Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Brits increasingly game to try lab-grown meat and insects

Brits increasingly game to try lab-grown meat and insects
Photo: iStock

A third of UK consumers are willing to try lab-grown meat and a quarter would try insects, a new research has found.

The survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) into public perceptions of emerging alternative proteins has also revealed a greater number (60%) are willing to try plant-based products many of which are already on the market.


The research also highlighted the importance of food safety for consumers as they consider it as the top factor in encouraging them to try lab-grown meat or edible insects. Assurance around food safety is already the main reason people are willing to eat plant-based proteins.

Over three quarters (77%) of respondents perceived plant-based proteins as being safe to eat compared to half (50%) for edible insects and 30 per cent for lab grown meat.

“This important survey highlights that, while many consumers are considering trying alternative proteins, they will quite rightly only do so if they are confident that these products are safe and properly regulated,” Professor Robin May, FSA chief scientific adviser, said.

“Consequently, we are working closely with businesses and trade bodies to ensure they make effective use of the FSA's existing regulatory framework so that consumers can benefit from innovative food products whilst still having full confidence in their safety.”

Alternative, or novel, sources of protein for human consumption are an emerging food and are mainly associated with plant proteins, insects and microorganisms.

https://www.asiantrader.biz/in-world-first-singapore-approves-sale-of-lab-grown-meat/

The report has found that awareness of alternative proteins is high amongst consumers, with 90 per cent of respondents reporting that they had heard of plant-based proteins, 80 per cent had heard of edible insects and 78 per cent had heard of lab grown meat.

According to the survey, the most common reasons to try plant-based proteins include: safe to eat (44%) and health reasons (39%) or environmental or sustainability (36%) reasons. The biggest barrier to trying plant-based proteins was preference for traditional meats (36%).

Environmental and sustainability were the most common reasons for trying lab-grown meat (40%) and edible insects (31%).

Two in five (42%) reported that nothing could encourage them to try lab grown meat, but over a quarter (27%) could be persuaded if they knew it was safe to eat and 23 per cent if they could trust that it was properly regulated.

In the case of edible insects, two-thirds said nothing could make them try it. One in eight (13%) could be persuaded if they knew it was safe to eat and 11 per cent if they looked appetising.

More for you

David Murray promoted as pladis CMO, Mete Buyurgan takes UK & Ireland helm

Mete Buyurgan (L) and David Murray

David Murray named pladis CMO

Snacking giant pladis has announced David Murray, currently leader of its UK and Ireland enterprise, will transition to the newly created position of global chief commercial officer.

After five years at the helm of pladis UK&I, Murray’s new role will see him take ownership of the company’s global platform and brand strategy along with its commercial transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal cigarettes in Meir

Illegal cigarettes

iStock

Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from Meir shop raids

More than £20,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple premises in an one-day operation in Meir by Trading Standards team along with officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

The operation is the latest across the city that resulted in 13 shops being closed in the last 12 months, and forms part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in Partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila, owned by Diageo. The spirits giant sells billions of dollars worth of tequila and Canadian whisky in the US.

Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Flipper's Boogie Palace

Diageo suggests tougher rules of origin requirements as alternative to Trump’s tariffs

Spirits giant Diageo has suggested the US government consider tougher rules of origin requirements in trade agreements as an alternative to tariffs, a letter to the US Trade Representative showed.

In the March 11 letter, Diageo, the world's top spirits maker caught in the crossfire of US president Donald Trump's effort to remake global trade, argued that new rules of origin could support his aims and benefit the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda store with Rollback pricing sign for 2024 sales strategy

Asda Express stores offset sales dip at the supermarket

Asda's profits climb despite sales decline, driven by George and Express

Asda on Friday reported a decline in its annual sales for the 2024 financial year, but the retailer has seen profits rising on margin gains.

The supermarket chain said its total revenue for the year to 31 December 2024 declined by 0.8 per cent to £21.7 billion, while like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were lower by 3.4 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Strategic Ranging of Premium Apple Cider Essential for 2025 Sales

Henry Westons Vintage 500ml is the number one cider SKU in the convenience channel

Crafted cider surge: Retailers urged to embrace premiumisation for sales boost

The unstoppable rise of crafted apple cider is setting the benchmark for success in the UK’s £1.1 billion off-trade cider market, according to the latest Westons Cider Report.

The leading cider producer advises that convenience retailers who prioritise premium products and strategic ranging will be best placed to drive sales in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less