- Researchers analyzed 1,868 meals from 50 fast food chains in five countries.
- Vegan options are low in protein and sodium and high in carbohydrates and sugar
Most people see the new year as an opportunity to start eating healthier, and you might even give Veganuary a try.
However, research suggests that vegan fast food meals are no lower in calories than their meat-containing counterparts.
Researchers analyzed a total of 1,868 meals including sandwiches, salads, noodles, and pizza from 50 fast food chains in five countries, including the UK.
These chains include Wagamamas, Pret, Pizza Express, Leon, and Burger King.
The research team collected data on each meal’s calorie content, presence of allergens, and amount of nutrients, fiber, and salt.
Polish researchers analyzed a total of 1,868 meals, including sandwiches, salads, noodles and pizza, from 50 fast food chains in five countries, including the UK.
Their findings, published in the journal Nutrition, revealed that compared to meat-based diets, plant-based diets were lower in protein and sodium, and had higher levels of carbohydrates and sugar.
But bad news for those trying to lose weight: Plant-based diets as a whole aren’t associated with fewer calories.
Lead author Mikołaj Kaminski, from Poland’s Poznań University of Medicine, said: “Our findings show that plant-based fast food meals contain more carbohydrates and sugar than equivalent meat-based meals. We have made it clear that this is highly likely.”
“Surprisingly, our study shows that plant-based diets are not associated with lower calories, although consumers may not realize it.”
“This highlights the importance of making informed food choices, especially when consuming fast food, and even more so if you suffer from a metabolic disorder like type 2 diabetes.
“This exposes the illusion that plant-based alternatives to popular fast food dishes are automatically healthier options.”
The findings show that diets containing meat are more likely to contain allergens such as dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish and mustard, while plant-based diets are more likely to contain allergens such as sesame, seeds and nuts. It was also shown that there is a high degree of sexual