Trying to work out if black bean burgers are vegan can be difficult.
Black bean burgers, like many other types of burgers, often have a number of ingredients and some of them may be derived from animals.
To make sure that you are only eating foods that align with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of black bean burgers.
Here’s what I found.
Are Black Bean Burgers Vegan?
Yes! Most black Bean burgers are vegan.
Black bean burgers are typically made with black beans, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and spices. These burgers are high in protein and fiber and are a good source of iron and potassium.
They are usually vegan because the ingredients do not include any animal products.
However, if you’re buying a black bean burger in one of the many fast-food chains that offer these burgers, it’s important to check the ingredients list as some of them may add cheese, dairy, or eggs to their burgers.
Many also cook their burgers on the same grill as meat, so if you’re strict about not wanting any animal products coming into contact with your food, then you should ask about this before ordering.
Are Black Bean Burgers Cruelty-Free?
Yes! Black bean burgers are cruelty-free.
Black bean burgers, by their very nature, do not involve any animal cruelty.
The process of growing and harvesting black beans does not require the use of animals in any way and no animals are harmed in the production of these burgers.
The burgers also do not use any ingredients that are tested on animals, such as artificial colors or flavors.
So, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free burger option, black bean burgers are a great choice.
What Are Black Bean Burgers Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of a typical black bean burger:
- Black beans
- Bread crumbs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Spices
- Binder (oats or flour)
- Vegetable oil
- Water
Let’s break down each ingredient of a black bean burger:
Black beans
Black beans are the main ingredient in bean burgers. They are a type of legume that is native to South America. Black beans are high in protein and fiber and are a good source of iron and potassium. Black beans are vegan.
Bread crumbs
Bread crumbs are used as a binding agent in vegan burgers. They help to hold the burger together and give it a “meaty” texture. Bread crumbs are vegan.
Onion
Onions are a type of vegetable that is used as a flavor enhancer in these burgers. They add an umami taste to the burger and help to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Onion powder or fresh onions can be used in these burgers. Onions are vegan.
Garlic powder
Garlic is a type of herb that is used as a flavor enhancer in these burgers. It adds a savory taste to the burger and helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Garlic powder is usually used in black bean burgers as it provides a more intense flavor than fresh garlic. Garlic powder is vegan.
Pepper
Pepper is a type of spice that is used to add flavor to these burgers. It can be used in both fresh and dried forms. Pepper is vegan.
Spices
Spices are used to add flavor to these burgers. The exact spices used will vary depending on the burger recipe, but common spices include chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Spices are vegan.
Binder
A binder is used to help hold the burger together. The most common binders are oats and flour. These ingredients help to give the burger a “meaty” texture. Oats and flour are vegan.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is used to cook the burger. It helps to prevent the burger from sticking to the grill and gives it a crispy texture. Vegetable oil is vegan.
Water
Water is, well, water. It’s used to help hydrate the ingredients and make the burger moister. Water is vegan.
Why Are Black Bean Burgers Vegan?
Black bean burgers are vegan because they are mainly made with plants. The main ingredient is black beans, which are a type of legume that is native to the Americas. Black beans have the texture of meat when they are cooked, so they make a great base for these burgers.
In addition to black beans, these burgers also contain bread crumbs, onions, garlic, pepper, and spices. All of these ingredients are plant based and vegan.
The only ingredient that may not be vegan in some veggie burgers is the binder. A common binder is egg, but a vegan black bean burger uses a vegan binder, like oats or flour.
Is Wendy’s Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. By default, Wendy’s Black Bean Burger is not vegan. The burger contains cheese and a mayonnaise-based sauce, both of which are not vegan. However, it is possible to make the burger vegan by simply asking for it without cheese and the mayo-based sauce.
This veggie burger is not vegan by default.
Is Smash Burgers Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. Smash Burgers Black Bean Burger is not vegan. Smash Burgers fry their burgers in oil made from beef fat.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. Buffalo Wild Wings Black Bean Burger is not vegan by default. The burger contains cheese and ranch dressing, both of which are not safe for vegans to consume. The burger can be made vegan by asking for it without cheese and ranch dressing.
This veggie burger is not vegan by default but can be made vegan.
Is Morningstar Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. Morningstar Black Bean Burgers contain eggs and a milk derivative called “calcium caseinate.”
These veggie burgers are not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Chipotle Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. A Chipotle Black Bean Burger is vegetarian by default, but it is not vegan. The burger contains cheese, sour cream, and chipotle mayo, all of which are not vegan. However, it is possible to make a vegan chipotle black bean burger by using vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, and vegan mayo.
This product is not vegan by default but can be made vegan.
Is Trader Joe’s Black Bean Burger Vegan?
No. Trader Joe’s Black Bean Burger contains eggs and sugar that may be processed with bone char.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Final Words
So, there you have it. Some black bean burgers are vegan, but not all black bean burgers are created equal. Most fast food and restaurant black bean burgers are not vegan. However, you can make them vegan black bean burgers by simply omitting the cheese and mayo- or milk- based sauce.
Some brands of black bean burgers, like Morningstar and Trader Joe’s, are not vegan because they contain eggs. Eggs are a common binder in veggie burgers, so it’s important to check the ingredients list before purchasing.
If you’re in the mood for vegan black bean burgers, your best bet is to make them at home. This way you can be sure that all of the ingredients are vegan and that the burger is cooked to your liking. Simply pick a black bean burger recipe, grab your food processor, gather the ingredients, and follow the instructions. It’s really that easy! Pair them with some sweet potato fries and you’ve got yourself a delicious vegan meal.