Lily Jebejian

O'Connor, Anahad. “Fake Meat vs. Real Meat.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 3 Dec. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/12/03/well/eat/fake-meat-vs-real-meat.html.

The article “Fake Meat vs Real Meat”, by Anahad O'Connor, explores the new phenomenon of plant based meat. Recently many companies, such as “Beyond” or “Impossible” have begun to produce products designed to look and taste like meat, but they are actually made completely from plants. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding these new products. Many claim that the plant-based burgers are a healthier option compared to regular hamburgers, while others say that the fake burgers are even more fattening than the original. This article compared both sides of the argument. The impossible burger is said to smell, taste, and even bleed like real meat, but is completely made of plants, “The Beyond Burger has about 18 ingredients, including purified pea protein, coconut and canola oils, rice protein, potato starch and beet juice extract for coloring”(O’Connor). The reduction of consuming meat (specifically beef) has its benefits. Besides being cutting down on red meat for dietary reasons, consuming less cows will help the environment as well by reducing on green house gas emissions. But many studies have found that the processing required to create the burgers makes them the same or even more fattening, “...fake meats as ultra-processed foods that can spur weight gain”(O’Connor). This article really made me consider the meat I eat and how I can limit it in my diet for many reasons. 

This article is very important to society because it has an impact on health and the environment. It can be very influential in people’s dietary needs, by allowing people to cut out red meat while still enjoying the taste. In addition, by cutting down on the amount of cattle we can reduce the emission of green house gases into the atmosphere. This will also allow for the preservation of land that would otherwise be used to raise livestock.

I learned a lot from this article and think it is a very interesting solution to the global crisis occurring now. With this simple swap we can help save the planet while still enjoying the same food as before. I do think a lot more research needs to be done about the exact impact this dietary change will have on humans. There may also need to be improved recipes, but over time I think this option is a very realistic one that can make a dramatic change.