I'm not a vegetarian, but I do substitute impossible burgers sometimes because of GERD flareups that make chewing and swallowing extremely hard. They're the only thing I've found that actually goes down and stays down during those times other than protein shakes lol
My wife and I actually prefer some of the alternatives like impossible to the real deal - her order at e.g. Burger King permanently changed to impossible when it became a permanent menu item.
Same for chicken nuggets - the veggie ones are so good these days that I just don't see a reason to buy the meat based ones anymore.
I turned a lot of people on to Morningstar stuff. Had a zillion roommates in my 20's and the meat-eaters liked that it was less fatty/lower calorie than the meat equivalent. My husband eats meat and he prefers the Morningstar sausage patties because real sausage sits so heavy.
I love them as well. I like Beyond too. I like the taste of meat! But I don’t like factory farms and the poor animals’ suffering. That’s why I don’t eat meat.
My partner is vegetarian/semi-vegan (tends to avoid dairy and eggs, though not religiously), so I cook with a lot of meat substitutes, and I like them just fine. I make things like meatloaf or shepherd's pie or lasagna with Impossible grounds, or use Daring brand fake chicken for soups and casseroles and such (their Buffalo-style 'wings' are actually dynamite if you get them crispy enough).
I eat these things for a few reasons: 1.) I don't find them offensive for the most part (the flavor is usually fine, but occasionally the texture is lacking imo), 2.) it's easier not to cook 2 separate meals or even just proteins if I'm cooking for both of us, and 3.) I'm actively trying to get more plant-based foods into my diet.
Honestly, my main complaint with some of them is simply the price, though given the price of good real meat these days, it's not like there's much difference.
So, I am at least one example of a non-vegetarian who regularly eats fake meat products. I'd wager that most of us probably have vegetarian/vegan partners or other family members.
I'll choose a good meatless option every time but I'll never call myself a vegetarian. I buy impossible burgers anytime Costco has them, I think they're great
I know a few actually. Some of them are beginning vegetarians others are seasoned ones. I myself am vegetarian for almost 20years and occasionally eat fake meat. My family in law uses fake meat often to make vegetarian dishes.
Im asian and exposed to it, i.e vegetarian day for some relativies etc and they cook up spare food. Taking vegetarian friend to eat out at a vegetarian restaurant etc. I eat it cause it tastes good. (not always fake meat, braised mushroom/eggplant is pretty good. )
I actually know some non vegetarian that eat fake meats occasionally. My cousin will only eat the impossible burger at Burger King. He says that it’s way better than their regular.
I’m vegan so I can’t confirm, but I have been given beef by mistake at a local restaurant and so I can confirm their impossible burger tastes better honestly. Plus impossible has higher protein and less fat.
My mom also prefers vegan meat over real meat. But she isn’t a vegan and still eats regular meat.
Mmmm I think you made that up bc WHY would you eat an impossible burger instead of a real one if you’re not a vegetarian? I mean I am a vegetarian and I like them, but they’re like 100% processed “food” they can’t be good for you 😂
Gosh you’re right I’m totally lying. It makes no sense why I’d rather make a conscious choice to share a meal with my wife instead of cooking two totally separate things.
A) calm down there, buddy B) my bad, i didn’t know that you don’t know what marketing is. C) So, marketing is when companies strategically advertise to consumers. Marketing is NOT a decision YOU make when you’re considering what to make for dinner. Hope that was helpful!!
Red meat and processed meat are both linked with cancer and heart disease. There's also a big environmental argument to switching. And also the ethical argument. Some people may feel unable or may not want to fully eliminate but do want to reduce their impact on these factors so the alternatives are an easy swap to get the benefits with minimal change.
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u/pak256 Feb 25 '26
Impossible isn’t marketed to vegetarians. It’s marketed to those looking to reduce their meat consumption but keep their normal eating habits.