What is Tofu

The “new market” for meat alternatives promises meaty profits and attracts enormous interest by consumers and investors alike. In this chapter, the historical development of meat alternatives is reviewed in an attempt to identify what is “new” about this particular market in the United Kingdom as an example of a Western country. Beginning in Victorian England, through the Wars into the 21st century, the societal background and developments leading into various episodes of markets for meat alternatives are discussed. Together with a description of the “new” market, historical continuities and current opportunities are outlined. It is concluded that health, environment, and business opportunities have played an important role throughout the history of the market, but the significance of this market in the commercial world is new.