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Culture War Roundup for the week of September 4, 2023

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Beyond burgers are an ultra-high processed food

The first three ingredients are pea protein isolate, expeller-pressed canola oil, and refined coconut oil. The rest is the usual assortment of flavors and additives.

In my opinion, the taste is mostly okay especially if paired with a good bun and tomato. But the terrible health profile make them a no-go for me.

I have always found the "ultra-processed" definition lacking. I don't doubt the conclusions generally, but "processed" is a very broad definition, and I think deserves a closer set of guidelines: hydrogenated oils, breaded-and-fried foods, and such are far worse than, say, hummus, which is "processed" by pureeing a few fairly-healthy ingredients. I think it'd be a lot clearer to grade processes rather than count them.

Coconuts are obviously seeds, but are peas? What about other legumes?

Asking because of the “seed oil” comment above. The real percentage could be much higher if we count peas.

Seed oil in practice seems to just refer to polyunsaturated fats, which is probably listed on the nutrition label.