Novel plant-based alternatives support nutritional adequacy of diets and reduce their environmental impacts

AbstractBackground Evidence suggests dietary shifts away from animal-sourced towards plant-based foods benefit health and the environment. While the United Kingdom's (UK) meat consumption has decreased, further efforts are required to meet national targets. Novel plant- and fungi-based foods (NPBFs) could offer a straightforward alternative to animal-sourced foods with a similar sensory experience. However, their impact on nutrition, the environment and cost remain unclear. Objective We aimed to identify trade-offs and co-benefits of substituting specific animal-sourced foods with NPBFs in a UK minimally accepted "basic basket" (baseline) stratified by gender. Methods Nine new baskets were created to assess the nutritional, environmental and cost outcomes by substituting either all processed meats, milk or yogurt with NPBFs (most popular, nutritionally balanced, inexpensive). Foods from the "basic basket" were matched with the UK food composition table. NPBF nutritional data were collected from UK supermarkets using Open Food Facts. All foods were matched with dietary environmental footprints (greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use) from Clark et al. 2022. Prices were manually collected from UK supermarkets. Results Dietary environmental footprints decreased in all new baskets (-0.39 to -6.94%). Nutritional outcomes varied across new baskets, with most substitutions aligned with recommended weekly averages. Baskets with the most nutritionally balanced NPBFs showed minimal nutritional differences compared to the baselline. Notable micronutrient reductions occurred when replacing milk with the most inexpensive alternative. Nearly all dairy alternative substitutions lowered food basket costs, except for the most popular plant-based drink. All plant-based meats increased the cost. Conclusions When nutritional quality of individual NPBFs is considered, single targeted replacements of specific animal-sourced foods by NPBFs presents a powerful opportunity for health and environmental benefits, especially over processed meats. Without policies to improve NPBFs affordability, such shift at population level is unlikely, missing an opportunity to drive progress towards net zero and health targets.