What are “meat analogs” and what’s in them? 

Why would I want to eat them?

 

Meat analogs are plant-based foods that “mimic” meat products, but are made of plant materials.  People seem to love them or hate them.  Some vegetarians choose not to eat meat analogs as they resemble meat so closely and others eat them daily.  Veggie burgers are an example of a meat analog.  Veggie burgers may be vegetarian or vegan.  They may be made of legumes, soy, vegetables, grain or a combination. What about other meat analogs?  There are deli slices for sandwiches, turkeys, crab cakes, ground meat, sausages (patties and links), brats, and on and on we could go!  Are these products any good?  Many of them are excellent!  Do they taste like meat?  My omnivore friends tell me that many of them do! 

 

As a result, they help bridge the gap for those making a transition to a healthier diet, and also help bridge the gap when serving a group that contains people of various eating persuasions.  They are also very quick to prepare, which is a great benefit in our fast paced world.