By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
When you look around at the grocery store shelves or even at menus at a local restaurant, there are becoming more and more plant-based alternatives for many different foods. These plant-based options are often marketed as being healthier, and some might actually be a little bit healthier. But these alternatives are also a great hiding place for extra added ingredients that might not be so good for you. Below are some popular plant-based alternative foods and what to watch for when choosing these products. 
Plant-based creamers
Nutritionist Josephine Connolly-Schoonen says that plant-based creamers made from oats, almonds, coconuts, and more are relatively equal to regular half-and-half in terms of calorie and fat content. However, many plant-based creamers have added sugars, whereas half-and-half is naturally sugar-free.
Grain-free products
Grain-free products such as tortillas, chips, cereal, and granola may seem like they’re healthier, but unless you’re adhering to a diet that restricts grain intake such as paleo, there is no reason to avoid whole grains. Registered dietician Amy Keating says that including whole grains in your diet is great for reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and more. So while there is nothing unhealthy about grain-free products, there isn’t anything exceptionally healthy about them either.
Alternative pasta and rice
Depending on what it is made from, pasta and rice alternatives can actually be significantly healthier than their regular counterparts. Heart of palm pasta and cauliflower rice are drastically lower in carbs and higher in fiber than traditional pasta or rice. Chickpea rice and pasta aren’t necessarily lower in carbs, but it does provide a greater amount of protein and fiber. Connolly-Schoonen just advises that you pay attention to the amount of sodium contained in these products.
Plant-based meat products
Plant-based meat products are often made with pea or soy protein isolates, which just means that the protein has been extracted, so it isn’t the same as eating either of the two vegetables in their natural state. Besides being highly processed, Keating says that plant-based meats are full of added sodium and are not necessarily healthy for you.
Just because a product says that it is plant-based or grain-free doesn’t guarantee its healthfulness. Just like any other food that we buy, it is important to look at the label and pay attention to the ingredients and nutrition facts, because while it might seem healthier on the surface, that might not actually be the case.
For more health-related articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!