As awareness continues to grow concerning the imminent threat of climate crisis, many are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One step that many people are taking is reducing their meat consumption. Livestock farming is a major contributor to climate change for many reasons, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land usage (deforestation). Producing meat creates more emissions than producing plant-based foods when you measure per unit of energy. A third of the water used for agriculture goes to caring for livestock. Additionally, meat production produces nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants which all affect biodiversity.
In recent years, many plant-based meat alternatives have gained popularity and have also evolved in taste and texture, including Beyond and Impossible meats. However, they do not come without concerns. Plant-based meats are highly processed, have levels of saturated fat, and may not contain enough protein to reach recommended daily values. For instance, an Impossible Burger contains 19 grams of protein while a lean beef burger contains 28 grams. Some plant based meats contain more fat, too. The Impossible Burger has 8 grams of saturated fat compared to 6 grams in a beef burger. However, plant-based meats are much higher in other important nutrients, including fiber, potassium, thiamin, and zinc.
Ultimately, there are health benefits and drawbacks to the plant-based meat alternatives, as there are with most foods. However, the plant-based options are proven to be better for the environment. So, if plant-based meats are a food that you enjoy, they can be a great option when you are craving a burger, some sausage, or some meaty crumbles to add to your dish.