At least one-third of people who purchase meat substitute products do so because they believe them to be healthier than their meat equivalents. However, many of these products "are simply highly processed foods", Safefood has warned.

It has published a research report, which looks at vegetarian meat substitute products available in supermarkets throughout the island of Ireland. A total of 354 plant-based meat alternative products, such as burgers, sausages and mince, were assessed between April and May, 2020.

According to Safefood's director of Human Health and Nutrition, Dr Catherine Conlon, "judging by the number of plant-based meat substitute products now available, there's clearly a market for these as alternatives to meats, such as beef or chicken".

"When we asked people about these products, a third thought they were healthy or better for them. However, many of these plant-based products are simply highly processed foods. If you think about it, eating a sausage roll, whether that's plant-based or meat, is still a sausage roll," she commented.

The report also highlighted that one-quarter of meat substitute products are not a source of, or high in, protein.

"From meat substitute burgers to sausages and mince, these are now popular choices for many people who want an alternative source of protein in their diet, or want to eat them for ethical or environmental reasons. However, one in four of the products we surveyed were not an adequate source of protein," Dr Conlon warned.

She noted that these products are positioned in a category of foods that provide protein, such as meat, fish, eggs and nuts, "but, if people are considering these as a protein replacement, I would encourage them to check the label".

Dr Conlon pointed out that there are some positives associated with these products, as some are lower in saturated fat than their meat equivalents, while some are a good source of fibre.

However, she reminded people that these are processed foods "and a bit of a mixed bag".

"If you are going to eat them, read the label and look for products that are a good source of protein and lower in saturated fat, sugar and salt. There are lots of protein sources that you can choose from including meat, poultry, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, tofu and chickpeas," Dr Conlon added.

Safefood offers the following tips to people consuming these products:

-Most of these products should not be used frequently as an alternative to meat, poultry, fish, eggs, pulses and nuts
-Meat alternatives products can fit into a healthy diet, but are still processed/highly processed foods and so consumption should be limited accordingly
-Meat alternatives range in nutritional quality so consumers are advised to read labels and look for products containing sources of protein and micronutrients when possible
-Be aware that plant-based meat alternatives generally contain more carbohydrates than meat and less calories, and so may call for adjustments when using these products to directly replace meat due to their differing nutritional profile
-People are advised to include a variety of sources of protein in their diet e.g. meat, eggs, fish, legumes, nuts and tofu.

For more information on Safefood, click here.