Dutch plant-based products ranked the healthiest worldwide

The Netherlands has once again established itself as a leader in healthy food. Research by ProVeg International reveals that Dutch meat substitutes and plant-based milk have the healthiest composition globally. These products generally contain less salt and saturated fat while offering more nutrients than similar products from other countries.

A strong position in Europe

Dutch meat substitutes outperform those from countries like Belgium, Spain, and the United States. This is partly due to the guidelines provided by the Schijf van Vijf (Dutch dietary guidelines), which set strict criteria for healthy plant-based alternatives. According to Martine van Haperen, foodservice expert at ProVeg Nederland, this encourages manufacturers to optimize the nutritional value of their products. “Dutch people consume more meat substitutes on average than anyone else in Europe. The fact that we also lead in nutritional value is something to be proud of,” she says.

Plant-based products prove healthier

Plant-based sausages, chicken nuggets, and bacon are particularly healthier than their animal-based counterparts. The study also shows that plant-based milk, such as soy milk and oat milk, often has an equivalent or even better nutritional profile compared to cow’s milk. “Dutch soy milk contains as much protein, calcium, and vitamins as cow’s milk but is lower in saturated fat and sugar,” Van Haperen highlights. In many other countries, fortifying plant-based milk with essential nutrients is less common.

Research into international products

ProVeg analyzed the nutritional values of 673 plant-based products across 11 countries, including meat substitutes and plant-based milk. Besides the Netherlands, key research areas included Belgium, Germany, and the United States. The findings indicate that plant-based products are becoming a healthier alternative to animal-based products in more countries.

Read the study: ‘Building bridges between habit and health.’
Proveg.com