Cultured Meat

This solution was shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM , 14 May 2021

Print date: 14 April 2024 10:23

Description of the innovative solution

Alternative protein Food biodiversity Indoor farming Animal-sourced food Nutritious food

Cultured meat, also known as in vitro, is an environmentally sustainable solution to meat production. It is no-kill product produced in laboratories that tastes just like meat. The cells are taken from biopsies of live animals and the 'meat' is supplemented with plant nutrients. This is causing an agricultural revolution, as this solution tastes very real and similar to meat. Vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming more accessible and desirable as this solution floods the market. Beef, specifically, is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, producing roughly 60 kilograms of emissions per 1 kilogram of meat. Therefore, cultured meats hold the unique potential to limit livestock farming cutting down mass methane and carbon emissions. Common brands such as Impossible Food and Beyond Meat are becoming more popular and normalized in society.

Primary users

Large & industrial farmers
Livestock farmers
Food processors
Foodtech companies
Meat-packing industry
Urban consumers
Peri-urban consumers
Rural consumers
Rural communities
Peri-urban communities
Urban communities

Dietary impact

This solution provides a very positive impact on improving dietary health as cultured meats are often very high in protein. Certain communities such as vegetarians and vegans often struggle to find and consume protein rich foods, so this is the perfect solution. Further, the meat is cleaner lacking antibiotics or other toxic preservatives found in regular meat products. This supplement can bridge the nutritional gap that many people have.

Planetary impact

This solution replaces the need for mass amounts of livestock and the meat packing industry in general. Meat, specifically beef, production emits mass amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment. Eliminating the necessity for real meat production with this highly similar tasting solution, can greatly reduce emissions while simultaneously mitigating climate change. In addition, land degradation from meat production like cattle farms would equally be reduced.

Equity impact

This solution could have a very direct impact on improving equity, as it can be mass produced. This would increase food security and individuals' access to highly nutritious meals. Furthermore, the way in which the 'meat' is sources is humane and does not require slaughter. Thus, individuals who are against real meat, would not be excluded from enjoying these meals.

Main concerns

There have been several concerns raised about this solution. Firstly, many argue that it does not taste as real or good as regular meat. This can deter buyers and limit popularity and broader implementation in to society. Furthermore, there are certain religiously charged issues in different cultures pertaining to this meat. Most notably, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism religions do not necessarily support this solution. Furthermore, there is much scientific concern about the engineering process of the meat,

Supply chain segment

Agricultural inputs and primary production practices

Maturity level

Mainstream

Criteria

Food quality Food desirability Climate mitigation

SDG target

SDG 1: No Poverty SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 15: Life on Land

Context

Urban Peri-urban Rural

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

See this solution in action in different contexts and settings around the world

MeaTech

Business information

Israeli-based technology company utilizing 3D printing to create an industrial cultured meat production process as an alternative to factory farming.

Israel

meatech3d.com/.../

calcalistech.com/ctech...0.html

Shared by IFSS Research Team

Mosa Meat

Business information

Netherlands start-up growing cultured meat from small cell samples from animals.

Netherlands Denmark Belgium

mosameat.com/.../

Shared by IFSS Research Team

Additional resources

Learn more about this solution through studies, articles, business cases, and other information

The Business of Cultured Meat

Scientific paper

Scientific article discussing the necessity of cultured meats and some of the primary challenges facing commercialization of these products.

researchgate.net/publi...d_Meat

Shared by IFSS Research Team

Contacts

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Breadcrumb

Cultured Meat

Description of the innovative solution

Supply chain segment

Maturity level

Criteria

SDG target

Context

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

MeaTech

Mosa Meat

Additional resources

The Business of Cultured Meat

Contacts