I think you’re right that that is the intent. But since it is more expensive and has worse macros, it doesn’t seem like a good substitute.

If it was healthier and cheaper, I would gladly swap it out. But it’s not, so I don’t.

Alternatively, if it tasted better than meat, I would pay more. But it doesn’t, so I don’t.

I think the market remaining are vegetarians who don’t eat meat for ethical reasons, so they are willing to pay more.

I actually prefer the old veggie patties like boca burgers as they are quite a bit cheaper than beef for the same protein.

It would be cheaper if meat wasn't ridiculously subsidised, which needs to change. In restaurants it costs about the same.

Regarding health it of course depends on product and what metric of healthiness we are looking at. With burger patties I consider them to be at least the same. With sausages I would consider the plant version healthier.

Taste is subjective and also a matter of trying out things and getting used to them. I love meat, but I also like the taste of many plant based alternatives as well and sometimes I even crave them over meat.

Ethical/ecological angle is clear.

(I live in EU and consume more actual meat than plant based alternatives.)

When I want meat, I eat it, no need to have a fake version of it.

Good for you