Can processed meat replacements beat old fashioned steak?

What exactly are meat replacements?

Meat replacements, also known as plant-based or alternative proteins, are an increasingly popular choice for individuals looking to reduce their consumption of animal products or switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

While these products are often marketed as being more environmentally friendly than meat, the evidence suggests that this may not be the case.

What does this mean for the environment?

Its well known that reducing your consumption of animal products is a key part of living a more ecologically sound life. But are meat replacements the way to go?

All that grows isn’t golden

One concern with meat replacements is the environmental impact of the ingredients used to make them.

Some plant-based protein sources, such as soy and peas, can be resource-intensive to grow and require significant amounts of water and fertilizers. The impact of irresponsible agriculture can be devastating, contributing to soil erosion and degradation.

A truck is a truck, no matter what it transports

Another issue is the environmental impact of processing and transportation. Many meat replacements are made from ingredients that are grown in different regions and then transported long distances to be processed into the final product.

This isn’t to say that animal products aren’t transported but buying local meat and dairy will usually be better for the environment than buying imported, industrially produced meat replacements.

What is the conclusion?

When making up your mind you have to consider the entire lifecycle of meat replacements. How they are produced, transported, and disposed of.
Unethical practices in any part of this chain can completely negate any positives gained from skipping animal products.

Some studies have shown that plant-based proteins can have a lower environmental impact than animal-based proteins.  However, these studies often do not take the full lifecycle into account.

Know better, do better

We have to make peace with the fact that we will always have an impact on our planet, no matter what we do. Whether it’s pea protein or porterhouse.  The most important thing you can control in order to limit your own impact is to shift to a waste free, local lifestyle. Don’t buy imported food. Look for local alternatives and support smaller businesses and home industries.

If you want to have a real eco friendly 2023, plant a veggie garden and get a chicken or 10. If that’s too much of a stretch, at least look at the labels next time you’re choosing dinner ingredients.