The market for plant-based dairy and meat alternatives is growing swiftly. According to the University of Bath’s research, these goods are better for our health and the environment. When seeking vegetarian options, people may find it simpler to adapt to today’s plant-based alternatives. Experts estimate the market for plant-based meat will grow by 19% between 2022 and 2030.
It is estimated that the market for plant-based dairy substitutes will reach $11 billion in 2020 and $32 million in 2031. In addition, the University of Bath’s recent study claims that dairy and meat alternatives made from plants are better for the environment and human health. In the Future Foods journals, the new research just recently made its debut.
What are Plant-Based Meat and Dairy Products?
The first meat substitute product came in the 1960s and was made of soy. Later, replacements using texturized vegetable protein (TVP) were also visible on the trait.
Today’s plant-based meat substitutes closely resemble the texture and flavor of real meat by using components like soy, pea protein, potato starch, oils, and other binders and flavorings.
Plants are used to create dairy products as alternatives to those made from cow’s milk. The earliest soy milk report originated in China almost 2,000 years ago, stated by Trusted Source much earlier.
Even though soy milk products are still widely used, they now coexist on store shelves with dairy substitutes produced from oats, rice, almonds, hemp, and coconut.
Additionally, today’s dairy substitutes go beyond simple milk-like beverages to include yogurt, butter, cheese, and ice cream replacements.
Are Plant-Based Substitutes Healthy?
Dr. Bryant claims that this study aimed to look into the sustainability of the ecosystem and the healthfulness of plant-based alternatives to animal products.
The study by Dr. Bryant, according to MNT, “suggests the reverse. Many individuals may have the intuition that this means these things are toxic or detrimental to the environment. However, he said that plant-based alternatives to animal products are healthier and more environmentally friendly than the animals they replace.
According to the research, plant-based dairy and meat products are less polluting than animal goods, require less water and land, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
And Dr. Bryant’s team discovered that plant-based alternatives not only gave legitimate options for shedding pounds and growing muscle but also made it simpler to add components that had additional health advantages, such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
This data analysis shows that “plant-based alternatives to animal products frequently have a superior health profile than those made from animals,” according to Dr. Bryant.
He specifically mentioned that overweight patients could gain from moving from chicken to mycoprotein because it would boost their fiber consumption, make them feel fuller on fewer calories, and reduce insulin response.
Pros and Cons of Meat Alternatives
MNT also discussed this study with clinical nutritionist Lauren Sepe, who works inNew York City as the on-site nutritionist at the Kellman Wellness Center.
Given that many of the health and environmental issues mentioned in the study about the use of animal meat are universal issues, Sepe suggested that today’s plant-based meat alternatives products are a “mixed bag” because of some of the less healthful elements they may contain.
Sepe said, “I find some of the ingredients in these alternatives suspicious, and they might not be the healthiest option if used in large quantities.” That being said, burgers are a great occasional option for people who want the flavor of eating a burger without eating meat.
Sepe cautioned against making plant-based foods the foundation of your diet, despite many believing they are superior choices. “It is not advisable to frequently include them in your diet. You must therefore make intelligent selections.”
Although these foods unquestionably have a role in offering plant-based alternatives to animal options for consumers, she continued, more research is needed on the general health of these lab-produced foods.
