I agree that cost is the most important variable, especially when considering global impact. This study further reinforces some core beliefs I have about meat analogues:
1. At least for the next several years, the primary goal of commercializing meat analogues is to drive further R&D and scale production that will reduce cost (and increase quality)
2. An underrated outcome of meat analogues is making the cognitive leap to decide to become a vegetarian or vegan less daunting, which probably would not show up in these data
3. The vast majority of people who eat meat will not consider meat analogues attractive until they are far superior to animal products in at least one key way (cost, taste, and/​or nutrition)
4. No matter how high-quality meat analogues become, most vegetarians and vegans will often choose traditional plant protein options like tofu, tempeh and legumes
I agree that cost is the most important variable, especially when considering global impact. This study further reinforces some core beliefs I have about meat analogues:
1. At least for the next several years, the primary goal of commercializing meat analogues is to drive further R&D and scale production that will reduce cost (and increase quality)
2. An underrated outcome of meat analogues is making the cognitive leap to decide to become a vegetarian or vegan less daunting, which probably would not show up in these data
3. The vast majority of people who eat meat will not consider meat analogues attractive until they are far superior to animal products in at least one key way (cost, taste, and/​or nutrition)
4. No matter how high-quality meat analogues become, most vegetarians and vegans will often choose traditional plant protein options like tofu, tempeh and legumes