Assessing the Environmental and Nutritional Performance of Legume-Based Burger Patties Compared to Meat Alternatives

This study delves into the analysis of environmental impact in agri-food systems, comparing different functional units (FU). The main focus is on burger patties, comparing three solutions based on legumes, chicken and beef. By correlating environmental impact indicators with nutritional parameters and elements of food composition such as mass, energy, protein, fatty acids, cholesterol and the nutrient-rich food index (NRF), the study takes a holistic approach that addresses both environmental sustainability and the nutritional one. A key aspect highlighted by the study is the fundamental importance of choosing an appropriate functional unit (n-FU) in environmental assessments in the agri-food sector. Choice significantly impacts outcomes, requiring nuanced understanding for informed decisions about food production and consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate analysis technique, was used to explore the relationships between environmental indices and nutritional parameters in various food samples. This statistical tool identifies patterns and interconnections within complex data, highlighting correlations between environmental impact and nutritional content. In the broader context, the research contributes to the debate on sustainable food systems in a time of growing global concerns about climate change and resource depletion. It suggests that understanding environmental impact, combined with nutritional considerations, can guide policies that promote sustainable food production. Ultimately, the study paves the way for further exploration at the intersection of nutritional science and environmental sustainability, offering guidance for producers and consumers towards more sustainable choices. In conclusion, this study integrates environmental impact assessments with nutritional considerations in the agri-food sector, providing a detailed understanding of the relationships between food production, consumption and ecological consequences for informed decisions and policies towards a sustainable future.