Unpacking Meat Alternatives: Are They Healthier Than Their Animal-based Counterparts?

Meat alternatives have witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years. From meatless chicken fillets to vegan duck, new products are frequently appearing on supermarket shelves. A study by the Vegan Society in 2021 found that one in five people reported to have reduced the amount of meat they were eating… but are these meat substitutes healthier than actual meat? Perhaps public concerns about ultra-processed foods and the cost-of-living crisis are driving people away from meat alternatives? In today’s episode, let’s find out! For this debate, I’m delighted to be joined by two award-winning nutrition professionals – Louise Durrant who is Quorn Foods’ Nutrition Communications Manager and industry nutritionist Claire Baseley. Louise Durrant is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Communications Manager at Quorn Foods. She holds both a BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Surrey. Louise was a recipient of the Nutrition Society’s Rising Star Award in 2021 and is currently also Co-Director of the European Nutrition Leadership Platform (ENLP) Essentials Programme. At Quorn Foods, Louise is responsible for the planning and implementation of the Quorn Nutrition communications with relevant healthcare, research and nutrition professionals, including the dissemination of new research. Louise also leads on partnerships with health-related organisations and workforce nutrition education, and she supports the wider business in nutrition-related communications. Claire Baseley is a Registered Nutritionist and freelance consultant to the food industry and one-to-one clients. Winner of the FDF Nutritionist of the Year award, Claire is an expert in creating corporate nutrition strategy for commercial businesses from start-ups to multinationals, with strong influencing skills that evoke meaningful change, putting public health front and centre. With over 20 years of experience, Claire has worked in regulatory, food manufacturing, food service and retail environments including the Food Standards Agency, Heinz, Finnebrogue and Bidfood. She now works with freelance clients including Ella’s Kitchen, Selfridges, and Pip and Nut as well as individuals. She specialises in nutrition for adults, infants and children as well as women in midlife and those consuming plant-based diets. Show Notes: Statistic from the introduction: https://www.vegansociety.com/news/media/statistics/worldwide Claire’s socials: Instagram: @clbnutrition Twitter: @ClaireBaseley Website: http://www.clairebaseley.co.uk Louise’s socials: Instagram: @lou.rayne.durrant Twitter: @DrLouDurrantRD Quorn Nutrition socials: Instagram: @quorn_nutrition Twitter: @Quorn_nutrition Website: www.quornnutrition.com