Emily Mack
On Monday, Cracker Barrel added Impossible Sausage (fake meat) to its breakfast menu. And people are, literally, not having it.
Videos by Rare
Vegetarian options are pretty standard on menus these days — especially at major chains like Cracker Barrel. So the company seemed excited to share the news on Facebook. “Discover new meat frontiers,” the corporate post read. “Experience the out of this world flavor of Impossible™ Sausage Made From Plants next time you Build Your Own Breakfast.”
But the seemingly innocuous announcement has inspired thousands of hateful comments. And now, the vitriol is going viral.
Brats and prayers.
Impossible Sausage, Impossible Outrage
Being vegetarian is not inherently political. But try telling that to these Cracker Barrel commenters. Equating the new menu item with “being woke,” it seems that even sausage patties have fallen into this country’s cultural divide.
“I just lost respect for a once great Tennessee company,” one comment read.
“Don’t you ever try to push that crap in my direction. Stick to the basics that made your franchise a success,” said another.
And of course: “You just lost the customer base, congratulations on being woke and going broke.”
(Who’s going to tell them about Burger King’s — massively successful — Impossible Whopper?)
I’m a meat lover myself, but this is excessive. And others clearly agree. A viral Twitter thread (above) roasting the angry comments has gained much more traction than Cracker Barrel’s original post.
What Is Impossible Meat Made Of?
The fake meat manufacturer Impossible Foods, Inc. gained fast popularity when the Impossible Burger debuted in 2016. Though plant-based patties (veggie burgers) have long been beloved among vegetarians, Impossible kicked things up a notch — by tricking your senses.
The appearance is designed to mimic real meat — right down to its rare pink color and beefy texture. The molecule heme, which looks and tastes like blood, is essential to that process.
Impossible meat appeals to the sight and touch of an eater, as much as their taste. And the psychological dining experience has been a huge success. Since its founding in 2011, Impossible Foods has raised $1.3 billion of funding from investors. It’s now a regular staple at BBQs and fast food chains alike… but we’ll see how it fares at Cracker Barrel.
If people do not want the plant-based meat substitute with their breakfast…..don’t order it. They still have the sausage patties and links….order those. What is all of the uproar about? People can still get what they like…..but the people who like veggie sausage can now have that too. There is nothing “woke” about it. They simply want to serve all of their customers….and if you are a meat eater….what business is it of yours
what someone else is eating? Mind your own business and let everyone eat what they want.
I agree with Patricia, eat the real meat and don’t order the fake meat! Or to put it simple, order what you want and move on!
Grow up! When have you ever ordered something you didn’t want. Don’t deny other people their choice either. It’s called expanding your customer base and I , for one, welcome it. I want Cracker Barrel to be around forever because I love them. You can’t beat the quality or the prices. Did you have a fit when they introduced kale which is delicious, by the way! After all, isn’t it all about my body, my choice? Or is it your body, my choice? Go Cracker Barrel! A loyal customer.
Really? If you don’t want it, don’t order it. And remember what you mother (hopefully) taught you – if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!
If farmers weren’t under attack I’d think it was fine. This is being done to slowly do away with meat. Don’t order this fake meat because it won’t be long until real meat is non existent on a menu.
I am happy to hear this. I have heart disease and havent eaten anything along the lines of meat except fish for the past 5 years. I would love to eat real sausage but would also love to stay alive so I chose this way of life. It has nothing to do with animal rights, politics, etc. I am appreciative of any restuarant that offers options. Makes it much easier to dine out with meat easiers when there are multiple choices.
As a person who can no longer eat meat, as it causes an inflammatory response to by body and autoimmune condition, I am grateful restaurants are offering plant-protein-based options. What harm is it doing to anyone? Simply don’t order it if you don’t want it.
I developed a red meat allergy (which also includes pork) after being bit by ticks. I have no choice on whether or not to eat pork sausage which I love. It’s nice to have an option to still eat some type of sausage which is usually Jimmy Dean’s Turkey Sausage. Thank you CB for giving people a choice😎
Sounds like it might be manufactured outrage, possibly by the meat industry.