarian is healthier but jesus - same protein with 90% less cholesterol? That's pretty impressive. If it actually keeps up steam I'd imagine that becoming...

    I've always kind of known that being vegetarian is healthier but jesus - same protein with 90% less cholesterol? That's pretty impressive.

    If it actually keeps up steam I'd imagine that becoming vegetarian would actually be easy/convenient enough that it will no longer be one of these "I would if it was easier" kind of issues.

    9 votes
  3. [2]
    The_Fad
    Link
    Welp, seeing as how I live in STL I suppose I'll have to try it and let you all know how it is.

    Welp, seeing as how I live in STL I suppose I'll have to try it and let you all know how it is.

    5 votes
    1. NecrophiliaChocolate
      Link Parent
      Do let us know! I have a few questions if you get a chance Did you like it? How did it compare to a traditional whopper? Would you recommend it to other people? Would you choose it over a normal...

      Do let us know! I have a few questions if you get a chance

      1. Did you like it?
      2. How did it compare to a traditional whopper?
      3. Would you recommend it to other people?
      4. Would you choose it over a normal whopper?
      3 votes
  4. jgb
    Link
    I hope to see a substantial proportion of meat products be replaced by vegetarian substitutes in the next five to ten years. This could be a hugely significant move when it comes to cutting...

    I hope to see a substantial proportion of meat products be replaced by vegetarian substitutes in the next five to ten years. This could be a hugely significant move when it comes to cutting humanities' greenhouse gas emissions. This really matters.

    4 votes
  5. aphoenix
    Link
    I had a meatless burger from The Works Burger (a small chain in Ontario). I was really happy with it, and I say this as an enthusiastic carnivore. I'm excited to see this coming to a more...

    I had a meatless burger from The Works Burger (a small chain in Ontario). I was really happy with it, and I say this as an enthusiastic carnivore. I'm excited to see this coming to a more mainstream restaurant.

    3 votes
  6. [2]
    DrStone
    Link
    The Impossible Burger is decent, but doesn't inherently justify its additional cost yet. I had one at a nice restaurant that focuses on quality burgers and hotdogs. The texture is close, but a...

    The Impossible Burger is decent, but doesn't inherently justify its additional cost yet. I had one at a nice restaurant that focuses on quality burgers and hotdogs.

    The texture is close, but a little bit crumblier. Flavor is close, but there's a slight distinct aftertaste that gives it away. Using coconut oil as a substitute for animal fat, it doesn't have quite the same umami. I think it can work as a burger because there's so much else between the various toppings and bun to help it out. It certainly was an enjoyable meal, but I believe a real beef patty would have been better.

    Then there's the price. Where I had it, there was a 50-60% markup above a beef patty. Some online comments have found places with it closer to 25%. After having one for the novelty, it's not something I would willingly choose until that price point comes much closer to, or cheaper than, the currently better tasting beef patty. EDIT: Article mentions St. Louis and ~$1 more than a regular Whopper (standard Whopper price looks to be around $4.19, so at $5.19 a ~24% markup)

    2 votes
    1. unknown user
      Link Parent
      This aligns with my experience too. I had an Impossible Burger at a Californian restaurant about a year ago, and felt the texture & upfront flavor to be consistent with beef—if I wasn't...

      This aligns with my experience too. I had an Impossible Burger at a Californian restaurant about a year ago, and felt the texture & upfront flavor to be consistent with beef—if I wasn't specifically paying attention, I doubt I would've noticed. But the aftertaste is noticeable, but not unpleasant. Certainly not beef.

      I'm not a heavy carnivore, but I am looking forward to embracing an improved, future revision of their current product. If it met 90% of the taste of beef at the same price point and was versatile enough to be used in non-burger situations, I would absolutely purchase it in preference to ground beef purely to minimize my ecological & carbon footprint.

      4 votes