Plant-based meats have become more popular in recent years, with consumers being able to find alternatives to everything from hot dogs to breakfast sausages.
And though plant-based meats are generally considered the healthier option, they sometimes lack nutrients found in their meat equivalents, a new study found.
In testing 132 plant-based meat products, researchers in Australia found that they offered similar amounts of protein when compared to equivalent meat products. But only 12% of plant-based meats were fortified with iron, zinc and B-12 – nutrients that are commonly found in animal protein. Plant-based meats also can be high in sugar.
Maria Shahid, a data analyst at the George Institute for Global Health, which conducted the study, said both meat options are concerning when it comes to healthy eating.
“Both plant-based and processed meats mostly fall into the ultra-processed category, so this raises concerns about their role in a healthy diet,” Shahid said. “While we found plant-based meat products were generally healthier than their processed meat equivalents, healthier alternatives would still be lean unprocessed meats and legumes, beans and falafel.”
Plant-based meats are typically made from peas, soy, wheat gluten and rice. Though they may lack some essential vitamins, the researchers found they generally have less saturated fat and sodium than meat products. They also offer more fiber.
