Science, policy, and public expectations: A qualitative investigation of consumer perspectives on cultured meat

Abstract

Radical innovations such as cultured meat have gained attention as potential pathways toward more sustainable food systems. However, such innovations can only realize their societal potential if they are met with public acceptance. Achieving this acceptance poses multiple challenges – one of which is the inherent uncertainty that often accompanies unfamiliar and novel (food) technologies like cultured meat. Drawing on uncertainty reduction theory, consumers faced with unfamiliar innovations seek information to mitigate this uncertainty, and often turn to institutions involved in their development and regulation, such as science and policy. These institutions thus play a pivotal role not only in providing credible information but also in cultivating trust. Gaining insight into consumers’ concerns and perceived potentials of cultured meat, as well as their expectations of scientific and political actors, is essential for fostering informed public discourse and strengthening societal trust. In the present study, we conducted exploratory focus group discussions in four German cities. Participants reflected on the perceived potentials and risks of cultured meat and formulated concrete expectations toward science and politics. Our findings confirm well-established acceptance factors, such as concerns about animal welfare and health, while also revealing novel themes – especially regarding systemic transformation and food system resilience. This paper contributes to the literature by offering a qualitative account of how consumers conceptualize the roles and responsibilities of scientific and political actors in the development of cultured meat, thereby addressing a previously overlooked dimension of consumer acceptance.