Veggie Burgers...With An Unordered Side of Hexane

I love veggie burgers. Unfortunately, research is showing that some veggie burgers come with a side of hexane. Which is a colorless flammable liquid alkane derived from petroleum and used as a solven. It listed as a hazardous air pollutant by the EPA and is linked to skin disorders and complications in the nervous system. Yum! Who wants seconds? Although, studies have been inconclusive and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate it.

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So you might be wondering what in the world is it doing in our veggie burgers? According to the agricultural non-profit Cornucopia Institute, hexane is used to process most nonorganic soy ingredients in vegetarian burgers, protein shakes, & energy bars. It is also used to remove or lower fat content. And to add to it, depending on the extraction method, hexane can also be found in vegetable oils.

Before you rush and throw out all your veggie burgers, know that the ones which are completely organic or soy free are free from hexane. Tempeh and tofu products, made with whole soy beans are usually all ok, and Morningstar veggie burgers are made with soy are 100% hexane free. Other soy free veggie burgers are Amy's Organic California Veggie Burger and Asherah's Gourmet Organic Quinoa Vegan Burgers.

Happy Friday! Have a super weekend!