Looking ahead to U.S. cultivated meat adoption
The introduction of cultivated meat into the U.S. market has been highly anticipated. This fact sheet lays out current research findings and insights on awareness, motivations, barriers, and demographics of potential consumers to lay the groundwork for mainstream consumer adoption.
Explore new consumer research
Most U.S. consumers are unfamiliar with cultivated meat – that’s an opportunity
In the United States, as many as 64% of consumers demonstrate no familiarity at all with cultivated meat, while roughly 10% are very or extremely familiar with the concept. This highlights a significant opportunity to introduce cultivated meat and its benefits to consumers in ways that can drive interest and appeal.
Once consumers are introduced to the concept, most are open to trying cultivated meat
Consumer research studies have found most consumers are willing to try cultivated meat once they are familiar with the concept of cultivated meat and its benefits. Sixty-five percent of U.S. respondents cite curiosity/novelty as a reason they are interested in trying cultivated meat.
Consumers are looking for parity with conventional meat (and tangible benefits)
Consumers are looking for cultivated meat to perform similarly to or better than conventional meat in taste, texture, appearance, usage, nutrition, and price. Additional benefits that could be leveraged to drive consumer interest include food safety and security. Cultivated meat brands should understand the potential added value of messaging around cultivated meat’s health and environmental benefits as well as its similarity to conventional meat in the cooking and eating experience. It’s clear that messaging that emphasizes that cultivated meat can look, cook, and taste the same as conventional meat improves the appeal of cultivated meat in consumers’ eyes.
Related resources
Meat cultivation: Embracing the science of nature
We developed a set of science-forward, evidence-based communication tools, rooted in familiar language, to help explain meat cultivation to non-technical audiences.
State of the Industry Report: Cultivated meat
This report details the commercial landscape, investments, regulatory developments, and scientific progress in the cultivated meat and seafood industry.
Cultivated meat industry summary
Our fact sheet provides a mid-year update on the current cultivated meat commercial landscape, investments, technical progress, and policy updates.
Consumer insights
Understand consumers, demographics, adoption, motivations, category descriptors, and opportunities for future research in alternative proteins.
