We compare vegan fast food from Burger King to McDonald’s and KFC with meat equivalents – the results could convert you

VEGAN meals might not be so wholesome, in spite of everything. Burger King served a Veganuary deal with this week because it launched vegan nuggets.

However whereas plant-based meals is confirmed to assist intercourse and cardiac well being, and is usually much less fatty, it may comprise extra sugar and salt – elevating blood strain.

Nutritionist Amanda Ursell warns: “Research the small print.” She provides Lynsey Hope verdicts on quick meals faves versus vegan swaps.

Some surprises right here as conventional meat favourites go up towards their plant-based counterparts - see how they examine under

McDonald's Large Mac v McDonald's McPlant

• Energy: 508 v 429
• Fats: 25g v 20g
• Sugar: 9g v 10g
• Salt: 2.3g v 2.2g

The McPlant incorporates slightly extra sugar however wins as a result of it comes with 5g much less fats. Additionally it is a tiny bit lighter on the salt and incorporates extra fibre. If you're watching your weight, you save 79 energy.

Subway Ham Sub v Subway Plant Patty

• Energy: 272 v 373
• Fats: 3.3g v 10g
• Sugar: 6.4g v 7.2g
• Salt: 1.6g v 1.8g

Tucking into the meat feast saves you nearly 100 energy in contrast with the vegan choice, in addition to almost 7g of fats and 0.2g of salt – making it a transparent dietary winner and proving vegan just isn't at all times the healthiest order. 

KFC Fillet Burger v KFC Vegan Burger

• Energy: 475 v 450
• Fats: 19.3g v 19g
• Sugar: 5.5g v 5.7g
• Salt: 2.02g v 2.86g

A detailed name however the Fillet Burger has 0.84g much less salt. This will likely not appear a lot however the meat burger packs greater than a 3rd of the really helpful 6g most each day salt consumption for adults – and the vegan swap nearly half.

Greggs Sausage Roll v Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll 

• Energy: 328 v 309
• Fats: 21g v 9g
• Sugar: 0g v 0.8g
• Salt: 1.6g v 1.9g

A distinction of 19 energy just isn't a lot, and the vegan roll has a bit extra salt – but it surely triumphs as a result of it saves on fats and is forward very barely on protein, offering 11g versus 9.4g from the meat choice.

Extra wins for the plant-based variations of conventional quick meals favourites. Particulars under

Burger King Hen Nuggets v Burger King Vegan Nuggets

• Energy: 250.5 v 243
• Fats: 13.8g v 12.9g
• Sugar: 1.2g v 0.9g
  
  • Salt: 1.5g v 1.2g

The pack of six vegan bites edges the six meat because of barely decrease fats and salt content material. However you get far much less protein. Attempt to make up for this within the day with a drink of soya milk, or baked beans, peas, tofu, nuts or seeds.

Burger King Whopper v Burger King Plant-based Whopper

• Energy: 641.5 v 554.7
• Fats: 35.7g v 26.9g
• Sugar: 11.3g v 12.2g
• Salt: 2.3g v 2.8g

Though salt is 0.5g extra within the vegan burger, it packs 87 fewer energy, and eight.8g much less fats. Whereas no figures are offered for fibre, the vegan model is prone to be higher for this nutrient too, which is sweet for intestine well being.

Pizza Hut Pepperoni v Pizza Hut Vegan Pepperoni

• Energy: 1,092 v 936
• Fats: 52.2g v 39g
• Sugar: 4.8g v 3.6g
• Salt: 4.2g v 4.2g

Each of those meals are excessive on each energy and salt so neither is absolutely excellent for you, reality be instructed. However the vegan pizza is a slim winner since you save 156 energy in addition to 13.2g of fats.

Costa Ham & Cheese Toastie v Costa Vegan Ham & Cheeze Toastie

• Energy: 354 v 352
• Fats: 11g v 8.9g
• Sugar: 4.1g v 2.9g
• Salt: 1.3g v 2g

Fairly equal on energy, and the vegan decide is barely much less fatty. However the meat one wins for its decrease salt hit. It could additionally pack extra bone-building calcium than the vegan chew, relying on the kind of cheese used within the latter.