Perspective: Should plant-based ‘meats’ have a place at the table?
Plant-based meat- and dairy alternatives have faced a lot of condemnation in recent years. Labeling issues, confusing ingredient lists, and mimicry of their real meat counterparts stir up emotions from consumers and producers alike.
The mystery surrounding alternatives and the blatant attempt to compete with conventional products is an understandable cause for concern; conventional producers and consumers want to protect themselves and ensure that a safe, healthy, and accurately labeled product is put on the grocery store shelves. But, in the midst of all the negative connotations that “plant-based” has drawn throughout much of the agriculture sector, is it really something that wholly awful? Even asking that question probably puts many of you on the edge of your seat.
In steps Olivia Ron. She has a master’s degree in meat and food science, a master’s in nutrition and dietetics, and is a Ph.D. candidate.
“I have worked in food manufacturing and research and development for the last five years,” she explains. “I currently work in technical sales for a company that manufactures specialty blend ingredients for processed meat products. They also currently sell a plant-based system for non-meat products.”
Ron is a meat-eating advocate but wants people to understand that plant-based and meat products can co-exist in a diet. In fact, she’ll tell you it’s necessary. While she stresses that plant-based isn’t a replacement for meat, she wants people to eat what they like and encourages living a healthy lifestyle with an omnivore’s diet.
“When It comes to food — ALL FOODS FIT — a balanced diet includes both meat and plant-based options,” Ron said. “Just because someone selects a plant-based option doesn’t mean that they can’t also integrate meat options as well. Just like I advise people to include all foods they enjoy in their diet within moderation, I believe plant-based options also have a place in any person’s diet. I don’t believe they are a replacement for meat in any way, but it’s always good to have a choice.”
Many critics argue that “plant-based” is undermined by its ingredients list. You might have seen photos listing the multitude of ingredients in a plant-based burger versus a beef patty which only lists one ingredient: beef. This seems questionable to a consumer who doesn’t want a lot of strange-sounding ingredients in their food. However, we must understand that every single thing in existence is a compilation of chemicals that everyday consumers don’t necessarily understand.