Beyond Mini Rounds™ Plant-Based Rounds

Beyond Meat Beyond Mini Rounds™ Plant-Based Rounds

  • Snack
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Beyond Mini Rounds™ Plant-Based Rounds by Beyond Meat has 62 kcal, 1 g carbs, 4 g protein and 4.5 g fat per serving (1 mini round (25g)).

Calories62kcal
Carbs1g
Protein4g
Fat4.5g
About it

Beyond Mini Rounds™ are a plant-based meat alternative designed to provide a sustainable and protein-rich option for athletes. Each 25g round contains 4g of protein, making it a compact source of plant-derived amino acids. With low carbohydrates and minimal sugar, these rounds are suitable for those prioritizing protein intake over carb loading. Ideal for athletes who follow vegan or kosher diets, they can be incorporated into meals pre- or post-training to support protein needs. However, due to their low carbohydrate content, they are not recommended as a primary energy source during endurance events. Instead, they serve as a protein supplement to be paired with carbohydrate-rich foods.

  • 4g protein per serving
  • Vegan and kosher certified
  • Low carbohydrate content

On the label per serving, 1 mini round (25g)

Energy259 kJ
Calories62 kcal
Carbs1.0 g
Sugar0.0 g
Fibre0.7 g
Protein4.0 g
Fat4.5 g
Saturated fat1.3 g
Sodium104 mg
Potassium95 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density4%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal168 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density10.4 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour60How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileLow glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrates per serving. Slow gastric emptying expected from fat content, reducing rapid blood-sugar spikes.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Beyond Mini Rounds™ provide a plant-based protein source with minimal carbs, making them unsuitable as a primary fuel during endurance events. They are best used as a protein supplement in recovery or for athletes focusing on muscle maintenance. Their low carbohydrate content limits their role in glycogen replenishment, so pair with carb-rich foods post-exercise.

Who it is for

Beyond Mini Rounds™ are suitable for endurance athletes who are vegan or prefer plant-based protein sources. They are particularly useful for those looking to increase protein intake without significantly increasing carbohydrate consumption. Athletes engaged in strength training or those in recovery phases may find these rounds beneficial due to their protein content.

Best sessions

Ideal for strength training or as a protein addition in recovery meals. Not suitable for high-intensity endurance sessions where rapid carbohydrate availability is crucial.

Pros
  • Vegan and kosher, suitable for restricted diets
  • Compact protein source with 4g per serving
  • Low in sugar, reducing dental risk
  • Sustainable plant-based option
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate content limits energy provision
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying
  • Not suitable as primary race fuel
Watch out for
  • High fat content may cause GI distress if consumed in large quantities during exercise
  • Low carbohydrate content may not meet energy needs during endurance events

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carbohydrate content and high fat, which may slow gastric emptying and energy availability.

Glycaemic profile

Low glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrates per serving. Slow gastric emptying expected from fat content, reducing rapid blood-sugar spikes.

Electrolytes

Contains 104 mg sodium per serving (25g), which is modest compared to 300-600 mg/hr sweat losses. Potassium content is 95 mg per serving.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
1 g
Hourly capacity
Not applicable due to low carbohydrate content.

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Beyond Mini Rounds™ are not suitable for pre-race or during-race consumption due to their low carbohydrate and high fat content, which can impede rapid energy availability and gastric emptying. They can be used in recovery when paired with carbohydrate-rich foods to support glycogen resynthesis. Everyday training use is possible with caution, ensuring they are part of a balanced diet.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because of high fat content and low carbohydrate availability, which may slow gastric emptying and fail to provide adequate energy.

Pair it with
  • Pair with whole grain bread for added carbohydrates
  • Combine with a fruit smoothie for a balanced post-workout meal
  • Add to a salad with quinoa for a protein-rich meal

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The product's role in endurance nutrition is largely extrapolated from its macronutrient profile rather than direct research evidence.

In a carb load

Beyond Mini Rounds™ have a low carb density of 4g per 100g, making them unsuitable for carb loading. A single 25g serving provides only 1g of carbs, contributing minimally to a 600g daily target for a 70kg athlete. The athlete would need an impractical number of servings to meet carb loading needs, making this product unsuitable for this purpose.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content in Beyond Mini Rounds™ suggests a slower gastric emptying rate, which can delay nutrient absorption. Protein from peas and other plant sources is digested in the small intestine, utilizing brush-border peptidases. The low carbohydrate content minimizes the use of SGLT1 or GLUT5 transporters, reducing rapid glucose availability. Fatty acids from coconut and canola oil are absorbed passively, contributing to energy but not rapidly.

Recovery

Beyond Mini Rounds™ contribute to recovery by providing protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. However, they lack significant carbohydrates, which are crucial for glycogen resynthesis at a rate of 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h. To optimize recovery, they should be paired with carbohydrate-rich foods to meet energy and glycogen replenishment needs.

Downsides

The high fat content in Beyond Mini Rounds™ can slow gastric emptying, potentially leading to GI distress if consumed in large quantities during exercise. The low carbohydrate content may not provide adequate energy for endurance events, and the product's high sodium content could contribute to excessive sodium intake if combined with other salty foods.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions requiring rapid carbohydrate availability.
  • Not suitable for athletes with fat malabsorption issues.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying, impacting energy availability.
  • Low carbohydrate content fails to meet energy demands during endurance events.
  • Excessive sodium intake risk if combined with other high-sodium foods.
  • Potential GI distress if consumed in large quantities during exercise.

Questions about Beyond Mini Rounds™ Plant-Based Rounds

How many carbs are in Beyond Mini Rounds™ Plant-Based Rounds by Beyond Meat?

1 g of carbs per serving (1 mini round (25g)), with 62 kcal and 4 g protein.

When should I consume Beyond Mini Rounds™?

Consume them post-workout with carbohydrate-rich foods to aid recovery, or as part of a balanced meal.

Are Beyond Mini Rounds™ suitable for gut training?

They are not ideal for gut training during endurance events due to low carbohydrate content and high fat.

What are alternatives for race-day fueling?

Opt for carbohydrate-rich options like gels or sports drinks for quick energy during races.

Do Beyond Mini Rounds™ contain allergens?

They are vegan and kosher, but always check packaging for specific allergen information.

How do they behave in hot weather?

High fat content may cause them to soften or melt, so store appropriately in hot conditions.

Can they be used for recovery?

Yes, when paired with carbohydrates to support glycogen resynthesis and muscle repair.

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