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Does it have to be one or the other though? What's wrong with funding projects such as the impossible burger until lab-grown meat is economically viable? I fe

Does it have to be one or the other though? What's wrong with funding projects such as the impossible burger until lab-grown meat is economically viable? I feel like your position is analogous to saying, "I think it's better to focus on nuclear fusion. Why waste time working on renewables?" Of course we'd like to power everything with fusion, but it's not there yet economically or technologically. So in the mean time, it's probably a good idea to also fund intermediate solutions. > Either eat real veggies or eat real meat. Could you explain this stance? Precisely what do you find objectionable about other people choosing to eat plant-based foods that happen to imitate meat? Edit: I see your position against the meat substitutes is primarily health-based. Almost certainly it would be harmful to one's health to consume foods such as the impossible burger frequently, but you should consider that the products that it's trying to replace aren't necessarily any healthier.

maxxxxx 8y ago
I have nothing against Impossible Burgers. I just don't think it's a contribution to better nutrition or a cultural change away from meat. It's a gimmick. My objection against imitation meat is the same I have against sugary breakfast cereals. They make people believe that they are doing something healthy but in reality they are eating highly processed food that has purely been created for taste and not for nutrition.
- glass_of_water 8y ago
  From a nutritional standpoint, I agree that it would be unfortunate if people replaced healthy foods in their diet with the impossible burger. But I think part of your position is predicated on the idea that real meat (specifically ground beef in this case) is healthier. I don't think it's clear yet whether or not that's the case. Would you be willing to elaborate on the culture change point? Do you think that too few people are concerned about animal welfare to choose the impossible burger over ground beef even if it's competitive price-wise?
  - maxxxxx 8y ago
    I don't eat meat (for ethical reasons) but I personally don't think meat as such is unhealthy. I know plenty of meat eaters who are very healthy. I think most people just eat way, way, way too much meat. Same for sugar. Some is fine but if everything you eat and drink is sugared up like crazy it starts to become a problem. So far the Impossible Burger is very expensive and even if it were cheaper it's still not good enough make most people move over from beef. It's a cute novelty item and should be treated as such. On the other hand if lab grown meat ever becomes viable that would be a real game changer in my view. I am starting to sound like a zealot which I really am not usually...

maxxxxx 8y ago

I have nothing against Impossible Burgers. I just don't think it's a contribution to better nutrition or a cultural change away from meat. It's a gimmick. My objection against imitation meat is the same I have against sugary breakfast cereals. They make people believe that they are doing something healthy but in reality they are eating highly processed food that has purely been created for taste and not for nutrition.

glass_of_water 8y ago
From a nutritional standpoint, I agree that it would be unfortunate if people replaced healthy foods in their diet with the impossible burger. But I think part of your position is predicated on the idea that real meat (specifically ground beef in this case) is healthier. I don't think it's clear yet whether or not that's the case. Would you be willing to elaborate on the culture change point? Do you think that too few people are concerned about animal welfare to choose the impossible burger over ground beef even if it's competitive price-wise?
- maxxxxx 8y ago
  I don't eat meat (for ethical reasons) but I personally don't think meat as such is unhealthy. I know plenty of meat eaters who are very healthy. I think most people just eat way, way, way too much meat. Same for sugar. Some is fine but if everything you eat and drink is sugared up like crazy it starts to become a problem. So far the Impossible Burger is very expensive and even if it were cheaper it's still not good enough make most people move over from beef. It's a cute novelty item and should be treated as such. On the other hand if lab grown meat ever becomes viable that would be a real game changer in my view. I am starting to sound like a zealot which I really am not usually...