Is it time for meatless meat?

For the last few decades, there have been different takes on the meat industry. It seems that those who oppose meat consumption are equally passionate as those in favor.

Until recently, there were limited alternatives for those who want the flavor and texture of meat but without the potential harm to animals or the environment. As technology charges ahead, scientists have spent the last few years developing ways to create meat in the lab.

Here’s what you should know about lab-grown meat and when you could expect to start experiencing it for yourself.

Growing meat in a lab

Rather than the practice of raising animals for human consumption, lab-grown meat promises to be the same as meat but without slaughter. Instead, scientists take cells from an animal like a chicken and identify the cells that can multiply.

Once they have cells that can replicate, they keep them in a controlled environment where they can feed them and allow them to continue to grow.

Producing meat in a lab means less carbon dioxide and methane emissions, which could help slow climate change.

Where can I get cultured meat?

While meatless meat has been in development for about a decade, lab-grown or “cultured meat” is not yet available in the United States. The current projection is that cultured meat likely will not be available for consumers for a few more years.

So far, Singapore is the only country that has approved “cell-based meat” for consumers. Currently, a restaurant in Singapore sells cultivated “chicken bites.” However, since there is only limited production for cultured meat, the product is still more expensive than its slaughtered counterparts.