Do Alternative Meat Products Mean Alternative Health Outcomes?

 

Ever since becoming a vegetarian eight years ago, I have watched the development of many alternative meat products. From the Impossible burger to Beyond Meat products, alternative meats have started to become more mainstream. These companies, along with many others, aim to develop products that mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of animal meat while providing a “healthier” alternative.

When talking about making these products healthier than meat, they’re not just talking about the health benefits for humans. They are also aiming to decrease the negative impact that producing animal meat products has on the environment. Another appeal to these alternative meats is the ethical concern that some people have for producing and eating animal products. 

There are a few dietary pros to consuming alternative meat products over animal products. It is known that a plant-based diet can help to prevent chronic diseases. Another positive along that same line is that the plant-based products often contain more fiber and antioxidants. Then there is the positive from a food safety perspective. Although there is still a risk of foodborne illness, the risk with plant-based products is considerably lower than animal products. 

Some of the downsides to these products are the increases in additional colors, flavors, and fillers. Plant-based products lack vitamin B12, so unless you are consuming other products that contain B12 or taking a supplement, plant-based alternative meats could lead to a deficiency. There is also a concern for those with allergies due to the use of top allergens such as wheat, soy, and nuts in these products.

Although a big draw for alternative meats is the decrease in saturated fat compared to animal products, some do not deliver on that premise. As seen in the table below from Today’s Dietitian focusing on plant-based burgers, some products can be quite high in sodium and saturated fat.

To sum it up, when it comes to plant-based alternative meats, it really is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of a product. It is important to read the nutrition label to compare products and determine whether the product is something you want to consume. 

We’ve come a long way from boring black bean and veggie burgers and this could be a big push towards eating plant based for those who love the taste of meat but want the benefits of eating plant based.

-BC

Resources:

https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0619p18.shtml#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20using%20meat%20substitutes,environmental%20outcomes%2C%20and%20dietary%20diversity.