Dietary Intake of Plant-Based Meat Consumers-A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (Years 2014-2019) in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Current knowledge on the quality of dietary intakes from plant-based meat (PBM)-containing diets is mainly based on theoretical modeling studies, whereas empirical evidence from actual consumption data is scarce.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate dietary intakes of PBM consumers compared with nonconsumers using real-life United Kingdom consumption data.

METHODS: Intakes of adults (18-65 y) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Program (2014-2019) in the United Kingdom were calculated based on a 4-d dietary diary. Nutrient intakes were expressed as percentages of nutrient-specific dietary reference values (DRVs), and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to test for differences in food and nutrient intakes between PBM consumers (n = 101) and nonconsumers (n = 1845). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess PBM consumption as an independent predictor of nutrient intakes.

RESULTS: PBM consumers consumed more fruits, vegetables, and pulses (median [interquartile range]: 346 [234, 484] compared with 228 [121, 365] g/d, P < 0.001) and less animal meat compared with non-PBM consumers (17 [0, 105] compared with 125 [74, 185] g/d, P < 0.001). PBM consumers had intakes that were more in line with DRVs compared with non-PBM consumers, with higher intakes of fiber, vitamins E, A, C, and folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper (all P < 0.01). No differences were observed between PBM consumer groups in protein, saturated fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, iron, potassium, iodine, and sodium intakes (all P > 0.05). Regression analyses confirmed that PBM consumption was independently associated with more favorable intakes of specific nutrients.

CONCLUSIONS: PBM consumers had more favorable food and nutrient intakes than nonconsumers, indicating that PBM can be part of a healthier and more plant-based diet.