Study reveals Plant-based sandwiches, salads, and pizza are NOT healthier than meat options

MOST people see the New Year as a chance to kickstart a healthy eating regimen, and maybe even give Veganuary a go.

But vegan fast-food meals do not have fewer calories than their meaty counterparts, a study suggests.

Researchers analyzed a total of 1,868 meals including sandwiches, salads, noodles, and pizza from 50 fast food chains across five countries, including the UK. The team collected data on the calorie content, the presence of allergens, and the quantities of nutrients, fiber, and salt in each meal.

Their findings, published in the journal Nutrition, revealed that plant-based meals had less protein and sodium, and higher levels of carbohydrates and sugar, compared to meat-based meals.

But – in bad news for those trying to shed some pounds – they discovered that overall, plant-based meals were not linked with having fewer calories.

Lead author Mikołaj Kamiński, from the Poznań University of Medical Sciences in Poland, said: ‘Our findings revealed that plant-based fast-food meals were more likely to contain more carbohydrates and sugar than meat-based equivalents.‘ Surprisingly, our study shows that plant-based meals are not associated with lower calories, which consumers may not realize.

‘This really emphasizes the importance of making informed food choices, especially when it comes to consuming fast food – even more so if you suffer from a metabolic disorder like type 2 diabetes.

‘It exposes the illusion that plant-based alternatives of popular fast-food dishes are automatically a healthier choice.’

The findings also showed that the meals containing meat were more likely to have allergens such as dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard, while plant-based meals were more likely to contain allergens such as sesame, seeds, and nuts.

Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruit and vegetables count

Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain

30 grams of fiber a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread, and a large baked potato with the skin on

Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower-fat and lower-sugar options

Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)

Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts

Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day

Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide  

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