Nutritional Quality of Plant-Based Products in the Chilean Market: Implications for Dietary Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the nutritional quality of the plant-based food products available in Chilean market, considering the dietary needs of the population with chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

An analytical study evaluated plant-based products from two major Chilean's retail holdings, representing over 75% of the national market. In the second half of 2024, products were selected from updated online catalogs based on plant-based indicators. The Chilean front-of-pack warning system was applied using established thresholds for energy, sodium, sugars, and saturated fats for both solids and liquids. Comparative analyses were also performed between meat and dairy substitutes and their conventional counterparts using nutritional data pertinent to the renal population. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism v.10.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

Among 378 items classified as meat substitutes, dairy substitutes, bakery items, cookies and sweets, ice cream and desserts, and ready-to-eat products. Nutritional analysis revealed significant differences among groups (P < .0001). Compared to animal-derived products, meat substitutes had lower protein but differed significantly in saturated fats, sodium, carbohydrates, and polyunsaturated fats, and dairy substitutes were markedly different from conventional dairy across nearly all nutrients (P < .0001). Additionally, meat substitutes were significantly associated with sodium additives, whereas dairy substitutes were more likely to contain phosphorus and potassium additives.

CONCLUSIONS

Plant-based products available on the Chilean market do not represent an appropriate alternative for prescription in populations with chronic kidney disease. Although meat and dairy substitutes exhibit lower protein content, they contain critical additives such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.