Is Quorn healthy?

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/05/Quorn-sausages-33a3810.jpg?quality=90&resize=620,413" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/05/Quorn-sausages-33a3810.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=360,239 360w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/05/Quorn-sausages-33a3810.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=180,119 180w, " sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" width="620" height="413" class="wp-image-887370 alignnone size-landscape_thumbnail" alt="Quorn sausages in a frying pan" title="Quorn sausages" /> <p class="p2">Interested in trying our FREE <a href="/health/healthy-diet-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Healthy Diet Plan</span></a>? This easy to follow nutritionist-created plan will inspire you to cook and eat more healthily. Nourish yourself with seven days of meals, snacks and treats.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>What is Quorn?</b></h2>
<p class="p2">Created in 1983, Quorn is the trademarked name given to a meat substitute called <a href="https://www.quornnutrition.com/importance-of-micronutrients" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">mycoprotein</span></a>. This plant-based protein is derived from a natural microfungus called <i>Fusarium Venenatum</i>. The fungus is fermented in a similar way to beer or yogurt to promote the growth of the mycoprotein. Quorn is available in a variety of products, including mince, sausages and nuggets.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Health benefits of Quorn may include:</b></h2>
<ol>
<li class="p2">A ‘complete’ protein</li>
<li class="p2">May increase fullness</li>
<li class="p2">May balance cholesterol levels</li>
<li class="p2">Versatile meat alternative</li>
<li class="p2">Good source of fibre</li>
</ol>
<p class="p2"><strong>Next, read ‘<a href="/howto/guide/is-vegan-meat-healthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Is vegan meat healthy</span></a>?’ to learn more about the pros and cons of popular alternatives and find out <a href="/howto/guide/vegan-diet-healthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">if a vegan diet is good for you</span></a>. Check out some of our delicious <a href="/search/recipes?q=quorn+" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Quorn alternative recipes</span></a>, from <a href="/recipes/vegetarian-bolognese" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">vegetarian bolognese</span></a> to <a href="/recipes/moroccan-spiced-mince-couscous" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Moroccan-spiced mince couscous</span></a>.</strong></p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Nutritional profile of Quorn</b></h2>
<p class="p2">A 75g portion (as purchased) provides:</p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">55 kcals / 230 kj</li>
<li class="li2">10.5g protein</li>
<li class="li2">1.1g fat</li>
<li class="li2">0.8g carbohydrates</li>
<li class="li2">6.2g fibre</li>
<li class="li2">178mg phosphorus</li>
<li class="li2">90mg potassium</li>
<li class="li2">5.25mg zinc</li>
<li class="li2">16mcg folate</li>
</ul>
<p class="p2">Figures will vary depending on the product selected.</p>
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<img class="wp-image-887371 align size-full image-handler__image image-handler__image–full no-wrap js-lazyload" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/05/Quorn-cdbe7f9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C310" width="700" height="350" alt="Quorn pieces in a stir fry" title="Quorn pieces in a stir fry">
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</div><div class="caption-hold"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text"><span class="caption-copy"><i class="icon-arrow icon-camera-circle"></i> Mycoprotein pieces in a vegetable stir fry</span></figcaption><span class="im-image-caption"></span></div>
<h2 class="p1"><b>Top 5 health benefits of Quorn</b></h2>
<p class="p2"><b>1. A complete protein</b></p>
<p class="p2">Quorn is a ‘<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554455/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">complete’ protein,</span></a> supplying all nine essential amino acids required by adults.</p>
<p class="p2"><b>2. May increase fullness</b></p>
<p class="p2">A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4910676/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">study in 2016</span></a> reported that Quorn increased satiety, thereby reducing energy intake and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32100651/">improving blood sugar regulation</a> in those who were overweight. That said, <span class="s3">more research</span> is needed to confirm these effects.</p>
<p class="p2"><b>3. May balance cholesterol levels</b></p>
<p class="p2">A small but interesting <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1734679/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">eight-week trial</span></a> carried out across two groups of people with high cholesterol levels reported positive findings. One group were fed cookies containing Quorn and the control group ate cookies without Quorn. By the end of the eight weeks, those who had consumed the cookies containing Quorn had reduced total and low-density lipoprotein (often referred to as ‘bad’) cholesterol levels. However, there have been no further published studies on this topic, so it’s not possible to draw firm conclusions about the effect of consuming Quorn for this specific purpose.</p>
<p class="p2"><b>4. A versatile meat alternative</b></p>
<p class="p2">Quorn is a versatile replacement to meat, and available in a variety of forms including mince, cutlets, nuggets and burger-style patties. These meat-free products are considered helpful in response to the growing global need for plant-based protein.</p>
<p class="p2"><b>5. Good source of fibre</b></p>
<p class="p2">Depending on the product, the fibre content is likely to range from around 5g-10g per 100g, suggesting Quorn is a useful source of fibre.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Is Quorn safe for everyone?</b></h2>
<p class="p2">Although generally recognised as safe for most people, some consumers have reported <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29567357/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">adverse reactions</span></a> after consuming Quorn. These reactions include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, or allergic reactions including urticaria (hives) and anaphylaxis. According to the official <a href="https://www.quorn.co.uk/intolerance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Quorn website</span></a>, true allergy reactions remain exceptionally low, and Quorn is not classed as an allergen in the UK, but is recognised as having the potential to cause an allergic reaction.</p>
<p class="p2">Those who already have a sensitivity to fungi, such as mushrooms, may find they are sensitive to Quorn and should exercise caution. Speak to your GP if you are concerned.</p>
<p class="p2">Quorn products are not always completely plant-based and may contain other allergens, such as egg, milk and gluten; these will be marked on labels. Additional ingredients will collectively alter the nutritional value and allergen profile of the product, so always check labels to ensure the product is appropriate for your needs.</p>
<p class="p2">Visit the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">NHS website</span></a> to read more about allergies.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Overall, is Quorn healthy?</b></h2>
<p class="p2">Despite some <span class="s3"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29567357/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conflicting research</a>,</span> the UK Food Standards Agency has determined Quorn to be a healthy meat alternative. However, it’s important to remember Quorn is a processed food, so should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Those with concerns might prefer other substitutes like <a href="/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-tofu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">tofu</span></a>, <a href="/howto/guide/health-benefits-tempeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">tempeh</span></a> or seitan.</p>
<h3 class="p2"><b>Enjoyed this? Read more about vegetarian diets:</b></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-protein-vegetarians" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best sources of protein for vegetarians</a><br>
</span><a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-protein-vegans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The 10 best vegan protein sources</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/is-vegan-meat-healthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is vegan ‘meat’ healthy?</a><br>
<span class="s1"><a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegetarian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to eat a balanced vegetarian diet</a></span><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A balanced diet for vegans</a></p>
<p class="p2"><strong>Get inspired with these vegetarian recipes:</strong></p>
<p><a href="/recipes/collection/healthy-vegetarian-recipes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s3">Healthy vegetarian recipe collection</span></a></p>
<hr>
<p><em>This article was reviewed on 24 April 2024 by Kerry Torrens.</em></p>
<p><em>Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the <a href="https://bant.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine</a> (BANT) and the <a href="https://www.cnhc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Complementary &amp; Natural Healthcare Council</a> (CNHC). Find out more at <a href="https://urbanwellness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">urbanwellness.co.uk</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website <a href="https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">terms and conditions</a> for more information.</em></p>