"Ultra-processed and secretly produced foods are cheered by consumers and investors because they are plant-based--often vegan--and help address societal issues. An investigative reporter pokes holes in the mania behind today's changing food landscape and clearly shows the trade-offs of replacing real food with technology-driven approximations."-- Publisher's description.

Introduction -- Algae: the future food that's always in the picture -- Fungi: a steak substitute-- and flavor enhancer? -- Pea protein: finally, something that could topple Big Soy -- Milk and eggs: if no animals were involved, is it vegan? -- Upcycling: rescuing edible stuff to make... more edible stuff? -- Plant-based burgers: can plants replace red meat? -- Vertical farms: can premium greens picked by robots feed the world? -- Cell-based meat: will animal analogues make it beyond an elite niche? -- Are we buying what they're selling? -- What are we eating in twenty years?