The idea of cultivated meat—the creation of meat from real animal cells—can be a touchy subject for some vegans. However, since keeping animals off our plates has always been a cornerstone of PETA’s philosophy, we support creating meat through new technology, rather than continuing to rely on cruel and destructive factory farms and slaughterhouses.  

PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said it best: 

Years ago, PETA funded the very first foray into cultured meat research at two U.S. universities, offered a $1 million prize for the first laboratory that could create commercially viable lab-grown chicken meat, and even patented the findings of a scientist who eventually joined UPSIDE Foods before selling the patent to the startup at a very low cost—so we’re over the moon to see “slaughterless meat” becoming a reality. 

Cultivated meat is the future of food! 

In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light for lab-grown meats. To celebrate, PETA supporters rallied outside Michelin-starred Bar Crenn restaurant in San Francisco, where diners were being served lab-grown meat for the very first time. Attendees applauded PETA as they headed into the restaurant to eat cultivated chicken! 

This is phenomenal news for animals and the environment: A comparison assessment shows that by 2030—when commercial production of lab-grown meat may be possible—pound for pound, the production of lab-grown meat could generate 92% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and use 95% less land as well as 78% less water than that of old-fashioned beef. 

The future looks bright, but we don’t have to wait for technology to catch up to see a better world for animals and the planet. Vegan meats are already available. Recently, a Florida restaurant placed a steak, made from vegan meat supplied by Chunk Foods, on its menu called the “F U Filet Mignon”—standing for “freaking unbelievable,” of course. It was so convincing that many nonvegans were fooled into thinking it was made from a real cow. 

By ditching animal-derived foods, we alleviate the suffering of animals who are forced to endure the filth and confinement of factory farms and the horror of being slaughtered. Did you know that you could spare nearly 200 animals a year just by going vegan? Our vegan starter kit has everything from recipes and information about nutrition to tips on eating vegan at chain restaurants.