Two-thirds of vegetarian burgers are unhealthy

The composition of almost two-thirds of vegetarian burgers is not very healthy. This is according to research by the Dutch Consumers' Association. According to the organisation, the nutritional value is easy to improve. The Consumers' Association therefore calls on manufacturers to be less generous with salt.

The Consumers' Association looked at 75 vegetarian and vegan burgers, available at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus, Aldi, Hoogvliet, Dirk and Ekoplaza. Both supermarkets and A-brands produce unhealthily formulated veg burgers. For example, Vivera, Valess, De Vegetarische Slager and Lidl do not have burgers with a healthy composition. From Albert Heijn, only 3 out of 10. From Jumbo 4 out of 8 and from Garden Gourmet 2 out of 4. Plus sets a good example with its 3 veg burgers. None of them contain too much salt or too much saturated fat.

Handful of veggie burgers for vegans

The Consumers' Association further assessed whether the 27 healthily composed veg burgers contain enough protein, iron and vitamin B12. If so, they are optimal for vegans, who cannot get these nutrients from animal products. Only a handful of veg burgers meet this requirement. Sandra Molenaar, director Consumers’ Association: 'Our panel survey of over 2,000 consumers shows that vegetarians and flexitarians also consider these additives important. So here too, manufacturers can still make big strides.'

Consumentenbond.nl