Is processed vegan meat healthy? It’s an age-old question (okay, not that old, but it’s still frequently asked), but it doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The truth is, it depends on how much you’re eating.
In the last few years, the number of vegan meat products lining the shelves has surged dramatically. The global market, which was valued at more than $5 billion in 2021 and is set to hit more than $33 billion by 2031, has given us bacon, burgers, sausages, chicken pieces, and much more, all of which look, taste, and cook like real animal meat—but they’re made from plants. Catering to the growing demand from vegans and flexitarians alike, the alternative protein industry is consistently innovating to produce products that are tastier and more convincing than previous iterations.
But while the growth in the plant-based protein market is exciting, is processed vegan meat actually good for us? Spoiler alert: it’s still better than real animal meat, according to research. But there are some things to keep in mind before you start eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What is processed vegan meat?
Processed vegan meat is, essentially, a plant-based product that has been made to look, taste, and cook like real animal meat using a wide range of non-animal ingredients.
Take the Beyond Burger, for example. The juicy patty has the same texture and mouthfeel as a beef burger, but it’s made with pea protein—a popular plant-based ingredient derived from yellow peas. Quorn is another popular example. The British brand uses mycoprotein, a type of protein that comes from fungus, to make its extensive vegan and vegetarian meat portfolio, which includes products like vegan ham, chicken, and pork. These two brands are just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to plant-based meat products, there are quite literally hundreds of options out there on the shelves.
Note: while tofu and seitan can be used in place of meat, as well as ingredients like jackfruit and mushrooms, in this article, we are looking at processed options from vegan meat brands. But for more on each of these ingredients, check out our guide to nutritious ingredients to replace meat here.
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