In both cases, for people to buy them, the products must also cost the same or less than conventional meat. “The thing about plant-based meat is that, on the nutrients that matter, it is better than what it is replacing. The world’s three largest meat companies and two largest food companies are investing in plant-based and cultivated meat. National securityCultivated meat and plant-based meat can reach taste and price parity, but it is not a given, says Friedrich. Eight of the 20 most active patent grantees for cultivated meat in the last six years are in China.

Source: The Guardian January 31, 2026 10:30 UTC