1
|
El Sadig R, Wu J. Are novel plant-based meat alternatives the healthier choice? Food Res Int 2024; 183:114184. [PMID: 38760126 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The global market for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) is expanding quickly. In this narrative review, analysis of the most recent scientific literature was achieved to understand the nutritional profile, health implications, and the challenges faced by PBMAs. On the positive side, most PBMAs are good sources of dietary fiber, contain phytochemicals, have comparable levels of iron, and are lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol than meat. However, PBMAs frequently contain anti-nutrients, have less protein, iron, and vitamin B12, are lower in protein quality, and also have higher amounts of sodium. Substituting PBMAs for meats may cause iron, vitamin B12, and less likely protein deficiency for these vulnerable population such as women, older adults, and individuals with disorders. PBMAs fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, indicating a need to develop minimally processed, clean-label products. Replacing red meat with healthy plant-based foods is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and total mortality. There is a lack of robust, long-term evidence on the role of PBMAs consumption in health. As the nutrient contents of PBMAs can vary, consumers must read nutrition facts labels and ingredient lists to select a product that best fits their nutritional and health objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowan El Sadig
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodríguez-Martín NM, Córdoba P, Sarriá B, Verardo V, Pedroche J, Alcalá-Santiago Á, García-Villanova B, Molina-Montes E. Characterizing Meat- and Milk/Dairy-like Vegetarian Foods and Their Counterparts Based on Nutrient Profiling and Food Labels. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061151. [PMID: 36981078 PMCID: PMC10048389 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vegetarian foods are plant-based (PB) foods, often perceived as healthier foods than animal-based (AB) foods. The objective of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of a set of PB foods (meat, milk and dairy products) marketed in Spain, and to compare their nutrient profiles with respect to some AB counterparts. Nutritional information per 100 g or mL, ingredients, and nutritional declarations, as well as the Nutri-Score, NOVA, and Eco-Score of each food were collected from Open Food Facts. Differences in the nutrient compositions between PB foods and their counterparts, and between the different groups of PB foods, were assessed at a 5% significance level. A total of 544 PB foods and 373 AB foods were identified. Overall, PB foods had a higher median content of fiber and carbohydrates, but a lower amount of proteins (except PB "meat" analogues: 14 g) and saturated fats (except PB "cheese alternatives": 12.5 g), than the AB counterparts (p < 0.05). PB "milk alternatives", particularly oat "milk", showed a higher median content of total carbohydrates (8 g) and sugars (5.5 g) compared to cow milks (4.7 g carbohydrates/sugars, on average; p < 0.001). PB "meat alternatives" also had a significantly higher value of carbohydrates (9 g) than AB meats (2 g, on average; p < 0.001). PB foods were mostly classified as Nutri-Score A and B (86%). However, more than half of them were of NOVA groups 3 and 4. Thus, there is a great diversity of PB meat and milk/dairy product alternatives on the Spanish market. Despite being products of good nutritional quality compared to AB foods, they also carry drawbacks that could have an impact on nutritional health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia María Rodríguez-Martín
- Group of Plant Protein, Department of Food and Health, Instituto de la Grasa-CSIC, Campus Universitario Pablo de Olavide, Edificio 46, Carretera de Utrera Km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Patricia Córdoba
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sarriá
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), José Antonio Nováis 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vito Verardo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Justo Pedroche
- Group of Plant Protein, Department of Food and Health, Instituto de la Grasa-CSIC, Campus Universitario Pablo de Olavide, Edificio 46, Carretera de Utrera Km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Ángela Alcalá-Santiago
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Belén García-Villanova
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Esther Molina-Montes
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Groufh-Jacobsen S, Bahr Bugge A, Morseth MS, Pedersen JT, Henjum S. Dietary Habits and Self-Reported Health Measures Among Norwegian Adults Adhering to Plant-Based Diets. Front Nutr 2022; 9:813482. [PMID: 35571900 PMCID: PMC9094011 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.813482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As plant-based diets is increasing, we aimed to investigate dietary habits, dietary motivation and self-reported health of Norwegian adults who adhere to different types of plant-based diets. Methods In 2020, 808 subjects (530 women and 278 men) participated in an online survey, including vegans (8%), lacto-ovo vegetarians (16%), pescatarians (23%), and flexitarians (53%). Results Half of the participants reported to consume fruits daily, three quarters consumed vegetables daily, and one quarter consumed whole grain products daily. Half of the participants reported weekly consumption of sweets and salted snacks, and 10% reported daily consumption of sugary drinks. Daily consumption of milk and dairy substitutes were reported by vegans (49%), lacto-ovo vegetarians (33%), pescatarians (32%), and flexitarians (25%). Daily consumption of meat replacement products was reported by vegans (3%), lacto-ovo vegetarians (5%), pescatarians (2%). Reported supplement use was highest among vegans (62%) and lowest among flexitarians (28%). Dietary motivations were driven by environmental (71%), health (64%), and animal welfare (49%) concerns, across all dietary groups. 75% reported their self-perceived health to be good or very good. Conclusion We found that Norwegian adults adhering to plant-based diets consumed less fruit, vegetables, and whole grain products, together with more sugar than recommended in the Norwegian dietary guidelines. The participants reported their self-perceived health to be good or very good.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Synne Groufh-Jacobsen
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Sandsmark Morseth
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Tsuruta Pedersen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Henjum
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lares-Michel M, Housni FE, Aguilera Cervantes VG, Reyes-Castillo Z, Michel Nava RM, Llanes Cañedo C, López Larios MDJ. The water footprint and nutritional implications of diet change in Mexico: a principal component analysis. Eur J Nutr 2022; 61:3201-3226. [PMID: 35438358 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02878-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nutrition transition (NT) has modified the way that the Mexican population eats, while their body composition has also been modified. These changes have been linked with environmental impacts; however, little is known regarding water footprint (WF). The objective of this paper was to analyze the NT process in Mexico and evaluate its impact on WF using principal component analysis (PCA). METHODS A validated Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ) was modified and applied to 400 adults from the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara, Mexico. The WF was calculated according to the WF Assessment Method. PCA and tertiles analysis was carried out to define dietary patterns WFs (DPWF). Questions covering sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as body composition data and physical activity levels were measured. RESULTS The average DPWF was 6619.58 ± 3182.62 L per person per day (L p-1d-1). We found three DPWF by PCA: Medium NT (55% from the total sample), Healthy plant-based (28%), and High in animal protein (17%). The highest energy consumption, western and Mexican foods intake, and dietary WF were found in Medium NT DPWF, as well as obesity prevalence. Fruits and vegetable consumption was higher in Healthy plant-based DPWF. Muscle mass percentage was higher in the High in animal protein DPWF. CONCLUSIONS Although most of the population is currently on Medium NT, new dietary patterns have emerged, where there was found a trend to plant-based diets but also diets high in animal food sources that can influence nutritional status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lares-Michel
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento S/N. Parque Tecnológico de la Salud. Armilla, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Fatima Ezzahra Housni
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México.
| | - Virginia Gabriela Aguilera Cervantes
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| | - Zyanya Reyes-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| | - Rosa María Michel Nava
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Campus Ciudad Guzmán, Avenida Tecnológico 100, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, México
| | - Claudia Llanes Cañedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| | - Madeline de Jesús López Larios
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro, 49000, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The food system and climate change: are plant-based diets becoming unhealthy and less environmentally sustainable? Proc Nutr Soc 2021; 81:162-167. [PMID: 35156593 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665121003712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A plant-based diet, which can include small amounts of meat, is the foundation for healthy sustainable diets, which will have co-benefits for health, climate and the environment. Studies show that some of the barriers to making this dietary change and reducing meat consumption are perceptions that plant-based diets are inconvenient, it takes too much time and skills to prepare meals and ingredients are expensive. The food environment is changing and the industry is responding with the exponential increase in the market of highly processed, convenient and cheap plant-based foods. This overcomes some of the barriers, but there is concern about whether they are healthy and environmentally sustainable. Plant-based foods have a halo effect around health and the environment, but many being produced are ultra-processed foods that are high in energy, fat, sugar and salt and have a higher environmental impact than minimally processed plant-based foods. The trend towards eating more highly processed plant-based convenience foods is a concern with regard to both public health and the targets set to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 'modern day' plant-based diet emerging is very different to a more traditional one comprising pulses, vegetables and wholegrain. Studies show that those who are younger and have been a vegetarian for a shorter duration are eating significantly more ultra-processed plant-based foods. While there is a place for convenient, desirable and affordable plant-based food to encourage dietary change, care should be taken that this does not subconsciously set a path which may ultimately be neither healthy nor sustainable.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tso R, Forde CG. Unintended Consequences: Nutritional Impact and Potential Pitfalls of Switching from Animal- to Plant-Based Foods. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082527. [PMID: 34444686 PMCID: PMC8398225 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumers are shifting towards plant-based diets, driven by both environmental and health reasons. This has led to the development of new plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) that are marketed as being sustainable and good for health. However, it remains unclear whether these novel PBMAs to replace animal foods carry the same established nutritional benefits as traditional plant-based diets based on pulses, legumes and vegetables. We modelled a reference omnivore diet using NHANES 2017–2018 data and compared it to diets that substituted animal products in the reference diet with either traditional or novel plant-based foods to create flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets matched for calories and macronutrients. With the exception of the traditional vegan diet, all diets with traditional plant-based substitutes met daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and Vitamin B12 and were lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than the reference diet. Diets based on novel plant-based substitutes were below daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B12 and exceeded the reference diet for saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Much of the recent focus has been on protein quality and quantity, but our case study highlights the risk of unintentionally increasing undesirable nutrients while reducing the overall nutrient density of the diet when less healthy plant-based substitutes are selected. Opportunities exist for PBMA producers to enhance the nutrient profile and diversify the format of future plant-based foods that are marketed as healthy, sustainable alternatives to animal-based products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tso
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117599, Singapore;
| | - Ciarán G. Forde
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117599, Singapore;
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tso R, Lim AJ, Forde CG. A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence Supporting Consumer Motivations for Alternative Proteins. Foods 2020; 10:E24. [PMID: 33374855 PMCID: PMC7823589 DOI: 10.3390/foods10010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative proteins are receiving increased global attention. This burgeoning interest in plants (especially plant-based meat alternatives), insects, algae, and cultured meat has been attributed to their reported health benefits, lower environmental impact and improved animal welfare compared to conventional animal-based meat. Food producers and the media are promoting acceptance of these products, claiming superior nutritional, environmental and ethical credentials and a desirable novel sensory experience. However, the evidence supporting these claims remains unclear. In this review, we summarise the main evidence underlying the nutritional, sensorial, economical, ethical, and environmental reasons reported for the rise in consumer demand for alternative proteins. We found many of these reasons to lack a strong evidence base. For instance, evidence is emerging for the nutritional benefits of plant-based meat alternatives, but present claims are largely based on established evidence for plant-based diets. Significant research gaps remain, especially longitudinal evidence on the sustained effects of replacing conventional animal-based proteins with alternative sources. For many alternative proteins, challenges exist in achieving desirable sensory properties akin to animal-based meat to promote their acceptance by consumers. Overall, fundamental shifts in the food system are required to create a culture in which healthful and sustainable food choices are the norm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tso
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117599, Singapore; (R.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Amanda JiaYing Lim
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117599, Singapore; (R.T.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Ciarán G. Forde
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117599, Singapore; (R.T.); (A.J.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|