I wish I had an answer for you, I'm really honestly not too educated on the subject. I just know that there are more expensive and better reviewed meat-replacements out there than what I've personally bought in the store. That being said, Gardein is no slouch. I've also been to The Herbivorous Butcher in Minneapolis and Twin Cities Veg Fest and the quality of meat-replacements (and cheese-replacements) at both those places were on a whole other level.