Sustainable Meats: Lab-Grown and Plant-Based

  09/10/2019

For a time, plant-based meats were once something only vegetarians and vegans sought after. With the growing recognition for finding sustainable methods to reduce environmental impact though, many meat-eaters are now turning to meatless options.

It’s a fine time to go meatless too, not just for the sake of the environment, but for the sake of health too. Plus, the options out there have grown, some of them quite literally, from bland patties that were hard to eat to a multitude of tasty selections that has even meat-eaters saying, “Wow, that’s delicious!”

Part of it is that plant-based brands have gotten quite good at faking meats with flavor, texture, and realism. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have “meat” that bleeds, a nice touch for those that are used to the real deal. But now, more competition is on the way, which only means more options for the rest of us. This new kid on the block, known as lab-grown or clean meat, is about to get really big.

Plant-based meats though, as the name suggests, are the only true source of meat-like products that are not made from meat. Heme is what gives the new big brands of meatless meat that meat-esque quality without using animal products. These are all safe for those who keep to a strict vegan or vegetarian diet.

Lab-grown meat won’t necessarily replace plant-based meats because of the originating factor. It grows cell tissues from harvested meat cells. With costs high to develop it, it’s still being finessed for perfection so that those who want to eat meat can do so with a clear conscience and contribute to more sustainable practices.

But don’t put your fork down yet. The world is not far off from having lab-grown meat available at commercial supermarkets at reasonable prices. That means you’ll soon have plenty of choices when it comes to the topic of what to make for dinner tonight. You’ll be able to choose traditional meats, plant-based meats, or lab-grown meats, each at reasonable prices.

As lab-grown meats are still technically meat products, it will be off the table for those going fully meatless. However, for those that want to make an impact by choosing sustainable goods, it will be an excellent option.

Not to worry. Plant-based meats will always be around. They’ll just continue to improve in taste, texture, and quality. With more options for healthier and sustainable food sources, health problems will improve and so too will environmental concerns. If you’ve never had a taste of plant-based meat, give it a try. They make it in forms that resemble the things you’re used to eating. You can get meatless ground beef to make tacos, meatless chicken strips for any dinner, or everyone’s favorite, meatless burgers which really do taste like the real deal.