The Impossible Burger at Burger King is a convenient and affordable option for those seeking a plant-based alternative to beef in a fast-food setting. Gaucho's D-Printed Steakhouse provides a more upscale and innovative dining experience, with both traditional steaks and 3D-printed plant-based options, but at a higher price point.
| Attribute | Impossible Burger 5.0 (Burger King) | D-Printed Steakhouse (Gaucho, London) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Impossible Burger 5.0 (Burger King) | D-Printed Steakhouse (Gaucho, London) |
| Plant-based ingredients | Soy protein, potato protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, soy leghemoglobin, methylcellulose, yeast extract, cultured dextrose, food starch modified, water, natural flavors, salt, vitamin E (tocopherols), L-tryptophan, soy protein isolate, zinc, vitamins B3, B1, B6, B2, and B12. | Redefine Meat uses soy and pea protein, beetroot, chickpeas, and coconut fat in their 3D-printed steaks. |
| Meat-based ingredients | None in the Impossible Burger patty itself. Mayonnaise contains eggs. Typically cooked on the same broiler as meat patties. | Gaucho is known for its high-quality Argentinian grass-fed beef. They offer various cuts like Sirloin (Chorizo), Ribeye (Ancho), Rump (Cuadril), and Fillet (Lomo). |
| Taste and flavor profile | Designed to mimic the taste of beef, with a savory and umami flavor. Soy leghemoglobin (heme) is a key ingredient contributing to the meat-like flavor. Some find it has a slightly crisp, charred exterior. | Gaucho's Argentinian beef is known for its unique sweet flavor and perfect texture that comes from grass-fed, free-range meat. Some steaks are marinated, like the Churrasco de Lomo, which is marinated in garlic, parsley, and olive oil. |
| Texture and mouthfeel | Designed to be similar to ground beef. Soy and potato protein contribute to a meat-like texture. Some reviewers have noted it can be smoother and more consistent in texture than a traditional beef patty. | The 3D-printed steaks are designed to mimic the muscle fibers and juicy texture of real meat. Gaucho's steaks are known for being tender and easy to cut. |
| Nutritional value | One Impossible Whopper contains approximately 630 calories, 28g protein, 32g total fat, 10g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 15mg cholesterol, 1350mg sodium, 62g carbohydrates, 6g fiber, and 13g sugar. It provides iron, zinc, and several B vitamins. It generally has less fat, less saturated fat, and less cholesterol, but more sodium than a traditional beef Whopper. | Nutritional information for Gaucho's Fillet Steak per 100g includes: Energy value 155 kcal, Proteins 20.90g, Fats 7.90g, Carbohydrates 0g. |
| Preparation and cooking method | Flame-grilled in a chain broiler, often on the same broiler as meat patties. Customers can request that it be microwaved to avoid cross-contamination. | Gaucho grills their steaks. For cooking a steak, it is recommended to take the steak out of the fridge an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature and to heat the pan, grill, griddle, or barbecue before beginning. |
| Presentation and visual appeal | Designed to look like a regular Whopper, with the Impossible patty shaped to match the bun. It's topped with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. | Gaucho is known for the 'theatre of dining,' where waiters present a steak board to explain the different cuts of meat. |
| Price and value for money | Around $7.59 for the sandwich. Combo meals range from approximately $13.19 to $14.39, depending on size. Substituting the beef patty in a regular Whopper for the Impossible patty can be cheaper. | Pricey, but many find the food, service, and atmosphere worthwhile. A three-course meal may be considered on the pricier side. Lunch and Theatre menus are available at a lower price point. |
| Availability and accessibility | Available at participating Burger King locations nationwide. It can be ordered in-store, through the Burger King app, or via food delivery services. | Gaucho has multiple locations across London and the UK. Gaucho restaurants are generally accessible, with features like wheelchair access and disabled toilets. |
| Ethical and environmental considerations | Uses significantly less water and land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional beef. Burger King has broader sustainability goals. Concerns exist regarding soy sourcing and potential links to deforestation. | Gaucho has a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. They are committed to becoming a net-zero business by 2040 and have various sustainability initiatives, including reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, and minimizing food waste. |
| Innovation and uniqueness | Uses soy leghemoglobin (heme) to mimic the taste and texture of meat. It caters to flexitarians, vegetarians, and those seeking to reduce meat consumption. | The use of 3D printing to create plant-based steaks is an innovative approach to meat alternatives. |
| Overall dining experience | Burger King aims to provide a family-friendly dining experience. Some locations are being remodeled with a modern design, digital ordering kiosks, and enhanced drive-thrus. | Gaucho restaurants are known for their luxurious ambiance, attentive service, and high-quality Argentinian steaks. |
| Pros | Mimics the taste and texture of beef, Uses less water and land and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional beef, Caters to vegetarians, flexitarians, and those seeking to reduce meat consumption, Available at participating Burger King locations nationwide | High-quality Argentinian steaks, Luxurious ambiance, Attentive service, Focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, Innovative use of 3D printing for plant-based steaks, Wheelchair access and disabled toilets, Variety of steak cuts and preparations, Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available |
| Cons | May be cooked on the same broiler as meat patties, Mayonnaise contains eggs, Concerns exist regarding soy sourcing and potential links to deforestation, More sodium than a traditional beef Whopper | Pricey |