> they're what I would consider mostly junk food. Highly processed, low in naturally occurring nutrients and rich in salt and additives

This is my main issue with most modern "meat alternative" products too - they're basically a high GI mashup of wheat flour, potatoes, sugar and other low-cost carbs, with a load of flavourings and salt added. And of course, they're often coated in breadcrumbs or batter. Basically any old shite with breadcrumbs. Even the macros aren't close to those of actual meat.