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Global Outlook on the Meat Market and Alternatives: Plant-Based and Cultivated Meat Challenges, Developments, and Opportunities


Mursaleen Anjum1, Murtaza Khan1, Summra Khalid1*, Nisar Ali2, 3 and Mohammad Musabah Al-Hinaai3

1Faculty of Management Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai’an City, P.R. China.

2Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai’anCity, P.R. China.

3Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra City, Sultanate of Oman.

Corresponding Author Email:azsam375@gmail.com

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ABSTRACT:

The global food system is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by escalating concerns over environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and public health. Also, the growing demand for protein and the impacts of traditional meat production drive the need for alternative protein markets. Plant-based meat is starting to look like a good choice. This article investigates the commercial viability of the meat market and plant-based meat alternatives. It compares alternative protein products to traditional beef options, highlighting their relative benefits and trade offs. Furthermore, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the contemporary meat market and its two most prominent alternatives: plant-based meat and lab-grown (cultivated) meat. The key challenges and opportunities that will shape future market growth, as well as constraints such as high prices and consumer acceptance barriers. We also explore how the Product, Price, Place, and Promotion can be leveraged to unlock opportunities and drive growth in the meat substitute industry.

KEYWORDS:

Environmental impact; Lab-grown meat; Meat market; Market potential; Nutritional profile; Plant-based alternative

Introduction

As the world population nears 9.8 billion by 2050, momentum is building for dietary shifts that curb reliance on resource-intensive animal products and elevate diverse, nutrient-dense plant foods.1 At the same time, conventional beef remains a massive incumbent, projections place its market value near US $1.5 trillion by 2029, underscoring both the resilience of legacy demand and the sheer scale of the opportunity for alternatives.2,3 The stakes extend beyond markets. Conventional meat production imposes external costs on public health, ecosystems, and animal welfare. Livestock supply chains are linked to deforestation, eutrophication, freshwater depletion, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and biodiversity loss. Policy instruments, such as reforming energy subsidies, can materially reallocate these costs and benefits across governments, producers, and consumers, thereby shifting incentives and outcomes.2 Against this backdrop, a broadening consensus holds that diversifying protein sources through plant based and cell cultured options is a critical lever for a more sustainable food system.4

Food production is one of the leading causes of today’s environmental issues. The production of food is estimated to contribute 17,318 ± 1675 Tg CO2eq yr−1 to global GHG emissions. Of these, 57% may be attributed to the production of animal-based meals, including livestock feed, 29% to plant-based foods, and 14% to other uses. Of these, farmland management accounts for a significant share of overall emissions (38%).5 The food industry has the most environmental effects from livestock, which account for 16.5% of annual worldwide GHG emissions.6

Historically, first-generation plant proteins such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan have anchored Asian cuisines for centuries due to affordability and favourable nutrient profiles. Still, their penetration in Western markets has been constrained by sensory expectations, food neophobia, and their association with niche dietary identities (vegetarian/vegan).7,8 To address these adoption frictions, a second wave of PBMAs has been engineered to emulate the taste, texture, and appearance of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, catalyzing distribution gains and consumer trial in mainstream retail.9 However, despite a surge of product launches in 2021 and bullish long-run revenue forecasts (e.g., Bloomberg; Credit Suisse), category growth decelerated after 2022. This moderation justifies caution: achieving durable meat displacement will require progress on price parity, sensory performance, repeat purchase rates, and regulatory clarity, not just product availability.9

In parallel, cultivated (lab-grown) meat has advanced from concept to limited commercialisation. By growing animal cells in vitro, these products aim to replicate conventional meat’s sensory profile while reducing the ethical and environmental burdens associated with conventional meat production.10,11 Regulatory milestones Singapore’s authorisation and subsequent U.S. federal clearances enabling initial sales by GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods in 2023 demonstrate technical feasibility and regulatory openness, strengthening the case for near-term market entry.12  Even so, the path to scale remains non-trivial high production costs and bioprocess constraints, entrenched competition from conventional meat, consumer hesitancy around price and sensory attributes, and unsettled labeling and regulatory regimes collectively slowing diffusion.13 These hurdles justify a dual strategy that couples technological learning to cut costs and improve quality with targeted demand creation (pricing, positioning, and education) and policy alignment standards, procurement, and clear labelling to unlock mainstream acceptance.14 competition from conventional meat markets,15 The commercial success of lab-grown meat is hindered by three key obstacles: low consumer willingness to adopt, high price points, and suboptimal taste and texture, which must be addressed to drive mainstream acceptance.16 and regulatory and labelling challenges.17,18

Although (PBMAs) have garnered increasing attention and interest, they still represent a relatively small fraction of the overall meat market. The market share of plant-based meat alternatives in the US remains modest just 1.4% of total retail meat sales, indicating significant room for growth. This modest market share highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for growth in the PBMAs sector.19 The market prognosis for meat substitutes is given in this report, along with a discussion of the main obstacles, prospects, and recent advancements. By doing this, it adds three significant contributions and expands on the previous work.20

This review article clarifies key factors that could pose future challenges for the meat substitute market and shows that comparisons of environmental and nutritional factors do not clearly favour one product over another. Our analysis provides a current market overview, including global market size and growth projections for high-protein plant-based meals. Through a comparative analysis, we offer new perspectives on the dynamic market dynamics and changing options for meat substitutes. Second, we assess first-generation plant foods high in protein, second-generation plant-based meat substitutes, and traditional meat products using available data, focusing on their nutritional profiles and environmental impacts. Finally, we examine the potential and challenges facing PBMAs by considering the four Ps of marketing. This adds to the discussion in academia and policy circles about whether technological advancements, on their own, can reduce consumption of traditional beef. Through this study, we aim to highlight potential obstacles to technological innovation’s ability to significantly alter consumer behaviour and pinpoint opportunities that important players can leverage to create more influential markets.

The remaining sections of the review are organised as follows: Section 2 offers a thorough analysis of the market dynamics for plant-based meat substitutes, including lab-grown meat, for both first and second-generation products. This allows for a comprehensive grasp of the industry’s structure. The paper proceeds with a detailed comparison of the nutritional profiles of plant-based meat substitutes and conventional beef in Section 3. The environmental effects of conventional meat production, as well as meat substitutes, are examined in Section 4. The potential and problems facing the meat replacements sector are examined in Section 5, followed by an overview of global regulations and labelling requirements in Section 6. Finally, Section 7 presents a concise summary of our key findings in Fig. 1.

Figure 1: Environmental impacts of the meat market, plant-based alternative, and market dynamics. 

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Materials and Methods

We aim to synthesise a global outlook on conventional meat and the two leading alternatives (plant-based and cultivated), integrating market dynamics, nutrition, environmental footprints, technology, consumer acceptance, and regulations. Given the heterogeneous evidence base (peer-reviewed studies across multiple disciplines plus policy/market grey literature), a narrative/scoping review was chosen a priori as the most appropriate design. To enhance robustness, we: (1) searched multiple scholarly databases and targeted grey literature sources; (2) applied explicit eligibility criteria and dual reviewer screening; (3) used domain-appropriate quality tools for a quality checklist for both market environmental studies.

Research gaps

Despite rapid growth in plant-based and emerging cultivated meats, current evidence is fragmented: most reviews emphasise beef and high-income markets, while cross-species baselines, region-specific adoption data, and transparent techno-economics for cultivated meat remain limited. Regulatory trajectories and nutrition/health outcomes are inconsistently reported. This review addresses these gaps by (i) synthesizing cross species baselines (beef, pork, poultry, mutton/chevon, lamb) against plant based and cultivated analogues; (ii) comparing global and local market dynamics across major regions with policy and pricing context; and (iii) integrating sustainability, nutrition, consumer, manufacturing, and regulatory evidence into a decision ready matrix highlighting near term opportunities and research priorities.

Research Design and Methodology:

Since the constructs and units vary across disciplines, we used structured narrative synthesis with tabulation, harmonising where possible to per 100 kcal and per kg edible portion for environmental outcomes, and to standard nutrition bases (per 100 kcal/100 g). Where multiple functional units existed, we report the primary unit and present sensitivity checks to alternative units in the supplement. For market data, ranges are reported with source attribution; when multiple reputable sources conflicted, we show intervals and discuss reasons (methods, scope, year, currency). In consumer studies, we report the country, sample, and instrument to avoid overgeneralisation.

Appropriateness of statistical methods

The article is an overview of market review, synthesising secondary sources (market data, prior studies). It does not present new hypothesis-driven analyses requiring inferential statistics. This format is typical for a market outlook; descriptive synthesis and qualitative comparisons are appropriate to the research aim. Comparable reference reports commonly used in this space likewise rely on literature reviews, descriptive analytics, and, sometimes, economic scenario modelling rather than regression/hypothesis tests.

Transparency of statistical reporting (p-values, CIs, effect sizes)

Because the piece is a market review, p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes are generally not reported (and mostly not applicable), there are no original experiments or trials to summarise with inferential metrics.

Discussion

Environmental impacts of the meat market

More scholarly articles have recently been published on the environmental effects of meat producers.21 These research studies primarily advocate for using meat as a viable remedy to lessen the adverse environmental impact of meat production. One source of carbon footprint production is the animal farm. Both breeding and management practices cause environmental pollution. Additionally, the quantity and kind of meat producers affect the ecosystem.22 Agriculture, as it is now practised, must contribute to global GHG emissions; hence, food production systems must be altered to address this issue. A discovery has been made that minimises the environmental effect of beef manufacturing while meeting the requirements.  The GHGe of mycoprotein based products, with a median of 1.46-4.22 kg CO2eq/kg, align with the emissions profile of plant based meat substitutes, which have been reported to range from 0.98 to 2.85 kg CO2eq/kg, based on cradle to retail gate analysis (Fig. 2). The greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of plant and mycoprotein based products were much lower than those of animal based foods.23

Figure 2: Greenhouse gas emissions from alternatives, mycoprotein, plant-based meat, and various animal-based meats.24

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Environmental factors include temperature, humidity, light, height, noise, and scent. On the other hand, information on noise, height, and fragrance needs to be included. Furthermore, the manure recycling plan is linked to each read meat RM producer’s environmental responsibility activities. Research assessing the environmental impacts of the ruminant, poultry, and aquaculture sectors has recently increased.25 However, more research needs to be done on the manufacture of RM. Although it was said that chicken meat had a more significant impact than pig meat, it is uncertain how RM affected the environment. It is possible to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of RM producers by implementing appropriate management practices.26

Heavy metals’ extended biological half-life and lack of biodegradability in the environment and human body characterise them. As a result, they may build up significantly within soil plant food systems and pose a danger to human health (Fig. 2).27 conducted a comprehensive analysis of heavy metal contamination (Arsenic Ar, Cadmium Cd, Mercury Hg, and Lead Pb) in red meat globally, determining the prevalence and mean levels of these toxic substances in red meat samples from various international sources.

The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise available data, providing a comprehensive, quantitative summary of findings on heavy metal contamination in red meat worldwide. Researchers systematically searched major international databases, both general and specialised, for studies published between 2000 and 2021, to gather a comprehensive body of evidence on heavy metal contamination in meat. The study reveals that meat exhibits low levels of arsenic and mercury contamination. However, lead and cadmium levels exceed the Codex Alimentarius maximum permissible limits, indicating potential health concerns. An extremely severe level of heterogeneity was also observed in the data, and a subgroup analysis did not identify the cause.27 However, sources of high quantities of toxic heavy metals (THMs) are considered distinct subgroups within continents, meat kinds, and fat content. The subgroup analysis also showed these findings. In contrast, high levels of Cd above the requirements were observed in Asia (232.12 μg/kg; 95% CI = 206.45–257.79) and Africa (84.68 μg/kg; 95% CI = 74.69–94.66). The risk assessment also found that eating red meat, especially in large amounts, may have adverse health effects due to its high heavy metal content.28

Environmental pollution is thought to be the root cause of around 25% of the illnesses that now plague mankind, according to estimations made by the WHO. Intoxication from tainted food affects 600 million people annually, leading to 420,000 deaths and 33 million lost years of healthy life, according to a WHO study.28 This list indicates that 30.9% of foodborne illnesses are caused by contaminated beef. An estimated $20.3 billion in economic losses are attributed to the 2.9 million diseases occurring yearly. Controlling the presence of heavy metals in food seems essential, especially in items like meat, which are consumed at higher rates per person.28 A deeper understanding of the problem may be attained by evaluating the quantities of heavy metals in meat and using other data (Fig. 3). This will improve managers’ capacity to decide wisely on matters about consumer food safety.27

Figure 3: Environmental impacts of toxic heavy metals found in red meat.27

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Intake of metals from meat and seafood in adult and paediatric populations is presented in Table 1. A meat based diet mostly increases metal intake due to high consumption rates. As a result, meat eating supplied between 86% and 99% of the adult population’s total Zinc (Zn) intake, and among youngsters, meat accounted for more than 94% of all components consumed.29 The two metals with the most significant combined intakes from fish and meat eating were zinc (Estimated daily lead (Pb) intake levels were 36.0 μg/kg for adults and 55.7 μg/kg for children, indicating a higher exposure risk for younger populations), and copper (Estimated daily cadmium (Cd) intakes were 16.8 μg/kg for adults and 26.4 μg/kg for children, indicating a higher exposure risk for younger populations). When considering specific locations, the study identified regional hotspots of heavy metal intake, with Yenagoa recording the highest levels of Cd and Mercury Hg. In contrast, Eleme, Trans Amadi, and Khana had elevated levels of Copper Cu, Vanadium V, Pb, and Zn, and metalloids such as Arsenic Ar (Fig. 4).29

Figure 4: Metal intakes (μg/kg/day) from fish and meat consumption in both 6 to 12 year old children and adults and children from different locations of the Niger Delta.29 

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Table 1. Health and environmental effects of toxic metal intake from meat food

Meat

Metal detected Detection Instrument Fat concentration (%) Major effect
Fork30 Arsenic

Lead

Cadmium

ICP-MS 10 to 2

Sheep31

Arsenic ICP-MS 20 Major effects are growth inhibition, death, inhibition of reproduction, photosynthesis, and behavioural effects. High enough levels of arsenate resistance are found in some organisms, i.e. microbes
sheep32 Atomic absorption spectrophotometry

20

Chamois33

10

Wild boar34

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

Goat35

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Pork36

ICP-MS 10 to 20
Cattle37 ICP-OES

10–20

Calf38

HG-AFS atomic fluorescence spectrometry 10 to 20
Beef39 ICP-MS

10–20

Cattle40

X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 10 to 20
Pork41 ICP-MS

10 to 20

Cow42

Lead

 

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry

10 to 20

Toxic to the environment and humans. Hazardous to pregnant women and children. No safe level of lead exposure has been established. Damage to the neurological and cardiovascular systems

Bovine43

Sheep44

Goat45

Wild boar46

10

Camel47

10

Sheep48

20

Cattle49

10–20
Red deer50

10

Cattle51

10 to 20
Bovine52 ICP-OES

10 to 20

Moose53

ICP-MS 10
Beef54 ICP-OES

10 to 20

Cow55

ICP-MS 10 to 20
Beef56 Atomic absorption spectrophotometry

10 to 20

Moose57

Cadmium ICP-MS 10 Cadmium released to the environment in circulation causes renal damage, bone disease, and cancer
Reindeer58

10

Cattle59

10 to 20
Moose60

10

Pig61

10 to 20
Cattle62

10 to 20

pork63

ICP-MS

10 to 20

Pig64

Mercury Atomic absorption spectrophotometry 10 to 20

Mercury occurs naturally in Earth’s crust but is released into the environment through human activities, such as mining.

Mercury is harmful to wildlife. Mercury settles on land and water and causes water pollution

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a major contaminant of the environment, also it is the main gas emitted when meat products decompose.65 A quick, easy, and reliable way to detect H2S must be established to safeguard both human health and the natural environment. Unfortunately, the complex synthesis, high toxicity, poor visualisation, and high detection limits of current approaches remain problems. For precise and sensitive visual monitoring of sulphides, a smartphone uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film and a test paper based on a nanocomposite of Au NCs and CDs.65 The fluorescence colour shifts from orange to green with the addition of sulphide. The method demonstrated a linear quantitative response to sulphide concentrations ranging from 5 nanomolar (nM) to 30 micromolar (μM), with a meager detection limit of 4.20 nM. The suggested approach demonstrates viability in natural water samples. Additionally, apparent colour shifts in fluorescence towards H2S emanating from spoiled meat are shown; these findings indicate that the Au NCs-CDs-PVA film has the potential as a novel meat freshness indicator, enabling the detection of spoilage and ensuring food safety.

Meat alternative

There are at least three good reasons to look more closely at non-livestock sources of meat production. First, because of the anticipated significant increase in meat consumption, our production capacity will soon run out, as a considerable amount of arable land is currently devoted to raising cattle. In addition, there is growing concern about the environmental effects of cattle management and breeding. Moreover, widespread concerns about the welfare of animals and public health have been generated by herding and killing vast numbers of animals.66 It is predicted that the world’s meat consumption will double throughout the next forty years due to increased populations in emerging nations and rising meat consumption overall. Even though there is significant ambiguity about these projections, the scale of this alleged growth supports the notion that demand will expand dramatically. Concurrently, it is apparent that the capacity to produce traditional beef is approaching its limit, but there is still some room for error.67 As a result, meat will become less readily available, raising its price and making it a luxury food item. This could exacerbate global food disparities, further widening the gap in access to nutritious food across regions and populations. Moreover, several different approaches, such as lowering post-harvest losses (food waste), are now being investigated to improve the overall effectiveness of the food supply chain. Moreover, the production of food, particularly meat, will have a significant impact.66

 Market dynamics of meat alternatives

According to,68 First-generation meat replacements include traditional plant-based protein sources like tofu, seitan, and tempeh. According to the USDA FAS (2021), next-generation plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are advanced formulations that combine various plant-derived ingredients including soy, beans, peas, cereals, mushrooms, and rice, to create highly realistic meat substitutes. By carefully blending these ingredients, plant-based meat alternatives can accurately mimic conventional meat’s taste, texture, and mouthfeel, offering a more premium and satisfying experience for consumers. We examine global markets for first and second-generation meat substitutes, including current trends, market structures, and regional differences.

Before discussing the market structure and sales estimates, it is important to address a few factors. We summarise the current literature using estimates from commercial research companies with corporate links. We use aggregate forecasts based on incomplete data, assumptions, and modelling methodologies to provide upper-bound sales predictions. In addition to the first point, analysing the range of sales expectations might provide insight into their confidence. Increased expected sales range and volatility decrease trust in market growth and sales predictions.

Several variables influence future estimates, including market challenges (Section 5.1) and legislative changes (Section 6). The market impact of meat alternatives depends on conventional meat’s total sales and growth rate, despite individual industries’ projected growth. As a relatively new product with modest market share, meat substitutes may see significant year-over-year growth while still accounting for a tiny share of overall meat sales. Conventional beef and plant-based meat alternatives are not necessarily replacements,69 demand for both may rise concurrently.

 Market of the plant-based meat alternatives

Plant-based meat replacements are mostly made from protein-rich plant foods, namely soy and wheat. Tofu and tempeh reign supreme as the top soy-based choices in plant-based foods, whereas seitan takes the spotlight as the premier wheat-based option. Fig. 5 illustrates the current market size and projected growth trajectory of plant based beef alternatives, visually depicting the segment’s expansion and future potential. Soy-based plant foods (tempeh and tofu) dominate the market, outpacing wheat-based plant foods (seitan) in size and demand.

Figure 5: Market size of plant-based meat substitute from 2020 to 2030 (Report ID: GVR-4-68039-145-9.

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The market for plant-based meat substitutes, or PBMAs, is proliferating worldwide. The most recent scientific literature was analysed for this narrative review to understand the nutritional profile, potential health risks, and challenges faced by PBMAs.70 Positively, compared to meat, most PBMAs are lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol, include phytochemicals, have similar amounts of iron, and are rich sources of dietary fibre. On the other hand, PBMAs often have higher salt content, lower protein, iron, and vitamin B12 levels, as well as higher levels of anti-nutrients. If PBMAs are substituted for meats, then susceptible populations, including women, elderly folks, and those with diseases, are less likely to have a protein deficit and may experience iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies. PBMAs are classified as ultra-processed foods, which means that clean-label, less processed goods must be developed. Adopting plant-based diets instead of red meat consumption has reduced cardiovascular disease risks, type 2 diabetes, and overall mortality.70 The scarcity of comprehensive, long-term research on the health effects of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (PBMAs) necessitates consumers scrutinising nutrition labels and ingredient lists to make informed decisions, as PBMAs’ nutrient profiles can differ significantly.

In 2021, the global market value of tofu was estimated at $2.5 billion,71 with Asia Pacific (APAC) accounting for 56.3%.72 According to Mordor Intelligence (2022a), the market is expected to increase at an average compound annual rate, with Europe leading the way.73,74

The worldwide tempeh market is mainly produced and consumed in North America, although demand is predicted to expand in the Asia Pacific (APAC).74 According to,75 and Future Market Insights (2022d), the worldwide tempeh market is expected to reach $3.7 billion in 2020 and $4.7 billion by 2022. According to projections, the tempeh market is expected to develop at a 6% CAGR through 2032 (3).76,77

In 2018, the seitan market was valued at $68.9 million, making it smaller than tempeh and tofu. However, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% until 2032.78,79 According to forecasts, Europe is expected to take the top spot in the global seitan market, followed closely by the Asia Pacific region and North America. This regional breakdown highlights the varying levels of demand and market penetration for seitan across the world (Fig. 6).

Figure 6: Expected market of plant based meat alternative in Europe till 2025.

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Plant-based meat alternatives and their market

In 2022, approximately 60 plant based meat alternative (PBMA) brands will be globally.80 PBMAs market distribution – North America (61%), Europe (17%), and South America (14%) lead the way.81 In the US, PBMA sales increased by 45% from 2019 to 2020 and are expected to reach $27.9 billion by 2025.82 Europe and APAC are expected to drive market growth from 2021 to 202783,84 (Fig 7). Despite global market expansion, the PBMA market remains small compared to the traditional meat business. The global conventional meat market reached a staggering $838.8 billion in 2020, underscoring the vast scale and dominance of traditional meat products in the global food industry. In contrast, the global plant based meat alternatives (PBMA) market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2021, representing a relatively small but growing segment of the overall meat market, with significant potential for expansion and disruption.85 The PBMA market, categorised into beef, pork, chicken, and seafood alternatives, trails behind the original protein-based products in terms of overall market size, but it exhibits more promising growth prospects, indicating a potentially lucrative and expanding sector within the plant-based industry. Plant-based beef (PB beef) stands out as the clear leader in the PBMA market, with a substantial market size and impressive growth trajectory. With a valuation of $2.1 billion in 2022, the global plant based beef market is poised for explosive growth, projected to hit $16.1 billion by 2032 at a remarkable CAGR.86

Western consumers of meat are more inclined to switch to plant based meat alternatives (PBMAs) when these can be used in dishes that satisfy consumer expectations, as they mimic meat in texture and sensory attributes such as appearance, colour, scent, and juiciness. Many food firms have launched meat-like PB meat analogue products to tap into this market niche.87 The target market was concentrated on minced items, such as burger patties and nuggets, as well as muscle-based foods like beef and poultry, and emulsion-type foods like sausages. Demonstrates the limited selection of animal and vegetarian items at the neighbourhood market. Thailand’s meat substitute market offers a wide range of products, including plant-based ground beef, seafood alternatives, vegetarian sausages, and various ball-shaped and sliced options, including plant based fried chicken. Table 2 displays several MA forms and their nutritional and organoleptic characteristics.87

Figure 7: The size and expansion of the worldwide market for meat substitutes made from plants and animals.84

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Burger patties lead the plant-based beef substitutes market, followed by meatballs and ground beef alternatives, as consumers increasingly opt for these convenient and versatile products. US leads plant-based beef market: $1.4 billion (2020 estimate)88 (Fig. 8). A potential future market trend in the plant-based beef industry is the formation of strategic partnerships between plant-based beef producers and the food service sector, enabling increased product offerings, expanded distribution channels, and further growth in the market. Notably, Impossible Burgers, a leading plant-based burger brand, has achieved widespread adoption in the food service industry, with its products being featured on the menus of over 17,000 restaurants and food service outlets across the United States, demonstrating the growing demand for plant-based options in the sector.89 Plant-based meat replacements to grow faster in the food service (dining, fast food) sector.90

Figure 8: (A) Percentage of established companies’ primary product, (B) plant-based meat alternatives companies’ continental spread.88

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The plant-based pork alternatives market is expected to experience rapid expansion, with revenues reaching $1.8 billion in 2022 and a forecast 13% CAGR from 2022 to 2032, reaching a substantial market size by the end of the decade.91 Europe dominated the global plant-based pork market in 2020, accounting for 43%, while conventional pork lagged at 33%.92,70 Plant-based pork alternatives include patties, sausages, hot dogs, and ground pork substitutes made from soy, pea protein, mushrooms, and rice. The plant-based pork market will hit $6.2B by 2032, driven by retail & online sales.93

The plant-based chicken alternatives industry, estimated at $1.4 billion, is expected to increase at a CAGR of 19% between 2020 and 2030.94 The global market is projected to swell to $8 billion by 2030, with North America poised to capture a substantial 30% share of the total sales. Germany, the UK, and Italy lead European demand for plant-based chicken.95 Plant-based chicken burgers lead the market, accounting for 40% of sales. Cutlets are the second most frequent product category, accounting for 12% of the market.96

The worldwide plant based seafood alternatives business, estimated at $42,97 with a forecast  35% CAGR, the market is anticipated to experience rapid expansion, achieving $1.3 B in sales by 2031, within the next ten years (GVR-4-68039-145-9. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plant-based-meat-market).97,98 PB  fish burgers, patties, and fillets reign supreme globally, commanding a whopping 65% market share and cementing their position as the clear market leaders. PB shrimp is poised to be the trailblazer, leading the charge with the fastest growth rate, as the food service industry fuels the surge in demand for plant-based seafood alternatives…99 

Emerging market: lab-grown meat

The Good Food Institute defines lab-grown meat as actual animal tissue shellfish and organ meats that is cultivated directly from animal cells, bypassing traditional animal slaughter and processing. Lab-grown flesh mirrors conventional meat’s taste, texture, and nutritional profile by utilising identical cell types and architecture, effectively replicating the sensory and nutritional experience.100 In 2013, Dr Mark Post used bovine stem cells to create a revolutionary lab-grown beef burger, which was first shown.101 Since then, the development of lab-grown meat products has increased due to significant technical breakthroughs. Recent breakthroughs in biotechnology, encompassing stem cell harvesting and characterisation, ex vivo cell cultivation, and tissue engineering, have enabled the successful production of cultured meat products, including beef, pork, fish, and poultry, over the past decade.66,102,103 3-D printing is a recent technical innovation in lab-grown meat production. 3-D printing may create new meat substitutes with detailed forms, textures, and increased nutritional value by combining different food components and printing technology. 3D printing is primarily used for military and space food production, enabling personalised nutritional profiles and more nutrient-dense alternatives. The meal may be tailored to be softer and simpler to swallow, making it suitable for senior individuals.104

Potential bias risks include heavy reliance on proprietary or industry/advocacy data, overly optimistic cost and scale-up assumptions for cultivated meat, selective citation of favourable LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) results, and underrepresentation of low and middle-income markets. If the study is transparent about data sources, uses multiple independent datasets, and stress-tests scenarios, the approach is valid for a market synthesis. If not, the findings should be treated as provisional and directionally informative rather than definitive.

Lab-based meat is created entirely in a lab setting using a mix of biotechnology, tissue engineering, molecular biology, chemical and bio process engineering, and animal cell culture.102 The four primary phases in creating lab-based meat using modern technology are extracting animal cells, developing cell lines, scaffolding, and maintaining cells in a bioreactor. Animal cells are extracted by biopsy at the start of the production process. After isolating desired stem cells, a high-quality cell line is created and cultured in bioreactors. This cultivator holds an oxygen-rich cell culture medium supplemented with nutrients and other growth elements.88 The culture media is changed to cause cell differentiation into skeletal muscle, fat, and connective tissues, creating a scaffolding framework to build the flesh structure.102 Lab-based beef products are ready once the differentiated cells are extracted, processed, and assembled into finished goods. Every stage of processing requires advanced technology to ensure high-quality meat is produced in labs. The lab-based meat manufacturing concept is shown in Fig. 9.

Figure 9: Schematic diagram of lab-based meat production.102

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As governments worldwide prepare for the commercial launch of lab-grown meat, companies in this sector are scaling up globally. Notably, the US has taken significant steps, with President Biden’s Executive Order 14081 (2022) paving the way for the industry’s growth. The US became the second country to green light cultured meat sales, after Singapore, when the USDA approved lab-grown chicken products from UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat in June 2023, marking a significant milestone in the alternative protein industry.105,106 According to a Research and Markets (2021a) analysis, the worldwide market for cultured meat is expected to develop rapidly and reach $352.4 million by 2028. Notably, North America is anticipated to dominate the market, accounting for a significant 35% share of the total market.107 From 2022 to 2028, the worldwide cultured meat market is expected to develop at a pace of 11.4%, with Asia Pacific (APAC) seeing the fastest growth rate (12.1%).108 Poultry, especially chicken nuggets, is expected to dominate the cultured meat market owing to their simpler cell structure and simpler manufacturing process compared to other lab grown meat options.109

Lab-grown meat’s future is uncertain despite a promising start. UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat introduced lab grown chicken to select restaurants in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. in 2023. In an unexpected move, GOOD Meat has abandoned its reservation-based model. At the same time, UPSIDE Foods has pulled its lab-grown chicken products from restaurant menus, marking a sudden shift in strategy for both companies and a change in the commercial trajectory of these pioneering lab-grown meat products.

Modern tissue engineering faces several problems in producing meat analogues, including scientific hurdles and public criticism, despite the rising business interest in the lab-based meat sector due to its unique advantages over other protein substitutes.110 Consumer acceptability and technological constraints provide the biggest obstacles to the production of lab-grown meat.

The key challenges in the lab-based meat sector fall into three domains: technology, consumer acceptance, and regulation. Technological hurdles include establishing stable, high-yield cell lines, cost-efficient serum-free media, functional scaffolds/biomaterials, and scalable bioreactors. Food neophobia, divergent dietary norms, and perceived affordability constrain consumer uptake. Regulatory progress is needed on risk assessment frameworks and harmonised labelling and nomenclature. Addressing these areas is essential to reducing costs, securing market authorisation, and enabling sustained adoption.110,102 

Nutritional profile of the first and second generations of plant-based meat alternatives

Plant-based alternatives, boasting high protein and nutrient content, are increasingly considered a healthier option than traditional animal-based products, appealing to consumers seeking a more nutritious and sustainable diet.111 although this depends on the product and nutritional content. To evaluate a product’s overall healthiness, it’s important to analyse its entire profile, not just individual nutrients. Plant-based proteins may be less absorbable than meat, raising concerns about their bioavailability.112 Comparing typical meat alternatives to various meat replacements reveals trade-offs in nutritional profiles.

Compares nutrition facts for four food types per 100 kcal, aggregating detailed information on over 900,000 food products spanning around 45,000 brands, offering a vast and authoritative resource for nutritional analysis. This study conducts a comparative analysis of traditional animal-derived products and first-generation plant-based protein sources (tofu, tempeh, and seitan), examining their nutritional profiles and characteristics.113

Table 2. Nutrition profile of plant-based alternative meat.113

 

Nutrition Profile Per 100 kca
Energy (kcal) Per 100 grams Fat (grams) Protein (grams) Sodium (mg)

Iron (mg)

Conventional (Fresh)

Beef

260 6.2 10.9 33.7 0.8
Chicken 220 5.9 10.9 43.2

0.7

Fish

130 1.9 20.0 42.3

0.5

Pork 240 5.8 10.8 22.9

0.5

Conventional (Processed)

Beef

297 7.2 6.0 114.0 0.9
Chicken 304 6.6 5.0 190.9

0.3

Fish

147 5.6 7.5 139.2 0.2
Pork 207 7.0 8.8 205.6

0.6

First Generation

Tempeh

200 6.0 10.0 7.5 1.1
Seitan 130 0.4 19.2 11.5

1.5

Tofu

80 6.3 12.5 0.0 2.5
Second Generation PB Beef 220 7.3 8.2 159.1

1.8

PB Chicken

180 3.3 11.7 411.1 2.1
PB Fish 160 3.1 11.3 337.5

2.2

PB Pork

150 3.0 4.0 206.7

0.5

Plant-based diets have lower calorie content than traditional meats, averaging 80-200 kcal per 100 g. Our analysis reveals that plant-based alternatives (excluding seitan) have comparable protein and fat content to traditional meats yet offer distinct nutritional advantages, including significantly lower sodium levels and higher iron content per 100 kcal. Tofu boasts an impressive 12.5 grams of protein per 100 kcal, positioning it within the protein range of fresh traditional meats (10.0-20.0g) and surpassing that of processed meats (5.0-8.8g), making it a formidable plant-based protein source. Tofu also exhibits a significantly lower sodium profile, containing only 22.9-43.2 milligrams of salt per 100 kcal, which is substantially less than both fresh meats (22.9-43.2 mg) and processed meats (114.0-205.6 mg), making it a heart-healthy alternative. Tofu: higher in iron (2.5 mg/100kcal) than meats but lower in protein.

A nutritional comparison between second-generation plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and traditional beef reveals striking differences, highlighting the unique profiles of these emerging plant-based options. Second generation (PBMAs) exhibit a comparable caloric profile to fresh conventional meats, with an average of 150-220 kcal per 100g, but notably fewer calories than processed traditional meat products, which range from 147-304 kcal per 100g. PBMAs are comparable to typical meat products in terms of protein, fat, salt, and iron levels per 100 kcal. Notably, plant-based chicken alternatives contain substantially more sodium, with 411.1 milligrams of salt per 100 kcal. Notably, this surpasses the micronutrient content of conventional chicken, whether fresh (43.2 mg/100 kcal) or processed (190.0 mg/100 kcal). The substantial processing necessary for PBMAs,114 has led to an increase in salt levels, raising health concerns despite the potential benefits of vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, most plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are categorised as ultra-processed foods,115 characterised by intricate ingredient lists that can exceed 20 components, in stark contrast to traditional meats, which typically consist of a single ingredient. Consumers may be concerned about the complexity of ingredients, the use of chemicals, and the presence of ultra-processed foods. A recent study indicates that some consider these items to be harmful or unnatural.116,117

Lab-grown beef represents an emerging option. It is produced in sterile, regulated environments, which may lower the risk of infections associated with animal rearing.118 Plant-based meat alternatives provide several nutritional advantages, including a favourable shift in fatty acid profiles, higher iron content, and an increase in omega-3 fatty acids, offering a potentially healthier option for consumers.119,120 US-grown lab-grown chicken from GOOD Meat boasts an identical nutritional profile to traditional chicken, featuring 180 calories, 16 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fat, and 1.1 milligrams of iron per 100 kcal, making it a nutritionally equivalent alternative.114 However, challenges remain in incorporating conventional meat components like vitamin B12 and iron without increasing rancidity.121

Overall, the data suggest that plant-based meat substitutes may or may not be nutritionally superior to genuine meat, or may be comparable to it. This can be connected to the particular characteristics of these goods, such as their formulation and level of processing, and so it is important to highlight that there is currently little study on the health impacts of plant-based meat substitutes, especially when it comes to in vivo feeding experiments. This research is necessary to better understand the possible health implications of these substitutes.111

In addition to evaluating nutrient abundance, it’s important to assess nutrient quality, especially protein, which is crucial for meeting human amino acid requirements.108,122 We utilised the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) to assess dietary protein quality, as suggested by the.123 The DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) measures protein quality, with higher values signifying superior quality. Scores above 100 denote exceptional protein quality, while scores between 75 and 99 indicate acceptable quality. On the other hand, scores below 75 indicate that the protein falls short of the required standards for quality claims, suggesting inadequate nutritional value.124 Fig. 5 shows that animal proteins, such as those from pigs, poultry, cattle, and fish, are of high quality. Soybeans are the only plant-sourced protein with a DIAAS of 75 or higher, whereas peas, wheat, rice, and maize fall short of this requirement. Lower DIAAS of first- and second-generation GM substitutes may result in inadequate protein quality to meet critical amino acid requirements. Zhang et al. and Kim (2024), demonstrate that integrating plant source proteins may increase the proportion of mixed plant source proteins and yield lower DIAAS scores than animal-derived products, indicating lower protein quality.125,126 Plant and animal sources have variable quality and bioavailability of micronutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Plant-based diets often have poorer micronutrient bioavailability than animal-sourced meals.127 

Environmental profile of the plant-based meat alternatives

A comparative analysis of the environmental footprint of plant-based meat alternatives (first- and second-generation) versus traditional meat products, standardised to a 100-calorie serving size. This report analyses the environmental effects of different farming methods by reviewing and combining findings from previous studies. Choosing soy protein-rich plant foods like tofu and tempeh can significantly reduce your environmental footprint, using a staggering 99% less water, 85% less land, and emitting 53% fewer greenhouse gases compared to chicken production, making them a clear winner for sustainable eating.121,125,128

According to Crimarco et al., and Dhanapal, Seitan production has a lower environmental impact than traditional livestock farming, reducing emissions, land use, and water consumption. This makes seitan a more sustainable alternative to beef, pork, and chicken.129,130 First-gen meat alternatives’ energy consumption (2.3-3.4 MJ/100 kcal) is similar to fish and beef but higher than chicken and pork.

Studies have thoroughly compared the environmental life cycle consequences of traditional meat products and second-generation plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), offering valuable insights into their relative sustainability. Figure 6 shows that PBMAs consume less water and land and release less greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are remarkably water efficient, using a mere 1% of the water required by traditional animal-based meat products to produce the same amount of energy (100 calories), 75-92% less land (excluding fish), and produce 50-89% less greenhouse emissions.131,132 Interestingly, plant-based meat (PB) production was found to require more energy than traditional livestock options, with a 10% increase compared to beef, and significantly higher energy needs than chicken (187% more), pig (72% more), and fish (72% more).133

According to,134 plant-based burgers have lower eutrophication potential and land needs than traditional meat choices. However, their energy consumption is greater than that of pigs and chickens, resulting in equal overall GHG emissions. According to78 activists and PBMA manufacturers, advocate plant-based alternatives to decrease animal processing and improve animal welfare.

The environmental impact of lab-grown meat is debated, with some citing benefits and others raising concerns. Lab grown beef is more environmentally friendly than traditional meat, using 71-96% less water and 75-98% less land per 100 kcal.135,136 However, according to research, generating lab-grown meat has environmental problems since it uses 6-16 times more energy than regular beef.137 Research has shown that lab-grown meat, also known as clean or cultured meat, generates significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than traditional livestock farming, offering a potentially more sustainable alternative for meat production.138 Contrary to previous findings, a study by139 revealed that lab-grown meat production generates higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than chicken (233% increase), pork (224% increase), and fish (a staggering 900% increase). However, it still fares better than beef, with a 28% reduction in emissions. 

Market challenges and opportunities

Challenges

Although demand for meat substitutes has risen, there are still hurdles to overcome. Two significant problems are (i) competitive price and market competitiveness, and (ii) limited customer adoption.

Meat substitutes’ key challenges in achieving competitive pricing and market competitiveness.2 US retail data (2017-2020) was used to compare price trends of plant-based and traditional meat products. The study’s analysis of 712 meat alternatives revealed a significant price gap between plant-based options and their conventional counterparts, with plant-based meat alternatives costing 75% more than chicken, 69% more than pork, and 24% more than fish, on average.140 Plant-based meat alternatives were 11% cheaper than beef, on average, due to the inclusion of premium beef cuts in the data. High input and processing costs, underdeveloped supply networks, and technical restrictions primarily drive the higher expenses.141,142 To compete on a broader scale, cultured meat requires technical improvements.143 According to Du et al. (2023, A staggering price point is revealed when considering a single 0.3 lb (0.14 kg) hamburger patty made from plant-based meat alternatives, which would retail for a whopping $18.00, marking a 316% premium over the traditional option.138 The restricted availability of lab-grown chicken in Singapore, three years after legalisation, may be due to technical and production scale constraints.144 Disparate subsidy policies may worsen prices and cause cost difficulties in the meat substitutes market. The USDA spent approximately $59 billion on livestock and fisheries subsidies from 1995 to 2021. From 2001 to 2021, just 2% of cattle and fisheries subsidies ($124 million) were allocated to support alternative proteins. Consumer acceptability is a major hurdle to the growth of non-traditional protein markets.23,145 According to scanner statistics, PBMAs make up barely 0.1% of fresh meat sales.146 Sales of PBMAs may remain stagnant because buyers prefer traditional meat products, even if they are comparable in price.147 PBMAs’ benefits are offset by lower palatability and higher costs, reducing demand for second-generation options.148 Other variables, like attractiveness, freshness, ease, and naturalness, contribute to this lower choice.149 Consumers have expressed concerns about cultured meat, including its naturalness, pricing, and flavour.150,151

Deliza et al., (2023) found that PBMA expenditure decreases by almost 75% in the months after the first purchase, emphasising the importance of consumer retention.152 Onwezen et al. (2023) found that around 40% of PBMA users tested the product just once.153

Buying plant-based meat alternatives doesn’t reduce meat demand, according to the study’s findings. PBMAs may not necessarily be regarded as a replacement for traditional meat, depending on the product. According to Sebranek and Bacus, consumers see PBMA as an alternative for chicken and fish, rather than a supplement to beef and pig.154

Both challenges and opportunities shape the dynamics of the meat alternative market.
Market difficulties include three key causes. First, since alternative meat products are less competitive with traditional meat due to their comparatively high manufacturing and retail costs, pricing and competition continue to be significant obstacles. Second, worries about the naturalness, flavor, and sensory quality of the product restrict customer acceptability and affect their desire to use these substitutes. Third, continuous discussions over product nomenclature, safety standards, and labeling and market entrance compliance requirements continue to create regulatory impediments. On the other hand, a number of market opportunities might promote industry expansion. Mainstream consumers may be drawn to meat-like items that closely mimic the sensory characteristics of real meat. Improving affordability and competitiveness in the market requires lowering input protein prices. Visibility and accessibility may be improved by targeted marketing techniques that highlight particular dining situations and product convenience. Lastly, successful marketing and labeling techniques can raise customer confidence, understanding, and interest in meat substitutes.2 

Opportunities: four Ps of marketing

Meat substitutes face commercial and manufacturing challenges but also offer opportunities for growth and expansion. These possibilities may be investigated utilising the four Ps “product, price, place, and promotion” of marketing. The key potential is to enhance the sensory quality of meat substitutes. Creating meat-like goods with similar flavour, texture, juiciness, scent, and appearance might increase their appeal.155 Hybrid meat pioneers a new culinary frontier by blending conventional meat with innovative lab-grown and plant-based components, like savoury shiitake mushrooms, to create a truly unique gastronomic experience. According to,156 this method has the potential to attract new clients while improving the nutrition, taste, cost, and sustainability of meat substitutes.157 Consumers prefer hybrid meat over PBMAs and lab grown meat because of its superior look, scent, texture, and taste, leading to increased purchase intent and willingness to pay.158,159 Producers may create unique meat products to appeal to daring customers, in addition to traditional options.160 Plant-based manufacturers can use cheaper protein inputs to reduce costs and become more price-competitive.161 A crucial consideration is that there is often a delicate balance between using high-quality ingredients and meeting customer demand, as prioritising one aspect may compromise the other. Further research is required to better understand this connection, including taste testing and economic trials. Large food producers may diversify their portfolio by including plant-based meat firms in addition to shifting inputs. By using economies of scale and vertical integration, the industry may reduce manufacturing costs per unit while decreasing transaction and facilitation expenses. Plant-based meat enterprises may boost efficiency by scaling up a few items. It’s important to evaluate the impact of dining environments on the ingestion of protein-rich plant meals.162 According to,123 and,153  individuals tend to consume less meat while eating alone, whereas65 show that plant-based meat substitutes are preferred during weekdays over weekends.65,163 A poll by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) found that 75% of plant-based meat customers had or would consider eating plant based meat at home, and 40% would do so at a restaurant.164 Replacement strategies for plant-based meat should vary depending on whether consumers are eating at home or away from home due to differing motivations and behaviours.165 Finally, companies should consider promoting their items to diverse market categories. Consumer categories have unique perspectives and experiences with non-traditional meat substitutes, requiring tailored approaches. To thrive in global supply chains, organisations must adopt a targeted approach, identifying specific customer segments and tailoring their marketing strategies to resonate with diverse cultural and national preferences. Clear labelling and multi-channel communication can raise awareness of the benefits of alternative protein sources, influencing consumer choices and driving demand for sustainable options.166,167 suggest prioritising customer assessment of meal combinations above the sensory qualities of individual products. 

Regulatory frameworks

The development and expansion of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and lab-grown meat markets are significantly influenced by regulatory frameworks, which can either facilitate or hinder their growth and adoption. PBMA laws primarily address labelling, but lab-grown meat continues to spark controversy over manufacturing and marketing requirements. The subsequent sections provide an in-depth examination of the regulatory landscape governing second-generation meat substitutes, offering insights into the current framework and its implications for the industry. 

Labelling programs for PBMAs

The classification of PBMAs is a central topic in policy and scholarly discussions, with differing perspectives across nations.167,168 In the US, there are moves to limit the use of terminology like “meat” and “beef” on PBMA packaging. 169 Advocates claim these procedures reduce consumer misunderstanding and safeguard conventional meat groups’ branding investments.170 Missouri became the first state to mandate unambiguous “plant-based” labelling on these goods in 2018, and 13 other states followed suit.171 The European Union has implemented labelling regulations that reserve terms such as ‘meat’, ‘beef’, ‘pig’, and ‘chicken’ exclusively for animal products, prohibiting their use for plant-based or alternative protein sources. Notably, the EU’s labelling regulations permit the use of ‘meaty names’ that describe the form or composition of plant based products, such as ‘steak’, ‘sausages’, and ‘burgers’, providing flexibility for manufacturers,88,172 despite controversies,173 While the EU sets overarching guidelines, individual member states have the autonomy to regulate labelling in this domain. For example, France initially attempted to ban ‘meaty names’ for plant-based proteins but ultimately repealed the prohibition in 2022, aligning with the EU’s more permissive stance.174 Italy has passed such a prohibition.175 In addition to meat-related nomenclature, certain nations, such as China, restrict PBMA labelling based on protein content. Chinese rules require minimum protein levels for goods labelled as plant-based meat. China’s regulations specify that non-breaded plant-based meat products must contain a minimum of 10 grams of protein per 100 grams; according to labelling regulations, breaded products must contain a minimum of 8 grams of protein per 100 grams to qualify as ‘plant-based meat. China has established a regulatory requirement that plant-based seafood alternatives must contain at least 8 grams of protein per 100 grams to be labelled as ‘plant-based seafood’ or ‘plant-based fish’, ensuring a minimum nutritional standard for these products.

Global PBMA labelling standards are complex and must balance business interests, local dietary customs, and consumer clarity. 

Market regulations for Lab-Grown Meat

Before being released to the market, lab-grown meat undergoes rigorous regulatory inspection to ensure food safety and production supervision.176 The government continues to monitor adulteration, labelling, and quality control issues.177,178 In December 2020, Singapore became the first country to legalise the sale of beef products created in a lab. The FDA and USDA formed A collaborative regulatory framework on March 7, 2019, to guide the growth and advancement of the cultured meat industry (USDA, FSIS). Through cooperation, trailblazers like Good Meat and Upside Foods have been permitted to sell chicken created in a lab by 2023. At the moment, it is not possible for consumers to buy chicken raised in a lab.

To address the growing popularity of cultured meat products, the European Union is launching a campaign to tighten food regulations.179 The EU employs a variety of regulatory methods. For instance, in 2023, the Netherlands authorised the sale of crustaceans and flesh cultivated in a laboratory.180 Italy outlawed the production and distribution of meat produced in labs.181

Recent academic research by182,183 provides more insights into consumer acceptability of lab-grown meat under various labelling plans and laws. 

Implications and Contributions

This study makes several significant contributions to the evolving field of alternative protein research and sustainability science. It not only highlights the limitations of first and second-generation plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) but also situates these within the broader context of global food security, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. By systematically examining consumer acceptance, production challenges, and nutritional trade-offs, the study bridges technological innovation with social and environmental dimensions of food systems. From an economic and industrial perspective, the research highlights cost inefficiencies and fragile supply chains that currently hinder scalability. It suggests that investing in sustainable production technologies, such as vertical farming, fermentation, and blockchain-enabled traceability, can create more resilient and transparent systems. These implications extend beyond the PBMA sector, influencing how future food industries might align economic growth with sustainability. At the consumer and societal levels, the study points to evolving dietary patterns, suggesting that plant-based and cultured meats are becoming complements rather than replacements for traditional meat. This shift offers opportunities to promote dietary diversification and improve nutritional balance. It also calls for strategic communication and policy development to manage consumer perceptions around “processing,” “naturalness,” and food safety. Alternatives remain a small share today but show credible medium-term growth; durable displacement requires price parity and repeat purchase gains. 

Future Directions

To translate our findings into solutions that benefit human health and the planet while improving availability and affordability of meat and its alternatives, we propose the following specific, testable research programs.

The findings confirm that while plant-based and cultivated meat alternatives offer viable pathways to reduce environmental burdens and diversify protein sources, they currently complement rather than replace conventional meat. Updated analyses indicate that achieving nutritional adequacy, production efficiency, and cost competitiveness requires integrated advances in technology, supply chain management, and policy support. Aligning with the discussion, this conclusion emphasises that progress in renewable energy integration, nutrient fortification, and transparent pricing mechanisms will be essential for scaling these innovations sustainably. Therefore, consistent with our results, the study calls for coordinated, evidence-based strategies that merge technological innovation with social, economic, and environmental priorities to secure a resilient global protein future. 

Conclusion

As global protein demand rises and worries about climate, health, and animal welfare intensify, investment in alternative proteins is no longer optional; it’s strategic. Early plant proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan set the stage but fell short for many consumers. Next-gen plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) launched to close that sensory gap, driving retail sales to about $5.6 billion in 2021. Yet second-generation products still face steep hurdles: higher costs, fragile supply chains, evolving labels and regulations, and crucially customer acceptance and retention. Cultivated meat promises another leap, but it must overcome technical scale-up and cost barriers while earning consumer trust. Nutrition and sustainability are equally mixed. PBMAs tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, but many are ultra-processed and sodium-heavy, and protein quality and micronutrient bioavailability (e.g., iron, zinc) can lag when assessed with DIAAS. Cultivated meat could improve nutrient profiles, but process control remains challenging. Environmentally, plant-based options typically use fewer resources and emit less carbon than conventional meat, though energy demands for some PBMAs and especially for lab-grown products raise efficiency concerns.

The takeaway: alternative proteins will complement, not replace, conventional meat in the near term. That’s not a flaw; it’s an opportunity to diversify diets, improve overall nutrition, and enhance sustainability, particularly in high meat markets. To unlock this potential, the field needs sustained innovation and rigorous, multidisciplinary research that: Elevates nutrient density and protein quality in PBMAs. Optimises processing to balance “clean label” expectations with performance. Advances cost-efficient, low energy production and resilient supply chains (including tools like blockchain and vertical farming). Tests consumer responses to novel proteins (algae, insects) and tracks how new brands and formats reshape category competition. With more innovative formulations, better processes, and transparent, efficient supply chains, plant-based and cultivated options can stand on their own, not just as meat substitutes, but as desirable, nutritious proteins in a more sustainable food system.

Acknowledgement

Profoundly indebted to my supervisor and corresponding-author, Dr. Summra Khalid . Their dual role was instrumental: as a supervisor, they provided the intellectual framework and resources for this study, and as a co-author, they contributed directly through manuscript drafting, and critical revision. The authors also extend their deep appreciation to Dr. Nisar Ali for his constructive suggestions and significant contribution in improving the quality and clarity of this work. Their expertise and encouragement greatly strengthened this study.

Funding Sources

The author is thankful to the National Statistical Science Research Project No. 2021LY045 for financial support

Conflict of Interest

The authors do not have any conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data will be made accessible upon request.

Ethics Statement

This research did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or any material that requires ethical approval

Informed Consent Statement

This study did not involve human participants, and therefore, informed consent was not required.

Clinical Trial Registration

This research does not involve any clinical trials

Permission to Reproduce Material from Other Sources

The author used the following figures from other sources with proper copyright permission.

The numbers of all copyright permission numbers are given bellow.

Figure 2. Copyright from reference 27 and the permission number 5974080990473

Figure 3. Copyright from reference 29 and the permission number 5974090082853

Figure 4. Copyright from reference 31 and the permission number 5974091247435

Figure 6. This figure is open access and no need of copyright permission

Figure 8. Copyright from reference 53 and the permission number 5974100292668

Figure 11. Copyright from reference 54 and the permission number 5974101318177

Figure 12. Copyright from reference 50 and the permission number 5974110391364

Figure 13. Copyright from reference 79 and the permission number 5974110691990

Figure 14. Copyright from reference 77 and the permission number 5974111088222

Figure 15. Copyright from reference 2 and the permission number 5974111405326

Author Contributions

  • Mursaleen Anjum – wrote the orignioal review article and got proper advise from supervisor. Also he revised the whole manuscript according the reviewers comments, and helped in Programming, software development; designing computer programs; implementation of the computer code and supporting algorithms.
  • Murtaza Khan – helped in the development or design of methodology.
  • Summra Khalid – responsible for text editing and language corrections
  • Nisar Ali – give the conceptualization for this review and helped in the reviw of the final manuscript with proper corrections, helped in the acquisition of the financial support for the project leading to this publication, oversees the responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team, and advised Mursaleen Anujum to properly read the reviewers comments and reply with detail.
  • Mohammad Musabah Al-Hinaai – helpled in the software and formating of the manuscript.

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Abbreviations List

GHG: Greenhouse Gas

PBMAs: Plant-based meat substitutes

THM: Toxic heavy metals

WHO: World Health Organisation

H2S: hydrogen sulphide

PVA: Polyvinyl alcohol

CAGR: Compound annual growth rate

DIAAS: Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score

APAC: Asia-Pacific

IFIC: International Food Information Council

FDA: Food and Drug Administration

RM: Read Meat

LCA: Life Cycle Assessment

EU: European Union

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Article Publishing History
Received on: 28 Jul 25
Accepted on: 18 Nov 2025

Article Review Details
Reviewed by: Rahul Vashishth
Second Review by: Angam Raleng
Final Approval by: Dr. Aly El Sheikha


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