Is The Impossible Burger Vegan?

The Impossible Burger is a plant-based patty that tastes almost exactly like meat. However, is it vegan? While we can confirm that no animal-derived ingredients are used in the production of Impossible Burgers, we can’t be too sure you’ll consider them 100% vegan. In short, it all depends on your own standards. Keep reading to find out why!

Impossible Foods was founded in 2011 by Pat Brown, a former Stanford University Professor. His objective was to mimick the taste and texture of meat, using solely plants. However, the real breakthrough for this company was their secret ingredient, ‘soy heme’ or ‘soy leghemoglobin’, which is greatly responsible for their burgers’ color and flavor. They were able to develop this ingredient using soybeans, an FDA-approved food. However, this extract had not yet been approved, meaning they would have to go through their GRAS (generally regarded as safe) approval process in order to sell the Impossible Burger. Unfortunately, this also means that soy heme had to undergo animal testing.

Our whole focus is on making products that deliver everything that meat lovers care about.
— Pat Brown

Therefore, if you believe that the animal testing performed on soy heme renders Impossible Foods’ products non-vegan, you’ll want to skip these products. Discover more burger substitutes here! However, if you believe that the good Impossible Foods has done for the animals outweighs the harm caused by soy heme’s FDA approval process, you will still be saving many animals by choosing plant products over meat.

Impossible Burger Product Line

Impossible Burger Patties

The Impossible Burger has endless possibilities for recreating your favorite dishes — meatballs, burgers, tacos, or even empanadas! It’s also packed with essential nutrients, containing 19g of protein and 0mg cholesterol!

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Impossible Breakfast Sausages

Try some Impossible for breakfast as well! It’s perfect for those who love the spicy, savory taste of sausage, delivering the flavor, the taste and the experience, while also being better for the planet and your health. To put it into perspective, the Impossible Sausage contains 45% fewer calories, 60% less total fat, and 0 mg of cholesterol, when compared to leading pork sausage brands!

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Impossible Chicken Nuggets

These extra crispy nuggets are a heart healthier choice for kids and adults, with 60% less saturated fat and 30% less fat than their animal-based counterpart. Have them as a snack, in lunchboxes, or even as a fun salad topping!

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Impossible MeatBalls

Featuring 12g of plant protein, 30% less sodium than conventional brands, and 0 cholesterol, Impossible's new meatballs are a healthier alternative for your meatball subs! Or, you could toss them over your favorite pasta for a quick protein source. Just heat them up in an oven, skillet, or microwave, and serve!

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Impossible Pork

Impossible Pork

Impossible pork can be used in a wide range of traditional recipes, like pork katsu, dim sum, and pork noodles, making it an amazing alternative! It also contains zero gluten, animal hormones or antibiotics.


More About Impossible Foods


More About Vegan Burgers


More Vegan Questions Answered

Patricia Maroday

Hi I'm Patricia. Certified vegan lifestyle Coach. I’m here to help you eat more plants, discover ethical products, help the planet and feel amazing!

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