Is Arby’s Real Beef? Unpacking the Roast Beef Controversy
Arby’s roast beef is indeed beef, however, its preparation and final form sometimes lead to questions about its “realness.” It’s not a single, solid cut but rather a blend of beef and other ingredients processed to achieve its distinctive texture and flavor.
The Arby’s Roast Beef Story: From Ohio to Global Roast
Arby’s, founded in 1964, built its brand on roast beef sandwiches. Initially, the goal was simple: offer a fast-food alternative to hamburgers, focusing on freshly sliced, oven-roasted beef. Over the decades, the preparation and composition of their roast beef has evolved, sparking debate about what constitutes “real” beef.
What’s Actually In Arby’s Roast Beef?
Arby’s website provides ingredient lists, but understanding what constitutes “roast beef” requires a closer look. It’s important to differentiate between a whole-muscle roast and a processed product.
- Roast Beef: Arby’s roast beef isn’t carved from a single roast in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a multi-ingredient product that includes beef.
- Ingredients: The list typically includes beef, water, sodium phosphate, salt, and hydrolyzed plant protein. The exact proportions are proprietary and can vary.
- Processing: The beef undergoes processing to create its final form. This involves combining smaller pieces, adding ingredients for flavor and moisture, and then cooking the mixture.
The Roast Beef Production Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Understanding the production process is crucial to evaluating the “realness” of Arby’s roast beef.
- Beef Selection: The process starts with selecting cuts of beef, which are often less desirable for traditional roasting due to size or fat content.
- Processing: These cuts are then ground or chopped into smaller pieces.
- Mixing: Water, sodium phosphate (a tenderizer and moisture retainer), salt, and hydrolyzed plant protein (a flavor enhancer) are mixed with the beef.
- Forming: The mixture is formed into a loaf shape, similar to a processed ham.
- Cooking: The loaf is then slow-roasted in an oven until cooked through.
- Slicing and Packaging: After cooling, the roast beef loaf is sliced thin and packaged for shipment to Arby’s locations.
Common Misconceptions About Arby’s Roast Beef
Several misconceptions contribute to the ongoing debate:
- Myth 1: Arby’s roast beef is a liquid meat. This is false. While the product contains water, it is not purely liquid.
- Myth 2: It’s completely artificial. This is also false. Beef is a primary ingredient.
- Myth 3: It’s the same as mechanically separated meat. This is inaccurate. Mechanically separated meat utilizes the leftover meat from bones that are not feasible to remove by hand. Arby’s roast beef uses beef cuts.
Comparing Arby’s Roast Beef to Other Processed Meats
Comparing Arby’s roast beef to other processed meats provides context:
| Meat Type | Primary Ingredient | Other Ingredients | Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arby’s Roast Beef | Beef | Water, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Hydrolyzed Protein | High |
| Deli Roast Beef | Beef | Salt, Spices, Preservatives | Medium |
| Bologna | Beef, Pork, Chicken | Spices, Preservatives, Fillers | Very High |
| Mechanically Separated Meat | Bone Scraps | Flavoring, Salt | Extremely High |
Nutritional Information: What the Numbers Reveal
Examining the nutritional information provides further insight. A typical Arby’s Classic Roast Beef sandwich contains a significant amount of sodium, likely due to the salt and sodium phosphate used in processing. The fat content is also notable. While it provides protein, the overall nutritional profile reflects its processed nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Arby’s roast beef made of horse meat?
No, Arby’s roast beef is not made of horse meat. There have been unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories circulating online, but there’s no credible evidence to support this claim. Arby’s states that its roast beef is made from beef.
Does Arby’s use fillers in its roast beef?
While Arby’s doesn’t explicitly label any ingredients as “fillers,” the added water, sodium phosphate, and hydrolyzed plant protein contribute to the overall volume and texture of the product. These ingredients are used for moisture retention, flavor enhancement, and tenderization, rather than primarily for bulking.
What exactly is hydrolyzed plant protein?
Hydrolyzed plant protein is a flavor enhancer created by breaking down plant proteins (such as soy or corn) into their component amino acids. This process produces glutamate, which provides a savory, umami flavor similar to MSG. It is used to boost the beef flavor of the roast beef.
Why is sodium phosphate added to Arby’s roast beef?
Sodium phosphate serves several purposes. It acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down muscle fibers and create a softer texture. It also helps retain moisture, preventing the beef from drying out during cooking and storage.
Is Arby’s roast beef healthier than a hamburger?
It depends on the specific hamburger. Arby’s roast beef typically has fewer calories and fat than a larger, fully loaded hamburger. However, the sodium content is often higher. Both options should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How long does Arby’s roast beef last?
Once opened, Arby’s roast beef should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days. The exact shelf life depends on storage conditions. It is processed, so bacteria will grow after time.
Can I make something similar to Arby’s roast beef at home?
You can try! However, replicating the exact flavor and texture can be challenging without access to Arby’s specific recipes and processing equipment. You could try slow-roasting a lean cut of beef with similar seasonings, but it won’t be the same processed product.
What is the “meat mountain” at Arby’s?
The Meat Mountain is an Arby’s sandwich featuring almost all of their meat options, including roast beef, turkey, ham, brisket, corned beef, and Angus steak. It’s a large sandwich.
Is the “curly fries” at Arby’s vegan?
No, Arby’s curly fries are not vegan. The coating contains milk and egg.
Does Arby’s still have the Horsey Sauce?
Yes, Arby’s still offers its signature Horsey Sauce. It’s a creamy horseradish sauce.
How does Arby’s keep its roast beef so moist?
The addition of water and sodium phosphate during processing helps to retain moisture, preventing the roast beef from drying out during cooking and storage.
What is the Angus steak in the Arby’s sandwich?
The Angus steak in Arby’s Angus Steak Sandwich is a processed steak product, similar to the roast beef but made from Angus beef. It’s not a whole, grilled Angus steak.