11 Of The Unhealthiest Store-Bought Meat Alternatives

People often turn to store-bought meat alternatives driven by environmental concerns, animal welfare, health benefits, or simply a desire for dietary variety. But, are these alternatives always as beneficial as they're perceived to be? While many meat substitutes provide valuable plant-based proteins, typically sourced from soy, peas, or legumes, they frequently come with high sodium levels that can influence blood pressure. Additionally, the incorporation of certain oils increases their fat content, and a few even have surprising amounts of added sugars or carbs that can affect blood sugar levels.

Delving deeper into their composition, some of these products contain ingredients that, while generally safe, may lead to discomfort or other health issues. A prevailing notion suggests that plant-based foods are invariably healthier, but this isn't a blanket truth. Some meat alternatives can rival real meat in salt or fat content. And so, scrutinizing labels becomes imperative for individuals wary of health concerns. As with any dietary item, moderation remains the key when indulging in meat alternatives.

The Lightlife Smart Tenders Plant-Based Chicken is a tempting option for those seeking a great afternoon snack of the meat-alternative variety. Let's address several health concerns. Primarily, its 500 milligrams of sodium per serving (22% daily value) is rather high. Per Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, frequent high sodium consumption can increase the risk of hypertension and stroke. 

Although the product offers a seemingly healthy 17 grams of protein per serving, it's vital to assess its source. The soy protein concentrate and isolate present are highly processed, diverging from their original form. While they provide protein, they lack the beneficial nutrients inherent in whole soybeans. Additionally, the ingredients list mentions methylcellulose, which could lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Gardein Ultimate Plant-based Vegan Burger Patties are a source of substantial protein at 20 grams per serving. For individuals trying to maintain a balanced diet, several considerations need to be taken into account. First, its saturated fat stands at a high 45% of the daily recommended value per serving. The majority of this is likely coming from coconut oil, a known source of saturated fats. A diet high in saturated fats can increase levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, as pointed out by Mayo Clinic, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Also, the 1 gram of fiber is low for a product that is plant-based and the FDA recommends consuming at a minimum 28 grams of fiber a day to help manage our food intake.

Aside from the macro-nutrient profile, the ingredient list reveals the presence of several processed and synthetic components. For instance, textured pea protein and textured wheat protein suggest they have undergone various processing steps, hence the word "textured", to create a meat-like mouthfeel. They're included for the texture, and not necessarily for the nutrition. 

With a notable 23 grams of protein and only trace amount of saturated fat per piece, Field Roast's Smoked Apple & Sage Plant-Based Sausages might not seem like an unhealthy meat replacement product. And, with carbohydrates at 16 grams its also suitable for those following a low-carb diet. The sodium content is 24% of the daily recommended value, so it's advised to consume in moderation. The sausages also lack dietary fiber, listed as 0 grams, which doesn't help to promote digestive health or provide a sense of fullness.

Moreover, the inclusion of natural smoke flavor raises concerns. Natural smoke flavor is a food additive that is made by condensing wood fumes into a liquid. Liquid smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are linked to cancer, as shown by a 1993 study from Enayat A. Gomaa, J. Ian Gray et al.

The BOCA All American Veggie Burger offers an alternative for those seeking the classic burger experience without the actual meat. Crafted primarily with soy protein and infused with flavors from garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese, these veggie burgers deliver 14 grams of protein for a mere 110 calories per serving. They are designed for easy preparations like microwaving, or grilling, making them a convenience. 

Upon examining the ingredient list, we noticed the inclusion of corn oil, a known source of omega-6 fatty acids that, when consumed in excessive amounts, can induce inflammation. Also present is hydrolyzed vegetable protein; the addition of disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate frequently works alongside similar substances to enhance flavor, and this is reinforced by the mention of "natural flavors," which may signify naturally occurring glutamates. Such a trio of flavor boosters should be approached with caution. According to Allergy Link, potential side effects of these ingredients can range from heart arrhythmia or palpitations to migraine headaches, light-headedness, and mental confusion.

Beyond Sausage offers its Hot Italian-style links as a plant-based alternative to traditional sausages. Made primarily from peas, brown rice, and faba beans, these links pack a protein punch with 16 grams per serving with zero cholesterol. They can be enjoyed in a bun, added to kebabs, used as a pizza topping, or even crumbled into sauces. Despite the good stuff, one 100-gram link contains 530 milligrams of sodium which is 22% daily value. We also found 6 grams of saturated fat (30% daily value), a figure we regret to find, considering that a 75-gram full meat hot link carries about 7 grams. 

The product also contains inulin, which according to WebMD, can lead to bloating, cramps, and diarrhea in larger amounts. Plus, there's psyllium fiber, commonly known for its laxative effects. Surprisingly, despite the presence of both inulin and psyllium, the product offers only 2 grams of fiber per link. Seeing both these ingredients on the list does raise a question: Are these sausages meant to be just a tasty treat or are they also designed to aid digestion, albeit with minimal fiber contribution?