More than half of ‘meat’ won't come from animals within 20 years, analysts predict

Fancy tucking into a sausage made of delicious insects - or tucking into a burger made from jackfruit?

Within 20 years, it could be common, with a report suggesting that by 2040, 60% of the ‘meat’ we eat won’t come from animals at all.

The report by consultancy firm AT Kearney says that the change will be driven by environmental concerns, and worried about health.

There are also concerns about animal welfare and industrial farming, said the firm, which based its report on expert interviews.

AT Kearney partner Carsten Gerhardt said in the report: ‘The shift towards flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan lifestyles is undeniable, with many consumers cutting down on their meat consumption as a result of becoming more conscious towards the environment and animal welfare.

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‘For passionate meat-eaters, the predicted rise of cultured meat products means that they still get to enjoy the same diet they always have, but without the same environmental and animal cost attached.’

Some believe that lab-grown meats could offer a solution to climate change and world hunger.

Several companies worldwide are working on ‘clean meat’ products - but at present, it typically costs around $20,000 (£15,000) per kilo to ‘grow’ meat in a laboratory.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said industrialized farming contributes on a "massive scale" to climate change.