Indian Plant-Based Meat Products Are Nutritionally On Par With Animal Proteins – And Sometimes Even Better

A new analysis conducted by the Good Food Institute (GFI) India has found that plant-based meat and egg alternatives in India are as nutritionally beneficial as animal proteins, and in some cases, even better. The study compared over 100 meat and egg alternatives with their animal-sourced equivalents and found that most vegan products have an equivalent or higher amount of protein, with a balanced amino acid composition.

The analysis revealed that plant-based meat products contain an average protein content ranging between 9% and 21%, with products using a combination of protein sources exhibiting higher levels. Additionally, plant-based products outperformed conventional meat and eggs in terms of fiber content. The report recommended improvements to enhance plant-based products' nutritional value, such as reducing sodium and saturated fat levels, increasing micronutrient profiles, and exploring more unconventional plant protein sources. Government funding efforts were also suggested to focus on developing healthier meat and egg alternatives, optimizing ingredients, and supporting research into the long-term health benefits of vegan diets.