Reshaping Meat Consumption: Meat Substitutes in a Sustainability Perspective

With the rapid growth of the global population and the increasing demand for protein, the continued expansion of the meat industry is placing severe pressure on water and land resources and posing significant challenges to the environment. Meat substitutes, as an emerging source of protein, are viewed as an effective and promising solution to address the surge in global meat consumption. This review provides a new perspective by systematically integrating technological innovation, sustainable development, and socio-cultural transformation into the evaluation framework of meat substitutes. Unlike previous studies focusing solely on nutritional or environmental aspects, we reveal how the synergistic evolution of multi-source raw material utilization and advanced texturization technologies facilitate the paradigm shift in sustainable protein systems. Furthermore, we critically examine the socio-cultural dimensions – including institutional governance, economic power asymmetries, and cultural narratives – that shape the acceptance and integration of meat substitutes into mainstream diets. By synthesizing insights that span food science, sustainability, and social dynamics, this review positions meat substitutes as a driving force for transformative change in global protein systems. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, promoting understanding of the challenges in the development and adoption of meat substitutes.