Abstract

This study aimed to assess whether plant-based meat substitutes can effectively replace animal meat products in terms of amino acid composition and zinc bioavailability. The evaluation was conducted in response to the growing demand for meat substitutes, driven by the increasing vegan population and the expansion of vegan culture. For this purpose, a chicken product and two plant-based meat substitutes in tender form were selected. The amino acid content and composition were measured using HPLC, while the levels of trace elements like zinc and calcium were determined through ICP-AES. Additionally, the presence of phytic acid, which inhibits zinc bioavailability, was extracted and quantified using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results were analyzed in the context of daily product consumption. The findings revealed that certain essential amino acids, such as valine and lysine, were found to be deficient in plant-based meat substitutes compared to animal meat products. It was challenging to meet the recommended daily intake of these amino acids solely through the use of meat substitutes. Regarding zinc bioavailability, the inhibitory effect of calcium on zinc bioavailability was expected to be minimal. The zinc bioavailability of the meat substitutes varied significantly depending on the zinc and phytic acid content of the ingredients. Therefore, ingredients of plant-based meat substitutes should be carefully modulated to reach appropriate zinc bioavailability by selecting and processing plant materials with high zinc and low phytic acid content.