How do you feel about "pretend" meats?

Question

OK, I'm not a vegetarian/vegan, but I'm gradually becoming more aware of the issues, and my veggie friends have exposed me to lots of good food. Some Thai restaurants make some wonderful dishes with stuff that has the appearance, texture and taste of meat. I love it. But I have to wonder, if you're really trying to avoid meat, with all its issues, why create/eat something that has its appearance?

I appreciate everyone's answers... I'm learning a lot and getting more perspective on the issue. I'm going to let the community vote for best answer. Thanks, Suzanne

Answer 1

There are some great foods out there that don't have meat in them. I've had them, they're awesome....but I don't like tofu disguised as meat.....it's pretend; and often I have to pretend to whoever I am eatting with (usually a vegan gf) taht I actually enjoy it.

EDIT: The only place where I would actually eat something like that voluntarily is at Harvey's. Their veggie burger actually taste better than their normal burgers. So I usually get that, but I get wierd looks when I ask to have bacon on the burger as well.

Answer 2

I grew up with three meals a day and were of the meat and potatoes variety. When I became a veggie I was having difficulty putting together meals. I was use to the standard salad or soup then entree, vegetable and starch routine. It was more of a mental thing, I needed to make sense of what I was eating so I felt the need to substitute what I would normally call the meat portion. I don't really like calling the things I eat now fake meat or anything related to meat but that seems as if that's how it is. Keep in mind, though, they are not really meat and why the hell this bothers non veggies I have no idea. For the ones who are worrying about vegetarians giving their food fake meat names: If you simply need something to harp about isn't war, poverty, abuse and pollution world wide enough to keep you occupied?

Answer 3

I'm not a vegetarian, and don't plan on ever going back to it, but I was for a couple of years. I choose the lifestyle because I wanted to have a more healthy diet, and I have some problems with the way we deal with our food supply, and with eating animals in general.

I ate veggie burgers and made meals that often had the feel of having a meat portion, because I like meat, and most other people do, too. It tastes good. It has a pleasing texture, and it's filling. It also offers familiarity and comfort, which is a big part of dining. I never stopped eating meat because I didn't -like- meat. I stopped for other reasons. I don't see any reason why we'd deny ourselves pleasures if we can recreate them in a way that removes the negative aspects involved.

Answer 4

A lot of new vegetarians use these in the beginning b/c it provides a somewhat familiar taste & texture. Also, we're so indoctrinated by the meat culture that it's often difficult to plan a vegetarian menu, especially @ first, without relying on meat analogs. I did this for quite awhile but seldom use analogs these days. There are simply too many other choices.
Since I don't eat meat b/c of the animals & to a slightly lessor degree for my health & the environment, I don't really have an objection to foods that have a similar taste & texture as long as they aren't actually made from animals. Preferably, any analogs I do use aren't *too* similar in taste & texture as that would be unappetizing to me personally.
We have a wonderful vegan Chinese restaurant nearby & some of their items resemble meat, their menu reflects many popular dishes (such as sweet-and-sour) but without animal ingredients. Everything I've tried there has been delicious. They also make the absolute best soy yogurt I've ever tasted.

Answer 5

I avoid them. They are high in fat and are processed and overall not as good for you as a plate of mixed veggies and rice. I don't like them for the main reason that some taste a little too close to the real thing. I never liked the taste to begin with so I wouldn't buy something that tasted like something I don't like.

Tofu is another subject though. I don't make it taste anywhere near what meat is supposed to taste like though so it doesn't count. It is considered a meat replacer but I think it really depends on how you use it.

Answer 6

Many of ther faux meats are lovely.
My issue with meat is 1st. Health, 2nd the conditions of life & death of a living creature.I did not start out aware of the horror of the Meat, Dairy,Egg Industries but 1 can't be long a Vegan to find out. It has just made me clearer on my strictness of eating things that make me ill any way.
I avoid many of the "meats' for health reasons.. I am allergic to both soy & gluten which most are made.
The use of them is not morally wrong & much healthier than eating a animal. These are choices to be made on a personal level by each & everyone of us.

Slainté (to your health)

Answer 7

I went vegan about a year ago, but before that, I really liked burgers. So now I've discoverd Boca Burger. I eat about 1 a day because they are high in protein and fiber. They also only take about 10 minutes to cook. Its not that I like the taste of meat, its just more of a filler in my burger. Most of the flavor comes from the avocados, tomatoes, and lettuce I put on it.

Answer 8

I agree with you on that. Also, most of the pretend meat is processed crap and any healthy vegetarian, vegan, or meat eater steers clear of processed food.

And for you bleeding hearts out there who love issuing thumbs down to anyone who does not agree with their points of view, I am a Vegetarian.

Answer 9

Variety is a good thing. Especially when you have spent much of your life eating meat and are suddenly trying to cut it out of your diet. It's good to have options that provide something that is familiar and comforting and that is what meat substitutes offer. Plus they're very high in protein and low in negative qualities (fats, carbs, etc.). They're also very versatile. You can do a lot with them.

Answer 10

it's not 'pretend' meat, it's simply another choice available to the consumer. is the option to have chicken, shrimp or pork in place of beef make them 'beef' substitutes?
a client that wants a dish with something other than meat or fish from a restaurant, does not make her a vegetarian.