As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, demand for vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives has skyrocketed. The Earth Grown flame grilled protein burger by Aldi is one of the many new plant-based burger options hitting grocery store shelves. But what exactly is in these veggie burgers that imitate the taste and texture of beef so closely? Let’s take a look at the ingredients that go into Aldi’s Earth Grown burger.
Protein Sources
The primary protein sources in the Earth Grown burger are pea protein isolate and rice protein. Pea protein has an impressive amino acid profile and contains nearly as much protein by weight as beef. Extruding the pea protein gives it a meaty, fibrous texture similar to ground beef. Rice protein further boosts the protein content and contributes to the burger’s firm texture.
In addition to pea and rice protein, the Earth Grown burger contains smaller amounts of potato protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and wheat gluten. These supplemental proteins help approximate the protein level found in an all-beef patty. They also improve moisture retention and texture.
Binders and Fillers
Like most veggie burgers, the Earth Grown burger relies on several binders and fillers to hold the patty together and make it juicy and satisfying to eat. These include:
- Potato starch – absorbs moisture and provides a starchy texture
- Methylcellulose – provides binding and helps retain moisture during cooking
- Natural flavors – enhance flavor
- Sunflower oil – adds fat and moisture
- Beetroot fiber – provides texture and moisture retention
- Apple fiber – provides texture
- Bamboo fiber – bulks up the burger
The combination of starch, cellulose, fibers, and oil allows the veggie burger to hold together on the grill and provides a satisfying mouthfeel similar to a beef burger.
Flavors and Colors
A blend of spices, yeast extract, onion powder, and natural smoke flavor replicates the taste of grilled beef in the Earth Grown burger. Beetroot and paprika extracts have been added for color. Beets give the burger its pinkish-red “meaty” color, while paprika provides a flame-grilled appearance. Small amounts of garlic and onion powders, as well as yeast extract, boost the savory umami taste.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 94g Earth Grown burger patty:
| Nutrient | Per Patty | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 5% |
| Total Fat | 3g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 390mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
As you can see, the Earth Grown burger is low in fat and carbohydrates. It provides 16g of protein per 94g patty, delivering 32% of the daily value. It is also high in fiber and contains no cholesterol.
Ingredients List
Here are all the ingredients in the Earth Grown flame grilled protein burger by Aldi:
Filtered water, pea protein isolate, rice protein, expeller pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, potato starch, methylcellulose, potato protein isolate, natural flavor, pomegranate powder, beet powder, yeast extract, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, potassium chloride, vinegar, paprika extract, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, sunflower oil, bamboo fiber, beetroot fiber, apple fiber, smoke flavor.
Allergens
The Earth Grown burger contains soy, wheat, and coconut. It is not suitable for people with soy, wheat, coconut, or other allergy restrictions.
GMO Status
Aldi states that their Earth Grown products use only non-GMO ingredients. So the burger patty should be free of any genetically engineered proteins.
Food Safety
Aldi takes care to ensure its Earth Grown veggie burgers are safely handled and free of contamination. The products are processed in facilities that follow Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. All suppliers must adhere to Aldi’s high standards for food safety and quality.
Environmental Impact
Choosing a plant-based burger like the Earth Grown patty over beef can reduce your carbon footprint. Animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than all transportation combined. Recent studies have found that producing a veggie burger patty generates 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than producing a beef burger patty. So environmentally-conscious consumers may want to swap beef burgers for plant-based options like the Earth Grown burger.
Ethics
Veggie burgers avoid the ethical concerns associated with factory farming and slaughtering animals. PETA has highlighted the poor living conditions, mutilations, and violent deaths suffered by the billions of cows raised for beef each year. For people concerned about animal welfare, cruelty-free plant-based meats provide a more ethical alternative.
Nutritional Comparison to Beef
Compared to a 100g beef burger patty, the Earth Grown burger is lower in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is significantly higher in fiber and contains a comparable amount of protein. The table below shows how it stacks up against beef nutritionally:
| Nutrient | Earth Grown Burger (94g) | Beef Burger (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 289 |
| Total Fat | 3g | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 9.4g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 86mg |
| Sodium | 390mg | 74mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 0g |
| Protein | 16g | 26g |
The veggie burger is the clear nutritional winner when it comes to fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and fiber. The two options have comparable protein content.
Cost Comparison
The Earth Grown burger costs $3.49 for a pack of two patties at Aldi. That equates to $1.75 per 94g patty. An equivalent 100g beef burger patty retails for about $3. So the Earth Grown burger provides a 40% cost savings over beef. Keep in mind beef prices fluctuate, however, while the Earth Grown burger cost stays consistent. And the veggie burger provides more protein ounce for ounce.
Taste Reviews
Most reviews indicate the Earth Grown burger tastes extremely similar to beef. The texture is said to be firmer than beef but still pleasantly juicy and meaty. The beet powder mimics the color of raw and cooked beef convincingly. And the smoky grill flavors combined with umami-rich yeast extract replicate the taste of grilled beef impressively well. Some reviewers say it’s the best store-bought veggie burger they’ve tried.
Conclusion
The Earth Grown flame grilled protein burger manages to be flavorful and meaty while using healthy, plant-based ingredients. With comparable protein to beef and a lower fat and cholesterol profile, it makes for a nutritious and eco-friendly alternative to animal-based burgers. Using pea protein, beet powder for color, and savory natural flavors, Aldi has created a satisfying meatless burger option for just $1.75 per patty. For those looking to cut back on meat for health or environmental reasons, the Earth Grown burger provides great flavor and nutrition at an affordable price point.
