1) Tofu and meatballs with real fish and shrimp:
Because meat is added, no matter how many ingredients are added, they are not vegetarian.
you can tell the composition of a food label by its composition.
2) Imitate the appearance of fish and shrimp or vegetarian food with artificial colors and seasonings (meat-like food):
It doesn't contain any meat ingredients, but imitates the appearance, taste and taste, which is completely plant-based food, so it belongs to vegetarian food.
This kind of food actually existed as early as Liang Wudi's time in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It is called Gongsu, and it is specially designed for the royalty and dignitaries who are used to eating big fish and big meat but need to be vegetarian on some sacrificial days.
Some people think that this kind of meat-like food has artificial colors and seasonings and keep criticizing it. In fact, is it true that only vegetarians can eat food with artificial colors and seasonings? Don't ordinary people eat potato chips, snacks, and packaged juices without artificial colors and seasonings? This kind of food is just like snacks. It is always useless to eat more, but eating in moderation still has little effect.
As for the saying that fasting is not for the heart, everyone has different opinions. For some friends who have just started to be vegetarian, they will face a struggle of conscience and appetite. They want to eat but can't bear to kill, so eating this kind of meat-like food just solves this problem. It's better to eat the meat of all beings. At least there is no killing.
Of course, it is always bad to eat more of this kind of food, no matter from the point of view of spiritual improvement or health. If you can avoid it, you can avoid it. Eating more natural food is the real way to health.