Various religious groups have their dietary laws. These laws are often more similar rather than different especially when it comes to meat consumption. With the rise of plant-based meats, many people wonder whether consuming plant-based pseudo-meats is OK when it comes to religious laws they adhere to.
For example, observant Jews and Muslims are allowed to only eat meat that is ritually slaughtered in accordance to the rules of their religion. Furthermore, neither group is permitted to consume certain meats like pork, shellfish, and even dairy products. Having new-age plant-based meat options that are also certified according to religious laws, Kosher or Halal, will certainly make lives of those who practice the aforementioned religions easier. “A person today knows that being kosher does not mean you have to go to the back of the store and look for something like a second-class citizen. Having those products commonly available is achieving a great milestone.” Said Rabbi Eli Lando for independent.co.uk
Catholic Christians as well as other denominations of Christian faith abstain from meat during Lent.A perfect example are also Seven Day Adventists, who don’t consume pork meat. Now, many of those who are practicing such religious laws wonder whether a meatless burger could be consumed as a meat substitute without defeating the purpose. “What’s behind the whole tradition in practice is to go without in order to be in solidarity with those who are hungry; with those who can’t afford meat…by going without that we are reminded of others. We experience hunger ourselves. So it’s a bit deeper than whether it’s just a meat product.” Said Todd Williamson director of the Office of Divine Worship at the Archdiocese of Chicago in an interview for Chicago Tribune. Regardless of religious conviction or interpretation of the dietary law, plant-based meat patties certainly give an option to those who want to exclude meat from their menu even if that means abstaining for only a few days.
With veganism on the rise, all religious groups have more of their members going plant-based not only for religious reasons but for ethical reasons too. This great trend is popular among youngsters of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
“Animal cruelty is not in line with Islam,” she says. “The sacrificial tradition during Eid al-Adha can make things difficult for Muslim vegans, but I know some who, instead of sacrificing an animal, will instead use their time to help others or give to charity instead. And that’s what I’ll do too.” said a young vegan British Muslim in an interview with BBC.
Members of Hindu faith advocate avoiding eating meat because it minimizes the hurting of other living beings. “Mimicking is fine; it poses no theological problems,” he says. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it still may just be textured vegetable protein. That said, most Hindu vegetarians eschew meat for ethical reasons.” Said Matt McDermott, director of communications at the Hindu American Foundation in an interview for the jewishworldreview.com
Whether you are a pious person who lives by the religious dietary codex or you are concerned about animal welfare and are an ethical vegan plant-based options will make your life easier. Makers of meatless patties are certainly tapping into that market by certifying their products and marketing them as safe and tasty alternatives to meat patties.