Harmful Ingredients in Vegetarian Meat Products

Whether it’s for health-related purposes or moral reasons, many people are becoming vegetarians or vegans, and many more are limiting the amount of meat they consume. As a result, sales of meat alternatives have risen—according to market research firm Mintel, sales rose up to $533 million in the US in 2012. While meat alternatives are free of animal products, they contain several harmful ingredients that make them no healthier than their meat counterparts. For example, Philip Morris (the giant tobacco company) owns Boca Burgers, a popular vegetarian burger brand that uses ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, and methylcellulose—none of which are found naturally.

How meat alternatives are made

Before exploring other harmful ingredients, it’s important to be aware of how meat alternatives are made. Most begin with soy protein, which is naturally globular. To mimic the fibers of meat protein, food manufacturers manipulate the molecular structure of soy (typically by exposing the protein to heat, acid, or a solvent) and then reshape it through a food extruder. Barry Swanson, a food science professor at Washington State University, continues to explain the process: “[After denaturing the molecules], you hold them together with a gel, such as carrageenan or xanthan gum… and what you get is something that vaguely resembles a piece of meat.” From molecular modifications to acid exposure, there is nothing natural about this process.

Soy protein isolate

One of the most unnatural ingredients found in faux meat is soy protein isolate. In a more natural form (e.g. edamame, tofu, or tempeh), soy can provide a variety of nutrients and is a staple in ancient Oriental diets. However, due to the high demand for soy, 91% is genetically modified and heavily treated with pesticides. Furthermore, a highly neuro-toxic petrochemical called hexane is used in the processing method of soy protein isolates and concentrates. Soybeans are bathed in hexane, which may lead to nervous system damage when consumed in large quantities. Eating too much processed soy can also interrupt thyroid function, cause infertility, interfere with menstrual function, and increase the risk of breast cancer. Non-GMO and organic sources of minimally processed soy are better, but shop consciously—even Clif Bar (who boasts organic claims by meeting the minimal 70% of organic ingredients in their products) includes 30% non-organic ingredients, one of which is hexane-extracted soy protein isolate.

Sodium and fat

Faux meat products are also very high in sodium and unhealthy fats. The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 mg of sodium per day, and a single serving of Boca’s Original Meatless Chik’n Nuggets fulfills one third of that (containing about 100 mg more than McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets). Heavily processed fats—such as corn, soybean, canola, or trans fats—are also commonly found in vegetarian meat products, and these can contribute to the risk of heart disease.

Artificial ingredients

Furthermore, these products are laden with artificial ingredients. Many artificial colors are toxic, carcinogens, and contributors to ADHD. For example, Yellow #5 (which is banned in many European countries) is undergoing further testing in the United States for links to cancer, migraines, hyperactivity, and anxiety. Artificial flavors are also detrimental; they are linked to allergic reactions, skin issues, hyperactivity, asthma, and can affect RNA, the thyroid, and enzymes. MSG (monosodium glutamate) in particular, is an excitotoxin that is linked to weight gain and can produce irregular heartbeats.

Unfortunately, the unhealthy practices do not end with vegetarian burgers or chicken nuggets; vegetarian protein powders are also highly processed and contain harmful ingredients. Consumer Reports magazine tested 15 protein powders in 2010 and found that most had low to moderate ranges of heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) that are toxic to the major organs when they accumulate in the body. While MSG is typically an additive, the heavy processing that protein isolates undergo actually creates MSG. Since it is a consequence of the manufacturing process, companies are not required to label the MSG on their products.

Should consumers avoid meat substitutes?

Remember, many of these harmful ingredients require regular consumption to cause serious effects. However, it’s necessary to be wary of the malpractices of the food industry. Hexanes, artificial ingredients, and heavy metals aside, the majority of ingredients that go into faux meat are generated in a lab. Vegetarianism and veganism have the potential to be healthy diets, but only when practiced in a mindful manner—in particular, you should aim to limit processed goods and focus on whole foods.