Beyond Meat has become one of the most recognized names in plant-based protein, and for good reason. Whether you are cutting back on animal products for health reasons, environmental concerns, or simple curiosity, knowing where to buy Beyond Meat and what to look for can save you time and money. The brand offers burgers, sausages, crumbles, and other products designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional protein sources, all without a single gram of animal-derived ingredients. Below you will find a complete guide covering what makes these products worth trying, which retailers carry them, and the buying mistakes that trip up first-time shoppers.
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What Is Beyond Meat and Who Is It For?
Beyond Meat is a plant-based brand that produces burger patties, seasoned links, crumbles, and other products intended to replace conventional animal protein in everyday meals. The company uses pea protein, faba bean protein, and other legume-derived ingredients to create items that cook, look, and taste similar to traditional beef or pork. The target audience is broad: vegans and vegetarians who want familiar flavors, flexitarians reducing their weekly intake of animal products, and health-conscious shoppers looking for cholesterol-free alternatives. Athletes and fitness-focused buyers also gravitate toward the line because many items deliver around 20 grams of protein per serving. According to the Good Food Institute, the plant-based food category in the United States continues to grow as more consumers experiment with these options at home and in restaurants. The brand originally launched with chicken strips before expanding into burgers and sausages, and it remains one of the most widely distributed alternatives on grocery shelves nationwide.
What to Look For: Features and Buying Criteria
Nutrition per serving. Check the label for total grams of plant protein per serving. The flagship patty delivers roughly 20 grams, which is comparable to a standard ground option. Links and crumbles vary, so compare labels if high-nutrient meals are your priority.
Ingredient simplicity. The company has been reformulating its recipes to use simplified ingredient lists. Recent versions feature faba bean and pea-derived bases, removing some earlier additives. Look for packaging that highlights the updated formulation if you prefer cleaner labels.
Product format. The lineup includes patties, links, crumbles, and ground options. Patties are ideal for grilling, while ground works better in tacos, pasta sauce, and casseroles. Links come in several flavors including hot Italian and brat-style, giving you flexibility for different recipes.
Fresh versus frozen. Some retailers stock the products in the refrigerated section near conventional proteins, while others place them in the freezer aisle. Fresh items have a shorter shelf life but are ready to cook immediately. Frozen options last longer and are often sold in bulk packs at a lower per-unit cost.
Allergen considerations. The core line is soy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for shoppers with common food sensitivities. However, always read the label for the specific item you are buying, as formulations and manufacturing lines can change.
Certifications. Look for Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan certification logos on the packaging. These third-party seals confirm that the product meets specific standards for ingredient sourcing and processing. Certified products give buyers confidence that the item aligns with their dietary values without needing to research every individual ingredient.
What to Avoid When Buying Plant-Based Protein Products
Assuming all options in this category are identical. Not every brand uses the same source or achieves the same texture. This line relies on pea and faba bean blends, while competitors like Impossible Foods use soy-based formulas. If you tried one and disliked it, the other may be a completely different experience.
Ignoring the expiration date on refrigerated packs. Fresh patties spoil faster than frozen ones. Check the sell-by date before tossing a package into your cart, especially at stores with slower turnover in their vegan section.
Overcooking the product. These items do not behave exactly like conventional ground options. Cooking well past medium dries the patty out and ruins the texture. Follow the package instructions for best results.
Buying based on price alone. Deeply discounted items near their expiration date can be a deal, but only if you plan to cook them the same day. Stockpiling short-dated fresh packs leads to waste. If you want to buy in bulk, go with frozen instead.
Confusing these products with low-calorie options. Some shoppers assume that choosing a non-animal alternative automatically means lighter in calories. Many of these items have a calorie count similar to their conventional counterparts because they use oils and starches to replicate texture. Read the nutrition panel if calorie control is your goal.
Where to Buy Beyond Meat In Store
Most major grocery chains in the United States now carry at least a few products from the brand. Here are the most reliable in-store options.
Target
Browse their selection at Target in the refrigerated or frozen foods aisle. Target typically stocks the patties, links, and crumbles. Selection varies by location, so check the website for in-store availability before making a trip.
Walmart
Your local Walmart store is another dependable option. Look in the refrigerated section near the traditional ground options, or check the frozen aisle. Walmart Supercenters generally have a wider assortment than smaller Neighborhood Market locations.
Kroger and Safeway
Both Kroger and Safeway dedicate shelf space to these alternatives in their refrigerated sections. Kroger often runs digital coupons on these items through their app, so check before you shop. Safeway locations on the West Coast tend to carry the broadest selection.
Whole Foods and Specialty Grocers
Whole Foods was one of the earliest retailers to stock this brand and still carries a wide range of items including limited-edition and seasonal flavors. Other natural food stores and co-ops are also reliable sources. If you live near a Sprouts Farmers Market or a local health food store, these tend to have dedicated sections with competitive pricing on the full product line.
Warehouse Clubs
Costco and Sam’s Club periodically carry bulk packs of patties at a competitive per-unit price. Stock rotates, so these are not always available. Call ahead or check the store app before visiting.
Tip: If you are unsure whether your local store carries a specific product, use the store locator on the official website to search by zip code.
Where to Buy Beyond Meat Online
Amazon
You can order a variety of items through the Amazon listing #ad, including frozen patties, links, and crumbles shipped directly to your door. Bulk multipacks are available and often qualify for free shipping. Check seller ratings and estimated delivery windows, as frozen items require insulated packaging.
Official Beyond Meat Website
The company website at beyondmeat.com does not sell products directly but features a store locator that helps you find nearby retailers. You can also browse the full product lineup, check nutritional information, discover recipes, and sign up for coupons and promotions.
Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart, Walmart Grocery, and Amazon Fresh all carry these items for home delivery. This is a convenient option if you want same-day or next-day service without visiting a physical store. Prices may vary slightly from in-store tags, but coupons and promotional credits often offset the difference. Many of these services also let you filter by dietary preference, making it easy to find the full lineup alongside other vegan and vegetarian staples in one order.
Top Picks: Best Products to Try
Best overall: Beyond Burger. The flagship patty delivers around 20 grams per serving with a texture and sear that closely resembles a traditional option. Widely available fresh and frozen. Expect to pay around five to seven dollars for a two-pack.
Best for grilling: Beyond Hot Italian Links. A flavorful option that holds up well on the grill without splitting. The spice blend gives it genuine kick. Typically priced around five to six dollars for a four-pack.
Best for versatility: Beyond Crumbles. Pre-seasoned ground that works in tacos, pasta, chili, and stir-fry. A solid entry point if you are new to this style of cooking. Around five to seven dollars per package.
Best budget option: Beyond Ground. Sold in a simple chub pack, this unseasoned ground is one of the most affordable ways to try the brand. Great for recipes where you add your own spices. Typically under six dollars.
Best for meal prep: Beyond Steak. Seared tips that work well in fajitas, grain bowls, and stir-fry dishes. The pieces hold their shape during reheating, which makes them a practical choice for weekly meal prep. Usually priced around six to eight dollars per package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beyond Meat made of?
The primary ingredients are pea protein and faba bean protein, combined with coconut oil, cocoa butter, and natural flavors. The exact blend varies by product, but the core line is free of soy, gluten, and GMOs.
Is Beyond Meat healthier than regular beef?
It depends on your nutritional goals. The products contain zero cholesterol and less saturated fat than most conventional patties, but they are still processed foods with added sodium. They can be a reasonable alternative for people looking to reduce animal fat intake, though whole foods like lentils and beans offer simpler nutrition profiles. If lowering your environmental footprint is the priority, independent studies suggest that producing these items generates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising cattle.
Are Beyond Meat products gluten free?
Most items in the current lineup are certified gluten free. Always check the packaging for the specific product you are purchasing, since formulations and production facilities can change over time.
How should I store these products at home?
Refrigerated products should be used by the date on the package, usually within about ten days of purchase. Frozen items can be stored for several months. Once thawed, cook within a few days and do not refreeze.
Does Beyond Meat taste like real beef?
The texture and flavor are designed to closely mimic traditional options, and most reviewers agree that the flagship patty comes closer than earlier attempts. That said, seasoned palates may notice subtle differences in fat rendering and aftertaste. Cooking method matters, and grilling tends to produce the most realistic results. Adding your usual seasonings, toppings, and condiments closes the remaining gap for most people.
About This Guide
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you grab a pack from your neighborhood grocery store or order in bulk online, Beyond Meat offers a convenient way to explore this category without sacrificing the flavors you enjoy. Take the time to compare products, check labels, and try more than one format before deciding which fits your kitchen best. For more guides like this one, explore our food shopping guides.