Impossible Whopper pretty darn convincing

The Impossible Burger, a manufactured product now available in many restaurants, quickly has been gaining a reputation as the most beef-like of the non-beef patties.

In addition to serving as a ground-beef substitute, the plant-based Impossible Burger has a far more environment-friendly footprint, using 93% less land, 99% less water and 50% less energy to create than would raising a cow, according to figures quoted in a Chicago Tribune article.

Burger King is the first fast-food chain to market the Impossible Burger, having recently introduced an Impossible Whopper. The non-beef patty is flame-grilled and served on a sesame-seed bun with tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, mayonnaise and ketchup. The Impossible Whopper is 630 calories, as opposed to 660 for a beef Whopper. The Impossible Whopper costs $5.59; a beef Whopper, $4.59.

The meatless patties are cooked on the same broiler as beef patties. By request, a different preparation is available, with the patty cooked in a microwave with zero meat contact.

As someone who occasionally indulges in a Whopper, I found the Impossible Whopper a surprisingly convincing replica, although that is largely due to the same bun, condiments and grilling. To really taste the patty, I broke off a piece and ate it separately, impressed by the beef-like texture and flavor.

Alison Matas: Let me begin by saying I never had tried a Whopper before, so this week's Taste Test was a two-fer for me.

I thought the Impossible burger was solid on both texture and taste. It was far superior to any bean or turkey burger I've eaten. Comparing it side by side to the Whopper (also delicious, by the way), I have to say I did notice a slight difference in richness of taste, but I wouldn't have missed it if I weren't also eating a Whopper at the same time.

My sister has been a vegetarian for years, and last week she tried an Impossible burger (though not at Burger King). She was so alarmed by how much it tasted like meat she was afraid the restaurant had made a mistake.

Rich Desrosiers: To say I was skeptical the BK version of an Impossible Burger would come close to matching the satisfying taste of a regular Whopper — a fast-food choice among my favorites — would be an understatement. I've tried other plant-based meat products, and nothing was remotely passable as a beef substitute.

Until now.

They did it. In taste, texture and smoky-grilled aroma. Yes, in a blind taste test probably 9 of 10 could distinguish some difference, but some of those nine also would say the Impossible Whopper is better. I'm not sure I would go that far, but it's darn close, and for anyone who wants to moderate their consumption of red meat or save the planet a little bit, this BK breakthrough is a winner, winner, "possible" dinner.

Todd Porter: We have tasted quite a few things this summer and added quite a few calories, all in the name of research, for our dear readers. But this one — the Impossible Burger — might be the best one yet. In fact, Burger King should stop serving The Whopper.

The Impossible Burger, even when stripped down to nothing but it's plant-based self, was tasty. The texture felt like meat, and the patty tasted better than whatever comprises The Whopper. Junk it up with mayo, onion, tomato, and this is a treat!

Now about that price ...