Written By: Rachel Thomas.

Let’s start with the basics: What is ‘fake’ meat?

There are two categories that fake meat falls into; plant-based meat and cell-based meat.

For obvious reasons, this article will focus on the plant-based alternative.

In plant-based meat, all ingredients come from plants - crazy to think right?!

Ingredients such as soy and potato are popular for the protein part of the meat and coconut oils has been used widely for the fats component.

If you’re vegan, or even just making the transition, you’ve most probably been asked why vegans would want to eat something that ‘looks’ and ‘tastes’ like meat.

As a vegan, I have also asked myself this question. But the answer is pretty simple...

A lot of vegans - and vegetarians - grow up with the normality of eating meat in most dishes. Fish and chips? Bangers and mash? A bacon butty? They’re all family favourites.

So with all these plant-based alternatives, vegans can enjoy their classic dinners with the peace of mind that no animals have been harmed.

It’s true that most people, when transitioning to vegan, like the taste of meat.

There’s no denying that.

Plant-based alternatives have only really become a popular thing in the last couple of years and that’s because of the new high demand for ‘fake meat’.

Having vegan versions of meat such as chicken or sausages is great for those who liked the taste before turning vegan.

And like I said before, now vegans can enjoy one of their favourite meals without the guilt.

Who else LOVES burgers?

It’s also great for not buying into an industry that violates animals and pollutes our water and air.

Even non-vegans are trying to switch to plant-based alternatives, mainly if they’re concerned about the environment. And we know that meat production is one of the greatest causes of climate change.

“But why would you want to eat something that looks like meat?”

This is another good question. And again, I’ve asked myself this too.

Firstly, I know it’s gruesome but a cow or a chicken doesn’t look anything like the products they are made into so surely it’s normal to make plants look like the same thing?

Meat free savoury flavour grillsteak, made with Mycoprotein, in pepper coating

But it’s something that most people are used to. Spaghetti bolognese is a great example.

Using a shop bought vegan mince makes the meal feel and taste like the real thing. And for some vegans, this is their ideal meal.

For other vegans, they might prefer to use mushrooms or lentils to create their base of a classic spag bol.

Despite the mental side of why vegans eat ‘fake meat’, are there any actual benefits to making the switch?

Switching to a plant based diet is the main thing. Eating vegan burgers and hot dogs are still not the healthiest but at least they don’t contain cholesterol! They are definitely better for the environment too.

Vegan meat tends to offer a good source of protein. The vegan Beyond Burger, for example, presents 20g of protein per serving which is around a quarter of your recommended daily protein intake.

Examples of alternative meat options:

Impossible Foods.

The brand known widely for their first product, The Impossible™️ Burger, aims to reduce the impact of climate change by making nutritious, affordable and sustainable meat, fish and dairy products from plants.

2. Beyond Meat.

Another brand known well for it’s Beyond Burger, has a mission to create “The Future of Protein” by creating plant-based beef, sausages, burgers and more.

They focus on four global issues: human health, climate change, the pressure on natural resources and animal welfare.

3. Quorn.

Quorn was founded in 1985 creating vegetarian products but in the last couple of years, they have expanded their range to include many vegan options including some ready meals.

4. Bean Supreme.

The New Zealand based brand founded back in the 80’s has been plant based since the beginning. They don’t cook with palm oil, GMO’s and they also don’t pretend that their products are meat because “plants are naturally delicious, nutritious and oh-so-sustainable.”

Some of their products do, however, include dairy products such as cheese but their vegan range is incredible.

Of course there are many more options such as Fry’s Family Food, Gardein, Tofurky, Oumph!, and many, many more.

Why Do Vegans Eat Fake Meat?

Examples of alternative meat options:

Impossible Foods.

2. Beyond Meat.

3. Quorn.

4. Bean Supreme.