Stop Chasing Imitation Foods: Why Real Change Starts With Community, Not Corporations

For years, many of us believed that replacing animal products with plant-based versions would be the key to transforming the food system. But in a recent episode of The Glen Merzer Show, bestselling author Glen Merzer sits down with vegan pioneer Miyoko Schinner to explore why that strategy may have reached its limits.

Miyoko, founder of the iconic plant-based cheese brand Miyoko’s Creamery, opens up about her very public and painful departure from the company she built. While the story made headlines, the deeper lesson goes far beyond corporate drama. As Miyoko explains, mission-driven companies often lose their soul when control shifts to venture capital and private equity—groups focused on rapid growth and profit, not values or community.

She shares how product reformulations, cheaper ingredients, and corporate decision-making eroded trust with consumers. “People don’t just buy vegan products for price,” she notes. “They buy them for the mission, the integrity, and the story behind them.”

But the conversation doesn’t stop at criticism—it offers a powerful reimagining of the future. Miyoko argues that real change won’t come from ultra-processed alternatives or billion-dollar lab-grown foods, but from whole foods, local systems, and human connection. She points out that flexitarians and curious eaters aren’t looking for fake burgers—they want delicious beans, grains, vegetables, and meals that feel authentic and nourishing.

Perhaps the most hopeful takeaway is Miyoko’s call to action: build community. Cooking clubs, potlucks, sanctuaries, and shared meals create the belonging that keeps people engaged long-term. Without community, even the best intentions fade.

The message is clear: if we want a healthier, kinder food system, we must stop waiting for corporations to save us—and start inviting people to the table ourselves.

Watch the full episode here: Reflections From Miyoko Schinner

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