Cultivated meat: producing animal protein from cells

Cultivated meat: producing animal protein from cells

Cultivated meat is produced by growing animal cells in a controlled laboratory environment. A small sample of animal cells is taken and expanded in bioreactors. These cells are supplied with required nutrients, growth factors, and oxygen. Over time, they develop into muscle and fat tissue that can be processed into food products.

The objective of this technology is to create products that are biologically equivalent to traditional meat, eggs or diary. It combines cell culture techniques, tissue engineering and biotechnology. The final product aims to match conventional food in taste, texture and nutritional profile.

How is this an innovation?

Conventional animal production practices contribute significantly to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions for up to 57 % and require large amounts of land and water. Cultivated meat offers a potential alternative with lower land use, reduced water consumption, and fewer emissions. Production takes place in controlled systems, which also allows strict management of pathogens and antibiotics.

Another advantage is the possibility of optimizing nutritional composition. In theory, cultivated meat could be enriched with beneficial fatty acids such as omega-3, while reducing saturated fat content. This could support improved public health outcomes.

Consumer concerns

Despite its potential, consumer acceptance remains a challenge. Many people perceive lab-grown meat as artificial or unnatural. Studies show that terminology matters. The terms “cultivated” and “cultured” are generally better received than “cell-based,” which tends to generate more hesitation.

Although this technology is still developing, it represents a promising complement to traditional agriculture.

At CymitQuimica, research teams working in cultivated food technologies can access a wide range of high-purity amino acids, vitamins, buffers, hormones, cryopreservation agents, antibiotics, cell-culture reagents and laboratory consumables to support cell culture optimization, formulation development and quality control testing.