A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives

Summary

This multicriteria assessment evaluated 24 meat and milk alternatives across nutritional, health, environmental, and cost dimensions in high-income countries. Unprocessed plant-based foods such as peas, soybeans, and beans performed optimally across all assessment domains, whilst processed alternatives and plant milks offered substantial environmental and health benefits compared to animal products despite higher costs and lower climate advantages. The findings support policy and business initiatives to increase uptake of these alternatives, with particular emphasis on unprocessed plant-based foods for maximum nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits.

UK applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK food policy and consumer guidance, as the study focuses on high-income countries with similar dietary patterns and food environments. The emphasis on unprocessed plant-based alternatives aligns with UK nutrition guidelines and climate commitments, though cost barriers identified may require targeted interventions to ensure equitable access across income groups.

Key measures

Nutritional composition, health impacts (dietary risk reduction, mortality), environmental resource use and pollution, climate benefits, diet costs

Outcomes reported

The study conducted a multicriteria assessment of 24 meat and milk alternatives, evaluating them across nutritional, health, environmental, and cost dimensions with focus on high-income countries. The assessment compared unprocessed plant-based foods, processed plant-based products, traditional meat replacements, and plant milks against conventional animal products.

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