1 in 4 meat substitute products aren't an adequate source of protein, according to Safefood.
However a third of people surveyed believe that they are healthier.
1 in 4 vegetarian meat substitute products are not a source of protein, our new report has found. Read more here: https://t.co/t6zDCiJWzY #meatsubstitites #meatlessmarch pic.twitter.com/FbYfdCaOkV
— safefood (@safefood_net) March 24, 2021
Meat Substitutes Have A "Health Halo"
This SafeFood research looked at the nutritional content of 354 plant-based meat-substitute products on sale in Ireland.
It found that 25% are not an adequate source of protein and many are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt
Dr Catherine Conlon is from SafeFood.
"So they have a health halo."
"But in fact, on closer scrutiny, it reveals them to be highly processed, multiple ingredients."
"They're actually a very mixed bag."
"So they have a wide variation in nutritional content."
"About half of them are a good source of protein, but about a quarter aren't."
Over A Third Perceive Meat Substitutes To Be Healthier
More than one in three adults (34%) said they ate plant-based versions meat because they perceive them to be healthier
Of those who ate them, 41% said they consumed them once a week or more frequently.
While 7% consumed them daily.
Sandra Higgins from Go Vegan World says vegans and vegetarians don't need to eat meat substitutes for a balanced diet:
"A vegan diet composed of 100% plant foods is nutritionally adequate at all stages of life."
"It's very easy for vegans to get an adequate intake of protein as long as they're eating sufficient calories."
The advice from SafeFood is to always read the label.
Also, look for products that are a good source of protein and lower in saturated fat, sugar and salt.
