Dietary intake of plant-based meat consumers – a cross-sectional analysis based on the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (years 2014-2019)

Background Current knowledge on the quality of dietary intakes from plant-based meat (PBM)-containing diets is mainly based on theoretical modelling studies, while empirical evidence from actual consumption data is scarce. Objective This study aimed to investigate dietary intakes of PBM consumers versus non-consumers using real-life UK consumption data. Methods Intakes of adults (18-65 y) from the UK National Diet & Nutrition Survey Rolling Program (2014-19) were calculated based on a 4-day dietary diary. Nutrient intakes were expressed as percentages of nutrient specific UK dietary reference values (DRV) and Mann Whitney U tests were performed to test for differences in food and nutrient intakes between PBM consumers (n=101) and non-consumers (n=1845). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess PBM consumption as independent predictor of nutrient intakes. Results PBM consumers consumed more fruits, vegetables and pulses (median (interquartile range) 346 (234; 484) vs 228 (121; 365) g/day, p<0.001), and less animal meat compared to non-PBM consumers (17 (0; 105) vs 125 (74; 185) g/day, p<0.001). PBM consumers had intakes that were more in line with DRVs than 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 seen between PBM consumer groups in protein, saturated fatty acids (SFA), 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 favourable food and nutrient intakes than non-consumers, indicating that PBM can be part of a healthier and more plant-based diet.