Ask Lemmy

I believe cultured meat is the future.

I don't mind the plant-based substitutes and eat them occasionally, but:

1. I don't like that they've named them meat-related names (I have the same issue with plant "milk"). This marketing strategy causes an expectation of flavour and texture that disappoints people and puts them off. If the product is good enough, give it its own niche, like tofu.
2. Part of the reason vegan / vegetarian diets are healthy is because the food is largely unprocessed, whereas many of these products are highly processed. I'd rather just eat actual vegetables.

Cultured meat has real potential to replace farmed meat because it can provide things no plant-based alternative can, while removing many of the disadvantages of animal farming:

• The taste and texture should eventually be identical to farmed meat.
• It's kinder to animals than farming - not vegan, but not cruel, no-one dies, and far fewer animals are needed.
• It's better for the environment in many ways: less emissions than animal farming, less land required than both animal and plant-based farms, can be produced close to urban centres so less transport should be required.
• It can be fed to pets that are obligate carnivores, like cats. I will never put my dog on a vegan diet but I am following the UK company Meatly, that is specialising in cultured meat for pet food, with interest.

Once cultured meat is a similar price to farmed meat, I believe the ethical and environmental advantages will give it the edge. Many people that will never go vegan or vegetarian will hopefully switch.