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They were novel at first but kinda sickening after a while (they're rather unhealthy and unbalanced). I much prefer whole-foods based meals, usually traditional

They were novel at first but kinda sickening after a while (they're rather unhealthy and unbalanced). I much prefer whole-foods based meals, usually traditional Indian or Asian stuff, or a good breakfast tofu & potatoes scramble. And even among mock meats, there are a lot more interesting flavors & textures than the boring patties*. However, Beyond/Impossible/Daiya (fake cheese) have been a lifesaver in one particular situation: Giving me something to eat at places that omnivores like to frequent (brewpubs, food trucks, pizza joints, etc.). It's a huge upgrade compared to the pitiful "leaves with vinegar" that they would've had before. The fake meats & cheeses allows otherwise boring restaurants offer a filling veggie option with minimal change to their menu and staffing. --------- * If anyone wants to try other artificial/fake vegan stuff, I really like Daring shredded chicken, Gardein fish steaks, Beyond spicy sausages, Sol Cuisine nuggets, Just Egg slices, Violife smoked provolone, and Morning Star corn dogs. None of them are particularly healthy though, and they're all pretty expensive. Not recommended if you want to optimize for value or health.

Karrot_Kream 2y ago
It's interesting that you call it "sickening" (not judging, I presume you mean it in the same way a long time vegetarian finds the smell of meat.) A lot of Indian vegetarian dishes were originally made to substitute meat in Mughal cuisine that was meat heavy because it originated in steppes cultures in Central Asia. Hence the use of cauliflower, jackfruit, and chickpeas. These days soya chunks (TVP) is frequently in use also to substitute things like kheema. Though I agree there's a bit of a categorical difference in the way Beyond, Impossible, and some Gardein stuff mimics meat compared to, say, jackfruit.
- solardev 2y ago
  It's sickening just because it's really greasy and unhealthy, not because it's particularly meat like (maybe it is, I can't remember anymore). And the Impossible in particular always leaves a weird aftertaste for me that I can only describe as "bloody ultra-umami" that lingers in the mouth for far too long. By contrast I love most Indian food, though I've only had it with tofu and chickpeas or lentils, not TVP or jackfruit that I know of.
  - Karrot_Kream 2y ago
    Oh yeah lol I see what you mean. I use those in situations that were not being healthy. A grill cook-out or a lazy night when we don't have the time to put a real nutritionally balanced meal together.

Karrot_Kream 2y ago

It's interesting that you call it "sickening" (not judging, I presume you mean it in the same way a long time vegetarian finds the smell of meat.) A lot of Indian vegetarian dishes were originally made to substitute meat in Mughal cuisine that was meat heavy because it originated in steppes cultures in Central Asia. Hence the use of cauliflower, jackfruit, and chickpeas. These days soya chunks (TVP) is frequently in use also to substitute things like kheema. Though I agree there's a bit of a categorical difference in the way Beyond, Impossible, and some Gardein stuff mimics meat compared to, say, jackfruit.

solardev 2y ago
It's sickening just because it's really greasy and unhealthy, not because it's particularly meat like (maybe it is, I can't remember anymore). And the Impossible in particular always leaves a weird aftertaste for me that I can only describe as "bloody ultra-umami" that lingers in the mouth for far too long. By contrast I love most Indian food, though I've only had it with tofu and chickpeas or lentils, not TVP or jackfruit that I know of.
- Karrot_Kream 2y ago
  Oh yeah lol I see what you mean. I use those in situations that were not being healthy. A grill cook-out or a lazy night when we don't have the time to put a real nutritionally balanced meal together.