# Nutritional, Ethical and Ecological Aspects of Cultured Meat with Particular Emphasis on Functional Food Production: A Comprehensive Literature Review

**Authors:** Marian Gil, Mariusz Rudy, Paulina Duma-Kocan, Renata Stanisławczyk, Dariusz Dziki

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/foods15050891 · Foods · 2026-03-05

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of cultured meat, focusing on its nutritional, ethical, and ecological aspects, and challenges in making it a market product.

## Contribution

A comprehensive literature review on the production, quality, and market challenges of cultured meat with a focus on functional food production.

## Key findings

- Cultured meat can be tailored for improved nutritional value and functional food properties.
- Consumer acceptance and market barriers remain significant challenges for cultured meat adoption.
- Socioeconomic risks include potential inequalities and impacts on rural populations and farmers.

## Abstract

This manuscript was developed to present a comprehensive analysis of the solutions and conditions used in the production of cultured meat (CM). This study addressed the following research question: What are the reasons for the development of CM? The aim of the study was to conduct a thorough review of the scientific literature on issues related to the production and quality of CM, as well as methods used to improve it, and to systematize these issues. Issues related to shaping the chemical composition and nutritional value towards functional foods, as well as the organoleptic properties and safety of CM, were presented. Issues related to consumer acceptance of CM were discussed. Further issues concerned CM as a market product, including the advantages and barriers associated with acquiring and maintaining markets. Key development conditions were discussed, such as the need to improve the quality of CM, technological development, and lower production costs. Socioeconomic challenges, such as the risk of deepening economic inequalities between countries and social classes, and the potential consequences for farmers, consumers, and rural populations, were also considered.

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12984671/full.md

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12984671/full.md

## References

437 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12984671/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12984671