In recent years, the global food industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable and plant-based alternatives, with “meatless meat” emerging as a formidable player in this culinary revolution.
Companies like Meatless Farm, alongside the advent of lab-grown meats, are redefining our traditional notions of protein sources and even fast-food giants like McDonald’s have embraced this trend with their innovative McPlant burger. Let’s delve into the future of meatless meat…
Meatless Farms: Redefining Plant-Based Excellence
British based Meatless Farm were a leading player in the plant-based protein market, and had been at the forefront of providing delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional meat since their launch, selling over £11m of vegan ‘meat’ in 2021 alone. What set Meatless Farm apart was its dedication to replicating the taste and texture of meat, making the transition to plant-based options seamless for consumers. However in June 2023 Insolvency firm Kroll were appointed, and the firm was eventually acquired by VFC and making a return to supermarket shelves in September last year.
Whilst Meatless Farm struggles, other producers have seen incremental growth. The Vegetarian Butcher which began in 2010 by selling alt-meat out of a butcher shop in The Hague, Netherlands was eventually acquired by global players Unilever in 2018. Its products are now available in over 40,000 retail stores across 55 countries.
Some critics argue that certain plant-based meat alternatives may not be as nutritionally balanced as their traditional meat counterparts. The production of some meatless meat products involves extensive processing and the addition of various ingredients to achieve the desired taste and texture. Critics express concerns about the use of certain additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, raising questions about the overall healthiness of these alternatives. While these products can be rich in protein, they may also contain high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and additives. Consumers are advised to be mindful of the nutritional content and make informed choices.
Lab-Grown Meats: The Next Frontier?
While plant-based alternatives have gained significant traction, the world of meatless meat is evolving further with the development of lab-grown meats. Also known as cultured or cell-based meats, these products are created by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for traditional livestock farming. Lab-grown meats offer a sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for protein while reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional meat production. Although the technology is still in its early stages, the potential for scalable and ethical meat production is promising, marking a revolutionary step towards a more sustainable future.
However lab-grown or cultured meats also face scepticism and even ethical concerns. Some people are uneasy about the idea of creating meat in a laboratory setting, and questions about the long-term health effects and ethical implications of cell-based meat production have been raised. Additionally, the use of foetal bovine serum (FBS) in the early stages of cell culture has sparked debates over the cruelty-free nature of lab-grown meats.
There have been debates around labelling practices and whether certain terms, such as “meat” or “burger,” should be reserved for products derived from animals. Some argue for clear and transparent labelling to avoid confusion among consumers, while others emphasize the need for terminology that reflects the product’s intended use.
The Environmental Impact
The shift towards meatless meat is not only driven by health considerations but also by the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with traditional meat production. Livestock farming is a major contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. Embracing plant-based alternatives and lab-grown meats presents an opportunity to reduce the ecological footprint of the food industry, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
But whilst plant-based alternatives generally have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat production, some critics argue that large-scale agriculture for plant-based ingredients can also contribute to deforestation, monoculture, and other environmental issues. It’s essential to consider the overall sustainability of the entire supply chain.
The rise of meatless meat and alternative protein sources may also have economic implications for traditional livestock farmers. As the demand for plant-based and lab-grown alternatives grows, there are concerns about the livelihoods of those involved in conventional animal agriculture.
McDonald’s McPlant Burger: A Fast-Food Game-Changer
In 2021, McDonald’s introduced the McPlant burger, a plant-based option that underscores the mainstream acceptance of meatless alternatives. Many argues that they were a little late to the plant-based party, with Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll launching in 2019 and Burger King partnering with Bill Gates backed Impossible to launch a vegan whopper into the US market the same year. In fact by 2022 Burger King had launched an entirely vegan restaurant concept in London’s Leicester Square.
The McPlant burger features a custom patty developed by McDonald’s in collaboration with Beyond Meat, a prominent player in the plant-based meat industry. By incorporating the McPlant burger into their menu, McDonald’s not only catered to the growing demand for plant-based options but also cemented the concept of meatless meat for a wider audience. This move by a global fast-food giant signalled the first real shift in consumer preferences and set the stage for other major players to follow.
The future of meatless meat is undoubtedly promising, with advancements in lab-grown meats, and the integration of plant-based options by fast-food giants like McDonald’s leading the way, and as consumers increasingly prioritize health, sustainability, and ethical considerations, the ‘meatless meat’ industry is poised to continue its growth and reshape the way we approach food. However these alternative protein sources is not without controversy. As the industry evolves, addressing these concerns and maintaining open dialogues will be crucial for achieving a balanced and sustainable future for alternative protein sources.