Non-meat

Non-meat is a category of food products designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat products. These items are typically made from plant-based ingredients such as soy, pea protein, wheat gluten, or vegetables, and are formulated to provide a similar nutritional profile to meat.

Manufacturers use non-meat ingredients to create vegetarian and vegan alternatives to meat products like burgers, sausages, and chicken substitutes. They are often found in frozen meals, vegetarian deli slices, and plant-based meat alternatives, offering consumers choices that align with dietary preferences or restrictions.

Non-meat products are generally recognized as safe by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many of the individual ingredients commonly used in non-meat products. While generally considered safe, the nutritional content can vary widely, and some may be highly processed.