"So they are searching for something they once liked trying to imitate it ".....
Yes.
I hate to say this, but the best burger I've ever had came out of a small hole in the wall in Vancouver BC. Meaty, juicy and full of flavor.
I didn't realize it when I ordered, but I was in a vegan restaurant. (stoned in Vancouver) They had a hard time convincing me it wasn't beef.
FWIW.... I don't know any vegans/vegetarians that were born that way. The ones I know made a lifestyle change in their teens/adult life. I'm sure some of them know what a cheese steak tastes like.