In this article, we will take a detailed look at the 10 Best Alternative Meat Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts.
The Good Food Institute (GFI) said in its 2024 State of the Industry report that cultivated meat (lab-grown meat) is a bold, game-changing way to diversify the food supply and help meet growing demand. Meanwhile, the World Bank Group ranked the shift towards alternative proteins as the second most effective strategy for climate mitigation potential. No wonder Straits Research valued the global cultured meat market at $1.03 billion in 2024 and projects it to accelerate at a 16.5% CAGR to touch $1.20 billion in 2025 and $10.76 billion by 2033.
Nevertheless, expert observers approach the lab-grown meat sector with cautious optimism. They view it as an emerging market with significant potential despite current challenges. According to an analysis from LabGrownMeat.com, “Anyone who wants to invest in a lab-grown meat company may want to get involved at this early stage, to make very attractive returns in the future.” However, another expert observer cautions that investors interested in participating in the lab-grown meat sector must focus on staying “informed about regulatory developments, and scientific advancements.”
Despite these challenges, the market presents opportunities. According to GFI, rising venture investments ($800 million was invested in 2022 alone) and an increasing focus on animal welfare and environmental sustainability are key factors fueling these opportunities. That said, this article presents the ten best lab-grown meat stocks to invest in, as recommended by analysts.
A butcher shop showcasing fresh meats and seafood for customers.
Our Methodology
To compile this list, we began by identifying companies with exposure to the cultured meat sector through a review of relevant ETFs, including the VanEck Vectors Agribusiness ETF (MOO) and the Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ). From this group, we’ve identified the 10 stocks with the highest upside potential according to analyst forecasts. They’re ranked in ascending order based on their projected returns.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Alternative Meat Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts
10. US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 2.34%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On June 18, the company unveiled the program for Food Fanatics 2025. US Foods described the event as the most all-encompassing foodservice solutions show in the company’s history.
The event will take place August 19-20, 2025, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and is themed “Every Second Counts.” It aims to provide operators with solutions to address their most pressing operational challenges. According to the programming, the event is expected to gather more than 5,000 foodservice operators, culinary professionals, vendors, and industry experts. It will feature 180,000 square feet of activities, including vendor exhibitions, educational sessions, culinary demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
The program features expert-led educational sessions and panels covering a wide range of topics relevant to foodservice operations, including leveraging AI for staffing optimization and data-driven decision-making. There will be one-on-one consultations with industry experts and access to US Foods’ digital tools and platforms, such as MOXē, for enhanced operational efficiency. Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and celebrity chef Jet Tila will deliver keynote addresses to kick off the event.
US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD) is a leading US foodservice distributor. It supplies fresh, frozen, and dry foods to approximately 250,000 restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and government agencies across the nation. The company participates in the alternative meat sector through its proprietary Serve You (formerly “Exclusive Brands”) portfolio. This portfolio now includes over 3,300 well-being products that are plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free certified, or clean‑label. Their Spring Scoop seasonal launches regularly introduce chef-inspired meat alternatives, such as Molly’s Kitchen plant-based breakfast sausage and black bean burgers.
9. Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 3.21%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 21, Sysco Corporation opened its second Sysco To Go retail outlet in Houston’s vibrant business district, targeting food trucks, caterers, and independent restaurants.
The store offers flexible purchasing with no order minimums and same-day access to fresh, high-quality products.This expansion underscores Sysco’s commitment to supporting small foodservice businesses by making premium ingredients more accessible and convenient.
Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is the world’s largest foodservice distributor. It serves over 600,000 customer locations across various sectors, including restaurants, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Sysco has expanded its offerings through its Sysco Simply product line, which features vegan burger patties, meatless meatballs, pulled oats, and dairy-free alternatives. Additionally, its Cutting Edge Solutions platform brings innovative plant-based items to market, including protein-rich oat-based meats and chef-ready vegan options.
Hedge Fund Resource Center