A 4-ounce serving of Beyond Beef provides about 20–21 grams of protein, close to 80/20 ground beef but with far less saturated fat.
If you cook with plant-based meat, you have asked how much protein sits in a scoop of Beyond Beef. Maybe you want to hit a daily protein target, track macros for strength training, or swap some red meat in a way that still feels hearty on the plate. Knowing the beyond beef protein content makes those choices far easier.
This article shares how much protein you get per serving of Beyond Beef, how it compares with regular ground beef, and how to plug it into everyday meals. You will see clear numbers, practical serving sizes, and simple ways to reach common protein goals without turning dinner into a math exercise.
Beyond Beef Protein Content By Serving Size
The company lists protein content on the package for a standard serving. Current retail packs of Beyond Beef in many markets list 21 grams of protein per 4-ounce (113-gram) raw serving made from pea, rice, lentil, and fava bean protein. Independent databases that draw from the manufacturer and laboratory data report a similar figure of about 20 grams of protein for the same amount, along with roughly 230 calories and 14 grams of fat for that 4-ounce portion.
From that base number, you can estimate protein for any portion you shape at home. The table below uses 20 grams of protein per 4 ounces as a simple reference point. Actual labels may show 21 grams, so treat the numbers as ballpark values rather than lab-grade calculations.
| Serving Size | Approximate Protein (g) | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ounce (28 g) raw Beyond Beef | 5 g | 60 kcal |
| 2 ounces (56 g) raw Beyond Beef | 10 g | 115 kcal |
| 3 ounces (85 g) raw Beyond Beef | 15 g | 175 kcal |
| 4 ounces (113 g) raw Beyond Beef | 20–21 g | 230 kcal |
| 5 ounces (142 g) raw Beyond Beef | 25–26 g | 290 kcal |
| 1/4 standard 16-ounce package | 20–21 g | 230 kcal |
| 1 cup cooked Beyond Beef crumbles | 18–22 g | 220–260 kcal |
Cooking does not destroy protein in any meaningful way, though moisture loss changes the weight on the scale. When Beyond Beef browns in a pan, some water cooks off, so a 4-ounce raw patty might land closer to 3 ounces cooked while still carrying roughly the same protein total. If you weigh portions after cooking, expect the scale number to drop while the grams of protein stay close to the label claim.
What Is Beyond Beef And How Is It Made?
Beyond Beef is a plant-based ground product designed to act like ground beef in tacos, burgers, sauces, and other familiar dishes. The latest formula uses a blend of pea protein, brown rice, red lentils, and fava beans as the main protein sources along with avocado oil, seasonings, and binders. That mix gives it a chewy texture and a rich, savory taste once browned in a pan.
The company points to the protein number and lower saturated fat as main reasons to use it in place of 80/20 beef. Official Beyond Meat nutrition fact sheets describe the product as a complete source of protein that delivers all the amino acids your body needs when eaten in normal portions. Independent nutrition databases built on manufacturer and laboratory data echo those numbers and confirm that a 4-ounce serving of Beyond Beef delivers around 20 grams of protein with zero cholesterol.
Because the product relies heavily on pea protein, anyone with a known allergy to peas or other legumes should check labels closely and speak with a healthcare professional before adding large amounts to daily meals. Beyond Beef does not contain peanuts or tree nuts, but sensitivity can vary from person to person.
How Beyond Beef Protein Compares To Ground Beef
When people ask about beyond beef protein content, the real question often sits underneath: does it match regular ground beef, or do you give up too much? On a gram-for-gram basis, the numbers are very close. Typical 80/20 ground beef provides about 19–21 grams of protein per 4-ounce raw serving, along with roughly 23 grams of fat, around 9 grams of that saturated. Beyond Beef in the same amount offers about 20–21 grams of protein with total fat in the mid-teens and a much smaller share from saturated fat.
That means two tacos built with 3 ounces of cooked Beyond Beef carry protein in the same range as tacos made with 80/20 beef, while cholesterol drops to zero and saturated fat goes down. Iron and vitamin B12 still show up in Beyond Beef because the company fortifies the product, though the exact amounts differ from beef. Animal beef provides naturally high B12, while Beyond Beef uses added vitamin B12 to reach label values.
From a satiety angle, the similar protein figures help explain why Beyond Beef tends to feel just as filling as a same-size beef serving. If you are swapping in plant-based meat mainly for health reasons, you can keep protein steady by using the same raw weight you would normally cook with ground beef.
How Much Beyond Beef Helps You Hit Daily Protein Targets
Most adults need at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to meet basic needs, according to organizations cited by Harvard Health and other major medical groups. That works out to around 54 grams of protein per day for a 150-pound adult.
One 4-ounce serving of Beyond Beef at dinner gives roughly 20–21 grams of that daily total. Add a lunchtime portion of 3 ounces in a pasta sauce or grain bowl and you add another 15 or so grams. Paired with protein from beans, tofu, dairy, eggs, or other sources through the rest of the day, it becomes straightforward to reach common protein ranges such as 60–90 grams per day without relying on powders.
Here is a simple way to think about it: each ounce of raw Beyond Beef gives about 5 grams of protein. If your daily goal sits around 75 grams, three meals with 15–20 grams of protein plus a snack or two with 10 grams will get you there. Beyond Beef can supply one of those 15–20 gram blocks in a single serving while still leaving plenty of room for other foods you enjoy.
Protein Content In Beyond Beef Meals And Snacks
The raw label only tells part of the story. Real plates hold mixed meals, not bare patties. Once you combine Beyond Beef with tortillas, pasta, rice, or vegetables, the total protein climbs even higher. The table below lists sample dishes with rough protein totals from the Beyond Beef and common add-ins.
| Meal Idea | Beyond Beef Portion | Approximate Protein From Beyond Beef |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond Beef taco (2 small tortillas) | 3 oz cooked (about 4 oz raw) | 20–21 g |
| Beyond Beef spaghetti sauce over 2 cups pasta | 4 oz cooked crumbles | 20–22 g |
| Beyond Beef burger on a bun | 4 oz patty | 20–21 g |
| Stuffed bell pepper with rice and Beyond Beef | 3 oz cooked filling | 15–18 g |
| Breakfast scramble with Beyond Beef and tofu | 2 oz cooked Beyond Beef | 10–11 g |
| Beyond Beef lettuce cups | 3 oz cooked crumbles | 15–18 g |
| Grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and Beyond Beef | 3–4 oz cooked Beyond Beef | 15–21 g |
The rest of the ingredients bring their own protein. A grain bowl with quinoa and Beyond Beef can easily reach 25–30 grams of protein in a single dish. A Beyond Beef burger plus a slice of cheese or a side of beans climbs into the same range. That makes Beyond Beef handy when you want protein in a meal that still looks and feels like a classic comfort food plate.
Reading Labels And Tracking Beyond Beef Protein Accurately
Food manufacturers update recipes from time to time, and that can shift protein content slightly. When Beyond Meat reformulated Beyond Beef with a new blend of plant proteins and avocado oil, the protein number per serving stayed near 20–21 grams, but saturated fat dropped compared with earlier versions.
If you track macros closely, weigh Beyond Beef raw before cooking rather than guessing after it hits the pan. Because water loss varies with cooking time and pan temperature, relying on cooked weights can lead to underestimates or overestimates. Using the raw weight keeps math simple: ounces of raw Beyond Beef multiplied by about 5 grams gives a quick protein estimate. For more detailed nutrient breakdowns, including vitamins and minerals, you can pair the package label with databases such as USDA FoodData Central.
When Beyond Beef Protein Makes The Most Sense
Beyond Beef fits best when you want meat-style dishes with less saturated fat and no dietary cholesterol while keeping protein totals steady. Someone who loves tacos, burgers, or chili but wants more plant-based meals during the week can swap Beyond Beef into those recipes without shrinking the protein on the plate. The similar protein content also works well for households where some people eat meat and others prefer plant-based options, because everyone can follow the same recipes and portion sizes.
Because Beyond Beef is still a processed food with added oils and flavoring ingredients, many dietitians suggest pairing it with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes through the day rather than making it the only protein source. If you have health conditions that affect protein needs, such as kidney disease or certain metabolic disorders, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before increasing portions of any concentrated protein source, whether it comes from plants or animals.