As demand for plant-based products rockets, people are taking an interest in meatless meals. Meat substitutes seem like an obvious choice to many consumers. However, this term encompasses a wide range of foods with various pros and cons.
Processed meat
Ever wondered which type of food has the biggest environmental impact? The answer is red and processed meats. Also, processed meat is classed as an agent that causes cancer by the World Health Organization. Choosing plant-based alternatives is kind to the environment as well as animals, and arguably, always a healthier option.
Salt shockers
It’s important for consumers to be aware that some meat substitutes are very salty. For example, two soya sausages from certain brands contain nearly as much salt as two rashers of bacon. High salt intakes have been linked to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease.
The daily salt limit is set at 6g for adults. In relation to food labels, more than 1.5g per 100g is a high amount.
As you might expect, salt limits are lower for little ones. For example, four to six year olds should consume no more than 3g per day. Beans and chickpeas canned in water, red split lentils, plain tofu and the dry variety of soya mince are great low salt sources of protein for children.
Protein hits & misses
From a protein perspective, not every meat alternative is a good substitute. Products made from beans, cashew nuts, soya and Vegan Quorn are protein-rich options. However, if you’re eating a meat substitute based on potato, mushrooms, aubergine or jackfruit, you can balance your meal by adding food that contains good quality plant protein, such as pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, quinoa, wild rice or soya yoghurt.
Nutritional value
Anyone wanting to get the most nutritional bang for their buck needs to choose their protein sources wisely. Processed foods can significantly bump up food bills. For example, it’s possible to get over 30 servings of red split lentils for about the same price as two meatless burgers. Relying on convenience food can limit the amount of money available for buying health-promoting fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and nuts, and consequently, prevent someone from making the most of their diet.
Promoting legumes
Encouraging people to make burgers using beans, chickpeas or lentils means that they know exactly what’s in their meat substitute. Legumes are packed full of fibre and can count as one of your five-a-day. They’re an affordable, ethical and sustainable source of protein. It’s no wonder that the UK’s Eatwell Guide encourages everyone to eat more beans and pulses.
It’s important to familiarize people with different ways of enjoying legumes. Why not offer recipes for chickpea cutlets and kidney bean balls? Or how about asking a local chef to demonstrate how to make black bean burgers in-store?
If you’d like to learn more about vegan nutrition, check out the resources at vegansociety.com/nutrition, including the free VNutrition app.
