(WDTV) - It looks like any other burger, but this patty could be the future of protein.
"We're a company that's focused on one thing, and that's to build meat from plants," says Beyond Meat Founder and CEO Ethan Brown.
At the company's new Los Angeles facility, scientists and chefs work together to recreate the flavor, aroma and texture of meat, using plant-based ingredients. NFL wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is an investor.
"Them telling me I can get the same amount of protein eating this as a burger sparked my attention," he said.
Brown says his lab creation is a healthier product that also addresses animal welfare and environmental concerns.
The beyond burger has gone beyond the lab. It's now sold in stores and restaurants, including big chains like TGI Friday.
Impossible Foods is also in the meatless meat race, making vegan burgers sold at White Castle.
It ends up being this pretty highly processed food because they're trying to mimic a beef burger," says nutritionist Alissa Rumsey.
"I think that there's sort of this health halo around the idea of 'plant-based.' and, just because something is plant-based doesn't mean that it's made from whole vegetables or whole grains."
But Beyond Meat says consumers are eating it up, buying 13-million beyond burgers and counting.