Commonly asked question
One thing I’ve heard a lot since I’ve become vegetarian (and which I imagine others have as well) is the question: “Why would a vegetarian, who doesn’t eat meat, want to eat fake meat? There are so many of them in the stores.”
My answer is simple, and one I’m surprised I have to say so frequently. My choice to not eat meat wasn’t because I hated the taste of meat. In fact, I bet that almost every vegetarian liked the taste of meat when they gave it up for either ethical or health reasons. So, just because I don’t eat meat doesn’t mean that I miss the taste of a Big Mac or cheese-stuffed chicken on occasion, so that’s why I appreciate the meat alternatives, for when I’m in the mood for that taste. I’m just glad that products as versatile as the soy bean can be used to create such a close-tasting replica to the “real thing” without any animal suffering involved and with significant health benefits.
Which makes me wonder, then, when we finally DO have replicators as they do in Star Trek – which don’t create foodstuffs out of anything but waste products (yum!) – will vegetarians still have that same reason to fall back on?
This is, of course, a current issue. As a bonus it reveals my inner Trek geek.
My girlfriend gave up meat mainly because she didn’t like the taste- so she also does not like meat substitute style foods. Each to their own really, everyone has a different reason for being vegetarian.
I couldn’t imagine being a vegetarian or a vegan. However, I respect your right to choose that way of life.