The USDA clears cell-grown meat for sale as labs try to do what plant-based couldn’t
Tastes just like chicken… The USDA approved two companies to sell the US’s first lab-grown meat: chicken cultivated from animal cells in a lab. With previously granted FDA approvals in hand, Upside Foods and Eat Just plan to debut the experimental meat at two high-end restaurants in DC and San Francisco. There the Anton Egos of the world will decide whether science chicken tastes good or gives them the ick, and the companies can take any feedback into consideration as they expand production.
Foodie nation: The US is the second country to approve the sale of lab-grown meat, after Singapore, and experts say other countries tend to follow the USDA’s lead.
Cell-grown’s sell: Cell-grown is slaughter-free, and companies say it’s good for biodiversity and could reduce emissions, though critics debate some of the benefits.
Growing portions: 150+ companies have raised $3B to cultivate meat and seafood. The industry was worth about $250M in 2022 and is projected to hit $25B by 2030.
Overcooked plant patties… Cell-grown companies are trying to enter the market as plant-based options wilt. As consumers questioned the healthfulness of the “meat” and its high price, Beyond Meat and other plant-based products have seen sales flattening or falling. Cell-grown companies say the problem is in the patty, arguing their product is real meat “that preserves life,” Upside Foods’ CEO said. Big Meat disagrees and is lobbying to strip the “meat” label from cell-grown (like Big Dairy vs. alt-milks).
Warming up a new product takes time… Getting approvals to sell cell-grown meat was slow going, and it may just be the first lap in a marathon of getting consumers to put it on their plates. As a never-been-done product, cell-grown meat has an ick factor to overcome. And if companies can conquer consumers’ taste buds, affordability will be the next challenge before cell-grown can transition from Michelin-starred restaurants to Walmart.