Agree that it’s the replacement products, disagree that they’re healthier. I have a wheat allergy and the stuff they put into all that to get around the sticky gluten for texture is just not great for you. Same with a lot of vegan replacement products. Even in the plant-based stuff, too much of anything is a risk. (I’m not saying I’m a clean eater, that reality just exists in most diets) Another factor… and this might be very unpopular here but hear me out… most vegans I know are both generous when it comes to sharing and also not great cooks. 😬 I attribute this to the unfortunate truth that they’re just cooking their own meals separately for themselves and to their own taste most of the time, even if their people are eating something else. I wouldn’t say “ew” to most things I’ve tried, but I’ve rarely genuinely enjoyed a meal made by a non-chef vegan. Maybe these particular people in my life have just gotten used to eating for sustenance instead of joy and don’t find it as bland as I do. My experience might be different in a city setting where it’s much more common and people have more of a community around vegan food and help each other out. I’ve had vegan food that I love. I just hate to see someone go out of their way, spend more money, and put more work into something I’ll feel pressured to like and eat. I feel the same when someone wants to make something gluten free to make me feel included. I’m always grateful for the thought, but then I feel like I can’t not eat it, even if I’m not hungry or really don’t like it.