Fake Meat, Real Facts: Debunking Plant-Based Meat Myths

Written By Ava Langridge

Plant-based meats are becoming more popular, offering a great alternative to traditional meat. They’re not just for vegans and vegetarians—they’re also for people looking for healthier, more sustainable, and more ethical food choices. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions about these products. This blog will break down some of the biggest myths about fake meat products to set the record straight.


Myth 1: Plant-Based Meats Are Highly Processed and Unhealthy

A prevalent belief is that plant-based meats are ultra-processed and thus detrimental to our health. While it's true that some plant-based products are processed in order to improve textures and tastes, that doesn’t necessarily make them unhealthy.

A recent article highlighted that the term "ultra-processed" is often misinterpreted, leading to false conclusions about the health impacts of plant-based meats. The study mainly linked cardiovascular (heart health) risks to ultra-processed foods like packaged breads and pastries, not plant-based meats, which made up just 0.2% of the diets studied. Plus, companies like Beyond Meat have been proactive in addressing health concerns by improving their recipes and using more whole vegetables and cleaner ingredients to make their products healthier. “Processed” doesn’t necessarily mean “unhealthy”: it’s important to look at what’s actually in the products.


Myth 2: Plant-Based Meats Are Not Environmentally Friendly

Some people argue that producing plant-based meats is just as bad for the environment as traditional meat production. However, research shows that plant-based options usually use fewer resources. A 2022 report from the Boston Consulting Group found that investing in plant-based and dairy alternatives helps cut greenhouse gas emissions more than many other investments.  Additionally, these products often require less land and water, which helps prevent deforestation and protects wildlife. According to the World Bank's What a Waste 2.0 report, recycling has an average impact of 5-9% in reducing emissions, while the Livestock's Long Shadow report states that reducing the carbon footprint of a plant-based diet can range from 75-90%. That said, not all plant-based foods are equally sustainable. Oxford University research suggests that whole plant foods like beans and lentils are some of the best choices for both the environment and nutrition. So, while plant-based meats are generally better than animal meat, it’s still important to check how each product is made.


Myth 3: Plant-Based Meats Lack Necessary Nutrients

Another common misconception is that plant-based meats are not as nutritious as real meat. But in reality, many plant-based products are fortified to have the same—or even better—nutritional value as animal meat. For instance, Beyond Meat’s plant-based steak filet, made from mycelium (a type of fungi), is a great source of protein with less saturated fat, making it a healthier option. Some people are skeptical about getting the required amount of protein from plant-based alternatives, but plant-based products high in protein often have greater protein density than animal meat. For example, a beef burger has 15g of protein per 100g of product, while a Heura (plant-based) burger contains 19g per 100g (+27%). A 2024 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that while processed plant-based foods like veggie burgers aren’t as nutritious as whole plant foods, they’re still healthier than meat. This shows that plant-based meats can be a good part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with whole foods like vegetables, beans, and grains.



Myth 4: Plant-Based Meats Do Not Taste Like Real Meat

Taste is a big deal when it comes to food, and a lot of people think plant-based meats just don’t compare to real meat. But thanks to food science, that's changing. Companies like Impossible Foods have figured out how to use heme—a molecule that gives meat its distinct flavor—to make their plant-based burgers taste, smell, and even sizzle like the real thing. On top of that, groups like Nectar are running blind taste tests in actual restaurants to make plant-based meats more appealing, not just to vegans but to regular meat eaters too. This helps make plant-based meats taste better for meat eaters and encourages them to choose these options more often. Companies like Umaro Foods and Fable Food Co have already improved their products using this feedback.


Myth 5: Plant-Based Meats Are Just a Passing Trend

Critics say plant-based meats are just a passing trend, but the demand for sustainable and ethical food options suggests otherwise. Big investments and constant innovations in the industry show that more and more people are shifting toward plant-based options. Moreover, the environmental and health benefits of eating less meat make these alternatives even more appealing. As more people become aware of climate change and animal welfare, plant-based meats are likely here to stay.

Research and new developments show that fake or alternative meat products can be healthy, good for the environment, and just as tasty and nutritious as traditional meat. As the industry keeps improving and responding to what people want, plant-based meats are set to become a big part of the future of sustainable food. Many of these myths are outdated and due to lack of information on the topic, but as more new food options arise, it’s fundamental to stay informed, in order to make the choice that best aligns with possibilities and values. Ultimately, food choices depend on an individual’s means, values and preferences, but being more informed can help make a more conscious decision. 

Written by: Nithya Rao

Contributed to by: Beatrice Bos 

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Ava Langridge
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