Translation guide
A food product made from non-animal ingredients that mimics the taste, texture, and appearance of meat. In Japanese, the most common term is 代替肉 (daitai niku), but other expressions exist depending on context.
The learner wants to refer to any product designed to replace meat, such as plant-based burgers, soy meat, etc.
The standard term for 'meat analogue' or 'meat substitute'. Used in food industry, media, and everyday conversation.
Lately, I often see meat analogues at the supermarket.
Literally 'alternative protein'. A broader term that includes meat analogues but also other protein sources like insects or lab-grown meat. More technical.
The alternative protein market is growing rapidly.
Loanword from English 'fake meat'. Common in casual contexts and marketing, but can sound slightly negative or informal.
This fake meat tastes like real meat, doesn't it?
Loanword from 'plant-based meat'. Used in health-food and environmental contexts, but less common than 代替肉.
Burgers made with plant-based meat are popular.
The learner wants to refer to a particular kind of meat substitute, such as soy meat or wheat gluten.
代替肉 is the neutral, standard term used in news and formal contexts. フェイクミート is more colloquial and often used in marketing, but can imply artificiality. For a positive or neutral tone, prefer 代替肉 or 大豆ミート.
This restaurant serves dishes made with meat analogues.
Fake meat really does seem artificial, doesn't it?
Wheat gluten-based meat substitute, also known as seitan. Less common than soy meat in Japan.
Gluten meat has a chewy texture and is delicious.
ソイミートのハンバーグはヘルシーだ。
Soy meat hamburger steak is healthy.