What are the most innovative food technology products for meat substitutes?

1 Plant-based meat

Plant-based meat products are made from plant proteins, such as soy, pea, wheat, or rice, that are extracted, isolated, and recombined to mimic the structure and flavor of animal meat. Some of the most popular examples are Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which use beet juice, coconut oil, and heme (an iron-rich molecule) to create realistic burgers, sausages, and nuggets. Other companies, such as Quorn and Good Catch, use fungi or algae to create meatless alternatives for chicken, fish, and seafood.

2 Cell-based meat

Cell-based meat products are made from animal cells that are cultured in a bioreactor, where they are fed with nutrients and growth factors to produce muscle and fat tissue. Unlike plant-based meat, cell-based meat is genetically identical to animal meat, but without the need for slaughtering, antibiotics, or hormones. Some of the most promising examples are Memphis Meats and Mosa Meat, which have produced lab-grown beef, chicken, and duck. Other companies, such as Finless Foods and Shiok Meats, have focused on cell-based fish and shrimp.

3 Fermentation-based meat

Fermentation-based meat products are made from microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi, that are genetically engineered to produce animal proteins, such as collagen, casein, or whey. These proteins are then harvested and processed into meat-like products, such as cheese, milk, or gelatin. Some of the most innovative examples are Perfect Day and New Culture, which use fermentation to create dairy-free dairy products, and Geltor and Clara Foods, which use fermentation to create animal-free gelatin and egg whites.

4 Hybrid meat

Hybrid meat products are made from a combination of plant and animal proteins, such as soy and beef, pea and chicken, or wheat and pork. The idea is to create a product that has the benefits of both sources, such as lower environmental impact, higher nutritional value, and better taste and texture. Some of the most interesting examples are Blenditarians and Lika Plus, which offer hybrid burgers and sausages, and Next Meat and OmniPork, which offer hybrid meatballs and minced pork.

5 Insect-based meat

Insect-based meat products are made from edible insects, such as crickets, mealworms, or grasshoppers, that are ground, dried, or roasted into flour, powder, or snacks. Insects are a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, and calcium, and have a much lower environmental footprint than conventional livestock. Some of the most adventurous examples are Eat Grub and Jimini's, which offer insect bars, granola, and pasta, and Entomo Farms and Aspire Food Group, which offer insect burgers, nuggets, and tacos.

6 3D-printed meat

3D-printed meat products are made from plant or animal-based ingredients that are extruded, layered, and shaped by a 3D printer into meat-like products, such as steaks, nuggets, or patties. 3D printing allows for more customization, precision, and efficiency in creating meat substitutes, as well as reducing waste and transportation costs. Some of the most cutting-edge examples are Redefine Meat and NovaMeat, which use 3D printing to create plant-based steaks and pork, and Aleph Farms and MeaTech, which use 3D printing to create cell-based steaks and chicken.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?