Traditional Meat Demand Will Shrink in the Coming Generations

The EASAC has released a comprehensive policy report — EASAC Policy Report 49: "Meat Alternatives" — offering a thorough assessment of the techno-scientific criteria, environmental impacts, health implications, and regulatory frameworks surrounding the development of meat alternatives. The report evaluates several categories of products that could serve as viable alternatives to conventional meat, including:

• Plant-based alternatives
• Insect-based proteins
• Cultivated (lab-grown) meat
• Biomass-based products
• Precision fermentation technologies

Notably, the report also considers emerging technologies and alternative protein sources that, while not entirely new globally, are relatively novel in the European context — such as insect-based proteins.

The impacts of these alternatives are benchmarked against conventional meat, as defined within the European Union, providing a data-driven comparison to inform future food policy and consumer choices.

Representing the Estonian Academy of Sciences in the expert group was Prof. Rajeev Bhat from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, who contributed his expertise on the techno-economic challenges and opportunities tied to plant-based meats, insect proteins, and their implications for human health and nutrition.

In correspondence, Prof. Bhat noted that Estonia's younger generations are likely to shift toward vegan or vegetarian diets, decreasing their reliance on traditional animal-based meat. While conventional meat is unlikely to disappear completely, its demand may decline sharply as future consumers embrace more sustainable and ethical dietary choices.

However, Prof. Bhat emphasized that several challenges remain — including resistance from traditional meat industries, cultural conservatism, cost and affordability concerns, and the ongoing spread of misinformation regarding the health and nutritional value of meat alternatives. Addressing these issues requires robust, evidence-based communication and policymaking.

Prof. Bhat concluded that this report will be immensely valuable for Estonia’s innovators, entrepreneurs, environmental advocates, and policymakers aiming to build a forward-looking, resilient food system based on alternative proteins.

Read the full report here: https://easac.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/EASAC_Meat_Alternatives_final_040925.pdflink opens in new page