In 2021, a survey of over 1,000 Americans found that nearly two-thirds had eaten plant-based meat alternatives in the past year. Many cited potential health and environmental benefits as their motivation. But are these alternative meats actually better for us and the planet?
Farmed meat, derived from butchered animals, is a complex structure of muscle fibers, connective tissues, and fat. It has been a staple in the human diet since our species’ very beginnings. On the other hand, plant-based meat alternatives, while resembling meat in look and taste, are constructed with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other molecules from plants. Transforming plant molecules into something that resembles meat takes effort. Companies use an extruder device to replicate meat’s fibrous texture and mix in fats and oils extracted from plants to mimic animal fat. Some brands even add beet juice pigment that changes the patty’s color as it cooks or an iron-containing molecule called heme for a meaty flavor.
Our last entrant is lab-grown meat, also known as cell-based meat and cultured meat. These products begin as animal stem cells that researchers coax to multiply and form into muscle. It’s worth noting that lab-grown meats are largely still in development, so the exact process may change when they’re produced at a greater commercial scale.
Farmed meat is a vital source of protein and nutrients for many people. However, researchers have found links between diets high in red and processed meats and health concerns like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A 2012 study concluded that swapping red meat for other options like chicken, nuts, or legumes for one meal a day can potentially reduce mortality risk by 7 to 19%. There is not enough data to know whether replacing red meat with a plant-based patty would have the same effect. Plant-based meats, while containing just as much protein, calories, and iron as farmed meat, are highly processed and, therefore, high in sodium. Many contain coconut oil, which has a lot of saturated fat, and, like red meat, may elevate heart disease risk. Lab-grown meat has the potential to offer the same nutritional qualities and health risks as farmed meat, but we won’t know for sure until product development is further along.
Animal agriculture generates an estimated 14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers estimate that producing plant-based meat substitutes results in, on average, around 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent amount of beef, 63% less than pork, and 51% less than poultry. Plant-based meat alternatives also tend to require far less land and water than farmed meat. Their production results in much lower levels of pollutants running off farms and entering waterways, which threaten both the environment and public health. As for lab-grown meat, the industry largely takes its stem cells from the muscle tissue of livestock. But how many animals will be required for these biopsies once production scales up? It also isn’t clear to what degree alternative meats will reduce the environmental impact of the farmed meats industry.
While the verdict is still out on which meat is nutritionally superior, if you care about your personal impact on animal welfare, public health, and the environment, plant-based meat tends to come out on top. And switching to meat alternatives doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. In fact, a 2022 study estimated that forgoing red meat at just one meal a day can decrease your personal dietary carbon emissions by as much as 48%.
Form groups and prepare for a debate on the topic: “Are plant-based meat alternatives better for health and the environment compared to farmed meat?” Each group should research and present arguments for or against the statement, considering health implications, environmental impact, and ethical concerns.
Conduct a research project on lab-grown meat. Investigate the current state of technology, potential health benefits and risks, environmental impact, and future prospects. Prepare a presentation or report summarizing your findings and share it with the class.
Create a nutritional comparison chart for farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat. Include information on protein content, calories, fats, sodium, and other relevant nutrients. Discuss how these nutritional aspects might influence consumer choices.
Analyze the environmental impact of different types of meat. Use data from the article and additional sources to compare greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, and pollution levels. Create visual aids like graphs or infographics to illustrate your findings.
Organize a cooking and tasting session where you prepare dishes using farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat (if available). Evaluate the taste, texture, and overall experience of each type. Discuss how these factors might affect consumer acceptance and preferences.
Meat alternatives – Substitutes for traditional meat products made from plant-based ingredients. Example sentence: Meat alternatives like tofu and seitan are becoming increasingly popular among vegetarians and vegans.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury and having a well-functioning body. Example sentence: Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining good health.
Environmental benefits – Advantages that help protect and preserve the natural environment. Example sentence: Choosing public transportation over driving a car has numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing air pollution and decreasing traffic congestion.
Farmed meat – Meat obtained from animals raised in agricultural settings, typically through intensive farming methods. Example sentence: The majority of the meat consumed worldwide comes from farmed animals.
Plant-based meat – Meat-like products made entirely or predominantly from plant sources, designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat. Example sentence: Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger are popular plant-based meat options that are indistinguishable from real beef patties.
Proteins – Essential macronutrients that are the building blocks of cells and tissues, necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the body. Example sentence: Chicken, fish, and legumes are excellent sources of proteins.
Carbohydrates – Macronutrients that are the body’s primary source of energy, found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables. Example sentence: Athletes often consume foods high in carbohydrates to fuel their performance and replenish glycogen stores.
Fats – A type of macronutrient that provides energy, insulates and protects organs, and helps absorb vitamins. Example sentence: Avocados and nuts are rich in healthy fats, which are essential for a well-balanced diet.
Lab-grown meat – Meat produced by culturing animal cells in a laboratory rather than raising and slaughtering whole animals. Example sentence: Lab-grown meat has the potential to revolutionize the food industry by offering a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional meat production.
Greenhouse gas emissions – Gases released into the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Example sentence: One of the main challenges in combating climate change is reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industries such as transportation and agriculture.
