In this article, we discuss the 9 best alternative meat stocks to buy.
The alternative meat industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by environmental concerns, health consciousness, and technological advancements. As of 2025, the market continues to expand, with notable developments in both plant-based and cultivated meat sectors. According to a report by research firm Mordor Intelligence, at the end of 2024, the global meat substitutes market was valued at around $10.36 billion, with projections to reach over $18 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.76% during the forecast period. Similarly, Business Research Company, another market intelligence firm, estimates that the market size for cultivated meat is expected to grow from $9.31 billion in 2024 to close to $11 billion in 2025, at an annual growth rate of 18%.
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Several factors are contributing to the burgeoning alternative meat industry. The most important of these is environmental sustainability. Alternative meats, particularly plant-based options, are recognized for their lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat. A study by the Food Foundation, quoted by prominent British newspaper The Guardian, found that plant-based meat alternatives result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and require less water. Another factor contributing to alternative meat popularity is health considerations. The same study noted that plant-based alternatives often contain fewer calories, less saturated fat, and more fiber than conventional meat products.
However, it also highlighted that some alternatives may have higher salt content and lack certain nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Innovations in food technology have led to the development of lab-grown meats, offering solutions to ethical and environmental issues associated with traditional meat production. The cultivated meat industry is projected to be valued at $25 billion globally by 2030. Despite the positive trajectory, the alternative meat industry faces several challenges. These include production costs, consumer acceptance, and nutritional fortification, among others. With increasing investments, technological innovations, and a growing consumer base seeking sustainable and healthy food options, the industry is set to play a significant role in the future of food production.
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For this article, we selected food stocks that offer alternative meat products. Companies that mainly produce beef are also included in the list for comparison purposes. These stocks are also popular among hedge funds. 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 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
Chefs in a fast-food kitchen preparing burgers and fries.
Best Alternative Meat Stocks to Buy
9. Steakholder Foods Ltd. (NASDAQ:STKH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 2
Steakholder Foods Ltd. (NASDAQ:STKH) is a deep-tech food company that engages in the development of cultivated meat technologies to manufacture cultivated meat without animal slaughter in Israel. The following key aspects make this company a standout investment. Firstly, as per the report for the first half of 2024, cash and equivalents were $5.4 million, compared to $4.2 million as of year-end 2023. This indicates the company’s liquidity has improved, possibly due to better cash flow and efficient working capital management. In addition, non-current assets, as of June 2024, amounted to $5.8 million, unchanged from year-end 2023, suggesting that there were no significant additions of long-term assets during this period. Secondly, the company has introduced SHMeat and SHFish, which blend into the US market. These blends are designed for 3D printing that enables the creation of plant-based fish and steak alternatives that closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat and fish.
8. Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ:BYND)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 8
Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ:BYND) manufactures, markets, and sells plant-based meat products in the United States and internationally. This company emerges as a prime investment opportunity for several reasons. First and foremost, the company’s strong financial performance was seen in the report for the third quarter of 2024. For instance, net revenues were $81 million, showing an increase of 7.6% year-over-year, which reflects positive business performance and the company’s ability to generate more revenue year-over-year. Secondly, the company continues to innovate and introduce new products that cater to diverse consumer preferences. For instance, the company holds a diverse portfolio of meat alternatives, such as a plant-based burger, plant-based meatballs, plant-based ground beef, and plant-based chicken products, which are designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional beef and chicken. Moreover, the company has launched Beyond Sun Sausage, which is rolling out at Whole Foods Market stores across the country.
7. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and food products to retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers internationally. The following key aspects make this company a standout investment. As per the report for the fourth quarter of 2024, the company’s net sales were $3.1 billion, operating income was $294 million, and adjusted operating income was $308 million, demonstrating that the company had a solid operating performance and incurred non-operational expenses that were excluded in the adjusted figure for profitability. Moreover, the company’s Happy Little Plants brand offers a ground plant-based protein alternative containing 20 grams of non-GMO soy protein per serving. This product is designed to appeal to consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable food options.
6. Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) distributes food and related products. The company offers a range of alternative meat products under the Sysco Simply brand, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options. There are several compelling factors that make this company a strong investment. Firstly, as per the report for the fiscal year 2024, sales increased 7.4% to $14.6 billion. Secondly, the company has introduced the Sysco Simply Plant-Based Protein (Pulled Oats), a versatile meat alternative made from a blend of oats, beans, and peas. This product offers a pulled texture, suitable for various culinary applications, and caters to both vegan and meat-eating consumers. Moreover, the company’s Plant-Based Ground Bulk is another best alternative to ground meat, catering to the consumer’s health needs.
5. Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC) markets and distributes food and food-related products in the United States. This company emerges as a prime investment opportunity for several reasons. First and foremost, the report for the fourth quarter of 2024 showed the exceptional financial performance of the company. For instance, Organic Independent Foodservice case volume increased by 6%, net sales increased by 1.8% to $58.3 billion, and gross profit improved by 5.2% to $6.6 billion. This shows the company’s ability to generate more profit, which suggests better efficiency and improved margins in its operations. Moreover, the company’s launch of the Green Origin brand offers a great range of plant-based protein products, including analog burgers, grinds, breakfast sausages, and nuggets. Lastly, the company’s brand, FarmSmart, has collaborated with The Jackfruit to launch an innovative beef and jackfruit burger as a delicious, healthier, and sustainable burger alternative. The new product offers consumers a delicious way to enjoy the taste of meat while improving nutrition and reducing their environmental footprint.
4. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) operates as a food company worldwide. Tyson Foods has expanded into the alternative meat market over the past few years, offering various plant-based and blended products. There are several compelling factors that make this company a strong investment. As per the report for the fourth quarter of 2024, the sales were $13,565 million, increasing 1.6% from the prior year, and the GAAP operating income was $525 million, increasing $988 million from the prior year. This demonstrates the company’s efficient core business operations, driven by better cost management and improved pricing, leading to higher profitability. Moreover, the company has introduced the Jimmy Dean Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage Patty, which aims to deliver the signature taste of the traditional Jimmy Dean sausage in a plant-based format. This would appeal to consumers seeking healthier meat alternatives. Lastly, the company has also launched the Raised & Rooted brand, which includes various plant-based products such as burger patties, bratwurst, Italian sausages, and ground meat alternatives.
3. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) manufactures and markets food and beverage products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company has made a name for itself in the alternative meats business through the BOCA brand, which is well-known in the plant-based food sector. There are several compelling factors that make this company a strong investment. Firstly, as per the report for the third quarter of 2024, the gross profit margin increased 20 basis points to 34.2%, and the Adjusted Gross Profit Margin increased 30 basis points to 34.3%, demonstrating the company’s ability to improve its profitability through better cost control or higher pricing, leading to improved margins. Secondly, the company, through its joint venture with TheNotCompany, launched its first plant-based meat products under the Oscar Mayer brand named NotHotDogs and NotSausages. Lastly, the company has introduced plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, including Kraft NotCheese American Style Plant-Based Slices and NotMayo Plant-Based Mayo.
2. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) operates as a beef retailer in the United States. The following elements demonstrate why this company is an excellent investment choice. Firstly, the company’s identical sales without fuel increased 2.3%, reflecting a positive trend in its key business activities. In addition, the operating profit recorded was $828 million and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $0.84, indicating profitability from its core operations and a solid return for shareholders. Secondly, the brand offers a great range of plant-based foods, including meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and ready-to-eat meals. The company’s Simple Truth brand features a variety of plant-based options, catering to consumers seeking vegan and vegetarian choices.
1. US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD) engages in the marketing, sale, and distribution of fresh, frozen, and dry food and non-food products to foodservice customers in the United States. It is heavily invested in the alternative meats business. This company presents a solid investment opportunity, supported by the following points. The report for the third quarter of 2024 showed a solid rise in the company’s financial performance compared to the previous period. For instance, net sales increased 6.8% to $9.7 billion, total case volume increased 3.8%, and independent restaurant case volume increased 4.1%. Moreover, the company provides a wide range of plant-based products, such as plant-based smashed patty, the plant-based Italian-style meatball and much more, particularly designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat. Lastly, US Foods provides a variety of vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives, such as meatless crumbles, black bean burgers, and meatless, boneless wings, to meet the dietary preferences of its customers.
While we acknowledge the potential of US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a stock that is more promising than US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD) but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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