It wasn’t long ago that a U.S.-based study found that 77 percent of Generation Z are just fine with food produced using technology — particularly notable as it related to genetically engineered crops. The findings were a welcome change, as consumer acceptance is the biggest obstacle for the industry’s adoption of further technology. However, the acceptance may have its limitations, as new research has found that, despite having a great concern for the environment and animal welfare, 72 percent of Gen Z were not ready to accept lab-cultured meat (often referred to as “fake meat”).
The research was done at Australia’s University of Sydney and Curtin University and is published Sept. 8 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. About 2 billion people globally are part of Gen Z, so their influence on agricultural and other sectors is not to be taken lightly.
Despite Gen Z’s lack of enthusiasm for the new meat alternative — defined in the survey as a lab-grown meat alternative produced by in-vitro cell cultures of animal cells, instead of from harvested animals — 41 percent said they believe it could be a viable nutritional source because of the need to transition to more sustainable food options and improve animal welfare.
“Our research has found that Generation Z — those aged between 18 and 25 — are concerned about the environment and animal welfare, yet most are not ready to accept cultured meat and view it with disgust,” said the study’s lead researcher, Dr Diana Bogueva from the University of Sydney’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Fifty-nine percent of participants were concerned about the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming specifically, however many were not clear on what those impacts were nor did they understand the associated resource depletion. Such impacts are different for different geographic areas around the world, and the U.S. is generally considered the leader in minimizing livestock’s impact and getting the most out of every animal.
Gen Z’s concerns about cultured meat
The participants had several concerns relating to cultured meat, including an anticipated taste or disgust, health and safety, and whether it is a more sustainable option.
“In-vitro meat and other alternatives are important as they can help to reduce greenhouse emissions and lead to better animal welfare conditions. However, if cultured meat is to replace livestock-based proteins, it will have to emotionally and intellectually appeal to the Gen Z consumers. It may be through its physical appearance, but what seems to be more important is transparency around its environmental and other benefits,” Bogueva said.
Societal concerns were prevalent throughout the study, with a large number of respondents worried that eating cultured meat would be in conflict with perceptions of gender and national identity, especially in Australia, where the study was conducted.
“Gen Z value Australia’s reputation as a supplier of quality livestock and meat, and many view traditional meat eating as being closely tied to concepts of masculinity and Australian cultural identity,” Bogueva said.
Others were concerned about animal welfare, whereas some viewed cultured meat as a conspiracy orchestrated by the rich and powerful and were determined not to be convinced to consume it. Several participants were also unsure whether cultured meat was an environmentally sustainable option.
“Generation Z are also unsure whether cultured meat is actually more environmentally sustainable, described by several respondents as potentially ‘resource consuming’ and not being ‘environmentally friendly,’ ” Bogueva said.
“The respondents were effectively divided into two groups: the ‘against’ described cultured meat as ‘another thing our generation has to worry about’ and questioned the motivations of those developing it, while supporters described it as ‘money invested for a good cause’ and ‘a smart move’ by people who are “advanced thinkers.”
“This Generation has vast information at its fingertips but is still concerned that they will be left with the legacy of exploitative capitalism that benefits only a few at the expense of many. They have witnessed such behaviour resulting in climate change and are now afraid that a similar scenario may develop in relation to food, particularly as investors are pursuing broader adoption of cultured meat,” Bogueva said.
Gen Z’s five main attitudes towards cultured meat
- 17 percent of respondents rejected all alternatives, including cultured meat, seeing it as chemically produced and heavily processed.
- 11 percent rejected all alternatives in favour of increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, saying they will stick with a vegetarian diet.
- 35 percent rejected cultured meat and edible insects but accepted plant-based alternatives because they “sounded more natural” and are “normal”.
- 28 percent believed cultured meat was acceptable or possibly acceptable if the technology could be mastered.
- A fifth group (9 percent) accepted edible insects but rejected cultured meat as it was too artificial and not natural like insects
