The Weird Ingredient That Makes These Veggie Burgers Super-Healthy

I recently discovered a *very good* veggie burger, and I say that as someone who has never really been that into veggie burgers. I appreciate their convenience, of course; they are, at the very least, a healthful option that can go from freezer-to-table in just a few minutes. Eat one on a bun, throw one on top of some salad greens, or serve with a side of veggies. It’s just that their blend of beans and veggies has always felt somewhat prescriptive. You really feel like you are eating your beans and veggies. And honestly, I’d rather just eat my beans and veggies as, well, beans and veggies. And then I tried AKUA kelp burgers.

Say kelp?

Yes, kelp. As in seaweed, nori, algae, dulse, kombu, wakame — you get the picture. This weird ingredient not only gives these kelp burgers a salty, savory flavor; it also means they are super-healthy and super-sustainable.

Kelp is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. The kelp in AKUA burgers is ocean-farmed kelp, which is a zero-input crop. Translation: It doesn’t require any water, fertilizer, or feed to grow. Not only that, but it actually removes carbon and nitrogen from the water, helping to make our oceans cleaner and healthier.

But back to that flavor: If you are wary of seaweed, these burgers do not taste like the ocean in a pronounced way. It’s more subtle, a slight hint of brininess rather than a full-on sea rush. Mushrooms, black beans, quinoa, and pea protein round things out for pretty much the perfect veggie burger.

Oh, and these kelp burgers also separate themselves from the pack by being soy-free and gluten-free.

Ready to give kelp burgers a try?

Buy it: AKUA Kelp Burgers, $49 for 12; use code CLEANPLATES to get 10% off.