Are Plant-Based Meats Healthy?

Are Plant-Based Meats Healthy? Here’s What to Know

Let’s break it down:
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Are plant-based meats healthy?”

The short answer? It depends—mostly on what you’re comparing them to.

Plant-based meat alternatives like burgers and sausages often get criticized for being processed. But does that automatically make them unhealthy? Not necessarily.

“When it comes to health, the best question isn’t just ‘Is this healthy?’ but ‘Is it healthier than what I’m replacing it with?’”
— Dr. Michael Greger

For example, a plant-based option like Beyond Meat’s Hot Italian Sausage—whose main ingredient is pea protein—is healthier than a traditional pork sausage. It’s lower in saturated fat and completely cholesterol-free, making it a smarter swap for your heart.

And if you want to take it a step further, whole-food options like beans, lentils, or tempeh are even better for your body and the planet.

So… Are Plant-Based Meats Healthy Compared to Pork or Beef?

Plant-based meats can be a great stepping stone toward eating more plant-based foods and lowering your cholesterol. They make it easier to swap without sacrificing flavor—and honestly, it’s getting hard to tell the difference these days.

Let’s take a closer look using one example: Beyond Meat’s Hot Italian Sausage.
Compared to traditional pork sausage, it’s:

✅ Lower in saturated fat
✅ Cholesterol-free
✅ Contains some fiber
✅ Still full of flavor and satisfying

Plant-based meats like these can help people make realistic, sustainable changes—especially if you’re used to the taste and texture of meat.

If you want to go even further, whole-food swaps like beans, lentils, or tempeh offer even greater nutritional benefits and more fiber. But for many, a plant-based sausage is a powerful first step toward eating smarter and more compassionately.

What About the Environmental Impact?

Even if you’re on the fence about the health side, the environmental benefits are huge.

Plant-based meats require far fewer resources—drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land use compared to animal-based meat.

They also help cut the demand for feed crops that could otherwise be used to grow food for people.

And of course… no animals harmed. 🌱

When you consider the impact on the planet, it really feels like a no-brainer to try a plant-based substitute—a small change with a big ripple effect.

Taste Matters Too

Let’s be real—food should taste good.

I love a juicy Beyond Hot Italian Sausage with mustard and sauerkraut, or a loaded Beyond or Impossible Burger when I’m craving something nostalgic and hearty.

And with today’s plant-based meats being more delicious than ever, it’s worth asking:

Are plant-based meats healthy enough to enjoy occasionally?
Absolutely—and they’re also way better for the planet.

Side-by-Side: Beyond vs. Pork Sausage

Per 3.5 oz / 100g serving:

Quick Takeaways
✅ Lower in calories and fat — less saturated fat = better for heart health
✅ Cholesterol-free — animal-free means artery-friendly
✅ Protein-packed — comparable or higher protein than pork

Not All Plant-Based Meats Are Created Equal

Just because something is plant-based doesn’t mean it’s automatically healthy. Ingredients and quality can vary widely from brand to brand.

Beyond Meat has earned certifications from the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association for select products, highlighting better nutrition profiles compared to traditional meat.

The term “Clean Label” isn’t an official certification, but it’s often used to describe foods made with simpler, more recognizable ingredients—a good sign when you’re checking labels.

Pro tip: Always read the ingredient list. And if you’re unsure, scan it with the free Yuka app—it gives an instant green, yellow, or red rating based on ingredients and nutrition quality.

The Bottom Line

When compared to their meat-based counterparts, plant-based sausages and burgers are generally the healthier, kinder, and more sustainable choice.

Whole foods like lentils, beans, or tempeh will always be the gold standard—but if a plant-based sausage helps you swap one meat-heavy meal a week, that’s a win worth celebrating.

Small steps, big impact. Be curious, eat differently. 🌿

Pigs Recipe for You

Make This: Plant-Based Taco Salad
Learn More: Eating for Our Planet

Sources and More Reading:

Dr. Michael Greger – NutritionFacts.org – Is This Healthy? Healthier Than What?
Beyond Meat – Nutritional Information
USDA Food Database – Pork Sausage Nutrition