A recent article in Melbourne’s Herald Sun claimed that in a blind test, 90% of participants couldn’t tell the difference between tofu and meat. Another article, from The Independent, stated that 3 in 5 adults eat mock meat products. So what’s so great about this increasingly popular meat-free industry?
Some question why a vegetarian would eat faux meat, especially as it’s imitating the very thing they do not eat, for whatever reason. I’m sure many vegos have different opinions on this so I can only speak for myself.
Personally I think mock meat is great. Throughout this blog I occasionally mention different products, shops and restaurants that serve or specialise in meat-free products, in all its various forms. Here’s how it is for me:
I didn’t stop eating meat because of the taste or texture. It wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy the flavour and it wasn’t about the cost (although I DID notice a reduced grocery bill after I stopped buying it). After reading a bit about the animal farming industry and the unfortunate treatment some of the animals are subjected to, I chose to stop eating meat because I didn’t feel right eating something that had been through unnecessary pain. Animals have feelings too!
So for me, the decision was an easy one. It was an ethical choice and a very personal one. That being said, I do not judge those who do eat meat! It’s like religion – you can graciously respect what another person believes but that doesn’t mean you should try and convert them.
It’s important to note that while there are some producers who are reportedly mistreating the animals they raise for the food industry, there are many producers who DO care and ensure they are doing the right thing. If I wasn’t a vegetarian, those are the businesses I would support.
I quite enjoy the versatility of faux meat products. The growing number of brands and products available (like vegie mince) make it really easy to cook dishes that are traditionally meat based. So as some would think, being a vegetarian doesn’t necessarily mean you miss out on anything.
Asian cuisine does mock meat really well. There are some fantastic restaurants that specialise in faux meat, like The Green Gourmet (they have restaurants in Newtown and Crows Nest). My recent visit to Cabramatta was a haven for mock meat – both in the restaurants and grocery stores.
If you’re looking to have a few meat free dishes each week (like Meat Free Monday), experiment with mock meats, or you just want to try them out of curiosity, my advice is to get out there and try as many as you can! It’s really a case of trial and error and soon enough you’ll work out which ones you enjoy.
Some of the brands I like are Lamyong, Linda McCartney Meat Free Foods, Quorn, Fry’s Vegetarian, Sanitarium Vegie Delights (above is a snap of a few things I had at home). Supermarket chains are starting to stock some of these brands, although I’ve found that products differ from store to store so if you’re after a specific product, it can be a lucky dip.
Most Asian markets will have a good supply of mock meats – you just need to spend time reading the labels as they aren’t all in English. Australian vego friendly sites like The Cruelty Free Shop and Vegan Online are good for shopping online if you want your items delivered. Also keep an eye out for vego grocery stores like Just Green in Cabramatta and Vegan’s Choice Grocery (next door to Green Gourmet) in Newtown.
Have you tried any meatless products? What do you think of them?
I really like mock meat – it’s a kinder option as you say. I’m yet to find a nice vego sausage though that doesn’t taste/feel weird.
I’ve tried some that are pretty good. Vegie Delights flavoured snags are ok. Bean Supreme have nice ones – I got them at Thomas Dux. I have some Lamyong ones in the freezer to try, I’ll let you know how they go! x
was at the addison road markets (marrickville) on sunday, and ‘the vegetarian butchers’ have recently joined at line up of awesome food stalls. Had a most excellant vegan sausage sizzle; vego sausage was supertasty with good texture, served with mustard, ketchup and caramelised onion in a seeded crunchy hotdog bun. They do sell the sausages (sold out when i visited though), as well as faux schnitzel and burger patties, and the ingredients are all quite healthy; no weird additives like some mock meats. no idea where you’d source them outside of the markets though. hope this is helpful
Fantastic, that’s great to know! I love Marrickville markets, I’ll keep an eye out for the stall when I’m next there!
I have issues with most mock meats – I suffer from IBS, and soya is a trigger for me, which is partly the reason I returned to eating meat after 7 years. Plus, back then, TVP tasted – and felt – like rubber!
I’ve not experimented much with TVP but I do have some to try. Hopefully it tastes better than you remember!
I am mostly vegetarian, for ethical reasons like you – but I don’t eat mock meats. because they’re highly processed. My approach is to eat wholefoods that are as close to nature and unadulterated as possible. Most mock meats have a long list of odd ingredients and they rely heavily on soy isolate protein, which could skew your diet in favour of a single processed, fatty source of protein. I sound like the nutrition police, don’t I?! Again, like you, I’m not trying to convert anyone, or engage in a ‘I’m more purist than thou’ contest. But I really distrust those rubbery vego sausages!!
You don’t sound like the nutrition police!
You’re not alone with your view. Michael Pollan, author of books including Food Rules, says mock meat should be avoided. I’m sure many others agree.
I quite like it every now and then, maybe once a fortnight. Yes it’s processed but I find them handy to keep in the pantry / freezer but I certainly wouldn’t have it every day.
Mock meats make me nervous. I love love tofu, but I don’t understand how to use mock meats or what makes them taste so much like meat! I really really admire you for going vego and for being such a brave and flexible eater. You’re one impressive lady!
Oh thanks love!
Tofu is great. The faux option isn’t for everyone, I like it every now & then for something different. The ones I’ve tried are really easy to cook with
hi Tara, I enjoy reading your blog and cooking with Ma! On the subject of mock meat, we have just been away with my children; one vegan one vegetarian as well as my parents. My father is a big meat eater ….. however instead of making 2 dishes for dinner as I usually do when we’re all together, I made TVP ‘taco’ bean style dish. My Dad loved it …. is now asking my mum if she can make for him at home !! Needless to say she is a bit shocked:)
Well isn’t that exciting, it sounds like your taco dish is a big hit! It’s great to see that meatless dishes can be enjoyed by even the biggest of meat eaters
Thanks for reading Anne, so glad you enjoy the blog!
Have you been to Green Palace in Newtown? Best Thai I’ve had on King St – plus it’s meat-free! Amazing!
No I have not! Thanks for the tip, I’ll have to check it out!!
Ooh I haven’t had that lamyong curry yet but I’ve seen it. Looks goooood! Have you tried the shop Vegan’s Choice grocery next door to the Green’s Gourmet in Newtown? Amazing products, I always stock up when I’m there hehe
I love that shop too! It’s a must-visit for me whenever I’m in Newtown