Plant-Based Food: Is It Truly Worth The Hype?

Plant-based food. Definitely unheard of amongst foodies, the growing demand for it has taken the food industry by storm. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, plant-based food saw a retail growth of 11% in 2019, compared to other retail foods who had a minor 2% on average (Simon). Not forgetting the increasing number of companies that are hopping on this plant-based trend as well. Plant-based meat alternative company, Impossible Foods, is an example. The demand for Impossible Food’s plant-based meats were so high that they mentioned they were “struggling to keep up” (Valinsky and Wiener-Bronner). However, despite its already huge demand for it, the hype for it is not looking to die any time soon. Its Compound Annual Growth Rate estimated to rise by 13.82% by 2024, says BIS Research (Bloomberg). These statistics only mean an increasing number of people are integrating plant-based food into their diet.

But that exactly does it mean for a food to be plant-based? By definition, it is a food “consisting or made entirely of plants, or mainly of plants” ('PLANT-BASED | Meaning In The Cambridge English Dictionary'). Thus it does not include animal products. As consumers are split on the meaning of a ‘plant-based diet’ per se ('Food Trends To Watch In 2020 — IFIC Foundation'), this essay will interpret it as the general idea of integrating plant-based foods into a diet, which does not consist of animal products as well. However, why is there a sudden need to change eating habits that have been with us since the beginning of time? In this essay, I will uncover the truth behind plant-based foods, and why they are not worth the hype.

When one hears ‘plants’, it is no question that they would associate it to health. We are constantly told to “eat our greens” as they are deemed to provide several health benefits for our body. However, is it really necessary to go plant-based just to be healthy? Let us explore the health advantages and disadvantages of plant-based food.

Firstly, it improves cardiovascular health. A case study was done for a type 2 diabetes patient, where he was “prescribed a low-sodium, plant-based diet that excluded all animal products”, along with the other regular medication and treatments. After a period of 4 months, his blood sugar levels dropped significantly, from 11.1% to 6.3%. This amazing progress was an uncommon sight in clinical practice, and justified the effectiveness of his new diet (Tuso). In addition to that, plant-based diets have proven to be able to prevent obesity. A study done by the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), showed that those who consumed animal meat not more than once a week had lower BMIs in comparison to those who did not (Berkow, and Barnard). This proves that their weight was significantly affected by their diet. Besides having the ability to counter heart diseases and weight gain, studies have shown that there is a possibility of it preventing cancer. This is because many plant-based foods include soy as a source of protein (Michelfelder). This includes Impossible Foods plant-based patties (“What are The Ingredients?”). The Journal of the American Medical Association studied women with breast cancer and realised that those who often included soy products in their diet was 32% less bound to experience breast cancer again, and had 29% less chance of death. This was in comparison to those who did not take soy (Shu). Therefore, proving the many health benefits of opting for plant-based foods in their diet.

Unfortunately there are downsides, health-wise, when it comes to integrating plant-based food. Studies have shown that by cutting out animal meat, there could be a possibility of nutrient deficiency. The vital dietary nutrient ‘choline’, is formed in the liver. However, the amount produced by our body is insufficient for our dietary needs, and this could lead to liver disease. Thus nutritionists recommend obtaining this nutrient through consuming animal products like eggs, meat and seafood. The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data proved how those who consumed those animal products had a higher percentages of choline compared to those who did not (Derbyshire). On top of that, those who decide to cut out animal products may be prone to vitamin B12 deficiency and certain fatty acids, which are essential for our brain health. Lacking in these may lead to several cognitive issues (Mintz). Other than causing serious deficiencies, when comparing some plant-based substitutes to actual animal meat, it has no nutritional advantage. In fact, it might be better to stick to animal meat instead. For example, plant-based meat company Impossible Foods recently collaborated with fast-food chain Burger King to create a new burger called the Impossible Whopper; a plant-based version of the chain’s famous Whopper. However its nutritional values are almost on par with each other, with the plant-based version being slightly worse. The Whopper has a sodium count of 980, while the plant-based version has 1,240 (Taylor). These examples justifies the health downsides of plant-based foods, therefore proving that plant-based foods may not be as healthy as the public perceives.

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Looking at both sides, both plant-based foods and non-plant-based foods have their benefits and disadvantages. However, the disadvantages stand out more as plant-based food is only healthy if in its whole form or not processed. Consumers have to look carefully at the nutritional labels if they really care about their health, and must know what their body needs to ensure optimal health. As seen with the diabetic patient mentioned, he had to consume a “low-sodium” foods (Tuso), which does not include plant-based creations like the Impossible Whopper as it has a high sodium count (Taylor). This shows that despite a product being plant-based, it is not necessarily better healthwise, and thus proves that it is not worth the hype.

Besides health, plant-based foods have gained interest due to its more ethical ways. Those who stand strong against animal-cruelty will feel reassured with this new food option that does not harm any living beings. Or does it? Let us explore the advantages and disadvantages in the creation of these plant-based foods, and if they are truly ethical.

Firstly, opting for plant-based foods means no animals have to be killed in the process, which is seen as a more ethical option as it discourages factory farming. This is something many may know, however they may not be aware of the extent of factory farming. The reason behind the emergence of factory farming was to reduce the cost of production for animal products. By doing this, consumers will be drawn to the attractive pricing and thus the company makes more money (Anomaly). However, paying less for the products comes with a hefty price; and it is by no means monetary. For example, factory farming for poultry forces hens to live their entire lives in extremely small and restrictive cages, where they have no space to move. This causes their bones to gradually weaken, with a study mentioning that 24% of them suffer from broken bones once removed ('An HSI Report: The Welfare Of Animals In The Egg Industry'). Another example would be the mistreatment of pigs, even through simple actions like transportation. According to the National Pork Board, 420,000 hogs face injuries while 170,000 face death while being transported (Grandin). Other than the mistreatment of pigs and hens, cows are affected too. A cattle slaughterhouse was reported dissecting their cattles even while they were fully conscious (Warrick). These examples prove how violently handled these animals are in factory farming, and that there is no concern for any pain the animal is experiencing. Therefore proving that plant-based foods are the more ethical option as it minimises demand for meat and thus reduces factory farming activities.

Plant-based foods may not do harm to animals, but while one side is relieved of its pain, another side suffers. In this case, mankind. Plant-based foods are a privilege to developed countries as they have the technology to produce such foods. Consumers follow this new trend blindly, with the impression that they are doing more good than harm. However they are unaware of the negative effects it causes to other parts of the world. Firstly, it encourages child labour. According to a report by the International Labour Office in 2017, “seventy-one per cent of children in child labour work in the agricultural sector”. In comparison to past statistics in 2012, this was a rise of 10 million children ('Ending Child Labour By 2025: A Review Of Policies And Programmes'). As plant-based foods are dependent on agriculture, the rise in demand for it would develop further negative impacts for child workers. More children would have to work to generate enough produce for these plant-based companies. Besides child labour, pursuing more plant-based foods could lead to other parts of the world falling short of their own foods. For example, in less-developed countries, hunger is much more prevalent. Statistics from the World Health Organisation indicate that malnutrition affects an estimated 22.2% of children under five. However in places like Africa and Asia, these rates may exceed 30% ('Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates - Levels And Trends (2017 Edition)'). Thus they opt for animal-sourced foods, as in comparison to plant-based foods, they are richer in the nutrients needed. Foods made from animal meat are crucial in preserving health and food security (Adesogan et al.). When demand for plant-based food increases, fertile land is taken away from farms used for animals needed for food. This is to make land for more produce (AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA —Transformation And Outlook). Plant based food is rather cruel in this aspect, as it has negative effects on humankind. Thus plant-based food is not ethical.

Considering both parties provide reasons to why it may or may not be ethical to consume plant-based foods, opting for plant-based foods is as inhumane as consuming animal meat. Although mistreatment of animals is concerning, if it is one’s morals in question, going plant-based will not necessarily solve that. Others who may not be as privileged will have to suffer because of the decisions made by us. Moreover, we do not have to advocate factory farming to continue eating our animal products. Rather than going towards the extreme route and completely cutting out animal products, we can still consume it in moderation, in a more ethical manner. For example, free-range and organic farms are more sustainable options for those who want to be assured that the animal was treated with care before being slaughtered. Daylesford Farms is an example of a farm that advocates ethical farming (Rivera). By supporting ethical farms, we are standing up against factory farming, while not contributing to child labour or world hunger. Thus plant-based food is not worth the hype as we are still able to consume animal products, through responsible consumerism.

In conclusion, although the reason and intention behind the creation of plant based foods is reliable, it is not worth the hype. It may give the impression of a healthier alternative, however a healthy diet is still possible without completely disregarding animal products, and through the right eating habits. Plant-based foods may seem more ethical on one end, but has negative effects on the other. Being cautious about where exactly your food comes from is key in ensuring one makes more humane choices. The lesson learnt here is to have everything in moderation, and to be aware of how your decision as a consumer affects the ecosystem. Based on what we have discussed, one cannot simply expect to have a healthy diet or be more ethical by doing such a simple act of eating plant-based. The situation is more broad than we consumers assume, and there are many factors we must consider before diving into a new trend.