The weekend is approaching, the grill is already ready - all that's missing is the delicious veggie grilled food. In addition to meat and sausages, there are increasingly more meat substitute products on supermarket shelves. But are they any good? What should consumers pay attention to when purchasing?

Trend towards replacement products

While meat is becoming increasingly unpopular, the supply of substitute products is increasing rapidly. Alternatives can now be found everywhere: at discounters, in supermarkets as well as in drugstores and health food stores.

“Environmental awareness and animal welfare as well as rising prices and health aspects are causing meat consumption to continue to decline in Germany,” says Anneke von Reeken, nutrition expert at the Lower Saxony Consumer Center. “Vegetarian or even vegan burger patties, fried fillets or BBQ mixes have long since moved out of their niche existence,” says the expert and explains: “However, these products are often heavily processed. They sometimes have a lot of ingredients and additives.”

List of ingredients : Less is more

In September 2020, the Lower Saxony Consumer Center examined a total of 31 meat substitute products in a market check . The result: The number of food additives and flavors varies greatly. Lupine-based alternatives were particularly convincing in the test. However, only a few products do not contain any additives. Stabilizers and thickeners as well as colorants are often included. However, preservatives such as E 223 (sodium metabisulfite) or even additives such as E 425 (konjac) are particularly concerning. Consumers should avoid meat substitute products containing these substances.

“It is advisable to take a look at the list of ingredients when making your selection. The longer it is, the more skeptical barbecue fans should be,” says von Reeken.

In addition, a high price does not automatically mean good health value.

Orientation through the Nutri-Score

The Nutri-Score can provide guidance when shopping. “This allows you to compare the nutritional value of the product within the product group,” explains the nutrition expert. At A to a maximum of C, consumers are in the green zone. The problem: So far only a few manufacturers use the label. Mandatory labeling, as consumer advice centers demand, would therefore be desirable.

However, if you want to be on the safe side when it comes to healthy veggie grilling, there's only one thing left to do: do it yourself.

“Tofu skewers, for example, can be marinated very well,” says von Reeken.

If you don't necessarily want a meat or sausage shape, they offer a good alternative. When grilling, you should use a stainless steel grill bowl.

“With traditional aluminum foil, salt and acid dissolve the aluminum. This then ends up on the grilled food. The stainless steel bowl also has the advantage of being reusable. And that protects the environment,” explains von Reeken.

Already read? The tricks with vegetarian and vegan

Source: Lower Saxony Consumer Center


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