Meat-free doesn’t mean salt-free

The number of meat-free alternatives stocked in supermarkets has grown 380 per cent in less than a decade, but new research has found some of the most popular products are concealing up to half a day’s worth of salt in a single serve.

A new report from The George Institute for Global Health, VicHealth and the Heart Foundation – which analysed the salt content in more than 560 meat-free products across a nine-year period – found meat-free bacon had the highest average amounts of salt (2g salt per 100g), which contained over a third of an adult’s daily salt consumption.

Falafels and meet-free sausages came in equal second with 1.3g salt per 100g, but the vegan pie was the saltiest product flying off shelves, containing half of the daily recommended salt intake in one serve.

Heart Foundation dietitian Sian Armstrong said the report revealed high levels of salt in falafels, which was a concern given their increasing popularity.

“Monjay Mezza Traditional Falafel and Spinach Falafel proved saltiest with three grams of salt per 100 grams – 10 times saltier than the falafels with the least amount of salt – Naturally Falafel varieties.

“Our research showed that there are large ranges in the amount of salt between meat alternative products, but it is possible to choose a healthier item by picking the lower salt option.
“It also clearly shows that manufacturers can produce products that are much lower in salt.”

Kellie-Ann Jolly, chief executive at Heart Foundation Victoria, said too much salt in a person’s diet can cause high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Tips for consumers to avoid ingesting excessive amounts of salt included eating fresh, carefully reading the label, incorporating less processed foods into meals and being mindful of portion sizes.