Are processed vegan products healthy or not?

The debate over the healthiness of processed vegan products remains a hot topic. Contrary to popular belief, the extent of processing or the length of the ingredient list is not always indicative of a product's healthiness. Experts recommend focusing more on the nutritional value and composition of food products. ProVeg Netherlands is exploring the impact of processed items such as bread and meat substitutes.

There is uncertainty about the health risks associated with processed food products. Highly processed foods have been linked to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Martine van Haperen from ProVeg Netherlands suggests that not all processed products are inherently unhealthy. Although processing can result in the loss of nutrients and the addition of unhealthy substances, processed products rich in beneficial nutrients, like whole grain bread, can be part of a healthy diet.

Tarred with the same brush

Classification systems like the NOVA score mainly focus on the degree of processing, disregarding the nutritional value. As a result, products like white bread and whole grain bread are often unfairly lumped together, despite their differences in nutritional value and health effects. Scientists stress that these systems are not ideal for studying the health effects of food. This leads to confusion among consumers, who may incorrectly view processed products with good nutritional values as unhealthy.

What about processed meat substitutes?

Several studies show that plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy are not only more sustainable but can also be healthier. A study involving over 266,000 participants found that the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases was higher among those who consumed a lot of ultra-processed animal products and sugary soft drinks. Conversely, bread, grain products, and plant-based alternatives did not carry this risk. Research by ProVeg Netherlands itself revealed that meat substitutes are often healthier than comparable meat products.

What to look out for?

When purchasing processed foods, it's important to check for added salt, sugar, and saturated fat. The foundation of a healthy plant-based diet includes whole grain products, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Items like tofu, tempeh, and fortified plant-based milk, as well as healthy meat substitutes, fit well into a healthy eating pattern. ProVeg offers a list of healthy meat substitutes and recipes suitable for a healthy diet.

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