Meat analogues?

Question

While the analogues are not meat, they appear to be and taste like animals. A question for vegetarians (and other friendly omnivores): What's your opinion of eating fake flesh?

Answer 1

I once went to a vege restaurant in Perth, Western Australia, where just about everthing in the buffet was made with meat substitute. It was weird but interesting. I don't have a problem with fake flesh and the reason is this: many people eat meat because they like the texture. The flavour is not as important as meat itself does not have strong flavours and relies on additives, such as onion, garlic and other herbs and spices to enhance it. So if fake meat fills a persons desire to eat a fleshy-textured dish and stops them eating real meat, that's great. What better way to wean people of animal meat? Do you know that if you freeze tofu overnight then thaw it and use it the next day, it's texture will change and it will be more fleshy??? True.

Answer 2

While some vegetarians/vegans do not eat it BECAUSE it resembles meat, I personally don't think there is any ethical reason why they should feel guilty about it. I am a vegetarian and I do eat the veggie "meat" products.

The thing is, no matter how much fake meat RESEMBLES meat... it is in fact, NOT meat. No animals were killed in the making of this meal, so why should any vegetarian feel guilty about eating it?

If you are veggie for health reasons, then you can eat it because it's healthier than meat (less fat, no cholesterol, etc). If you are veggie for ethical reasons... what is the ethical problem in eating something SHAPED or flavored like meat. It's no different than eating a cookie shaped like an animal or a gingerbread man. You're NOT eating MEAT. Isn't that the whole point?

Answer 3

To me its just food, so long as its veggie i don't care if looks or tastes like meat.

I've been veggie for 27 years so can honestly say i've no clue what meat tastes like anymore.

However if it was specifically formed to look like an animal part i would keep away. I would also keep away in a resturant as i don't trust the kitchens

For many people its easy to use a meat substitute. Particularly for those that are new veggies or got veggie guests. The meateaters have this thing about needing a centerpiece on a plate, fake meat helps with that narrow mindedness.

Answer 4

Nothing terribly wrong with it that I can see, from a health standpoint. A meat-like veggie burger may not be as good for you as, say, a fresh veg stir-fry, but it's a lot better for you than hormone-laced beef.

As for ethical concerns, I don't have any about mock meat. It's a vegetarian food, I'm a vegetarian; therefore, if I like it, I'll eat it. But that's just my take on it, and I suppose a valid argument could be made that mock meats legitimize real meat. That, like so many other things, is best left to the individual's conscience.

Answer 5

They arent dead animal so theyre ok.

why dont meateaters eat people since we are all long pigs and supposed to be the best tasting of all meats! whats the reasoning with that, people would definalty have all the right proteins vitamins and all the other stuff since thats what were made of.

maybe eating animals is just a substitute for people too wimpy to eat long pig!

Answer 6

it gets to the point where its a little too realistic. there are so many amazing substitutes out there its sometimes hard to tell the difference. a friend of mine took me out to a Chinese once and half of the menu was dedicated to vegetarians, with different meat subs for all kinds of dishes. he ordered the scallops and it was so realistic i couldn't eat it. i mean, i became a vegetarian for my own reasons..... and just feel weird eating the "fake meat" whats the point in being a vege in the first place?? but on the other hand i think the meat substitutes are wonderful for people who became vege for other reasons. just not for me!

Answer 7

Interesting question. If someones is a Vegan/Veggie on moral reasons then they must really think about that.

I believe in being flesh free for health reasons, I do not think our bodies were created to thrive on flesh. Yes we can live on it but it slowly(& somethimes not so slowly) poisons us. 99.9% of our health problems can be cured with the right diet.

Answer 8

Meat analogs are not for vegans actually as a lot of them even contain egg whites, but they are great as a 'transitional' food for those who are just trying to change their diets. In such cases, it makes sense that they actually taste like meat.

Personally, I have no problem using them in moderation...after all, I know they are not flesh foods.

Answer 9

But they arent so what's your point. My veggie burger is not rotting flesh but your McDonalds is.

Answer 10

its discustin & its not good for health