Companies producing plant-based meat alternatives, including Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, have been criticized for their marketing and makeup of their products as well as their use of animal testing.[1] Dietitians have claimed they are not necessarily healthier than meat due to their highly processed nature and sodium content.[2][3]
John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, and Brian Niccol, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, have criticized meat alternatives as ultra-processed foods. Chipotle has claimed it will not carry these products at their restaurants due to their highly processed nature. According to CNBC, "Chipotle joins the likes of Taco Bell—Niccol's former employer—and Arby's in committing to excluding meatless meats on its menu."[4] In response, Beyond Meat invited Niccol to visit its manufacturing site to see the production process.[4] Chipotle later developed its own "plant-based chorizo".[5][6] In September 2022, Taco Bell also began adding plant-based meat alternatives to its menu.[7]
Some consulting firms and analysts demand more transparency in terms of the environmental impact of plant-based meat.[8]
Some states have instituted legislation stating that meat alternatives are not allowed to label themselves as "meat". In Louisiana, the so-called, "Truth in Labeling of Food Products Act" was challenged by Tofurkey, complaining of free speech violations[9] and was successful on those grounds.[10]
