University of Warwick Says Cultivated Turkey Will Soon Be a Christmas Dinner Centrepiece

Currently in its initial phase, this cultivated meat project aims to develop computational models to uptick cell oxygen and nutrient uptake in the early stages of meat cultivation. This increase in oxygen and nutrients could improve the texture of cultivated meat while driving down costs , making the entire process economically viable.

The researchers emphasise that cultivated meat has many advantages, including reducing the harmful climate impacts of livestock farming, combatting antibiotic resistance, and feeding more people with fewer resources . “This could really make a difference to people’s eating habits across the board, as well as during the festive period,” shared Dr. Cimpeanu, adding, “In the future, a lab-grown turkey could prove a more affordable. Greener alternative at Christmas time,” he told reporters. © Asda Alternatives to traditional festive foods on the rise According to the Dutch label Vivera , the buying interest for plant-based alternatives remains relatively limited during Christmas as most flexitarians choose meat during the holidays.

That said, several firms, especially retailers, are expanding their plant-based offer to Christmas dishes. In Belgium, The Vegetarian Butcher in recent weeks rolled out a stuffed vegan Christmas turkey at its plant-based butchery in Rotterdam. In the UK, supermarket chain Asda introduced a Whole No Turkey this year featuring a unique crispy “skin” coating.

Like roasted turkey, it as well has a light-colored “breast” and darker-colored “legs,” with the two plant-based types of meat having different textures. Meanwhile, Tesco is offering for the dinner celebrations two plant-based turkey-style roasts this year, as well as a new take on the traditional nut roast and a plant-based Butternut Wellington.

Shocken Foods revealed innovative plant-based deli products for Christmas, including pepperoni and vegan foie gras. Lastly, French food tech Aberyne has introduced a plant-based foie gras made with cashews at vegan and gourmet shops in Spain , the UK, and Switzerland , just in time for Christmas. “Other alternative protein sources made possible through scientific advancement, such as plant-based alternatives, can as well help mitigate the impact of our meals, added Dr.