New Scientific Research Study is the First to Link Plant-Based Meat Alternatives to Gut Health

The study, which exclusively featured Meatless Farm, indicates an increase in levels of health-promoting gut bacteria that produce butyrate, an anti-inflammatory molecule, due to the brand’s nutritional profile

A new study just published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Foods¹, reveals that Meatless Farm plant-based meats have a positive impact on gut health. The randomized and controlled real-world study found that participants who ate just five plant-based meals per week, that included Meatless Farm products as a replacement to meat-centric dishes, experienced an increase in the levels of a group of bacteria that produce butyrate, a fatty acid that promotes good digestive health and lessens inflammation to protect against disease. 

The research study, which followed 40 participants between the ages of 18 and 55 over four weeks, is the first research study that suggests plant-based meats – specifically Meatless Farm – have a positive impact on gut health. Researchers believe this is due to the plant-based meat’s nutritional profile, specifically the fiber content – which helps to produce gut-friendly butyrate.  

“This study is ground-breaking as it’s the first to indicate a direct correlation between plant-based meat offerings and changes in gut bacteria consistent to better gut health outcomes,” says lead researcher Miguel Toribio-Mateas of the School of Applied Sciences at London South Bank University. “The key factor driving these changes is the nutritional value of Meatless Farm’s offerings, most importantly the high fiber content and phytonutrients found within and their role on the production of butyrate.”

The peer-reviewed study titled, “Impact of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives on the Gut Microbiota of Consumers: A Real-World Study,” also found a decrease in the potentially harmful Tenericutes bacteria – indicating that Meatless Farm plant-based offerings led to holistic changes within the gut microbial ecosystem. 

“We’re thrilled that Meatless Farm had the opportunity to participate in such an important study for the plant-based food industry,” said Morten Toft Bech, Founder of Meatless Farm. “We’ve worked tirelessly to create a plant-based meat that’s not only better for the environment but better-for-you – and we’re thrilled that this study helps to validate the nutritional prowess of our products.”

And Meatless Farm is doubling down on their commitment to better-for-you by offering everyone the chance to trade-up their current plant-based burger for Meatless Farm. From September 20 through the end of October, consumers can share a picture of their current plant-based meat on www.MeatlessFarm.com/US/Plant-Based-Mic-Drop/ and redeem a voucher for a free Meatless Farm product to try.   

To learn more about Meatless Farm’s microbiome research, visit www.MeatlessFarm.com/Unleash-Your-Beast/. 

*The study took place in January and February 2021 and examined 40 healthy volunteers aged between 18 – 55. The study has been published in Foods journal and received ethics approval by London Southbank University.