‘Mock Tender’ at Publix Is Real Beef, Not Imitation Meat

A viral social media claim has raised concerns that Publix may be selling imitation meat products beside real meat, specifically items labelled ‘mock tender’ alongside real meat. The claim has gained significant traction across multiple platforms, causing consumers to worry about accidentally purchasing fake meat products.

Social Media Posts

A video has been spreading across multiple platforms, claiming that Publix, a large US supermarket chain, is selling fake meat. 

The caption reads “ MOCK MEAT ALERT. Now in your meat refrigeration section, wrapped exactly the same way, and right beside real meat. This was filmed at Publix. Look for the word “Mock” on the label. DID YOU ACCIDENTALLY BUY FAKE MEAT?”

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

The claim has also spread across TikTok and X platforms, with the original TikTok video garnering more than 500,000 views.

Source | Archive

Fact Check

What is Mock Meat?

Mock tender steak is a real beef cut taken from the cow’s chuck section (back). The name ‘mock tender’ comes from its shape, which resembles tenderloin but has a chewier texture. 

This lesser-known cut can be prepared as a steak and is best served thinly sliced. It also works well in soups and stews. One key advantage is its economical price.

The cut comes from the point of the chuck primal next to the top blade and is characteristically tough due to its connective tissue and fibrous muscle. It’s one of more than six different steaks from the chuck section, which has the most complex bone and muscle structure of any beef cut.

Mock tender is marketed under various names: chuck fillet steak, chuck clod tender, shoulder tender, petite fillet, fish steak, chuck tender steak, tender medallions, and shoulder petite tender. (Source)

Mock Steak Nutrition Info

Mock tender steak, cut from the beef chuck, is a nutritious and relatively lean beef option. A 100-gram serving of raw USDA Choice mock tender (trimmed of fat) provides 127 calories, with 21.4 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of fat. It’s packed with essential nutrients, including significant amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and potassium. 

While leaner than many other chuck cuts, it maintains excellent protein content and mineral levels. When cooked, the protein content increases slightly, though fat content can vary based on preparation method. This makes mock tender steak an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on flavor. (Source: Cal for Life, Eat This Much)

Term’s Recognition

“Mock tender” is a standard butcher term for a specific beef cut from the chuck section that looks similar to tenderloin but has a firmer texture. The USDA officially recognises mock tender as a legitimate beef cut and grades it like other cuts. It’s commonly sold as USDA Choice grade, offering good quality with moderate marbling, though it’s less tender than premium cuts. (Source)

Publix’s Meat Options

Publix is a supermarket chain in the United States that sells fresh groceries, meat, and other products across its locations in the southeastern region. (Source)

Publix stores stock both traditional meat products, including mock tender (a cut from the chuck section of beef), and plant-based alternatives from brands like Beyond Meat, MorningStar Farms, and Impossible Foods. These products are labelled according to their content type, with plant-based items marked as such to distinguish them from traditional meat products.

We have also contacted Publix for clarification and will update the article once we receive their response. 

Furthermore, we found that in addition to Publix, several other stores and supermarket chains such as  H-E-B, Instacart, Foodtown,, etc., were selling mock tender steak in the US.

FDA Regulations on Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Under the FDA’s guidelines, food labels must clearly differentiate real meat from plant-based alternatives. For instance, products made from soy, chickpeas, or other plant sources must specify those ingredients on the label, such as ‘soy-based chicken’ or ‘lentil-based fish sticks.’ Labels might also include terms like ‘plant-based,’ ‘vegan,’ or ‘meat alternative’ to help consumers make informed choices and avoid confusion.

Summary

The claim that Publix is selling “mock meat” alongside real meat is FALSE. ‘Mock tender’ is a legitimate cut of beef, not an imitation meat product. The term “mock” in this context refers to the cut’s resemblance to tenderloin, while being a different, less expensive cut from the chuck section of the cow.