The term “plant-based” is hot.
I recently attended a sponsored conference in which the term “reducetarian” was introduced. This term describes meat-eaters who are trying to reduce the portions and frequency of meat consumption, and add more plants to their diet.
Less Meat, More Plants
Full disclosure: I am an omnivore. While I understand the concerns over the environmental impacts of animal agriculture, solutions that sound simple, generally aren’t. If livestock were removed from our food supply, how much water and energy would be required to replace the lost nutrition? Not so simple right?
Nonetheless, whether you are an omnivore or a vegetarian, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is a good thing. They provide us with antioxidants and other healthy components called phytochemicals. A phytochemical is a substance that has a positive health benefit.
However, seeing the term “plant-based” on a product does not necessarily translate as “good for you”. One could argue that there are a lot packaged food items that use only plant based ingredients, and been on the market a long time. Potato chips fried in vegetable oil are “plant-based”. Many packaged cookies or sandwich crackers are “plant-based”. These products are fine to eat once in a while, but shouldn’t be on your plate at every meal, every day.
Rather than only looking to add plants with packaged products, add more fruits and vegetables, nuts, and legumes, to your diet as well.
Simple ways to add more plants into your diet:
- Add more fresh, canned or frozen vegetables to your meals. You’ll be surprised the nutrition a can of tomatoes and a can of beans can provide (not to mention the quick meals).
- Incorporate soy, nuts, peanut butter and other nut butters into recipes.
- Try a meatless meal, like my Moroccan-Inspired Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas, every week, incorporating beans or legumes.
- Try a savory breakfast more often (think – veggie omelets, toast with sliced tomato, cheese, or avocado, beans and toast, or try some plant-based meat alternatives).
New Plant-Based Products
In many cases, these new plant-based products are about making new sales. The public equates “plant-based” with “better for me”. Therefore, many brands are adding plant-based products to their portfolios.
- Danone launched new plant-based creamers (a Silk Mocha Almond Creamer and a Sweet & Creamy Coconut-milk Creamer)
- Ben & Jerry’s (which was acquired by Unilever in 2000) have expanded their vegan non-dairy line. The reformulated oat-based ice-cream-alternative will be available this year.
- Beyond Meat® has reformulated their Beyond Burger®, reducing both saturated fat and sodium. (Disclosure: I attended a conference session in which Beyond Meat was a sponsor. I was able to sample the product, but I was not paid to discuss it. Learn more about it here).
“Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made!” ~ quote from the character “Yogurt” in the movie Space Balls
Are Plant-Based Products Good for the Environment?
I’m personally not convinced that these types of products will support a healthier climate. While beef production does use a lot of resources, I don’t think eliminating it from the food supply is a great strategy. A single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year, (although the calculations vary). Globally, food loss and waste contribute to 8 percent of greenhouse gases emitted. That’s more than all U.S. animal agriculture and nearly as much as total U.S. agriculture.
From an environmental impact standpoint, throwing away less food is likely more beneficial that choosing “plant-based” food.
To learn more about food waste and how to throw away less food, see my podcast interview with Ellie Krieger here.
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