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Original poster

About Birds Eye beef burgers…

91 replies

Minfilia · 09/05/2024 08:39

They’ve been a guilty pleasure of mine for YEARS. My perfect comfort food was always burgers with potato waffles and spaghetti hoops - a childhood treat that always makes me feel happy.

Imagine my horror to discover they changed the recipe and they now comprise 20% pea protein and 55% beef.

I don’t want a plant burger. I want my BEEF(ish) burgers.

Yes, I know they’re unhealthy. And ultra processed. And probably about as meaty and nutritious as dog food. But why did they have to go and ruin it.

(PS - has anyone actually tasted them and are they as awful as I’m imagining? I do eat a lot of plant based alternatives but I HATE pea protein based stuff with a passion!)

(Also happy to accept that I may be acting like a highly unreasonable, tantrumming toddler)

OP posts:
Damnyourheadshoulderskneesandtoes · 09/05/2024 16:34

KreedKafer · 09/05/2024 16:24

Most burgers and sausages (even high quality ones) have something in them that helps to bind the meat together, like breadcrumbs or rusk meal, so I'm wondering if the pea protein has just replaced something like that? I doubt you'll taste it at all if they're just using it as a binding agent.

I was gutted when they reduced the salt content of Pot Noodles, though, so I understand your disappointment!

Lidl pot noodles taste more like pot noodles than pot noodles do

muddyford · 09/05/2024 16:34

Pea protein makes everything taste gross. Burgers aren't necessarily UPF foods - read the ingredients list.

Newgirls · 09/05/2024 16:25

Pea protein is probably better for you than the wheat they used to add? And still protein so prob a good switch

KreedKafer · 09/05/2024 16:24

Most burgers and sausages (even high quality ones) have something in them that helps to bind the meat together, like breadcrumbs or rusk meal, so I'm wondering if the pea protein has just replaced something like that? I doubt you'll taste it at all if they're just using it as a binding agent.

I was gutted when they reduced the salt content of Pot Noodles, though, so I understand your disappointment!

BertieBotts · 09/05/2024 16:23

This is just rude. It's like when they put sweeteners in everything Angry

I like pea protein, and I don't object to a third type of burger which is a hybrid of pea and beef. (Beafburgers?) But you should be able to buy pea-free beefburgers if you choose.

SpringKitten · 09/05/2024 16:21

Me too OP! Burgers were a treat as a kid, we had one burger each and we were allowed to eat our tea watching telly. Spaghetti hoops , for sure - but my mam always made home made chips in the deep fryer. Yum.

I’m going to stick my neck out and say when I grilled them my kids LOVED them . They are quite soft but not unpleasantly mushy.

But they cost way too much.

im going to stick with my home made turkey burgers padded out with breadcrumbs and caramelised onions and herbs. Delish.

Kalevala · 09/05/2024 16:20

PercyJackson · 09/05/2024 15:58

I get it OP - people suggesting to just get different ones/make burgers are missing the fact that its these specific burgers that you love. And now they've changed the recipe so you can't ever have them again. The chances of other brands tasting like the old recipe is slim.

I suspect though, given the reviews, they'll be changing back to the old recipe before you know it 😂

I don't get it myself. If something changes for the worse I vote with my wallet and look around for a better alternative. One might even be better than the original of the other brand and I would have never known if I hadn't tried it. Tastebuds change too, childhood favourites rarely taste the same, even if they haven't changed, you have.

Littlesunshinemoon · 09/05/2024 16:16

Blondeshavemorefun · 09/05/2024 16:15

@Minfilia agree if a beef burger you don't want fake meat and want a beef burger

And tbh I don't get why veggies /vaginas want fake chicken nuggets /beef burgers

Have their veggie burgers

😂

Blondeshavemorefun · 09/05/2024 16:16

Vegans ffs

Ahhhhhh can't edit as on app

Blondeshavemorefun · 09/05/2024 16:15

@Minfilia agree if a beef burger you don't want fake meat and want a beef burger

And tbh I don't get why veggies /vaginas want fake chicken nuggets /beef burgers

Have their veggie burgers

Blondeshavemorefun · 09/05/2024 16:13

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/05/2024 09:01

Not beef burgers but I bought a Sainsburys tomato and marscapone pasta sauce yesterday, have it regularly with tortellini for a quick tea. It was absolutely revolving, bitter and sour, fuck knows what they've done to it but I'm guessing they've removed at least any sugar

I can recommend the Aldi one. In a jar so not fresh but it's the best I've tasted and think around £1.30

Always have a few in my cupboard

SpeedyDrama · 09/05/2024 16:01

I get you op. I love the frozen aisle spam fritters that used to be disgustingly (beautifully) coated in batter. They've now changed them, still fine coated in vinegar and salt but not the same 😑.

PercyJackson · 09/05/2024 15:58

I get it OP - people suggesting to just get different ones/make burgers are missing the fact that its these specific burgers that you love. And now they've changed the recipe so you can't ever have them again. The chances of other brands tasting like the old recipe is slim.

I suspect though, given the reviews, they'll be changing back to the old recipe before you know it 😂

Kalevala · 09/05/2024 15:57

Tesco finest are 94% beef and still only £8.26/kg

Kalevala · 09/05/2024 15:55

Minfilia · 09/05/2024 12:59

This. And at £6 a box, they’re not exactly super cheap either if they do end up being completely rubbish!

Show quote history

Just buy different ones? Tesco frozen are 82% beef and cheaper.

pontipinemum · 09/05/2024 15:45

Minfilia · 09/05/2024 08:56

In fairness, I don’t think the ingredients are THAT terrible. They’re certainly not good for you, but it doesn’t mean they’re comprised of horse entrails and cow snouts either.

Show quote history

If they were it'd still be classed as meat content. The rest is probably filler things that are not meat like breadcrumb.

Just checked on Tesco - Ireland - they are ""Beef (76%), Onion (11%), Water, Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt, Onion Powder, Beef Fat, Dextrose, Yeast Extract, Black Pepper, Pepper Extract, Natural Flavouring""

The UK ones have replaced 18% of the beef with peas.

BigBadBarri · 09/05/2024 13:44

KimberleyClark · 09/05/2024 13:29

Just make your own burgers if you want 100% beef. It’s not hard.

But they don’t taste like beef burgers of childhood!

BogRollBOGOF · 09/05/2024 13:38

Wheredidallthecowboysgo · 09/05/2024 13:15

The annoying thing is that these new foods aren’t even healthy, they’re crammed full of sweeteners & other additives to avoid the sugar tax. Sorry that doesn’t relate to burgers but I’m so sick of how many drinks, yoghurts & desserts have been ruined by sweeteners!

It's not like the average BMI of the population goes down for it either!

ILoveYourLittleHat · 09/05/2024 13:34

andymary · 09/05/2024 08:58

I'd stick with your Birds Eye burgers at 55% Beef, as Turkey Dinosaurs are even worse at 43% Turkey! Although, turkey dinosaurs are amazing, love them with smiley faces and beans!😆
Or you could look at changing the brand of your beef burgers. Tesco frozen pack of 8 beef burgers gets you a hearty 82% beef.

Ambrosia Rice pudding is 9% rice! 9%!

KimberleyClark · 09/05/2024 13:29

Just make your own burgers if you want 100% beef. It’s not hard.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/05/2024 13:22

Funkyslippers · 09/05/2024 13:19

I had it recently and thought it was lovely. My normally fussy DD liked it too

Show quote history

Well, we are all different but we didn't like it here.

Funkyslippers · 09/05/2024 13:22

EmpressSoleil · 09/05/2024 13:10

I had a craving for Sugar Puffs a few months back and found out they've renamed them and taken all the sugar out. Just why? I'm fed up of being forced into healthy foods!

They're still 14% sugar

Funkyslippers · 09/05/2024 13:19

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/05/2024 09:01

Not beef burgers but I bought a Sainsburys tomato and marscapone pasta sauce yesterday, have it regularly with tortellini for a quick tea. It was absolutely revolving, bitter and sour, fuck knows what they've done to it but I'm guessing they've removed at least any sugar

I had it recently and thought it was lovely. My normally fussy DD liked it too

Wheredidallthecowboysgo · 09/05/2024 13:15

The annoying thing is that these new foods aren’t even healthy, they’re crammed full of sweeteners & other additives to avoid the sugar tax. Sorry that doesn’t relate to burgers but I’m so sick of how many drinks, yoghurts & desserts have been ruined by sweeteners!

EmpressSoleil · 09/05/2024 13:10

I had a craving for Sugar Puffs a few months back and found out they've renamed them and taken all the sugar out. Just why? I'm fed up of being forced into healthy foods!