Arby’s roast beef is as synonymous with the fast food chain as the Big Mac is to McDonald’s. The sliced roasted beef has been the cornerstone of Arby’s menu since they opened their doors in 1964.
But there has long been speculation and urban legends surrounding Arby’s famous roast beef. What exactly is in between those sesame seed buns? Is it real beef or something more questionable?
As an Arby’s fan I was determined to get to the bottom of this meaty mystery and uncover the truth about their iconic roast beef. Here’s a comprehensive look at what Arby’s roast beef is really made of.
The Infamous “Meat Paste” Myth
The biggest and most persistent myth about Arby’s roast beef is that it’s not actual beef at all. Urban legends claim their “meat” arrives as a weird liquified paste or gel. This substance then gets reformed and roasted into slices.
Understandably, the idea of “meat paste” sandwich filler sounds highly unappetising. But numerous investigations by journalists and employees have debunked this rumor. Arby’sconfirmed their roast beef is 100% real beef, not any imitation meat product
So why does this myth persist? The true appearance of the raw roast beef prior to cooking likely fuels the speculation.
The Beef Comes Pre-Packaged in an Odd Gel Broth
While the meat paste story is false, Arby’s roast beef does arrive at stores in a strange vacuum-sealed bag filled with gelatinous broth. This gives the raw beef an off-putting gray, mushy look that’s far from appetizing.
The bags of odd-looking beef lead some to assume the contents must be artificial. But it’s just regular beef and broth destined for the roaster. Once cooked, it looks and tastes like beef.
The Roast Beef is Slow-Cooked for Hours
Despite its unnatural raw state, Arby’s roast beef gets fully transformed before serving. The vacuum-packed beef is roasted for 4+ hours until reaching 130°F internal temperature. Only then is it sliced fresh to order.
Former employees confirm each roast beef sandwich contains real cooked beef sliced moments before assembly. The on-site cooking yields the signature texture.
It’s Made From Simple Ingredients
According to Arby’s, their roast beef contains just these core ingredients:
- Beef (brisket, roast beef, round)
- Water
- Salt
- Sodium phosphates
Corn syrup solids and natural smoke flavor are also added to enhance juiciness and flavor. But it’s free of artificial additives or mystery meats. The long cook time gives it the distinctive profile.
Why The Complex Process?
You may wonder why Arby’s doesn’t just season and roast beef cuts in-store. Their unique process provides:
- Consistent flavor and texture
- Food safety via centralized facilities
- Convenience for individual locations
By controlling much of the process off-site, Arby’s can guarantee each roast beef meets their standards.
The Roast Beef Quality Can Vary
The same roast beef recipe yields sandwiches of inconsistent quality at times. Several factors cause this fluctuation:
- Improper holding temperature
- Uneven cooking
- Inconsistent slice thickness
- Sitting too long before use
- Rushed or untrained staff
When everything aligns, Arby’s roast beef is tender and juicy. Other times, it can be tough and dry. But the core meat remains unchanged.
Arby’s Is Expanding Beyond Roast Beef
Although synonymous with roast beef, Arby’s wants customers to know they offer other high-quality meats now too. Recent ad campaigns spotlight their variety of sandwiches to attract new, younger diners.
But their classic roast beef that built the brand remains available for roast beef devotees.
Why Did Arby’s First Choose Roast Beef?
In 1964, most fast food joints focused on hamburgers. But the Raffel brothers chose roast beef to differentiate Arby’s as a cut above with premium, sliced meat. Their 69¢ sandwiches cost more than a burger.
Roast beef was an unusual menu item at the time that set Arby’s apart. The gamble clearly paid off in the long run.
Concerns Around Additives and Antibiotics
While made from real beef, some are concerned about additives like sodium phosphates in Arby’s roast beef. There are also unresolved questions around antibiotics used in their beef supply chain.
However, Arby’s participates in sustainability programs to source beef responsibly. They aim to strike a balance between quality, affordability and ethics.
It’s Real Beef After All!
Despite unappetizing appearances pre-cooking, Arby’s confirmed their famous roast beef is 100% genuine beef. It’s transformed through slow roasting into the menu staple generations have enjoyed since 1964. While quality fluctuates, the core meat remains high-quality beef.
Next time you grab an Arby’s sandwich, you can rest assured it contains no mystery meats or dubious origins. Just enjoy that authentic roast beef taste guilt-free!
So when you catch a whiff of Horsey sauce, no need to worry—the roast beef calling your name is the real deal. And don’t forget to pair it with some crispy Curly fries!
Where did these rumors come from?
Its the publics misunderstanding of how these foods are shipped that has possibly fueled the rumors. Maybe the speculation sprang from how Arbys roast beef arrives at its stores. Raw meat, like that which is found in a butcher shop, isnt delivered to each franchise, cut, and then cooked on the spot. Instead, the beef — sourced from suppliers in the Midwest or even as far away as Australia — comes in packages containing a gelatinized broth. This liquid keeps the meat juicy during shipping, roasting, and slicing.
Most of Arbys beef arrives ready to be slow-roasted for approximately four hours. But the beef isnt cooked the same way you would do at home. Instead, it is prepared inside the same shipping bags. Only their brisket comes ready to slice and serve since this meat has smoked for 13 or more hours in Texas smokehouses. But overall, you probably dont have to worry about the roast beef being a gelatinous mystery substance.
No, it’s not liquid meat
Snopes says one of the most disgusting fast food urban legends about Arbys dates back to at least 1997, and its the story that their roast beef isnt beef at all. The claim basically says their roast beef is actually imitation meat, made from gels, liquids, or pastes, formed into a vaguely meat-shaped lump then roasted, cooled, and turned into sandwich filler. Nothing about it sounds good, and its a weirdly enduring story.
They did some digging, and went straight to the source: Arbys Quality Assurance. They confirmed theres absolutely no truth the story, and said that their roast beef is, in fact, completely beef. Theyre well aware of the rumors, and Arbys Jim Lowder wrote Snopes, “Thank you for doing your part to curb the urban legend about Arbys Roast Beef. Im sure Im not the first to express frustration about this type of story. The answer to your question is no. Our product does not arrive as a paste, gel, or liquid.”
Of course theyll say that, the cynics think. But it was confirmed again and again independently, from Arbys employees that worked both behind the counter and in the kitchen.
The Truth About Arby’s Roast Beef
FAQ
What is Arby’s roast beef made out of?
Since Arby’s inception in 1964, the fast food chain’s roast beef has had the same ingredients: beef, water, salt, and sodium phosphates. If you have any doubt about the contents of anything sold at the restaurant, just check the detailed nutrition information list of all food items on its website.
What part of the cow is Arby’s roast beef?
Although the sandwich chain doesn’t cut their meat off the bone at each store, Arby’s roast beef comes from real beef round roast.
Can you buy Arby’s roast beef?
The roast beef comes hot and marinated in Arby’s au jus, serving 4 to 6 people per pound. Note that there is a 5-pound minimum per purchase, so it’s best reserved for larger group events. Customers can purchase the roast beef alone or opt for the bundle that includes sesame or slider buns.
Does Arby’s use 100% beef?
The Meat Blend: A Mix of American Wagyu and Angus Beef
At the heart of Arby’s Wagyu Burger is a blend of 52% American Wagyu and 48% Angus beef. American Wagyu is a crossbreed that combines the genetics of Japanese Wagyu cattle with American breeds, typically Angus.