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.
8. Kellanova (NYSE:K)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 4.60%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
Kellanova (NYSE:K) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 22, the company announced that it is on track to eliminate FD&C synthetic colors from all U.S. products by the end of 2027, with school foods transitioning by the 2026–2027 academic year.
Already, 80% of its retail items and 95% of K-12 offerings are free of these additives, reflecting strong progress in its clean-label initiative. The company has revamped key product lines like Eggo, Nutri-Grain, RXBAR, and Morningstar Farms to exclude artificial colors. For remaining items, Kellanova is actively exploring natural alternatives that preserve taste and texture, reinforcing its commitment to healthier ingredients without compromising quality.
Kellanova (NYSE:K) is a global snacking and frozen foods company. It was formed in 2023 following the split of the Kellogg Company. Through its MorningStar Farms division, the company offers alternative meat products, including Chik’n nuggets & tenders, burgers, sausage & bacon-style strips, corn dogs, and other familiar meat-style products. It launched the Incogmeato line in 2019 to deliver refrigerated and frozen plant-based burgers, bratwurst, Italian sausage, and Chik’n items that mimic the texture of meat.
7. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 4.80%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 14, BofA Securities reaffirmed its Underperform rating and $29 price target for KHC, despite reports that the company may split into two units—grocery and sauces/spreads.
The proposed split would follow recent board changes aimed at boosting shareholder value, with the grocery unit accounting for 55% of sales ($14B) and the Taste Elevation division contributing the remaining 45% ($11B). Key brands in the grocery unit would include Kraft, Oscar Mayer, and Lunchables, while the Taste Elevation arm would feature Heinz and Philadelphia.
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is a multinational food and beverage manufacturer with well-known brands, including Oscar Mayer and Kraft. In 2022, it partnered with NotCo, a Chilean food tech company, to form The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a joint venture focused on leveraging AI to develop plant-based and alternative protein products. The partnership includes plans to explore advanced technologies that intersect with lab-grown meat innovation.
6. Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 7.51%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 11, shares of US Foods Holding (USFD) surged to an all-time high following reports that the company was considering a potential acquisition of Performance Food Group (PFGC). The report detailed that the talks for a potential acquisition (or combination) remain private and nonbinding, with no guarantee that a deal will materialize.
If completed, the merger would create the largest foodservice distributor in the US, with combined annual revenues of roughly $100 billion. This would surpass the current market leader, Sysco (NYSE:SYY), which reported approximately $64 billion in sales in 2024. The combined entity would hold approximately 18% of the $371 billion US food distribution market, becoming the number one player in the segment.
US Foods aims to strengthen its position in the independent restaurant channel and other higher-margin markets through acquisitions. Performance Food’s strengths include independent pizzerias, convenience stores, and candy/snacks areas, where US Foods is weaker. The merger would create scale and potential efficiencies, though analysts warn it could pressure US Foods’ EBITDA margins in the short term.
Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC) is one of the largest foodservice distributors in North America. It supplies over 300,000 locations, including restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities. Through its FarmSmart brand, Performance Food has introduced innovative hybrid products, such as the Beef & Jackfruit Burger in collaboration with The Jackfruit Company.
5. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 8.21%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On June 26, the company declared a dividend of 35 cents per share, up from 32 cents per share in the previous payment. This translates to an annual dividend increase from $1.28 to $1.40 per share. All shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025, will receive the payment on September 1, 2025.
This payment marks Kroger’s 19th consecutive year of dividend increases since the dividend was reinstated in 2006. Over this period, the quarterly dividend has grown at a 13% compounded annual growth rate.
Kroger’s Chairman and CEO, Ron Sargent, stated: “This dividend increase reflects the Board of Directors’ confidence in the consistency of our operating performance, strength of our free cash flow generation, and our commitment to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
The company expects adjusted free cash flow of $2.8 billion to $3 billion for fiscal 2025. This strong cash flow generation was highlighted as a key factor enabling the increase. Additionally, the company stated that its capital allocation strategy focuses on utilizing free cash flow to drive long-term, sustainable earnings growth, maintain an investment-grade debt rating, and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the US, serving over 11 million customers daily through 2,700+ stores and a robust private-label portfolio. Simple Truth, Kroger’s flagship natural and organic brand, launched its Plant-Based collection in 2019, featuring items such as vegan burger patties, grinds, deli slices, cookie dough, sauces, dips, and sour cream. In January 2020, the company introduced Simple Truth Emerge, a line of fresh, plant-based meats—burger patties and grinds—positioned in the meat case, delivering approximately 20 g of pea protein per serving.
4. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 13.25%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On June 23, the company announced the appointment of Jeffrey M. Ettinger as interim CEO and John Ghingo as President. Ghingo’s promotion makes him the 11th individual to hold this position in the company’s nearly 135-year history. He will also join the Hormel Foods board of directors. For Ettinger, he is a serving member of the board, and his new role will last for 15 months. Both appointments became effective on July 14, 2025.
As President, Ghingo will directly oversee the company’s Retail, Foodservice, and International business segments. He will also be responsible for the company’s global operations, supply chain, research and development, and corporate strategy functions. On the other hand, Ettinger will oversee corporate functions, including finance, legal and external affairs, human resources, corporate communications, and ethics and compliance.
The company said that the leadership changes follow the planned retirement of current President and CEO Jim Snee. Meanwhile, the Hormel Foods CEO search committee has been dissolved, with the board planning to install a permanent CEO in October 2026.
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) is a global branded food company known for its protein-centric products, including turkey, pork, and plant-based offerings. The company owns Applegate, a brand that has actively explored alternative proteins and sustainable meat solutions. Applegate has partnered with food tech firms and invested in clean-label innovations that support the development of cultured meat.
3. Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 13.33%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 11, UBS maintained a “Neutral” rating on Conagra’s stock and lowered the price target on the shares to $20 from $21. Analyst Bryan Adams stated that his decision takes into account the company’s “less-than-stellar performance in the fourth quarter.” He also highlighted Conagra’s fiscal year 2026 guidance that is “more weighted towards the latter half of the year.”
Conagra reported disappointing Q4 FY2025 results. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.56, missing the forecasted $0.59, and revenue fell short at $2.78 billion compared to the anticipated $2.85 billion. As such, the analyst expressed skepticism about Conagra’s fiscal year 2026 outlook. The analyst also pointed to Conagra’s “weaker quarterly execution in recent periods” as a concern.
Despite the challenges, UBS acknowledges that market expectations for Conagra have already been “recalibrated lower,” indicating that growth concerns are largely reflected in the current stock valuation. The firm also highlighted Conagra’s “competitive dividend and free cash flow yield” as factors that likely limit the stock’s further downside potential. This contributes to the balanced risk-reward assessment that informed the neutral rating.
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is a major packaged foods company with a diverse portfolio that includes frozen meals, snacks, and plant-based products. The corporation owns Gardein, a brand that has become a key player in the alternative protein space. While not directly producing lab-grown meat, Conagra, through its Gardein brand, offers the Ultimate Chick’n line—an advanced plant-based product that mimics traditional chicken.
2. Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 18.76%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 9, BMO Capital reaffirmed its “Outperform” rating and a $25 price target for Albertsons. This reiteration comes ahead of the company’s fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings report, scheduled for July 15, 2025.
BMO had previously upgraded Albertsons’ stock rating from “Market Perform” to “Outperform” on May 7, 2025, also raising the price target from $19 to $25. The firm justified this earlier upgrade with a positive outlook on the company’s potential for valuation growth, stable profit margins, and a decreased likelihood of aggressive pricing strategies.
During the current rating decision, BMO stated that it expects Albertsons’ shares to benefit in the second half of 2025 from investors seeking inexpensive, defensive stocks. Additionally, BMO’s custom data analysis indicates that Albertsons’ grocery identical store sales are tracking in line with expectations for Q1 FY2026. The firm is modeling the gross margin percentage conservatively below consensus estimates for the quarter. This is attributed to Albertsons’ planned price investments, which BMO believes are conservatively budgeted for fiscal 2026 but may weigh on first-half results more than consensus expectations.
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the US. The retailer operates more than 2,200 stores under banners like Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, and O Organics. Albertsons is pushing into the alternative meat sector through its private-label brands, Open Nature and O Organics. Open Nature was relaunched in March 2023 with 12 new plant-based offerings, while the O Organics line expanded in 2019 to include USDA‑certified organic, plant-based frozen meals and protein bowls.
1. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)
Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 20.05%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On July 7, Piper Sandler reiterated its “Neutral” rating on Tyson Foods stock and kept the price target at $58. Despite the announcement, Tyson’s shares were unmoved at just under $56, close to their 52-week low.
The primary concern that Piper Sandler highlighted is the “ongoing pressure in Tyson’s beef segment.” The analyst, Michael Lavery, noted that consensus estimates for beef margins remain approximately 100 basis points above Piper Sandler’s projections. This pressure is attributed to constrained cattle supply and challenging spreads. Lavery also pointed out that the supply situation for cattle is likely to worsen before it improves, with any significant boost to supply expected to take around 2 years to materialize.
Despite concerns over beef, Piper Sandler acknowledged improved chicken margins, adding $0.04 to fiscal third-quarter 2025 results. The firm revised its chicken margin upward by 50 basis points to 7.5%. The chicken and prepared foods segments are expected to drive near-term growth.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is one of the largest meat producers in the US, responsible for approximately 20% of the nation’s beef, pork, and chicken supply. The firm, through its venture capital arm, Tyson Ventures, has invested in key lab-grown meat startups including Memphis Meats (now UPSIDE Foods) and Future Meat Technologies (now Believer). Tyson’s direct financial backing of companies developing cultured meat from animal cells positions it among the early corporate supporters of lab-grown protein innovation.
While we acknowledge the potential of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TSN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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