mock meats
Imitation animal proteins
Mock meats are plant-based or other non-meat foods designed to imitate the taste, texture, and appearance of meat products.
Made from soy, wheat gluten, pea protein, or mushrooms, they range from veggie burgers to imitation bacon and chicken nuggets.
The term covers both traditional preparations like seitan and modern processed alternatives: The restaurant's mock meats fooled even committed carnivores.
Legume-derived amino acid source
- wheat glutenElastic grain protein
- pea proteinAmino acids from legumes
- chickpeasBeige edible legumes
- lentilsSmall edible legume seeds
black beans · mushrooms · jackfruit · coconut oil · beet juice · legumes · mycoprotein · koji
Flavored wheat gluten
- tofuCoagulated soy milk block
- tempehFermented soybean patty
- jackfruitLarge spiny tropical fruit
- veggie burgerMeatless alternative to hamburger
veggie dogs · tofurky · vegan chicken · vegan shrimp · nuggets · patties · sausages · bacon bits
Avoids all animal products
- vegetarianOne who abstains from flesh
- flexitarianMostly herbivorous by choice
- plant-based dietFood excluding animal sources
- meatless mondayWeekly vegetarian eating initiative
animal welfare · environmental · cruelty-free · sustainable eating · ethical eating · carbon footprint · health-conscious · allergen-free
Created artificially, not naturally
- foodtechTech-driven food innovation
- biotechnologyEngineering using living systems
- synthetic biologyEngineering novel living systems
- startupsNewly launched businesses
sustainability · 3D printing · scaffolding · bioreactors · clean label · fermentation
Fit for open-flame cooking
- barbecueSlow-cook over coals
- stir-fryQuick-cook in hot oil
- marinatedSoaked in flavored liquid
- smokedExposed to wood fumes
seasoned · char marks · umami · chewy · crispy · savory · browning · caramelized
Abundant in amino acids
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- iron-fortifiedSupplemented with essential mineral
- B12Cobalt-containing essential nutrient
- low cholesterolReduced blood fat levels
fiber · zinc · complete protein · nutrient-dense · fortified · plant protein · lean · whole food
soy protein
Legume-derived amino acid source
- wheat glutenElastic grain protein
- pea proteinAmino acids from legumes
- chickpeasBeige edible legumes
lentils · black beans · mushrooms · jackfruit · coconut oil · beet juice · legumes · mycoprotein · koji · fava beans
seitan
Flavored wheat gluten
veggie burger · veggie dogs · tofurky · vegan chicken · vegan shrimp · nuggets · patties · sausages · bacon bits · meatballs
vegan
Avoids all animal products
- vegetarianOne who abstains from flesh
- flexitarianMostly herbivorous by choice
- plant-based dietFood excluding animal sources
meatless monday · animal welfare · environmental · cruelty-free · sustainable eating · ethical eating · carbon footprint · health-conscious · allergen-free
lab-grown
Created artificially, not naturally
- foodtechTech-driven food innovation
- biotechnologyEngineering using living systems
- synthetic biologyEngineering novel living systems
startups · sustainability · 3D printing · scaffolding · bioreactors · clean label · fermentation
grillable
Fit for open-flame cooking
smoked · seasoned · char marks · umami · chewy · crispy · savory · browning · caramelized · skewered
protein-rich
Abundant in amino acids
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- iron-fortifiedSupplemented with essential mineral
- B12Cobalt-containing essential nutrient
low cholesterol · fiber · zinc · complete protein · nutrient-dense · fortified · plant protein · lean · whole food