I was called today by BBC Radio for my views on the plant-based burger, the McPlant, which is due to be offered at McDonald’s restaurants in the near future. “It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings”. Here’s what I think…
- People who are looking for a plant-based option for convenience can now choose something that meets that need. So, it’s fine on occasions as an on-the-go fast food.
- One of the benefits of a plant-based diet is that these foods are typically higher in fibre than meat-based alternatives – that’s a good thing.
- It would be better if we were to eat more WHOLE plant-based foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables.
- In my research for the Vegan Savvy book, I found than vegan convenience foods didn’t necessarily compare favourably to meat-based versions. Many were just as high in salt and some were rich in unhealthy saturated fats from coconut oil.
- I’d be keen to see the full nutritional composition, especially in terms of fibre, micronutrients like vitamin B12 and iron (which are found in red meat), salt, saturated fat and calories.