Meat alternatives might seem like the miracle answer to a healthier lifestyle, but there’s a lot going on behind those plant-based patties. You’ve probably heard all the hype, but what they don’t mention might surprise you. From sneaky ingredients to environmental impacts, these “better” options aren’t always as squeaky clean as they appear. Peel back the label and see what’s really going on.

Plant-based beyond burger patties on grocery store shelf.
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Meat Alternatives Have No Environmental Impact

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While meat alternatives generally have a lower environmental footprint than traditional meat, they still require natural resources for production. Cultivation of ingredients like soy, peas, and other plant bases involves water, land, and energy. Some meat alternatives also involve complex processing which can add to their carbon footprint.

All Meat Alternatives Are More Sustainable Than Meat

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The sustainability of meat alternatives varies widely depending on the ingredients used and the production methods. For example, the environmental cost of cultivating almonds or avocados, which are used in some plant-based products, can be quite high due to water usage and agricultural practices.

Switching to Meat Alternatives Will Drastically Reduce Global Carbon Emissions

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While reducing meat consumption can lower one’s carbon footprint, the global impact also depends on the scale of adoption and the alternatives chosen. Not all alternatives are equally effective at reducing carbon emissions, and significant changes would require widespread shifts in consumer behavior and agricultural practices.

Meat Alternatives Are Always Healthier Than Meat

Person holding a package of plant-based meat burgers in a grocery store.
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Meat alternatives can vary in their nutritional content. Some are highly processed and can be high in sodium and additives, which may not make them a healthier choice compared to lean cuts of meat which offer essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.

Meat Alternatives Alone Can Solve the Issue of Animal Welfare

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While switching to plant-based alternatives can reduce the demand for animal meat and potentially decrease the number of animals in commercial agriculture, it doesn’t address all animal welfare issues. Ethical considerations also extend to the working conditions of humans in agricultural and processing industries.

Meat Alternatives Provide Complete Nutrition

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Plant-based meat alternatives often lack certain nutrients that are naturally present in animal meats, such as vitamin B12, DHA, and heme iron. Consumers need to plan their diets carefully to ensure they are not missing out on these essential nutrients.

Meat Alternatives Are Cheaper Than Meat

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The cost of meat alternatives can vary, but many are currently more expensive than conventional meat due to smaller scale production and the complexity of processing. As the market grows, prices may decrease, but currently, they can be less affordable for the average consumer.

Meat Alternatives Are Universally Accepted as Tasty

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Taste preferences vary widely, and while many find meat alternatives delicious, others may notice a significant difference in taste and texture compared to real meat. Acceptance is often influenced by personal preferences and cultural dietary norms.

11 Plant-Based Foods That Are Worse For The Environment Than Meat

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When you think of environmentally friendly foods, plant-based options often come to mind. But not all plant foods are created equal—some have a surprisingly hefty environmental impact. From high water usage to deforestation, these plant-based foods might be worse for the planet than you think.

Read it Here: 11 Plant-Based Foods That Are Worse For The Environment Than Meat

Fake Meat Can’t Compete with These High-Protein Plant-Based Foods

Burgers made from plant based meat.
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Fake meat might be all the rage, but it’s time to face the facts: there are plant-based options out there that are way better. If you’re looking to boost your protein intake or just want something that actually tastes good, this list is for you. These high-protein plant-based foods are not only delicious but also pack a punch in the nutrition department. Forget the processed stuff and explore real, flavorful alternatives.

Read it Here: Fake Meat Can’t Compete with These High-Protein Plant-Based Foods

*Select images provided by Depositphotos.

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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2 Comments

  1. Another “myth” that needs to be addressed: Meat production uses the largest percent of agricultural/land. That is untrue… meat production uses 30 percent of all agricultural, field to table (fresh produce) has been reduced to only 8 percent of all land use. It is processed foods – including processed organic, diet, and health products. The market has risen in recent decades and now takes up over 60 percent of all agricultural production. The waste is enormous including (global) transport to processing plants and packaging to transporting (globally) to markets has become the largest negative impact on the environment/energy and is larger than all operating motor vehicles combined.

    Producing and buying local (and seasonal) is healthier, better for the economy, and the single most important change necessary to implement to save the world from further environmental destruction.

    Recipes using single item ingredients are so much healthier and tastier – you have some on your blog… that’s good :) and learning how to cook (again – it’s only been the last 30 years that this craziness became) is fun and a good thing – and the produce that people will be able to buy will become (again) fresher/tastier/healthier. Currently the bulk of and most of the better produce is already contracted to processed food/supplement plants.

    Convenience/processed foods – as witnessed in all supermarkets has become an