Could lab-grown meat be on the menu?

Is cultured meat the next generation of food and what are the benefits?

Cultured meat is becoming more and more popular, as start-ups gain more funding, start talking seriously about production and countries begin to evaluate regulation and benefits. Is 2022 the year where lab grown meat comes on the menu?

You might be wondering just what cultured meat is? Cultured or Lab Grown meat is animal meat that is made by taking tissue from animals and extracting the cells, which are then grown in a controlled environment and processed with extra fat and ingredients to closer resemble the finished product.

Cultured meat is not only technologically advanced, but it is also better for the planet. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, livestock is responsible for around 15% of all emissions, which means that Lab Grown meat has the potential to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does cultured meat benefit the environment, but it also has the potential to benefit people and animals as there is less chance of contamination and disease, and there is no need for antibiotics and hormones.

While your customers may still be hesitant about lab grown meat, worldwide interest is growing, with a UK start-up 3DBio-Tissues working towards producing the UK’s first cultured meat within the next year and Israeli start-up MeaTech 3D opening the world’s first lab-grown meat factory.

Lab-grown meat can be unfamiliar and unconventional, so it may take consumers a while to get used to. In the meantime, more familiar ingredients like artichoke hearts, lentils and black beans, can be used in vegan and vegetarian meals

Cultured meat has the potential to forever change the way we eat meat and in turn positively benefit our environment. It might be a while away, so in the meantime, consider some vegan or vegetarian alternatives. If you are looking for ways to incorporate more plant based meals on your menu, check out our article about this year’s most popular meat-alternative trends!