Beyond Burger
★ MOST REALISTIC
~20g protein/patty~260 kcal/pattyBase: peaVegan
The engineer's verdictStill the benchmark for "is that really not beef?" — juicy, properly meaty, and the one most likely to fool a sceptic at a barbecue. The honest trade-off: it's the indulgent option, with roughly double the fat of Heura's. A treat burger, not an everyday one.
Where to buy →THIS Isn't Beef Burgers
★ REALISM CHALLENGER
Base: pea + soyVeganProtein: check pack
The engineer's verdictTHIS has quietly become the brand that takes realism seriously, and the beef burger is a strong, convincing patty that holds together properly on the grill. If Beyond feels too rich, this is the sensible-but-still-believable alternative.
Where to buy →Moving Mountains Burger
★ BEST FLAVOUR DEPTH
Base: pea + oyster mushroomVeganProtein: check pack
The engineer's verdictThe clever one. Oyster mushroom gives it a genuine earthy, umami depth that most pea-protein patties lack — it tastes like it's been thought about, not just engineered to mimic. Satisfying and a bit more grown-up. Easiest to find in Sainsbury's and Waitrose.
Where to buy →Linda McCartney 1/4lb Burgers
★ MOST PROTEIN
Base: soyProtein leaderLarger patty
The engineer's verdictThe biggest patty and the protein pick of the bunch — if you want filling and high-protein, this is your burger. The honest catch: it leans drier and a touch less flavourful than Beyond or Moving Mountains, so it rewards a good sauce and a proper bun. Check which line you grab (veggie vs vegan).
Where to buy →Heura Burger
★ LEANEST
Base: soy + olive oilLower fatVegan
The engineer's verdictThe Mediterranean approach — built on soy and olive oil, and noticeably leaner than Beyond (roughly half the fat). If you like the idea of a plant burger that isn't trying to out-indulge a beef patty, Heura's the sensible, lighter pick. A bit harder to find in big supermarkets.
Where to buy →🏆 Quick answer: Most realistic / juiciest → Beyond. Most protein → Linda McCartney. Best flavour depth → Moving Mountains. Leanest → Heura. Sensible all-rounder → THIS.
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How I compared these: No cooking, no faked taste tests. I print the figures I can verify from public sources (June 2026) and flag the rest as "check pack" rather than guess. If you buy through a link I may earn a small commission at no cost to you — it never changes the verdict.
Full disclosure →Frequently asked questions
Which plant-based burger has the most protein?
Linda McCartney's 1/4lb is the protein leader of the popular UK options; Beyond is ~20g per patty. Figures vary and change — check the current pack.
Which tastes most like beef?
Beyond Burger is widely rated the most realistic and juicy, with THIS Isn't Beef close behind. Beyond's trade-off is higher fat and calories.
Which is the leanest?
Heura is notably lower in fat than Beyond (roughly half). All of these are still processed foods, so read the label.
Are plant-based burgers vegan?
The ones here are vegan, but always check — some brands sell both vegetarian and vegan lines under similar packaging.
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