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What Is Plant-Based Meat? & The Benefits of Plant-Based Meat Substitutes
Plant-Based Meat is a new food alternative that offers a delicious and sustainable vegetarian alternative to meat. It has been getting a lot of attention lately, let’s take more of a look!
What is a Plant-Based Meat Substitute?
As the name implies, plant-based meat substitutes are meat substitutes made of plants.
The ingredients in meat substitutes range from soy, mushrooms, pea protein and other plant ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of meat.
Many meat substitute brands are on the market now, including Beyond Meat, Fable, Veef®, even Birdseye and many more!
Let's take a little trip down the plant-based meat substitute road for more about this progressive food ingredient.
Sustainability and Plant-Based Meat Substitutes
Plant-based meat substitutes are a growing trend in the food industry.
From an environmental perspective, these substitutes help reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that livestock creates.
Sustainability is a vital issue for the future of food production, and plant-based meat substitutes are one way to achieve it. The benefits of these substitutes include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower water consumption, and greater crop yield potential. Some companies have even developed their own meat substitute products to help them reach sustainability goals.
The popularity of plant-based meat alternatives has led to increased demand for sustainable food production methods and increased environmental awareness, which is fabulous!
What are the nutritional benefits of plant-based meat substitutes?
Plant-based meat substitutes are becoming more popular as people become more conscious about their health and the environment.
When we think of the nutritional benefits of meat substitutes, we can't discount the enjoyment factor. As a former vegetarian eater, I noticed how much I missed not the meat itself but the weight it brings to a meal, helping you feel more satiated (full) afterwards. I ended up consuming meat again because I often didn't feel satisfied. This was way before plant-based meat substitutes were a thing.
Suppose you consume a vegetarian or vegan diet for ethical reasons. In that case, plant-based meat substitutes allow you to enjoy still that feeling of a burger, spaghetti bolognese, or chicken-style dish with a similar texture that meats can provide.
From a nutritional composition perspective, plant-based meat substitutes are similar to animal meat products. They provide a good source of protein and fats. They contain a touch more salt than animal meats, which is expected to bring about a comparable flavour.
One thing to consider, not all plant-based meat substitutes come fortified with Vitamin B12, and minerals Iron and Zinc. These nutrients are essential in vegan and vegetarian diets. Just something to keep in mind when selecting these products. Check their product labels on the back of the package, where any fortification will be listed.
Final Thoughts
Plant-based meat alternatives are a growing trend in the world of food, which has led many conscious consumers to enjoy them.
Keep an eye out on brands that fortify with important nutrients B12, Iron and Zinc. And if your favourite plant-based brand doesn't, that's okay. It's just something to be aware of and make sure you meet these nutritional requirements by other means.
Have you tried plant-based meat substitutes? What's your favourite brand? Pop them in the comments below so we can enjoy them too.
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