As more and more people become aware of the impact that meat consumption has on the environment, their health, and animal welfare, the demand for meat alternatives has been on the rise. In the UK, this trend is gaining momentum, and it's easy to see why.
Meat alternatives provide a more sustainable and ethical food source, which is essential for a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges.
In recent years, the range of innovative meat alternatives has expanded significantly. These include plant-based bacon, prawns, mince, steaks and even burgers that look, taste, and cook like real meat (read 'they bleed when you cook them!).
Linda Loma Foods was the first company that started creating meat substitutes and was founded 1905.
Quorn (using a protein derived from fungi) and Linda McCartney (using a protein derived from soya) were the most popular meat alternative brands for a long time in the UK.
More recently however, brands such as This, Meatless Farm, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, have entered the UK market, offering high-quality plant-based alternatives.
Restaurants and fast food chains are jumping on board and offering meat-free options. In 2019, Greggs launched it's first vegan sausage roll in the UK, and McDonald's introduced the McPlant burger in 2021.
A word of caution must be added here, eating a plant based diet full of whole foods is good for the planet and your health, but going for the meat alternative option at a fast food joint is not automatically 'healthy'.
Below is a comparison of a meat alternative burger and a meat burger.
| Typical Values (Cooked) | Beyond Meat (113g) | Beef (113g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kJ) | 1183kJ | 1212kJ |
| Energy (kcal) | 285kcal | 290kcal |
| Fat | 21.4g | 17.0g |
| Of which saturates | 6.3g | 7.3g |
| Fibre | 1.4g | 0.5g |
| Protein | 19.2g | 29.4g |
| Salt | 0.8g | 0.9g |
Ultimately, nobody eats a burger (whether meaty or not) to be healthy but nonetheless it is important to bear in mind.
That said, the future of meat alternatives in the UK looks bright. With growing concerns about climate change, animal welfare, and health, the demand for sustainable and ethical food sources is only going to increase.
As more consumers switch to meat alternatives, the market will continue to grow, offering even more exciting and innovative products.
If you're considering trying a meat alternatives, there's never been a better time. With a wide range of products available, from plant-based burgers to bacon to salmon, you will find something to take your fancy! And with the added benefits of reduced environmental impact, and being ethically produced, it's a win-win situation for both you and the planet.
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