If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then meat should feel proud. Billions have been invested in startups making plant-based imitations that try to mimic the tasty goodness of real meat. Now, hundreds of millions are pouring into startups to “grow” meat directly from animal cells, with one startup recently raising $170 million from investors.
Singapore recently became the first country to allow lab-grown, or cell-cultured, meat to be sold, though supply is limited and prices are high. Now startups are pushing the federal government to approve its sale in the U.S. by the end of the year.
Will consumers welcome this new development with open mouths? Polling finds anywhere from 20% to 80% of people would try it. Ultimately, cell-cultured meat may run into the “ick” factor.
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