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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top Players in the U.S. Vegan Cosmetic Market: Competitive Insights and Growth Strategies
The U.S. vegan cosmetics market thrives on soaring demand for cruelty-free, plant-based products driven by ethical consumerism. Opportunities lie in transparent branding, aligning with clean beauty trends, and targeting Millennials and Gen Z via social media and influencer campaigns. However, establishing clear labeling standards remains crucial. U.S. Vegan Cosmetic Market Dublin, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Vegan Cosmetic Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The United States Vegan Cosmetic Market was valued at USD 3.95 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.78 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.55%. This market is witnessing strong growth, largely driven by rising consumer demand for cruelty-free, plant-based beauty products. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the ethical, environmental, and health-related implications of conventional cosmetics, prompting a shift toward vegan alternatives. Both established and indie brands are responding by expanding their vegan offerings and adopting transparent practices. Social media, influencer campaigns, and regulatory developments that support cruelty-free labeling are playing a key role in building trust and influencing purchasing behavior, particularly among younger demographics. Key Market Drivers: Rising Ethical Consumerism and Animal Welfare Awareness A growing focus on ethical consumption and animal rights is significantly propelling the demand for vegan cosmetics in the U.S. Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly prioritizing transparency and seeking products that align with their values. Awareness around animal testing practices and the use of animal-derived ingredients has pushed consumers to favor cruelty-free, plant-based formulations. Advocacy from organizations such as PETA and the Humane Society, combined with viral social media campaigns, has brought animal welfare to the forefront of cosmetic purchasing decisions. This shift has encouraged both emerging and established beauty brands to commit to vegan formulations and pursue cruelty-free certifications to attract ethically conscious buyers. Key Market Challenges: Misleading Labeling and Lack of Standardized Regulations A critical challenge in the U.S. vegan cosmetic market is the ambiguity surrounding labeling standards. Unlike regulated terms such as 'organic,' there is no universally enforced legal definition for 'vegan' in the cosmetics industry. This regulatory gap allows some products to carry vegan labels despite containing trace animal-derived ingredients or being tested on animals at some point in the supply chain. Consumers are often misled by overlapping or incorrectly used terms such as 'cruelty-free' and 'vegan,' which are not always synonymous. While third-party certifications like 'Leaping Bunny' and 'Vegan Society' exist, their usage is not industry-standard, creating confusion and undermining consumer trust. This lack of regulation presents a challenge for genuinely ethical brands seeking to differentiate themselves and maintain credibility in a rapidly growing but inconsistently governed space. Key Market Trends: Clean Beauty and Transparency Movement The rising popularity of clean beauty is significantly influencing the vegan cosmetics segment. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are not only free from animal-derived ingredients but also devoid of potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The demand for ingredient transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmentally sustainable practices is reshaping the industry. Plant-based, non-toxic, and cruelty-free formulations are becoming central to product development strategies. This trend is particularly strong among younger consumers, who expect clear labeling, full ingredient disclosure, and responsible production methods. Mainstream cosmetic brands are beginning to adapt, reformulating existing lines to meet clean beauty standards and align with evolving consumer values, thereby strengthening the position of vegan cosmetics in the broader market. Key Players Profiled in this United States Vegan Cosmetic Market Report: Coty Inc. Billy Jealousy Beauty Without Cruelty Gabriel Cosmetics Inc. Pacifica Beauty LLC. Nature's Brands, Inc. Cosmetics Inc. Cosmax USA Corporation Emma Jean Cosmetics Inc. Yves Rocher Amérique du Nord Inc Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 70 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.95 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $5.78 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.5% Regions Covered United States Report Scope: In this report, the United States Vegan Cosmetic Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: United States Vegan Cosmetic Market, by Product Type: Skin Care Hair Care Makeup Others United States Vegan Cosmetic Market, by Distribution Channel: Hypermarket/Supermarket Departmental Stores Online Others United States Vegan Cosmetic Market, by Region: South West Midwest Northeast For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment U.S. Vegan Cosmetic Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Scoop
29-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Aotearoa Falls Behind Global Average – Switch To Paleo Could Help
Press Release – Vegan Society We should all be very concerned about this day, as it marks our sustainability, and Aotearoa is falling behind the rest of the world. Ministers may claim that we are the best, but the reality is we are amongst the worst, media spokesperson Claire Insley warned. Cows in mud (Photo/Supplied) Earth Overshoot Day falls on 24th July this year, a stark reminder of how far humanity is from operating within planetary boundaries. However, for Aotearoa New Zealand, the picture is even bleaker: the national Overshoot Day arrives on 30th April. Shifting towards a plant-based diet and moving away from animal agriculture would move the date back into May, maybe even June? Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity's demand for ecological resources and services each year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. It is calculated by dividing the planet's biocapacity by our Ecological Footprint and multiplying the result by 365. Since its inception in 1971, Earth Overshoot Day has crept steadily earlier on the calendar—highlighting humanity's deepening ecological debt. 'We should all be very concerned about this day, as it marks our sustainability, and Aotearoa is falling behind the rest of the world. Ministers may claim that we are the best, but the reality is we are amongst the worst.' Media spokesperson Claire Insley warned, 'There are many simple solutions to mitigate climate change and to live within our global budget, the most powerful of which is to switch to a plant-based diet. Our ancestors predominantly ate plants and so we need to return to the true paleo diet, to allow our children a future' Only six years ago, Earth Overshoot Day was 29th July, meaning it has advanced by five days over six years. But New Zealand's own Overshoot Day was 6th May in 2019: we have slipped six days further into overshoot, surpassing even Qatar, whose Overshoot Day has slipped by only 5 days and is 6th February, and China, on 23rd May. How can we be worse than China—a country with 1.4 billion people and a major industrial base that manufactures much of the world's goods? This data reflects not only our high per-capita consumption, but also the reality that we are failing to meet our climate targets. Despite our clean, green image, Aotearoa is disproportionately contributing to ecological degradation and climate instability, compared to the global average. This trajectory is unsustainable. Our continued ecological overspending contributes to biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change—all of which put our food systems, infrastructure, and future at risk. What Can Be Done? One of the most powerful and often overlooked solutions is a shift towards plant-based diets. Currently, 85% of global farmland is dedicated to animal agriculture, yet it contributes only 17% of global calories. A global shift to plant-based food systems could drastically reduce the pressure on our ecosystems, freeing up land for rewilding, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving water resources. The Poore Report (2018) from Oxford University shows that a plant-based diet could cut individual food-related carbon footprints by up to 73%. If Aotearoa moved towards more sustainable food systems, it could significantly reduce our own ecological overshoot, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. According to the Global Footprint Network, pushing the global Overshoot Day back by just five days per year would allow humanity to live within the planet's means by 2050. Their Power of Possibility platform outlines real-world actions that can shift the date: · Halving food waste globally could move Earth Overshoot Day by 13 days. · Transitioning to renewable energy could shift it by 26 days. · Reducing carbon emissions by 50% could move it by over 90 days. These are not just numbers—they are choices. Choices we can make through policy, innovation, and lifestyle shifts that prioritize ecological health and intergenerational justice. Let's #MoveTheDate – starting here in Aotearoa. Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Wonderland Winners At Vegan Chocolate Awards
Press Release – Vegan Society Interest in plant-based foods continues to increase, and the Vegan Chocolate Awards reflect this trend. Plant milk chocolates are gaining popularity, with an expanding range and improved quality. Wonderland Pineapple Chews – Conrad the Contortionist was the overall Supreme winner in this year's Vegan Society Aotearoa fourth Vegan Chocolate Awards. Judges said the winner was 'a perfectly delicious and moreish twist on a classic.' Held on 28th April at Khu Khu Eatery in Ponsonby, Auckland, chocolate makers from all over Aotearoa entered the Awards aiming to be winners in one of twelve categories. Interest in plant-based foods continues to increase, and the Vegan Chocolate Awards reflect this trend. Plant milk chocolates are gaining popularity, with an expanding range and improved quality. The awards celebrate various types of vegan chocolates, including bon bons, truffles, inclusions, and flavoured chocolates suitable for vegans and those allergic to dairy. 'The judges had a difficult task ahead this year, as the competition is really fierce and there is a lot of incredible plant-based chocolate to be eaten in Aotearoa,' media spokesperson for the Society Claire Insley commented. Six very experienced judges lent their palates to this incredible taste test: welcoming all the way from Samoa, Floris Niu, who is a fourth generation Samoan Cacao farmer, processor and Chocolate-maker. She's the founder of Ms Sunshine Organic Farms which operates Cacao Agritourism experiences on Upolu Island. She is co-creator of the 'Koko Beans' brand of vegan chocolate snacks and the recent 'Pacific Cacao and Chocolate 2022' show. Tracy Berno is a Professor in Food Studies at AUT. She has worked in food for over 30 years in roles ranging from academic to presenting cooking classes and demonstrations to catering. Tracy has a particular interest in the foods of the South Pacific and sustainably produced food products (including chocolate). She is an experienced panel judge and has judged for many competitions and food awards starting in the early 2000s. With a rich background in Europe and the UK's finest patisseries and chocolatiers, Thomas Wright is on a mission to redefine the essence of chocolate. His journey from prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens to launching Ao Cacao reflects his passion for ethically and sustainably grown cacao, combined with unique Pacific and Aotearoa flavours for an unparalleled bean-to-bar experience. Byron McLean is the founder and chocolatier of Cocoa Wilds—a new and viral chocolate boutique located on O'Connell Street in central Auckland. Leaving his corporate career in 2022, Byron poured his passion for people and learning into a whirlwind journey of growth, traveling, and taste-testing more than 300 types of chocolate worldwide. Finally, the Award stalwart Aaron Pucci has clocked up 25 years in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. His trusted palate has earned him numerous seats on judging panels for awards in New Zealand and Australia over 15 years. As a dedicated chocolate consumer Aaron is always on the lookout for new brands and products ~ especially those that are breaking new ground. Aaron's 'food for thought' is a desire for more manufacturers to take up the challenge of sustainable food operations and reducing their carbon footprint. And the average comedian on the street, Tom Sainsbury stepped in to help choose the best chew in Wonderland. Tom is always keen to help our awards keep it real, having taste tested sausages, cheese and pies in the past, he has finally graduated into the hallows of chocolate tasting. Plant-based foods are sustainable and healthy, benefiting both individuals and the planet. The growing number of Vegan Food Awards highlights the quality and appeal of plant-based foods. The full list of winners can be found at Supreme Winner Wonderland; Pineapple Chews – Conrad the Contortionist Dark Chocolate bars – plain Winner Foundry Chocolate; Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70% Judges said 'Great temper delivering delicious malty favours and notes of honey' Runner up Foundry Chocolate; Ea Kar, Dak Lak, Vietnam 70% Judges said 'Very honey-forward flavours and delicious. A great chocolate' Chocolate Bars; flavoured Winner Schoc Chocolate; Lemongrass in a Dark Rich Chocolate Judges said 'Fresh bright flavours and a lovely smooth texture' Runner up Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Mini Infusion Dark Peppermint Judges said 'Very enjoyable and delivers crisp flavour' Chocolate Bars; inclusions Winner Bennetto: Dark Salted Caramel Judges said 'Beautiful texture. Great snap and good finish. Inclusions subtle but complimentary, with nice balance of chocolate and inclusions. Stand out chocolate.' Runner up Schoc Chocolate; Raspberry, Pear and Apple Dark Chocolate from Greytown Judges said 'Degree of complexity of fruit inclusions. Fruit doesn't overwhelm. Varied inclusion textures, dancing in your mouth. Not overwhelmingly sweet' White or Milk Chocolate bars (plant milk only) Winner Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Mini Infusion Lime Coconut Judges said 'vibrant and bold. Great creativity.' Runner up Mind Your Temper; Raspberry Dairy Free White Chocolate Judges said 'Delightfully tangy with creamy white chocolate' Bon Bons and Truffles; flavoured Winner Mind Your Temper; Pistachio and Knafeh Croquant Judges said 'Beautiful balance between chocolate and the lovely pistachio filling. Texture was really good. Classic flavour and combo.' Runner Up Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Feijoa Crumble Judges said 'Ginger lovely with the chocolate. Feijoa is a nice base to carry the ginger. Great tasting chocolate. Caramels Winner Wonderland; Pineapple Chews – Conrad the Contortionist Judges said 'A perfectly delicious and moorish twist on a classic' Runner up Mind Your Temper; Vanilla Salted Caramel Dragee Judges said 'A caramel for grown-ups – unique and tasty' Bean to Bar; single origin Winner Foundry Chocolate: Anamalai Estate, India 70% Judges said 'The clear winner. It's clear the maker has lots of experience and feel. Technically sound and flawless. Clean tasting with lots of nuances. Sophisticated and refined' Runner up Raglan Chocolate; Malekula Island – Vanuatu Judges said 'this chocolate took them on a journey. A smoked coconut finish and intensity. Balance is correct. Technically sound and complex- a conversation starter' Bean to Bar; flavoured and inclusions Winner Valura; Calvados 70% Malekula Island, Vanuatu Judges said 'Interesting, nostalgic and bold. Layered with complex flavours. Clean smooth flavour and clean aftertaste. Nice eating with great technical ability.' No Runner up Drinking Chocolate Winner Trade Aid; Organic Fair Trade Drinking Chocolate Judges said 'Good balance and intensity. Broad range of flavours. A delicious and 'popular' hot chocolate' Runner up Foundry Chocolate; Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70% – Drinking Chocolate Judges said 'Bold beautiful with rich cocoa notes and a hint of honey flavour. Notable regional characteristics. Indulgent and decadent.' Judges remarked that it was a high level category, with great entries. Bark/Brittle Chocolate Winner Chocolate Oasis; Chocolate Bark Caramelized Almond & Cranberry Judges said 'Crunchy and delicious with well-roasted ingredients' No Runner up Dipped Fruit/Dragee Winner Mind Your Temper; Matcha Almond Dragees Judges said 'Expertly crafted with a great blend of flavours and texture' Runner up Schoc Chocolate; Pineapple Bites Judges said 'The candied fruit added a delicious tang and texture'
Scoop
28-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
The Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Rōpū Whēkana o Aotearoa We advocate, inform and advise people interested in veganism, creating a vibrant and safe vegan community. The Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand - Latest News [Page 1] Wonderland Winners At Vegan Chocolate Awards Interest in plant-based foods continues to increase, and the Vegan Chocolate Awards reflect this trend. Plant milk chocolates are gaining popularity, with an expanding range and improved quality. More >> Wonderland Winners At Vegan Chocolate Awards Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 7:43 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Plant-based foods are sustainable and healthy, benefiting both individuals and the planet. The growing number of Vegan Food Awards highlights the quality and appeal of plant-based foods. More >> Vegan Chocolate Awards 2025: Calling All Chocolate Artisans Friday, 14 March 2025, 10:44 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Six very experienced judges will be lending their palates to this incredible taste test: welcoming all the way from Samoa, Floris Niu, who is a fourth generation Samoan Cacao farmer, processor and Chocolate-maker. More >> Minster For Women Challenged To Go Dairy Free Thursday, 6 March 2025, 12:01 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Nicola Griggs, was invited to empathise with the life of a dairy cow, given that very soon after giving birth calves are taken from those mothers, and humans drink the milk instead. Newborn calves are either killed if male, or many will join the ... More >> When Is Vegan Food Not Vegan? Thursday, 27 February 2025, 6:56 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand It is disappointing that our children are going hungry due to political greed and general lack of care and attention. More >> Clear Labelling Petition for Food Safety Monday, 17 February 2025, 1:14 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The Societies are demanding additional legislation requiring factual and clear labelling on consumer products. The current ambiguity in product labelling creates significant consumer confusion and undermines trust. More >> Clear Labelling Petition For Food Safety Monday, 17 February 2025, 8:08 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Consumers in Aotearoa deserve to know what they are buying without having to resort to reading every item on the ingredients label. If a product is labelled vegan, or plant-based, it should mean that no animal products or by-products were used at any ... More >> NZ Supermarkets Fall Behind The Global Trend Monday, 16 December 2024, 8:25 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Aotearoa is falling behind in its commitment to meeting climate agreements, so a policy such as this would really improve the standing in the global community, as well as meet our targets. More >> A Cheese Burger Pie Wins Vegan Pie Awards Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 8:49 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The judges who had to taste test their way through 72 different pies from across the nation, claimed it to be a fantastic concept, well-executed tasty pie with a beautifully cooked pastry. More >> 7th Annual Vegan Pie Awards Kick Off Wednesday, 30 October 2024, 11:49 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand This year the top prize is $1000, for our Supreme Winner! The whole event is sponsored by Gilmours, Kind Café, Barker's Professional and The Coffee Club. Judging takes place at Crave Café between 9am and midday, on World Vegan Day, 1st November. More >> The Vegan Pie's The Limit Wednesday, 16 October 2024, 6:08 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand This year the top prize is $1000, for our Supreme Winner! The whole event is sponsored by Gilmours, Kind Café, Barker's Professional and The Coffee Club. Judging takes place at Crave Café between 9am and midday, on World Vegan Day, 1st November. More >> 'The Greek' Vegan Feta Is Supreme Winner Tuesday, 30 July 2024, 7:29 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The Supreme Winner of the fourth Vegan Society of Aotearoa Vegan Cheese Awards was 'The Greek', a delicious feta, a relative newcomer to the awards. The judges were particularly impressed with the bold savoury and well balanced flavour of this ... More >> Vegan Cheese Awards Friday, 26 July 2024, 11:53 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The fourth annual Vegan Cheese Awards are underway, with judging to take place on 29th July at Khu Khu restaurant in Ponsonby. The world of plant-based cheeses has come a long way this decade, with the New Zealand sector seeing a boom in new companies ... More >> Concise Labelling Required Monday, 8 July 2024, 1:35 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand Food products in Aotearoa have specific requirements for labelling in most circumstances, however missing from legislation is the definition of plant-based, vegan and vegetarian. As a result consumers are becoming increasingly confused as what products are 'safe' ... More >> Vegan Cheese Awards Open Monday, 1 July 2024, 9:55 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The fourth annual Vegan Cheese Awards are underway, with judging to take place on 29th July at Khu Khu restaurant in Ponsonby. The world of plant-based cheeses has come a long way this decade, with the New Zealand sector seeing a boom in new companies and new products. More >> Smoked Sausage With Szechuan Sauce Is Supreme Tuesday, 25 June 2024, 10:52 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The Supreme Winner of the sixth annual Vegan Sausage and Deli Meats Awards is Vegan Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce by Blissful, "Whole Perfect Food" brand. More >> Bring Out The Best Bangers Friday, 21 June 2024, 11:05 am | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The Vegan Society of Aotearoa's sixth annual Sausage Awards are being judged on Monday 24th June, at Khu Khu restaurant in Ponsonby. More >> Bring Out Your Best Bangers! Wednesday, 12 June 2024, 8:06 pm | The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand The Vegan Society of Aotearoa's sixth annual Sausage Awards are open for registration and this year the Society announces 6 new categories to add to the usual fare of different sausages. More >>
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What we know as lab-grown meat set for UK shelves within two years
Lab-grown meat products such as burgers that have been created without animals being killed could be on shelves in Britain within two years. The technology to grow meat products from cells has been available for some time, but products have not been sold in the UK because of a lack of regulation and safety research around the technology. The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) hopes to accelerate the timeline to do a full safety assessment of lab-grown foods so that they can go on sale. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Professor Robin May, the chief scientist at the FSA, told the BBC: 'We are working very closely with the companies involved and academic groups to work together to design a regulatory structure that is good for them, but at all costs ensures the safety of these products remains as high as it possibly can.' Lab-grown products for animals are already on sale, with Pets at Home selling Chick Bites which combine plant ingredients with cultivated meat. The cultivated meat is grown using 'cellular agriculture', in which a sample of cells is taken from a living animal, usually under local anaesthetic. The cells are then placed in a bioreactor – a tank full of nutrient-rich growing medium that allows the cells to multiply. The cells grow into muscle and fat and are then harvested from the bioreactors and placed on 'scaffolds' - edible materials that help shape them into a burger, for example. The scaffolds are tiny, almost microscopic structures used to grow cells into realistic clumps of meat resembling muscle fibres. Each cultured meat company has its own methods for growing cells and structuring them into something resembling meat. For example, Aleph Farms - a cellular agriculture company active in the food technology space - creates 'steak' by growing it along a plant-based scaffolding to replicate muscle fibres using meat, fat and connective tissue. The combination of tissues are put in a nutrient broth for four weeks, growing into a thin slice of 'steak' which can be grilled. Although no animals are harmed in the production of cultivated meat, it is not considered vegan. The Vegan Society says that cultivated meat still involves using cells from farmed animals and therefore is not strictly vegan. "Veganism as a philosophy is concerned with ending the exploitation of, and cruelty to, non-human animals," says the Vegan Society. "As such, it's understandable that some vegans may be drawn to the possibilities of this technology. However, as our policy position makes clear, cultured meat is not vegan or a panacea for the horrors of animal use and exploitation." The taste of cultivated meat has evolved considerably, with breakthroughs improving the texture and taste over the years. Writing in The Spark, MIT Technology Review's weekly climate newsletter, in March 2023, Casey Crownhart said: "It was definitely different from beef, but maybe not in a bad way. The texture was similar, which makes sense since it was mostly made from plants. "Taste-wise, I thought the lab-grown meat may have been a bit closer to the beef burger, but I found myself wondering if I'd feel the same way if I didn't know which was which. Was my brain tricking me into thinking it tasted more like meat, since I knew that there were animal cells in it? I took bites of all three burgers again to try to figure it out. I'm still not sure. " Online publication Inverse tested lab-grown chicken and said that while it tasted like chicken, it felt somewhere between fish and poultry. The publication wrote: "I take a bite and the flavor is savory and somewhat familiar. It tastes like chicken, to use an old cliche, but it doesn't necessarily feel like chicken." In 2022, Time Magazine tried Aleph Meat's steak, which comes in a strip of beef grown from stem cells in a bioreactor. Climate correspondent Aryn Baker was impressed, writing, "It is as tender and juicy as the interior of a filet mignon. As I cut into it, the meat tears into strands more characteristic of a brisket, but with none of the dryness. "I take a bite. The flavor is pure meat—a caramelized crust giving way to a savory richness. The square shape and thin cut betray my steak's bioreactor origins, but eyes closed, I wouldn't know the difference... It doesn't taste like the future. It tastes like steak. Without the guilt." Some cultivated meats have been certified as kosher, but there is not universal agreement among rabbis about whether all cultivated meat is kosher. Orthodox Union Kosher, the world's largest kosher certification authority, certified products from Israeli chicken product company SuperMeat. Israel's chief rabbi ruled that Aleph Farms thin-cut steak is kosher, and not considered as meat. But questions still remain for some authorities, especially over issues such as where the cells are sourced from. Different authorities have expressed different views, but - broadly speaking - cultivated meat can be halal. Speaking to the National in 2024, Farhan Siddiqi, a graduate of Makkah's Umm Al Qura University and the imam of Dar Al Hijra Islamic centre in the US state of Virginia said that cultivated meat can be halal if certain conditions are met. Much current cultivated meat is not halal because the cells are taken from a living animal. To be halal, the meat has to come from a cow that has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law, Siddiqi said, meaning that it has been humanely slaughtered by a Muslim, had its blood drained and was in good health when killed. Singapore was the first country to approve lab-grown meat for human use, approving the technology in 2020. The United States approved lab-grown meat in 2023, with products available via restaurants in San Francisco – and expected in mainstream retail by 2026. Israel has approved some products for sale, and countries including the Netherlands and Australia making progress towards approving lab-grown meat products. By contrast, Italy banned cultivated meat in December 2023 over fears around how it may impact traditional farming. The US state of Florida has also banned it with state governor Ron DeSantis announcing in May 2024 that he wanted to "save our beef" from the "global elite" and its "authoritarian plans".
