Have you ever heard of a vegan butcher? One is about to exist. It'll sell meat-free meat and cheese-free cheese.

The premise has prompted one of those rather poignant questions...

A world first, the idea is the work of a man called Kale (no, really), and his sister Aubry Walch. They raised over £40,000 through a successful Kickstarter campaign.

The 'Herbivorous Butcher' sells plant-based 'meats' such as Italian sausage and BBQ ribs – but rather than using the more typical, traditional animals to craft their produce, Kale and Aubry use ingredients like chickpeas and tapioca.

The vegan butcher already sells online but the first actual shop will open in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 23.

Kale and Aubry gained momentum selling their 'artisan' imitation meats and cheeses at farmers' markets.

'Steak,' anyone?

Herbivorous Butcher/Twitter

The pair say on their Kickstarter page:

We’ve created complex and flavourful products that will satisfy any herbivore, omnivore, and even self‐proclaimed carnivores. Our 100% vegan cruelty-free meat alternatives capture the best flavours, textures, and nutrients that meats have to offer without their negative impacts on health, animals, and the environment.

The possibilities appear endless as to how far Kale and Aubry can take their vegan butcher business.

Kale and Aubry

Herbivorous Butcher/Twitter

Not everyone seems sold on the idea...