Does the "Burger" Belong Only to Meat?

Is "Veggie Burger" the right word?

When you go through the supermarket next time, you'll surely notice the many plant-based alternatives. They carry names that you know and understand: "Tofu Sausage," "Veggie Schnitzel," or the popular "Burger." Yet, these labels are at the heart of a heated debate in the European Parliament. The question being voted on is: Should these products be allowed to use names traditionally associated with meat?

Where Your Orientation Begins

Consumer advocates take a clear stand here: For you as a consumer, terms like "Burger" or "Sausage" are valuable. They immediately communicate what kind of product you are holding – whether in terms of preparation method or typical texture. This is not about confusion. Organizations like Foodwatch emphasize that manufacturers clearly label their products as vegan or vegetarian.
The European consumer organization BEUC supports this assessment. Their surveys show that the majority of consumers are not confused by the naming conventions. A name like "Vegan Seitan-Schnitzel" serves its purpose: You know what you can expect in terms of flavour and what plant-based ingredient forms the base. Consumer federations therefore argue that a ban would be unhelpful for you. It would only unnecessarily complicate orientation on the shelf.

A Dispute Over Values and Growth

Proponents of the ban often argue for the protection of farmers and cite nutritional comparisons. They see a "genuine risk of confusion," claiming that plant-based products do not offer the same nutritional value. Furthermore, they worry that the reputation of animal products, built over generations, is being used to market competing alternatives.
However, the reality shows that the market for meat alternatives is growing dynamically. Production in Germany has more than doubled in the last five years. Regardless of the naming, this trend reflects a shift in your kitchen. Many view this move as an attempt to slow down this innovative development. Instead of demanding naming bans, consumer organizations appeal to legislators to instead ensure even clearer and more transparent labelling of all products – that would be genuine consumer protection for you.