EA Forum Podcast (Curated & popular) “Cultivating doubt: why I no longer believe cultivated meat is the answer” by Tom Bry-Chevalier🔸
May 3, 2025
Tom Bry-Chevalier, a PhD candidate focused on alternative proteins, shares his transformative insights on cultivated meat. He questions its promise, arguing it may only compete with other alternatives rather than replace conventional meat. While acknowledging cultivated meat's environmental benefits, he suggests it may not stack up against plant-based options. He also highlights concerns about high costs and potential negative impacts on the industry. Bry-Chevalier offers constructive recommendations for the effective promotion of alternative proteins.
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From Industry to Academia Journey
- Tom Bry-Chevalier spent two years at a cultivated meat startup before pursuing a PhD.
- His optimism about cultivated meat declined over two years of doctoral research.
Cultivated vs. Plant-based Meat Impact
- Cultivated meat likely reduces environmental impact versus conventional meat but not as much as plant-based meat.
- Its energy intensity and cost remain challenges compared to plant-based alternatives.
Cost and Hybrid Product Outlook
- Production costs for cultivated meat are likely to stay above $20/kg for years.
- Hybrid products mixing cultivated cells with plants will likely enter markets first.
