Vegan vs. Plant-Based
Although often used interchangeably, the two terms have their differences. While all vegans follow a plant-based diet, not all plant-based adherents are vegan. Veganism is a lifestyle that rejects all animal products, including fur, leather, wool, and products tested on animals.
Nooch
This is a nickname used to describe nutritional yeast, which is a common plant-based cheese alternative. It can also be used as a seasoning, providing a nutty flavor enhancement packed with B vitamins.
Seitan
Made from vital wheat gluten, early forms of this meat substitute originated in China in the sixth century. The high-protein faux meat is widely used as a replacement for deli meats, sausage, and burgers.
Tofu vs. Tempeh
While they both come from the same plant, these soy products have vastly different textures and flavor profiles. Tofu is made from soy milk curds and pressed into block form. It’s distinctly silky and has a marshmallow-like consistency. Tempeh uses cooked soybeans, which are then fermented, giving it a firmer, chewier texture than its more popular soy relative.
What’s in an Impossible Burger?
Created by Impossible Foods in 2016, the beef patty alternative is famous for its hyper-realistic look and feel, even mimicking the myoglobin produced from its meat counterpart. The burger is made with soy protein, a mixture of coconut and sunflower oils, and methylcellulose, a plant-derived fiber used as a binding ingredient. The blood-red juices seen in the patty come from soy leghemoglobin, which is made through fermentation. In addition to its famous patties, Impossible Foods offers other meat replacements, such as chicken nuggets, sausage, hot dogs, and meatballs.
What’s in Just Egg?
Created as a scrambled egg substitute, Just Egg is a mung bean-based alternative that’s sold in both liquid and frozen form. It can be cooked the same ways as a chicken egg and is often used in plant-based scrambles, omelets, and quiches.
This story originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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