I remember when lab-grown meat was just a sci-fi concept. “In vitro meat,” they called it. But in 2026, it’s here. After FDA approvals last year, several brands are selling cultivated meat in US grocery stores. I tasted chicken and beef from five companies. Some were surprisingly good. Others... let’s just say they need work.
1. Upside Foods – The Chicken That Fooled Me
Upside Foods has been in the news for years. Their chicken is now available at select Whole Foods in California. I bought a pack of chicken breast. I cooked it in a pan with olive oil and salt. Honestly? I couldn’t tell it wasn’t from a bird. The texture was spot-on—firm, juicy, with that slight chew. The taste? Mild, like conventional chicken. My friend, a chef, tried it blind and thought it was organic chicken. Price: $14.99 for 8 oz. That’s expensive, but comparable to premium organic chicken.
2. GOOD Meat – The Beef Burger That Needs Work
GOOD Meat, backed by Eat Just, makes beef. I bought their burger patties at a local specialty store. Cooked them medium-rare. The flavor was decent—beefy enough, but missing that umami depth you get from a good grass-fed patty. Texture was too soft, almost like a meatball. My wife said it tasted “slightly artificial.” I’d eat it again, but it’s not replacing a real burger yet. Price: $12 for two patties.
3. Mosa Meat – The Steak That’s Almost There
Mosa Meat, from the Netherlands, makes steak cuts. I got a ribeye-style piece. It looked gorgeous—marbling and all. But cooking it was tricky. It released more water than a real steak, so I had to sear it longer. The taste was good, but not great. It lacked the fat richness of a real ribeye. Still, for a product that’s only been on shelves for months, it’s impressive. Price: $28 for a 6 oz steak. Too pricey for regular use.