A new study by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has called into question the nutritional content of the fake meat products which are sold by supermarkets.

The research involved analysing the “plant-based meat alternatives” (PBMAs) which were available from Tesco and Sainsbury’s across the island of Ireland over a three-year period.

Overall, there was a gradual increase in the number of fake meat products available, with 350 products listed in 2021-2022 compared to 398 by 2023-2024.

However, the study found that 90% of the PBMAs were deemed “ultra processed foods” according to the internationally recognised NOVA food classification system.

“The carbohydrate, sugar and salt contents of PBMAs were significantly higher than comparable meat products,” the QUB researchers state.

The study, which has been published in the scientific journal Foods, draws attention to the high salt content of fake meats, describing it as “an important nutritional shortcoming”.

“In addition to its use as a flavour enhancer, salt is added to PBMAs for functional purposes, including textural and preservative purposes,” the study reads.

While PBMAs have lower total and saturated fat contents when compared with meat, the protein content of fake meat products is identified as a common concern among consumers.

The QUB researchers state that “consumers may be justified in their concerns” as their research found that up to 18% of PBMAs were “not considered a source of protein based on EU Commission thresholds”.

Across the three years of the study, the authors found “only minor improvements” in the nutritional makeup of the fake meat products that were on offer.

In particular, it is recommended that “further fortification and reformulation” of PBMAs should take place to increase the levels of iron, zinc and vitamin B12, while reducing salt.

The researchers also state that considerable improvements could be made in how fake meats are packaged, given that these products are “often marketed as being better for the planet”.

“The findings from the current study revealed that less than a third of products at each timepoint were eligible to be fully recycled at home,” the study reads.