The quick answer is yes, the Impossible Burger patty is certified gluten-free. However, some additional ingredients like buns or sauces may contain gluten, so those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to check the full recipe. The Impossible Burger is a plant-based alternative to traditional beef burgers, designed to mimic the taste, texture, and cooking experience of meat. It’s made from a combination of ingredients like soy protein, coconut oil, and potato protein. Keep reading to learn more about the Impossible Burger’s ingredients, gluten content, and how it compares to other burger options for gluten-free diets.
What is the Impossible Burger Made Of?
The key ingredients in the Impossible Burger patty include:
- Soy Protein Concentrate – The main protein source, provides texture similar to ground beef.
- Coconut Oil – Adds juiciness and flavor.
- Sunflower Oil – Contributes fat and moisture.
- Potato Protein – Helps replicate the meaty texture.
- Heme – Gives the “bloody” red color and meaty taste. Derived from yeast.
- Methylcellulose – Bindings agent. Derived from plants.
- Food Starch – Acts as a binder. Usually from corn or potatoes.
- Yeast Extract – Adds savory, meaty flavor.
- Cultured Dextrose – Caramelized sugar that contributes to rich taste.
- Vitamins and Minerals – Help provide nutritional profile similar to beef.
Other minor ingredients are also included, like spices, fruit and vegetable juices for color, and preservatives. The full list of ingredients can be found on the Impossible Foods website.
Is the Impossible Burger Patty Gluten-Free?
Yes, the Impossible Burger patty is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This means it contains less than 10ppm of gluten, meeting the standards for gluten-free labeling in the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
The protein sources like soy protein and potato protein are naturally gluten-free. Binders and thickeners like methylcellulose are plant-derived, not from gluten-containing grains. The yeast extract is also gluten-free.
Impossible Foods has strong controls in place during manufacturing to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten. All Impossible Burger products are produced in gluten-free facilities.
So someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can safely eat an Impossible Burger patty on its own. However, it’s important to check other ingredients that may be added.
Potential Sources of Gluten in Impossible Burger Recipes
While the Impossible Burger patty itself is gluten-free, restaurants and recipes may include additional ingredients that contain gluten, such as:
- Buns – Burger buns often contain wheat flour, barley, or rye.
- Sauces – Condiments like soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and ketchup often contain wheat.
- Cheese – Some cheese slices or shreds have anti-caking agents with gluten.
- Onion or sesame rings – May be coated in wheat-based breading.
- Shared cooking surfaces – Risk of cross-contact if cooked on a shared grill or panini press.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should thoroughly check all ingredients and request gluten-free options whenever possible. Some restaurants offer gluten-free buns, while others allow patrons to wrap burgers in lettuce instead.
Some safe bets are getting an Impossible Burger as a lettuce wrap, using only certified gluten-free sauces, and requesting preparation on a dedicated gluten-free grill or pan. But when in doubt, individuals should check directly with the restaurant on their protocols to prevent cross-contact.
Impossible Burger Gluten-Free Certification
The Impossible Burger patty carries the GFCO certification mark, denoting compliance with the gluten-free standards set by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.
The GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the leading bodies overseeing gluten-free food safety. To receive GFCO certification, Impossible Foods had to comply with the following:
- Formulate products to contain less than 10ppm of gluten from any source.
- Adopt rigorous quality control and document control procedures.
- Comply with GFCO standards relating to facilities, equipment, ingredients, packaging, labeling, and quality assurance.
- Pass annual audits by GFCO to renew certification.
The GFCO administers one of the most widely recognized gluten-free certifications worldwide. So the presence of the GFCO logo provides assurance to gluten-free consumers that diligent testing and production controls are in place. Those with celiac disease or gluten issues can trust that GFCO-labeled products like the Impossible Burger patty meet strict safety standards.
How the Impossible Burger Compares to Beef Burgers
Beef hamburgers are naturally gluten-free, since beef does not contain any gluten. However, gluten contamination can occur during processing and preparation:
- Beef packing equipment may be shared with gluten-containing grains.
- Beef patties may contain wheat-based fillers, flavors, or preservatives.
- Grilling alongside buns or other gluten sources causes cross-contact.
So those with celiac should use caution and scrutinize ingredients closely. Unless certified or verified as gluten-free, there is some degree of risk with conventional beef patties.
The Impossible Burger has the advantage of being certified gluten-free and produced in dedicated facilities. So there is assurance that it meets strict gluten-free standards.
One downside is that the Impossible Burger still carries some risk of gluten exposure from additional ingredients during preparation. But overall it provides a reliably gluten-free base for building a burger.
In comparison, beef burgers require closer scrutiny as trace amounts of gluten could slip in during processing. Dedicated handling and preparation is still needed with either choice to avoid cross-contact.
Other Plant-Based Burger Options
In addition to the Impossible Burger, other plant-based burger brands may also offer gluten-free options:
- Beyond Meat – Certified gluten-free patty, but check other ingredients.
- Gardein – Some burger varieties are certified gluten-free.
- MorningStar Farms – Certain veggie burger options do not contain gluten.
- Quorn – A few burger products are labeled gluten-free.
- Amy’s Kitchen – Several vegan burger types are marked gluten-free.
As with any product, it’s essential to read the full ingredient list and look for a gluten-free certification symbol from an organization like GFCO. Even if something is marked “gluten-free”, it’s safest for those with celiac disease or gluten issues to verify the certification standards. Not all brands adhere to the same rigorous protocols as GFCO.
Talking to servers at restaurants that offer plant-based burgers is equally important. They should be knowledgeable about individual menu items and preparation procedures to prevent cross-contact. It’s not enough to assume gluten-free just based on the patty itself.
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet with Plant-Based Meats
Here are some suggestions for those on a gluten-free diet who want to enjoy plant-based meats like the Impossible Burger:
- Carefully read all ingredient labels – don’t just assume gluten-free.
- Look for credible gluten-free certifications like GFCO.
- Ask restaurants about gluten-free preparation and avoid cross-contact.
- Request buns, cheese, sauces, etc. that are certified gluten-free.
- Opt for lettuce wraps or other creative serving styles if needed.
- Consider making burgers at home from verified gluten-free ingredients.
- Contact manufacturers if ever unsure about an ingredient or facility.
- Get regular follow-up testing to ensure the diet is working.
While plant-based meats open up options, sticking to a strict gluten-free diet requires vigilance. Those with celiac disease should always prioritize their health and safety. With careful label reading and questions, the Impossible Burger and similar products can be an appealing addition to the gluten-free menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Impossible Burger healthier than beef?
Compared to beef burgers, the Impossible Burger tends to be lower in saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol. It contains fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and minerals like iron. However, it also has high sodium levels. From a health perspective, the Impossible Burger may be a better choice than beef depending on individual dietary needs. Those with food restrictions should still compare nutritional information.
Does the Impossible Burger contain GMOs or artificial ingredients?
The key soy protein ingredient in the Impossible Burger comes from genetically engineered soybeans, so the product does contain GMOs. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are added. However, certain natural flavors are used to help create the meaty taste and aroma.
What happens if you eat an Impossible Burger with gluten intolerance?
For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming the Impossible Burger patty alone should not cause issues since it’s certified gluten-free. But ingesting additional ingredients with gluten could trigger symptoms or health problems. These may include digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, rashes, and nutrient deficiencies over time. That’s why checking every component in the meal is so important.
Can you cook an Impossible Burger from frozen?
Yes, you can cook Impossible Burgers straight from frozen. The company recommends thawing for 5-10 minutes before cooking for the very best texture, but allowing to come fully to room temperature is not required. Adjust cooking time by about 1-2 minutes longer when cooking frozen compared to thawed. Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
Is the Impossible Burger healthier than a veggie burger?
It depends on the type of veggie burger. Some are highly processed, while others emphasize whole vegetables and grains. In terms of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, Impossible Burgers are comparable to many veggie burgers. But they tend to be lower in fiber and nutrients. Veggie burgers made from ingredients like beans, quinoa, or sweet potatoes can have nutritional advantages over highly processed Impossible or Beyond burgers. However, the plant-based “bleeding” burgers mimic meat more closely.
Does the Impossible Burger taste exactly like meat?
Most find the Impossible Burger remarkably similar to beef in texture, juiciness, and flavor. The “heme” ingredient mimics qualities like the taste of meat and blood. But differences can be detected, especially the aroma. Some Impossible Burger consumers still prefer the taste of beef, while others find the plant-based version tastes better. It’s a subjective comparison, but the product is designed to replicate beef as closely as possible using only plants.
The Bottom Line
The Impossible Burger patty is certified gluten-free to standards under 10ppm, making it a safe choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, other ingredients like buns need to be checked to ensure a fully gluten-free meal. Dining out with the Impossible Burger also requires care to prevent cross-contact. While not perfect, it provides an appealing fast-food option that can be customized to fit gluten-free diets. With proper precautions to avoid trace gluten exposure, the Impossible Burger enables plant-based burger enjoyment for those avoiding gluten.
