What is a common characteristic of a meat analog?

Meat analogs are products designed to replicate the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of meat while being made primarily from plant-based proteins. This characteristic makes them appealing to vegetarians, vegans, or those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing the experience of eating meat. The plant proteins used in these analogs can come from various sources, including soy, wheat, peas, and other legumes, which help provide the necessary amino acids and structure to mimic meat.

The other options don't accurately describe meat analogs. For instance, products made from animal proteins do not fit the definition of a meat analog, as they are not plant-based. Likewise, the inclusion of lactose would typically indicate a dairy product rather than a meat substitute. Finally, while some meat analogs may be categorized as pareve (neither meat nor dairy), this characteristic is not universally applicable to all meat analogs. Therefore, the focus on plant proteins is what distinctly identifies meat analogs in the context of nutrition and dietary practices.