UK invests £75 million in alternative protein innovation since 2021

A recent analysis by the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) reveals that since the 2021 National Food Strategy, the UK government has invested £75 million (US$95 million) in alternative protein innovation. This figure represents 60% of the £125 million (US$158 million) funding recommended by the strategy to advance sustainable food production and boost domestic research in the sector.

This investment has positioned the UK as Europe’s second-largest public research funder in alternative proteins. The funding has helped establish four major research centers, backed by a mix of public and philanthropic resources, to support the development of plant-based, cultivated meat, and fermentation-derived proteins. These centers bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to accelerate innovation and improve the feasibility of alternative proteins in mainstream food systems.

Despite significant funding commitments, GFI Europe points out that progress in modernizing regulations for novel foods, including cultivated meat and precision fermentation, has been slow. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is currently reviewing its regulatory framework, but industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that the approval process remains lengthy and uncertain, potentially hindering commercialization.

Compared to global counterparts, such as Singapore and the USA, where cultivated meat has already received regulatory clearance, the UK’s novel food approvals system remains restrictive. GFI Europe is urging policymakers to introduce clearer, science-driven pathways to ensure that alternative protein companies can bring products to market efficiently while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Linus Pardoe, Senior UK Policy Manager at GFI Europe, emphasized the need for further action. "Successive governments have made impressive progress in this area and a solid foundation is now in place on which scientists and businesses can build a thriving alternative protein sector. But the job is only halfway done, and ministers must use the new food strategy as an opportunity to write the next chapter in the UK’s protein diversification leadership by 2030. With ambitious plans, they can unlock alternative proteins’ potential to deliver innovation-driven economic growth and provide people with healthier dietary choices."

The investment aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to decarbonize the food system, as alternative proteins are widely recognized for their lower environmental impact compared to conventional meat. Studies have shown that cultivated and fermentation-based proteins can significantly reduce land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, making them a key part of climate-conscious food production.

With global consumer interest in sustainable food alternatives on the rise, the UK’s growing alternative protein sector presents a significant economic opportunity. Public funding is expected to drive further private investment, accelerating the sector’s ability to scale up and compete internationally.

To fully capitalize on its investment, the UK government will need to take additional steps to support the commercialization and adoption of alternative proteins. Industry experts emphasize the importance of upgrading regulatory processes, investing in infrastructure for large-scale production, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure that innovations move from research labs to supermarket shelves.

GFI Europe continues to advocate for further funding and policy adjustments to help the UK maintain its leadership in sustainable food innovation. While the £75 million (US$95 million) investment is a significant milestone, a more agile regulatory system and continued financial support will be crucial in ensuring that alternative proteins play a key role in the country’s future food strategy.