Meat consumption has come under criticism in recent years. Meat substitutes are becoming increasingly popular in Germany and could be an alternative. In a study entitled "Meat of the Future", the UBA has now examined the effects of the three emerging meat alternatives - plant-based meat substitutes, edible insects and invitro meat - on the environment and health, and what role they could play in the diet of the future.

According to the study, plant-based meat substitutes score best from an environmental perspective. Compared to beef, its production generates more than 90% less greenhouse gases and uses many times less water and land. Insect-based meat substitutes fare somewhat worse. The environmental and health impacts of in-vitro meat are difficult to assess so far. More research is needed here to really be able to produce a "clean meat" for the mass market.