Virat Kohli's viral mock chicken post gets all eyes on India's booming plant-based meat scene

Virat Kohli, known for his dedication to both cricket and a mindful lifestyle, has been making waves with his semi-vegan approach to diet.

The Indian batting icon, who transitioned from a non-vegetarian diet earlier in his career, recently shared a glimpse into his dietary choices on Instagram.

In a social media post, Kohli showcased an empty plate, praising a mock chicken tikka creation with the caption, "You've really nailed this mock chicken tikka."

Fans were really curious when they saw Virat Kohli's Instagram post about "chicken tikka." But it turned out to be "mock chicken tikka."

The term 'mock chicken tikka' might sound intriguing to many, but it's essentially a plant-based version of the popular dish, substituting traditional chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit, soy protein, or tofu.

Kohli, having adopted a vegan lifestyle a few years ago to regulate uric acid production and enhance his overall fitness, has been an advocate for conscious eating.

What is mock meat?

• Mock meat is a type of plant-based protein designed to imitate the look and taste of animal meat.
• It is created using ingredients such as soy, wheat isolate, jackfruit, banana peels, and watermelon.
• Mock meats get their meat-like texture and taste by using special methods during processing.
• However, it's important to note that while mock meat offers protein, it may not deliver the same nutritional profile as animal meat.

Mock-meat in India

1. Urban Platter: Established in 2015 by Chirag and Dhawal Kenya in Mumbai, provides a range of plant-based mock meat products made from jackfruit and soya bean.

These ready-to-eat items are seasoned with various condiments and operate in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

2. Blue Tribe Foods: Located in Panvel, Maharashtra, India, revolutionizes meat consumption by offering meat-like snacks and plant-based alternatives.

Backed by notable supporters like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, the brand can be found in 11 cities across India.

3. Veggie Champ: A pioneering vegan food brand established in 2008 by Ahimsa Food.

It replicates foods like salami, hot dogs, fish fillets, mutton, chicken drumsticks, and prawns using ingredients like soya bean, vegetable fiber, and seaweed.

4. Wakao Foods: A Goa-based vegan start-up founded by Sairaj Dhond, offers a range of mock meat products like burgers and BBQ jackfruit using Goan jackfruits.

5. Vezlay Foods: Founded by Amit Bajaj in Delhi in 2011, specializes in soya-based products offering various items like seekh kebabs, shawarma filling, shammi kebabs, and tikkas.

6. Vegeta Gold: Based in Chennai, Vegeta Gold provides vegetarian options for snacks like lollipop, samosas, fish fillet, and prawns using a blend of shiitake mushroom, soya, and textured vegetable proteins.

As the popularity of mock meat continues to soar in India, driven by the likes of Virat Kohli and innovative startups, the question remains: Would you give these plant-based alternatives a try to savor the taste of a guilt-free culinary revolution?