Why Do Vegans Mimic Meat Products with Names Like Vegan Sausage Roll, Vegan Bacon, and Vegan Mince?

A lot of us are former meat eaters. Foods that look or remind us of what we grew up with are good ways to convert while maintaining our goals of no more meat eating. The only ones I really go for are faux bacon and fish filets because they're close enough. The others I get because they taste good. BTW, we didn't name them; the food makers did.

Bacon Tastes Good, But...

Bacon tastes good, but it's made of dead animals. If you can make something that tastes almost as good as bacon and isn't made of dead animals, what would you call it?

Marketing and Packaging: Making Vegan Alternatives Appealing

We don't decide on these names; the producers do to make their products more appealing to meat eaters or those reducing their meat consumption. Many of these items are processed foods, and while they might seem appealing, they might not be worth buying.

Simulating Traditional Meats with Vegan Alternatives

These products are intended to mimic their non-vegan counterparts. Therefore, something that looks like bacon and has a flavor reminiscent of bacon, filling the same spot on the breakfast plate as bacon, and making you feel like you should eat bacon—yet it is vegan—gets the name vegan bacon. The same logic applies to sausage, chicken, and mince (ground meat).

The Influence of Consumer Perception

Balancing respect for personal choices with the broader mission to change the world can be challenging. Many believe that a plant-based diet is not just a personal choice but a crucial step toward a more sustainable and ethical future. This is a deeply ingrained belief that drives many vegans to follow this path.

Accessing the Market with Familiar Names

Making vegan alternatives sound familiar and accessible to meat eaters is a strategy that has proven successful. By using names that closely mirror those of traditional meat products, companies hope to lower the barrier for entry for adventurous consumers or those looking to reduce meat consumption. This strategy aligns with the broader mission to promote a more sustainable food future.

Ultimately, It's a Moniker

The names vegan bacon, vegan sausage roll, vegan mince, and others are simply marketing tools. They serve to make familiar products more accessible to a growing number of vegan consumers. The goal is to make the transition smoother and more appealing for those looking to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.