Understanding Vegie Delights Sausages
Vegie Delights sausages are a plant-based food product designed as an alternative to traditional meat sausages. They are made from ingredients like wheat and soy protein, vegetable oil, onion, and various seasonings. The product is fortified with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Nutritional Breakdown
Looking at the nutritional information per 100g, Vegie Delights sausages offer a notable amount of protein and are low in saturated fat compared to many meat-based sausages. They also contain dietary fiber, which is often minimal in meat sausages.
Here's a snapshot of key nutritional components per 100g:
- Energy: 892 kJ (213 Cal)
- Protein: 19.9 g
- Fat: 10.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrate: 8.2 g
- Sugars: 1.7 g
- Dietary Fibre: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 465 mg
- Vitamin B12: 2.0 µg
- Iron: 3.5 mg
- Zinc: 4.4 mg
Fortification Benefits
One significant advantage of Vegie Delights sausages is their fortification with iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. These nutrients can be particularly important for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets, who may find it challenging to obtain sufficient amounts from other sources. The amount of iron, for example, is higher than typically found in meat-based sausages.
Potential Drawbacks: Sodium Content
While offering several nutritional benefits, Vegie Delights sausages have a sodium content of 465mg per 100g, which is considered slightly above recommended guidelines. This is a common factor in many processed foods, including other plant-based and meat-based sausages, though the range in meat sausages is quite wide.
Comparison with Other Sausages
Comparing Vegie Delights sausages to other options highlights their nutritional position:
Plant-Based Sausage Comparison
| Feature | Vegie Delights Sausages (per 100g) | vEEF Sausages (per 100g) | v2 Sausages (per 100g) | Quorn Sausages (per 100g) | Unreal Co Sausages (per 100g) | Yumi's Veggie Minis (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 0.9g | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Low | Not specified in source | Not specified in source |
| Fibre | 1.8g | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Good source | Not specified in source | Higher fibre content |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 1.22mg | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Contain chickpeas as source |
| B12 | 2.0 µg | Lower amount | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Not specified in source |
| Zinc | 4.4 mg | No zinc | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Not specified in source | Not specified in source |
| Sodium | 465mg | 538mg | 428mg | 460mg | 517-525mg | 329mg |
Vegie Delights sausages offer higher amounts of iron, B12, and zinc compared to some other plant-based options like vEEF. However, other vegetarian options like Yumi's Veggie Minis may offer lower sodium and higher fiber content.
Meat-Based Sausage Comparison
Meat-based sausages vary significantly in their nutritional profiles. Generally, Vegie Delights sausages are lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than most meat sausages, with some exceptions like lean beef sausages with added vegetables. While meat sausages provide iron, Vegie Delights sausages are fortified with a higher amount. Sodium content in meat sausages can range widely, with some being lower and others much higher than Vegie Delights.
Ingredients to Note
The ingredient list for Vegie Delights sausages includes water, vegetable protein (wheat, soy), vegetable oil, onion, seasoning, breadcrumbs (wheat), sugar, natural flavours, salt, yeast extract, wheat fibre, mineral salt (potassium chloride), garlic, vegetable gum (carrageenan), emulsifier (soy lecithin), natural colour (caramel), minerals (zinc, iron), and vitamin (B12). They may contain peanuts. It's worth noting the presence of added sugar and salt.
Conclusion
Overall, Vegie Delights sausages can be considered a relatively healthy plant-based alternative, particularly for those seeking options fortified with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. They are lower in saturated fat than many traditional meat sausages and provide fiber. However, their sodium content is something to be mindful of. As with any food, they can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Recipes with Vegie Delights Sausages
Vegie Delights sausages can be used in a variety of dishes as a plant-based swap for traditional sausages, such as bangers and mash or in a bun with onions. Other vegetarian sausage recipes, like Glamorgan sausages made with cheese and leek or those incorporating beans and vegetables, offer diverse plant-based options.
Keypoints
- Nutritional Benefits: Vegie Delights sausages are a source of protein and lower in saturated fat than many meat sausages.
- Fortification: They are fortified with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are beneficial for plant-based diets.
- Sodium Content: Vegie Delights sausages have a sodium content that is slightly above guidelines.
- Ingredients: Made from wheat and soy protein, they include added sugar and salt.
- Comparison: They offer higher fortification than some plant-based options but may have higher sodium than others.
- Dietary Role: Can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, especially for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
Q: What are Vegie Delights sausages made from? A: Vegie Delights sausages are primarily made from wheat and soy protein, along with vegetable oil, seasonings, and fortified with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Q: Are Vegie Delights sausages high in protein? A: Yes, Vegie Delights sausages are considered a good source of protein, with approximately 19.9g per 100g.
Q: How do Vegie Delights sausages compare to meat sausages in terms of saturated fat? A: Vegie Delights sausages are significantly lower in saturated fat (0.9g per 100g) compared to most meat-based sausages, which typically range from 3g to 10g per 100g.
Q: Do Vegie Delights sausages contain iron? A: Yes, Vegie Delights sausages contain iron and are fortified with 3.5mg per 100g, which is higher than the iron content found in many meat-based sausages.
Q: Are Vegie Delights sausages a good source of Vitamin B12? A: Yes, Vegie Delights sausages are fortified with Vitamin B12, providing 2.0 µg per 100g.
Q: What is the sodium content of Vegie Delights sausages? A: Vegie Delights sausages contain 465mg of sodium per 100g.
Q: Are Vegie Delights sausages suitable for vegans? A: Yes, Vegie Delights sausages are plant-based and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
