Vegans and Meat

Every time I see a vegan show on TV and every time I see a protean-based vegan product in the store, I find one thing in common; they try to tell the viewer/consumer just how much it tastes like meat. If they want something that tastes like meat, I have a suggestion; try meat.

I have written before about my thoughts on veganism. Essentially, I fall into the too each his/her own on the subject. But what constantly frosts me is that the manufacturers of vegan products and the creators of vegan recipes go out of their way to try to emulate meat.

Obviously, the reasons are multiple. One is that they are trying to attract non-vegan people to their cause, making them think they are not missing something. Another is to provide products for vegans to offer their non-vegan friends and acquaintances that they are familiar with and will be satisfied. But I really do not believe that is the real issue. Otherwise that would be only the tip of the iceberg on the offerings instead of the majority of what one would call “main dish” offerings.

The reality is that vegans miss meat, both texturally and mouth feel. And the constant move to foods that “taste like meat” is an effort to satisfy that need without falling into the bacon-infused abyss. But I will say that not all of them are that way, just most of them.

I will have to give a shout out to the Boca Burger people because I knew some of the people who worked there and they were adamant that they were producing a vegetable burger and not a meat substitute. But I personally know of no other.

But people; if you are a vegan and reach out for those “taste like meat” recipes and products, I know you are just a step away from a plate of bacon. I know you are, I just know you are.