Due to religious purposes, concerns with animal treatment and efforts to preserve the environment, many people, especially in the modern day, have made the dietary switch to vegetarianism and veganism. Along with the growth in the vegan and vegetarian population has also been the growth of plant-based protein alternatives, mainly in the form of imitation meat.

“At first I went from not eating pigs anymore and then I just went to not eating meat at all because I looked more into eating meat as a whole,” freshman Lily Thompson said. “The imitation meat mostly tasted the same.”

The creation of plant-based meat varies from each manufacturer, usually through a blend of plants that are high in protein to mimic animal meat. These blends consist of generally familiar foods such as lentils, peas, potatoes and soy. To imitate the taste and texture of animal meat, coconut oil, wheat gluten and nutritional yeast are often used.

“I think that people need to eat what they like while also finding something healthy,” health teacher Jenelle Louis said. “I think plant-based foods are a great option, and I think more information needs to get out about it so kids can consider that option.”