Journal article

Ultra-processing markers are more prevalent in plant-based meat products as compared to their meat-based counterparts in a German food market analysis


Authors listMetz, Kemja-Maria; Neumann, Nathalie Judith; Fasshauer, Mathias

Publication year2023

Pages2728-2737

JournalPublic Health Nutrition

Volume number26

Issue number12

ISSN1368-9800

eISSN1475-2727

Open access statusGold

DOI Linkhttps://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023002458

PublisherCambridge University Press


Abstract
Objective: To compare ultra-processing markers and nutrient composition in plant-based meat products (PBMP) with equivalent meat-based products (MBP). Design: A total of 282 PBMP and 149 MBP within 18 product categories were assessed. Based on the NOVA classification, 33 ultra-processing markers were identified and six ultra-processing bullet categories were defined, that is flavour, flavour enhancer, sweetener, colour, other cosmetic additives and non-culinary ingredients. The ingredient lists were analysed concerning these ultra-processing markers and ultra-processing bullet categories, as well as nutrient composition, for all PBMP and MBP. Differences between PBMP and MBP were assessed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. Setting: Cross-sectional analysis. Participants: 282 PBMP and 149 MBP. Results: The percentage of ultra-processed food (UPF) items was significantly higher in PBMP (88 %) as compared to MBP (52 %) (P < 0 center dot 0001). The proportion of UPF items was numerically higher in 15 out of 18 product categories with differences in six categories reaching statistical significance (P < 0 center dot 05). Flavour, flavour enhancer, colour, other cosmetic additives and non-culinary ingredients were significantly more prevalent in PBMP as compared to MBP (P < 0 center dot 0001). Concerning nutrient composition, median energy, total fat, saturated fat and protein content were significantly lower, whereas the amounts of carbohydrate, sugar, fibre and salt were significantly higher in PBMP (P < 0 center dot 05). Conclusions: Ultra-processing markers are significantly more prevalent in PBMP as compared to MBP. Since UPF intake has been convincingly linked to metabolic and CVD, substituting MBP with PBMP might have negative net health effects.



Citation Styles

Harvard Citation styleMetz, K., Neumann, N. and Fasshauer, M. (2023) Ultra-processing markers are more prevalent in plant-based meat products as compared to their meat-based counterparts in a German food market analysis, Public Health Nutrition, 26(12), pp. 2728-2737. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023002458

APA Citation styleMetz, K., Neumann, N., & Fasshauer, M. (2023). Ultra-processing markers are more prevalent in plant-based meat products as compared to their meat-based counterparts in a German food market analysis. Public Health Nutrition. 26(12), 2728-2737. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023002458



Keywords


NOVA classificationNUTRIENT COMPOSITIONPlant-based meat productsUltra-processed food

Last updated on 2025-20-06 at 13:07