Cell-Based Meat Faces One of its Biggest Challenges Yet

One of the big challenges for cell-based meat is to match the nutritional value of real meat. The simple solution is to add supplements to replace the nutrients missing from the cell-based version. Whether manufacturers can do and continue the march toward responsible environmental stewardship is unclear.

That approach requires food scientists to mimic biological functions developed by nature over millions of years to create “a fully functional biological fermentation bioreaction for the conversion of inedible solar-powered cellulosic material, such as grass, into high-quality protein.” In other words, it’s hard to beat cows. They’re the number one source of protein for most meat eaters.

So, why are cows getting a bad rap in the cell-based meat debate?

1. ✌️ In a recent Faunalytics study, Brazil came out on top as the most pro-animal country, alongside the world’s top meat consumers, the U.S., China, India, and Russia. But while 70% of Brazilians said they would support animal welfare reform, just 1% of Brazilians are vegetarian or vegan. [Faunalytics]
2. 👀 The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is signed and ready to be ratified. What does this mean for North American livestock? First of all, herds will probably continue to grow. The free-trade agreement, focused on agriculture, will solidify U.S. dairy’s relationship with Mexico, their top importer. Also, it adds access to the Canadian dairy market. [WHOtv.com]
3. 🌱 Personal food computers grow plants with a few simple lines of code. They indicate the appropriate levels of lighting, humidity, temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and CO2. Food computer farmers try to use smaller plants, like arugula, because they’re more efficient. And efficiency is king when a personal food computer costs up to $5,000. [Logic]
4. 🍞 Panera just revamped its menu to include fewer additives and more healthy options. Now, it’s being accused of spreading animal-friendly pseudoscience in its new video series Food Interrupted. [The Spoon]
5. 🐶 Dogs are way more human than they were 40,000 years ago. As a result, they’ve become experts at social bonding, companionship, and non-judgemental love. [Atlantic]