Lab-grown bites: What drives or stops the world from eating cultured meat? A global perspective on developed and developing countries

Purpose This study examines consumer perception and acceptance of cultured meat, with a particular focus on the differences between developed and developing countries. The objective is to identify the key factors influencing consumer behavior, cultural barriers and economic and environmental motivations that either promote or hinder the adoption of this food innovation. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a systematic literature review approach to analyze consumer drivers and inhibiting factors influencing the acceptance of cultured meat. This research follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting framework to ensure a transparent and replicable selection process. The dataset was compiled by identifying relevant peer-reviewed full-text articles published in English between 1st January 2014 and 30th April 2024, focusing on consumer perceptions of cultured meat within disciplines such as agriculture, environmental science, social sciences and economics. Findings In developed countries, cultural values play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions of cultured meat: familiarity and neophobia are the most important inhibiting factors in these countries. In more traditional cultures, entrenched dietary habits and a preference for conventional meat contribute to resistance. In developing countries, environmental and food security concerns drive interest in cultured meat, as it is seen as a potential solution to global food supply challenges, whereas food security does not emerge as a driver in developed nations, where access to a stable food supply is generally not a concern. Practical implications The aim is to provide a comprehensive mapping of the key findings related to the drivers and deterring factors influencing the consumption of cultivated meat, providing insight in order to shape public perception and market adoption of this revolutionary food technology. Originality/value There are few comprehensive reviews of empirical findings on consumer behavior toward cultured meat, and there is a gap to fill about the distinctions in perceptions between developed and developing countries.