A Framework for Assessing Nutritional Quality in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Thesis Abstract

The rapid proliferation of plant-based meat alternatives in global markets reflects a significant shift towards sustainable and health-conscious dietary patterns, yet concerns persist regarding the inconsistency and comparability of their nutritional profiles. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the nutritional quality of plant-based meat products, thereby facilitating informed consumer choice, regulatory oversight, and product innovation. The specific objectives include identifying key nutritional indicators relevant to plant-based meats, establishing standardized assessment criteria, and validating the framework through empirical analysis of existing products. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative component involves a thematic analysis of existing literature, industry standards, and expert interviews to identify critical nutritional components and assessment considerations. The quantitative component encompasses a cross-sectional survey of 150 commercially available plant-based meat products collected from major supermarkets and online outlets in North America and Europe. Data collection instruments include nutrient composition databases, laboratory analyses, and a structured checklist based on international nutritional guidelines such as those from the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Laboratory analyses employ techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for micronutrient profiling, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for fatty acid composition, and enzymatic assays for protein and carbohydrate quantification. The collected data are subjected to multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction, and multiple regression analysis to explore relationships between product attributes and nutritional adequacy. The theoretical underpinning of this framework draws from the Food Quality Model and the Nutrient Profiling Model, integrating their principles to create a robust assessment tool that captures both macro- and micronutrient dimensions. Expected findings include the identification of key nutritional deficiencies and excesses across a wide range of plant-based meat products, revealing significant variability in protein quality, micronutrient fortification, and added ingredients such as sodium and fats. Moreover, the validation process aims to demonstrate the framework’s capacity to differentiate products based on nutritional adequacy, providing a reproducible, transparent, and scalable assessment methodology. The study contributes to existing knowledge by offering a standardized, scientifically grounded framework that fills the current gap of comparability and consistency in plant-based meat product evaluation. The main conclusion of the research emphasizes the necessity of an integrated assessment system to improve transparency and consumer trust while guiding manufacturers in product reformulation. It recommends the adoption of the proposed framework by regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders and advocates for periodic updates to incorporate emerging nutrients of concern and technological advances. Additionally, suggestions are made for future research to extend the framework to emerging plant-based protein sources and to incorporate consumer perception metrics, thereby enhancing its applicability in diverse contexts. Overall, this study advances the scientific understanding of nutritional evaluation methods for plant-based meats and provides a practical tool to promote healthier, more nutritious alternatives aligned with global sustainability goals.