Are Plant-Based Meat Replacements Better For You Than Real Meat?

Vegans and vegetarians have been consuming plant-based meat replacements for years and now health enthusiasts who simply want to ensure they are receiving the nutrients they need are jumping on the plant-based bandwagon. But are plant-based meats actually good for you?
In an attempt to keep up with the high demand for plant-based meat replacements, Australian supermarkets have stocked their shelves with popular products for everyday health seekers to try at home. We have gone ahead and provided a list of meat-free products which can be found at your local Coles or Woolworths, along with an official health star rating to give you a better idea of where to start on your plant-based journey.
Woolworths | Health Star Rating | Price |
---|---|---|
Made with plants - meat free bacon | 3.5 HSR | $8.00 |
Unreal co. - Plant based beefy brat sausages | 4 HSR | $5.00 |
V2 - Plant based burgers | 4.5 HSR | $9.00 |
Made with plants - Meat free mince | 3 HSR | $7.70 |
Plantein - Plant based Schnitzels | 3.5 HSR | $7.50 |
Coles | Health Star Rating | Price |
---|---|---|
Next! - Plant based bacon strips | - | $7.50 |
The alternative meat co. - Plant based beefy sausages | 4 HSR | $7.00 |
V2 - Plant based burgers | 4.5 HSR | $9.00 |
Herb & Sons - Beef free mince | 3.5 HSR | $7.50 |
Herb & Sons - Plant based chicken schnitzel | 2 HSR | $8.00 |
Experts in healthy eating Food Frontier, recently completed a report outlining the health benefits of plant-based meats as well as comparing the overall health value to that of real meat, essentially answering the questions ‘is there any real difference?’ and ‘are plant-based meats actually good for us?’
The report found that many plant-based meats have higher protein levels, lower kilojoules and sodium content as well as lower fats and saturated fats. When compared to real meats, plant-based meats have also been found to hold health-promoting fibres contributing to a higher health star rating on average for plant-based meat replacements in five out of six categories including sausages, bacon and poultry. Interestingly, plant-based meats and real meats score the same health star rating in one category – mince; this is due to the fact that mince is less processed than other products such as bacon and sausages.
Nutritionists Valentina Duong and Sarah Appleford explain why plant-based meat products aren’t always necessarily the healthier option.
While these plant-based meats are “ultra-processed” this doesn’t mean real meat is necessarily the answer to our health prayers. According to data from a 2019 OECD report, Aussies are binging on red meat, consuming 102% more than recommended by the most recent dietary guidelines. Not only are we over consuming red meat, but last year’s results reflected that 1/3 of an adults’ diet is comprised of non-lean and overly processed meats.
So, what if instead of replacing real meat with fake meat, we took a more natural approach to our diets? Our nutritionists explain why seeking out plant-based meals with minimal processing could be the key to healthy meat substitution.
It’s never been easier for health seekers to switch to a plant-based diet. Whether it be for ethical, sustainable or nutritional reasons, there is a plethora of delicious, meat-free options out there ready to be taste tested. So, why not give it a go?