Plant-based sandwiches, salads and pizza are NOT healthier than meat options, study reveals

MOST people see the new year as an opportunity to kick-start a healthy diet, and maybe even give Veganuary a try.

But vegan fast food meals don't contain fewer calories than their meaty counterparts, a study suggests.

Researchers analyzed a total of 1,868 meals, including sandwiches, salads, noodles and pizza, from 50 fast-food chains in five countries, including the United Kingdom.

These chains included Wagamamas, Pret, Pizza Express, Leon and Burger King.

The team collected data on calorie content, the presence of allergens and the amounts of nutrients, fiber and salt in each meal.

Their findings, published in the journal Nutrition, showed that plant-based meals contained less protein and sodium, and higher levels of carbohydrates and sugar, compared to meat-based meals.

But – bad news for those trying to shed some pounds – they found that plant-based meals were generally not linked to having fewer calories.

Lead author Mikołaj Kamiński, from Poznań University of Medical Sciences in Poland, said: 'Our findings revealed that plant-based fast food meals are likely to contain more carbohydrates and sugar than meat-based equivalents.

'Surprisingly, our research shows that plant-based meals are not associated with lower calories, which consumers may not realize.

'This really highlights the importance of making informed food choices, especially when it comes to consuming fast food – especially if you suffer from a metabolic disorder such as type 2 diabetes.

'It unmasks the illusion that plant-based alternatives to popular fast food dishes are automatically a healthier choice.'

The findings also showed that the meat-based meals were likely to contain allergens such as dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish and mustard, while plant-based meals were likely to contain allergens such as sesame, seeds and nuts.

WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?

Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains, according to the NHS

• Eat at least 5 portions of varied fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count

• Basic meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole wheat

• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole-grain cereal cookies, 2 thick slices of whole-grain bread, and a large baked potato with the skin still on

• Provide some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks) and choose lower fat and lower sugar options

• Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one portion of which is fatty)

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small quantities

• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day

• Adults should have less than 6 grams of salt and 20 grams of saturated fat for women or 30 grams for men per day

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide