Welfare Science

Alternative Proteins and Animal Welfare: 2026 Update

Review of the welfare implications of plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived proteins in 2026.

Key Facts

Plant-based meat market consolidating after growth period
Cultivated meat regulatory approvals expanding in key markets
Precision fermentation producing dairy and egg proteins commercially
Consumer price parity improving for some alternative protein categories
Animal welfare organisations increasingly supporting alternative protein transition

Welfare Considerations

Alternative proteins represent a potentially transformative lever for animal welfare, with the capacity to dramatically reduce the number of animals used in food production. In 2026, plant-based products are mainstream but face market headwinds; cultivated meat is approaching commercial viability; precision fermentation is delivering proteins at scale. Supporting this transition remains a high-impact welfare strategy.

What You Can Do

Try plant-based versions of animal products to reduce demand
Advocate for public research funding for alternative protein development
Support organisations working on food system transformation for welfare