Friday 24 June 2022 11:48 AM Un-brie-lievable! Vegan cheese has 'little nutritional value', expert says trends now
Many vegan cheeses have 'little nutritional value' by containing lots more saturated fat while missing out the health benefits in the real thing, an expert has warned.
Ditching dairy is often cited as one of the most difficult parts of following a plant-based diets — with vegans having to source alternative cheese, chocolate and milk.
But while those who are meat-free may cite the health benefits of their diet, one nutritionist has cautioned that opting for vegan cheese could raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes and poor bone health.
The products, which are available supermarkets and can cost more than twice as much as traditional versions, are often packed with 'bad cholesterol' while containing 'little to no protein' and vitamins.
Richard Hoffman, an associate lecturer in nutritional biochemistry at the University of Hertfordshire, said that people may expect the vegan substitute to be 'as nutritious as dairy cheese'.
'But because many manufacturers are focused on making the cheese taste, look and even melt like dairy cheese, this is rarely the case,' he warned.
Ditching dairy is often cited as one of the most difficult parts of following a plant-based diets — with vegans having to source alternative cheese, chocolate and milk. But while those who are meat-free may cite the health benefits of their diet, one nutritionist has cautioned that opting for vegan cheese could raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes and poor bone health
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count
• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain
• 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
