Also, and this is a bit of a different issue, but there is absolutely no reason that “meat” has to mean animal flesh. Historically the word “meat” has been used to refer to all sorts of things. Nutmeat and sweetmeats are the two examples that spring to mind immediately, neither of which is dead animal. I support taking back the word “meat” from the carnists. Yeah, I eat meat, it’s soy meat and it’s delicious! No dead animal involved!

The line between “meat substitute” and “regular veggie dish” is kinda bullshit anyways:

Like, if I make my own seitan from scratch and use it in unique ways is that meat substitute?

If I make a roux, and make it salty and a little sour, is that a queso substitute or just a roux?

If I crumble firm tofu and pan fry it until it’s a bit crispy, is that meat crumble substitute or is it just tofu crumbles? Am I sinning if I use tvp instead?

Makhani sauce uses cashew cream by default but if you take that same cashew cream in another dish, maybe you’re a big faker.

How much squash do I have to put in my patty before it flips from “burger” to “veggie fritter?”

It’s all silly.

Is anybody actually getting hostile about that?

Eat chewy savory protein as much as you please, I ain’t stop you. But my issue is implying these foods are a healthy option when there’s no doubt that most fake meats are heavily processed, full of weird shit, and relatively unhealthy compared to some cooler vegan dishes.

Fake chicken is close enough for me. A proper beef substitute is a bit harder, imo.