Plant-based products are here to stay. Or, are they a fad? Well, they're embraced fully by top national burger chains, grocery stores, several of the industry's top meat companies and have substantial growth and acceptance with the public. I have to pause and remember in the not-so-distant past all of the discussion surrounding “Frankenfoods” in our marketplace, and over-processed ingredients that don’t fall into our everyday vocabulary. Consumers were clamoring for a significant push to have clean labels, with a short, simple and recognizable ingredient list that consumers can pronounce.

The food industry listened and made significant sweeping changes. If all of that was real and happened, then how did the Impossible and Beyond Burger become so widely accepted so quickly? I do understand it has huge backing and a significant marketing campaign behind it. Yes, it has equal or more protein than a regular beef burger and has lower fats. It also uses less water to make. The production process emits fewer greenhouses gases than beef. They have increased specific vitamins to equal meat, which is a good thing for many vegetarians. I think you might find in doing your research that with all of its claims, it might be better and more sustainable for the Earth but not so great for a steady diet. Did the food purists pass on this and other like products that tout being plant-based meat replacements? Or does climate change override Frankenfood?

Up until today, I only had seen some local companies making brat-like plant-based sausage — not very visually appealing in their current gas-flushed packages. Now Dunkin Donuts has a plant-based breakfast sausage and egg sandwich. This stuff is everywhere. I am going to try the Dunkin sandwich and share my thoughts. I am still slightly baffled over how much play these plant-based products are getting.

So, do you think it is just a fad? Will it drift slowly into the ubiquitous burger wasteland? If you have tasted any of these plant-based products in the marketplace, please share your thoughts? What did you think of the taste, mouthfeel, flavor, etc.? I am genuinely interested to learn about your experienceand if you will you be a repeat consumer.

I know I have asked multiple questions. The most burning question for me is, will this replace some or all of the beef or pork you consume? I am sure the meat companies would also be interested in your responses.

Live well...

Real innovation or Frankenfood?

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