In Context
- Recently, Various plant-based meat startups have come up such as Shaka Harry,Â
            Beyond Meat and UnCrave.
What is Plant based meat?
- Plant-based meat (also referred as meat alternative or fake meat) is a foodÂ
            product eaten as a replacement for meat.Â
- It bio-mimics or replicates meat, seafood, eggs, and milk derived fromÂ
            animals — by looking, smelling, and tasting like them.
- It is made from vegetarian or vegan ingredients such as soy, wheat gluten,Â
            pea protein or mycoprotein.
Significance
- These are consumed as a source of dietary protein by vegetarians, vegans,Â
            and people following religious and cultural dietary laws.Â
- Their demand has also increased among non-vegetarians seeking to reduceÂ
             the environmental impact of meat production in terms of greenhouse gasÂ
             production, water and land use.
Criticism
- These are not necessarily healthier than meat due to their highly processedÂ
nature and sodium content.
- Uses of preservatives in plant-based meat, etc.
Source:IE