Cultured Meat Market Growth Opportunities, Key Trends, and Forecast
10 Mar, 2025
Cultured Meat Market
The global food industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with the emergence of cultured meat—a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional livestock farming. Cultured meat, also known as lab-grown or cell-based meat, is produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. This innovative technology has the potential to address critical issues such as food security, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns related to meat production.
According to BISResearch, the cultured meat market was valued at $1,154.8 million in 2024, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.19% and reach $3,810.6 million by 2033.
BIS Research defines cultured meat, or cultivated meat, as authentic animal-derived meat, including seafood and organ meats, produced by cultivating animal cells. This method removes the need for traditional farming. Cultivated meat consists of identical cell types structured like animal tissues, replicating the sensory and nutritional qualities of conventional meat. This innovative approach offers a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional meat production, addressing environmental and animal welfare concerns.
Food Service and Fast Food Chains to Dominate the Cultured Meat Market
The food service and fast-food sectors are poised for a major shift, led by innovators like Believer Meats and UPSIDE Foods. Israel-based Believer Meats raised $347 million in 2021, using non-GMO technology for efficient high-density cell cultures. UPSIDE Foods, with FDA approval for its cultivated chicken, is expanding production. In December 2022, Believer Meats invested $123.35 million in a North Carolina facility, prioritizing affordability, taste, and accessibility to drive cultured meat adoption.
Key Driver in the Cultured Meat Market
The rising demand for alternative protein sources is a key driver of the cultured meat market. Consumers are increasingly seeking ethical and sustainable options due to concerns about resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming.
Proteins are essential for human survival, yet global protein consumption exceeds daily nutritional needs, primarily from animal sources. The FAO predicts a critical food shortage, with meat demand expected to grow by two-thirds due to increasing urbanization worldwide.
In April 2023, the Good Food Institute’s State of the Industry Report highlighted the alternative protein market’s growth. By late 2022, investments in plant-based, fermentation-derived, and farmed proteins reached nearly $3 billion, $4 billion, and $8 billion, respectively.
Alternative proteins are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, as they are free from hormones and antibiotics. The growing interest in plant-based diets and flexitarianism is further driving the cultured meat industry’s expansion.
North America is a key driver of innovation and regulation in the cultured meat market. In 2022, the FDA approved GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods to sell cultivated chicken, followed by USDA inspection grants in 2023. With 40 of 94 global companies based in the U.S., the industry has attracted $14 billion in investments. Research funding, including $17 million from NSF and USDA, reinforces North America's leadership in advancing the cultured meat sector globally.
The Future of Cultured Meat
The future of cultured meat looks promising as companies continue to refine production methods, reduce costs, and gain regulatory approvals. As sustainability concerns become more pressing, cultured meat is expected to become a mainstream alternative to traditional meat, contributing to a more sustainable and ethical global food system.
The cultured meat market is poised for significant growth as technological advancements, consumer awareness, and regulatory support continue to evolve. While challenges remain, the potential benefits—ranging from environmental sustainability to improved animal welfare—make cultured meat a revolutionary development in the food industry. As research and investment in this sector continue, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of lab-grown meat products in the coming years.
BIS Research provides premium market intelligence on deep technologies that have the potential to cause a high-level of disruption in the market in the next few years.
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