Unpacking the truth about ultra-processed plant-based alternatives, food politics, RFK Jr., and more | In Conversation with Marlana Malerich

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Jul 23, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Marlana Malerich, a PhD candidate at the University of Sussex Business School and co-founder of Rooted Research Collective, dives into the complex world of plant-based alternatives. She challenges misconceptions about ultra-processed foods and explores the misinformation surrounding plant-based diets, seed oils, and food politics. Marlana also discusses cultural perceptions of meat versus plant-based options and highlights innovative strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey through food choices and their broader implications!

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INSIGHT

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are defined by the degree and nature of processing, not solely by their health impacts.
The NOVA system categorizes foods into four groups, with ultra-processed foods in the highest category based on additives and processing methods.

INSIGHT

Processing Vs. Nutrition

Labeling plant-based alternatives as unhealthy simply because they are ultra-processed is an oversimplification.
Nutrition profiles, not just processing level, are critical to assessing health impacts.

ANECDOTE

Misleading Headlines on Plant-Based Study

A study showing increased chronic disease risk with ultra-processed plant foods was misrepresented in headlines.
Meat alternatives composed only 0.2% of calories were lumped with sweets and alcohol to distort perceptions.

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Is the fear around plant-based alternatives really based on science, and what does it teach us about the nature of misinformation? In today's episode, I chat with Marlana Malerich about plant-based alternatives, carnivore diets, seed oils, RFK Jr., meat lobby groups and more.

Marlana Malerich is a PhD candidate at University of Sussex Business School where she is focussed on the plant-based industry in the U.K. and Europe. Prior to the PhD, she has worked over ten years at the intersection of food and sustainability, and has served as an adjunct assistant professor, focusing on animal agriculture and the future of protein.

Marlana co–founded Rooted Research Collective, a group of multidisciplinary academics whose mission is to transform research insights into actionable and data-driven strategies for a sustainable plant-based food system.

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📚 My latest book How to Argue With a Meat Eater (And Win Every Time) + if you’ve read the book, you can leave a review here!

📚 My first book This is Vegan Propaganda (& Other Lies the Meat Industry Tells You).

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Links to Marlana's work:

- https://rootedresearch.co/publications/nutrition-misinformation-digital-age/
- https://rootedresearch.co/insights/upf-pbm-instagram-sentiment-analysis/
- https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/ultra-processed-foods-plant-based-meat-guide-research-faq/

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods - https://en.fvm.dk/Media/638484294982868221/Danish-Action-Plan-for-Plant-based-Foods.pdf