The Climate Impact of Meat vs. Meati: How You Can Make a Difference

What if we told you your next meal could help heal the planet? 

Raising animals for food produces 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. That trapped heat raises the planet’s temperature, leading to unpredictable weather and extra strain on our farms and wildlife. 

But here's the good news: small choices CAN tip the balance. 

This is where Meati comes in. Made from mycelium, it’s a cleaner way to enjoy the protein you love while being gentler on the planet.

Let’s explore how meat production affects the climate, how mycelium-based proteins change the game, and how everyday choices can collectively have a lasting impact.

How Big Is Meat’s Impact on the Climate?

Meat production takes a lot of energy, land, and water.

1. Greenhouse Gases

Meat production pumps out three major greenhouse gases: 

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Released when forests are cleared to raise animals, it’s the main gas driving global warming. 

• Methane (CH₄): Released during cow and sheep digestion, it traps over 28 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): Released from manure and fertilizers, it’s about 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat.

These gases act like a blanket around the Earth, holding in heat and making the planet warmer over time.

2. Water Use

Water use in meat production is significant. Globally, producing one kilogram of meat requires approximately:

• Beef: 15,400 liters of water.

• Chicken: 4,300 liters of water.

3. Land Use and Ecosystems

A large portion of the world’s land is devoted to meat production:

• 26% of the planet’s ice-free land is used for feeding animals.

• 33% of the world’s farmland is used to grow food for animals.

To make room for raising animals, forests are cleared, releasing carbon dioxide, forcing wildlife out, and disrupting entire ecosystems. The runoff from manure and fertilizers pollutes rivers, while overused soil loses nutrients and productivity.

Unfair as it may be, every steak tells a story. And it’s time to change how it ends.

How Much Lighter Is Meati’s Footprint?

Enter Meati, nature’s best friend and a bit of a sustainability geek in the best way. 

Inside Meati

Meati is nature’s clean protein made from the root structure of fungi called mycelium. It’s carefully grown through fermentation and consists of only clean and simple ingredients: 

• Made from at least 95% mycelium, a nutrient-dense, whole-food protein.

• Delivers complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.

• Contains fiber that supports gut health and digestion.

• Naturally low in fat and free of saturated fat for optimal heart health.

• Packed with zinc, B vitamins, and iron to boost immunity and energy.

• Features ergothioneine, a natural antioxidant that helps protect cells and support longevity.

Meati’s Impact on the Planet

According to Meati’s verified life-cycle assessment, its protein production uses far fewer resources than meat:

• Up to 89% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than beef and 66% fewer than chicken. 

• Uses 95% less land than beef and 82% less than chicken.

• Uses 2-4 times less water than beef and chicken. 

Environmental Comparison Summary

How Can I Make a Difference? 

We know that big changes don’t happen overnight; they begin with small, conscious steps that accumulate over time. 

Here are some small, achievable steps that can lead to significant change:

• Swap an occasional serving: Try replacing one meat-based meal per week with Meati (try “Meati Mondays”). 

• Reduce portion size: Even trimming your meat serving by 20–30% and adding a side of Meati or plant-based protein helps lower your footprint.

• Combine proteins: Blend Meati with legumes, grains, or vegetables for familiar textures (like tacos or stir-fry cutlet).

• Share the change: Introduce friends and family to new dishes. Next time you host dinner or head to a potluck, bring a Meati-based bite to the table (e.g, Buffalo Crispy Cutlet Mac ’n’ Cheese). 

It shows that sustainable eating is both possible and powerful.

The Future’s on Your Plate

Meati puts the power to shape the planet right on your plate.

With fewer emissions, less land and water use, and a cleaner way to grow protein, Meati proves that sustainability can be simple and satisfying. 

Every bite brings us closer to a healthier planet, so try Meati and taste the change! 

Got Questions? Let’s Talk Meati Facts

Q1: How does Meati compare nutritionally to meat?

Meati delivers complete protein, fiber, and key nutrients like zinc, B vitamins, and iron, offering the nutrition of meat with added heart and gut health benefits minus the saturated fat. 

Q2: Is Meati environmentally certified or verified by third parties?

Yes, Meati’s production and sustainability claims are backed by independent life-cycle assessments and verified environmental data.

Q3: Does growing mycelium require GMOs or synthetic inputs?

No, growing mycelium doesn’t require GMOs or synthetic inputs; it naturally grows from spores in sterile indoor bioreactors, without pesticides or genetic modification, ensuring clean, safe, and sustainable production.

Q4: Can switching to Meati really make a measurable difference in my carbon footprint?

Absolutely, just one Meati meal a week cuts emissions, water use, and land demand in ways that make every bite count.