Whole Foods CEO Says Eating Plant-Based ‘Meats’ is Unhealthy

The CEO and cofounder of Whole Foods has some concerns about the plant-based “meat” craze. John Mackey told CNBC on Wednesday that plant-based meat substitutes are good for the environment but not for your health, echoing concerns that have been raised by dietitians and nutritionists in recent weeks. From a report: “If you look at the ingredients, they are super-highly processed foods,” Mackey told CNBC. “I don’t think eating highly processed foods is healthy. I think people thrive on eating whole foods.” He added: “As for health, I will not endorse that, and that is about as big a criticism that I will do in public.” Mackey also said plant-based meats were a better for the environment than traditional meat, which usually consumes large amounts of water for production.