Artificial foods

Artificial foods is an older term for simulated foods: products engineered to imitate the appearance, texture, and flavour of another food, such as imitation crab sticks, non-dairy creamers, or egg replacers. Modern industry and regulatory language favours terms like analogues, alternatives, or substitutes. These products serve consumers seeking lower cost, specific dietary properties, or freedom from allergens, but regulators require that they be safe, nutritionally considered where they replace staple foods, and labelled so consumers are never misled about what they are eating. Clear naming, honest ingredient lists, and nutrition parity where relevant are the standing expectations for this category.