My favorite thing is meat that originates, not from animals, but from labs whose purpose is to make meat from sources where no animals need to be killed. Could that be the future of omnivores?

How is this different than so-called veggie burgers, which are not so much burgers, as something else out of some factory? (BTW, I love both real meat burgers and genuine imitation veggie burger type substance patties! My preference is the genuine article.)

Hoping for a humane substitution.

My best to you all.

Simple enough answer, I think.

No nervous system, no mother, just muscle tissue -- sure. A couple of good sci-fi stories discuss this concept. As long as there's no pain involved, whatever.

I've read of a couple of efforts in this direction. Still, it would be hard to top plain old plant protein. Burns very clean in humans. Almost like we were made for it --

I'm an advocate of the 'faux' movement -- fake wood, fake meat, fake anything that's bad for humans. Electrical pattern response devices instead of heroin or oxycontin. Extruded recycled plastic fibers compressed into superstong wooden beams that never rot (and they're just gone cheaper than real wood). Truly non-impactful fake tobacco that's really good-tasting. People aren't going to stop doing whatever until something cheaper and better comes along -- like delicious steak that's cheaper and healthier than the real thing, that tastes better as well -- but not from a creature.

I'd buy stock in that company.

And humans have been omnivores for millions of years. And nature is not kind in this regard. There are plenty of carnivores feeding on the herbivores in nature. It IS natural to do such things, eating meat. It is a way that nature expresses itself.

I am with Temple Grandin. One can embrace being an omnivore if one also embraces being kind to the animals one devours. She has done so much for animals than many others. And she designed abattoirs!

Temple Grandin

However -- I am not an embracer of naturalism as a path for humans. One could say quite reasonably that it is 'natural' that the strongest and most cunning primate should consume, rape and murder all other species at will. In fact, most Republicans embrace that philosophy.

I prefer to think that complex primates evolve much further than their origins - if we are capable of doing no harm, we should take that path. It is not necessary to consume animal flesh to survive and prosper. I for one feel better as a vegan than I have ever felt in my adult life. Stronger, faster, smarter -- I'm not ever going back. I love it.

That's why Gardein is so damned cool. They help at this phase of development -- the healthiest and best fake meat you can buy.

There really isn't a good vegetarian substitute for the texture/taste of BBQ shredded pork/chicken/beef.

I like making my own vegetarian alternatives (adzuki bean and sweet potato patties - so good) and I also love the convenience of Gardein, Quorn, Boca Burgers etc

Sometimes I want chicken Parmesan - not eggplant or portobella mushroom (eww). I was raised vegetarian in the 70's - 80's when the meat alternatives were oh so nasty. Then I rebelled and ate meat occasionally before becoming 85% vegetarian (not quite there yet)

I am so happy to see so many new products to try!

Love the fish cakes. Goddamn are they good fried with lemon and vegan tartar sauce.